Advertisement
IF YOU SUSPECT A PROBLEM
Smoke Alarms may not operate properly because of dead, missing or weak
batteries (Model 7010B only), a build-up of dirt, dust or grease on the Smoke
Alarm cover, or installation in an improper location. Clean the Smoke Alarm as
described in "Regular Maintenance," and install a fresh battery, then test the
Smoke Alarm again. If it fails to test properly when you use the test button, or
if the problem persists, replace the Smoke Alarm immediately.
•
If you hear a "chirp" approximately once a minute, replace the battery
(Model 7010B only).
•
If you experience frequent non-emergency alarms (like those caused
by cooking smoke), try relocating the Smoke Alarm.
•
If the alarm sounds when no smoke is visible, try cleaning or
relocating the Smoke Alarm. The cover may be dirty.
•
If the alarm does not sound during testing, make sure it is receiving
AC power from the household current.
Always discharge the branch circuit before servicing an AC or AC/DC
Smoke Alarm. First, turn off the AC power at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
Next, remove the battery from Smoke Alarms with battery back-up. Finally,
press and hold the test button for 5-10 seconds to discharge the branch
circuit.
Do not try fixing the alarm yourself – this will void your warranty!
If the Smoke Alarm is still not operating properly, and it is still under warranty,
please see "How to Obtain Warranty Service" in the Limited Warranty.
RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR
SMOKE ALARMS
Installing Smoke Alarms in Single-Family Residences
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), recommends one Smoke
Alarm on every floor, in every sleeping area, and in every bedroom. In new
construction, the Smoke Alarms must be AC powered and interconnected.
See "Agency Placement Recommendations" for details. For additional cover-
age, it is recommended that you install a Smoke Alarm in all rooms, halls,
storage areas, finished attics, and basements, where temperatures normally
remain between 40˚ F (4˚ C) and 100˚ F (38˚ C). Make sure no door or other
obstruction could keep smoke from reaching the Smoke Alarms.
More specifically, install Smoke Alarms:
•
On every level of your home, including finished attics and basements.
•
Inside every bedroom, especially if people sleep with the door partly or
completely closed.
•
In the hall near every sleeping area. If your home has multiple sleeping
areas, install a unit in each. If a hall is more than 40 feet long (12 meters),
install a unit at each end.
•
At the top of the first-to-second floor stairway, and at the bottom
of the basement stairway.
Specific requirements for Smoke Alarm installation vary from state to state
and from region to region. Check with your local Fire Department for current
requirements in your area. It is recommended AC or AC/DC units be inter-
connected for added protection.
INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMS IN MOBILE HOMES & RVS
For minimum security install one Smoke Alarm as close to each sleeping area
as possible. For more security, put one unit in each room. Many older mobile
homes (especially those built before 1978) have little or no insulation. If your
mobile home is not well insulated, or if you are unsure of the amount of
insulation, it is important to install units on inside walls only. Smoke Alarms
should be installed where temperatures normally remain between 40˚ F (4˚ C)
and 100˚ F (38˚ C).
WARNING: Test units used in RVs after the vehicle has been in storage,
before every trip, and once a week while in use. Failure to test units used
in RVs as described may remove your protection.
AGENCY PLACEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
NFPA 72 (National Fire Code) Chapter 11
"For your information, the National Fire Protection Association's Standard 72,
reads as follows:"
"11.5.1 One- and Two-Family Dwelling Units."
"11.5.1.1 Smoke Detection. Where required by applicable laws, codes, or
standards for the specified occupancy, approved single- and multiple-station
Smoke Alarms shall be installed as follows: (1) In all sleeping rooms.
Exception: Smoke Alarms shall not be required in sleeping rooms in existing
one- and two-family dwelling units. (2) Outside of each separate sleeping area,
in immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms. (3) On each level of the dwelling
unit, including basements. Exception: In existing one- and two family dwelling
units, approved Smoke Alarms powered by batteries are permitted."
"A.11.8.3 Are More Smoke Alarms Desirable? The required number of
Smoke Alarms might not provide reliable early warning protection for those
areas separated by a door from the areas protected by the required Smoke
Alarms. For this reason, it is recommended that the householder consider
the use of additional Smoke Alarms for those areas for increased protection.
The additional areas include the basement, bedrooms, dining room, furnace
room, utility room, and hallways not protected by the required Smoke Alarms.
The installation of Smoke Alarms in kitchens, unfinished attics, or garages
is not normally recommended, as these locations occasionally experience
conditions that can result in improper operation."
California State Fire Marshal (CSFM)
Early warning detection is best achieved by the installation of fire detection
equipment in all rooms and areas of the household as follows: A Smoke Alarm
installed in each separate sleeping area (in the vicinity, but outside bedrooms),
and Heat or Smoke Alarms in the living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms,
kitchens, hallways, finished attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility and storage
rooms, basements, and attached garages.
LOCATIONS TO AVOID FOR SMOKE ALARMS
For best performance, AVOID installing Smoke Alarms in these areas:
•
Where combustion particles are produced. Combustion particles form
when something burns. Areas to avoid include poorly ventilated kitchens,
garages, and furnace rooms. Keep units at least 20 feet (6 meters) from the
sources of combustion particles (stove, furnace, water heater, space heater)
if possible. In areas where a 20-foot distance is not possible – in modular,
mobile, or smaller homes, for example – it is recommended the Smoke
Alarm be placed as far from these fuel-burning sources as possible. The
placement recommendations are intended to keep these Alarms at a rea-
sonable distance from a fuel-burning source, and thus reduce "unwanted"
alarms. Unwanted alarms can occur if a Smoke Alarm is placed directly
next to a fuel-burning source. Ventilate these areas as much as possible.
•
In air streams near kitchens. Air currents can draw cooking smoke into the
sensing chamber of a Smoke Alarm near the kitchen.
•
In very damp, humid or steamy areas, or directly near bathrooms with
showers. Keep units at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from showers, saunas,
dishwashers, etc.
•
Where the temperatures are regularly below 40˚ F (4˚ C) or above 100˚ F
(38˚ C) including unheated buildings, outdoor rooms, porches, or unfinished
attics or basements.
•
In very dusty, dirty, or greasy areas. Do not install a Smoke Alarm directly
over the stove or range. Clean a laundry room unit frequently to keep it free
of dust or lint.
•
Near fresh air vents, ceiling fans, or in very drafty areas. Drafts can blow
smoke away from the unit, preventing it from reaching sensing chamber.
•
In insect infested areas. Insects can clog openings to the sensing chamber
and cause unwanted alarms.
•
Less than 12 inches (305 mm) away from fluorescent lights. Electrical
"noise" can interfere with the sensor.
•
In "dead air" spaces. "Dead air" spaces may prevent smoke from reaching
the Smoke Alarm.
AVOIDING DEAD AIR SPACES
"Dead air" spaces may prevent smoke from reaching the Smoke Alarm. To
avoid dead air spaces, follow the installation recommendations below.
On ceilings, install Smoke Alarms as close to the center of the ceiling as
possible. If this is not possible, install the Smoke Alarm at least 4 inches (102
mm) from the wall or corner.
For wall mounting (if allowed by building codes), the top edge of Smoke
Alarms should be placed between 4 inches (102 mm) and 12 inches (305 mm)
from the wall/ceiling line, below typical "dead air" spaces.
On a peaked, gabled, or cathedral ceiling, install the first Smoke Alarm
within 3 feet (0.9 meters) of the peak of the ceiling, measured horizontally.
Additional Smoke Alarms may be required depending on the length, angle,
etc. of the ceiling's slope. Refer to NFPA 72 for details on requirements for
sloped or peaked ceilings.
6
Hide quick links:
Advertisement
