On the lateral side, you’ll be able to identify a small cover which, when removed, will reveal a dedicated space for inserting the two batteries. The device is available as a battery only model and, unlike the PRC710 which has a sealed battery, the First Alert SCO501CN 3ST allows you to change the batteries as soon as necessary it requires 2 AA batteries – the negative aspect is that unlike the sealed batteries which can go up to 10 years which is usually the life expectancy of the smoke alarm, the removable type of batteries will last a lot less. The case of the SCO501CN 3ST is a bit more slimmer than the usual bulky smoke detectors, while maintaining an average diameter it measures 5. 0 x 5. 0 x 2. 0 inches, so, it may fit nicely even in the living room although some may not appreciate the slight industrial look of the device. The installation process of the SCO501CN 3ST involves choosing the right place in the room keep at least 15 feet from any furnace or fuel burning heat sources, otherwise, it may trigger false alarms and also, it is advisable not to install the smoke detector near the corners of the room, attach the mounting plate to the ceiling or wall using the plastic screw anchors + screws provided into the package and later, simply rotate the device into place lastly, you can test the SCO501CN 3ST by pressing the Weekly Testing button from the front side and this way, you’ll also be able to set the location – press and hold the button until you hear the suitable location and then release it and press and hold it again until you hear that the location has been saved. In the case of the smoke detectors, many people have favourably exchanged their traditional smoke alarm systems for either the Nest Protect or other smart device from the competition, but a large percent of the population would still prefer not to deal with an app or any other unneeded configurations and thankfully, there are lots of regular smoke detectors on the market to choose from. One of them is the First Alert P1010 Micro Smoke Alarm, which, while it has all the expected elements of the traditional smoke detector, it is rather unique from the design point of view yes, I know, First Alert again, but, in truth, there are not that many reliable options on the market right now. Furthermore, besides the transparent Silence / Test button positioned ion the side, there aren’t any other elements to break the minimalist design continuity. At first glance, you’d be tempted to simply position the smoke detector on a shelf and not bothering installing it on the wall or ceiling, but since you want it to detect the smoke as fast as possible, you should mount it on the ceiling and a bit further from the corners of the room it’s also ideal to keep it at least 15 feet away from a fuel burning heat source, so it won’t trigger those annoying false alarms.