First Alert P900 User Manual

USER'S MANUAL
SMOKE AND FIRE* ALARM
IMPORT NT!
PLE SE RE D C REFULLY ND S VE.
This user's manual contains important information about your Smoke
larm's operation. If you are installing this Smoke larm for use by
others, you must leave this manual—or a copy of it—with the end user.
CONFORMS TO
Printed in Mexico Model P900
UL STD 217
M08-0405-002 K1 11/12
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fire Safety Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Before You Install This Smoke larm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
How To Install This Smoke larm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Weekly Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Regular Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
If This Smoke larm Sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
What To Do In Case Of Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Using the Silence Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
If You Suspect Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Recommended Locations For Smoke larms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
Locations To void For Smoke larms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
bout Smoke larms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6
Special Compliance Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Limitations Of Smoke larms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
© 2012 BRK Brands, Inc. ll rights reserved.
Distributed by BRK Brands, Inc.
3901 Liberty Street Road, urora, IL 60504-8122 • Pencil
Consumer ffairs: (800) 323-9005 • www.firstalert.com
• Drill with 3/16" (5 mm) drill bit
• Standard flathead screwdriver
* ll First lert ® Smoke larms conform to regulatory requirements,
including UL217 and are designed to detect particles of combustion.
• Hammer
Smoke particles of varying number and size are produced in all fires.
Ionization technology is generally more sensitive than photoelectric
technology at detecting small particles, which tend to be produced
in greater amounts by flaming fires, which consume combustible
NOTE: Be sure to mount the product in the orientation specified
materials rapidly and spread quickly. Sources of these fires may include
in the next steps as this provides the most stability for mounting
paper burning in a wastebasket, or a grease fire in the kitchen.
the product to the wall or ceiling.
Photoelectric technology is generally more sensitive than ionization
technology at detecting large particles, which tend to be produced
in greater amounts by smoldering fires, which may smolder for
hours before bursting into flame. Sources of these fires may include
cigarettes burning in couches or bedding.
For maximum protection, use both types of Smoke larms on each
level and in every bedroom of your home.
FIRE SAFETY TIPS
Follow safety rules and prevent hazardous situations: 1) Use smoking
materials properly. Never smoke in bed. 2) Keep matches or lighters
away from children; 3) Store flammable materials in proper containers;
4) Keep electrical appliances in good condition and don't overload elec- • NEVER use an open flame of any kind to test this unit. You
might accidentally damage or set fire to the unit or to your
trical circuits; 5) Keep stoves, barbecue grills, fireplaces and chimneys
home. The built-in test switch accurately tests the unit's
grease- and debris-free; 6) Never leave anything cooking on the stove
operation as required by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL).
unattended; 7) Keep portable heaters and open flames, like candles,
away from flammable materials; 8) Don't let rubbish accumulate.
• If the larm ever fails to test properly, replace it immediately.
Products under warranty may be returned to the manufacturer
Keep alarms clean, and test them weekly. Replace alarms immediately
for replacement. See "Limited Warranty" for details.
if they are not working properly. Smoke larms that do not work cannot
alert you to a fire. Keep at least one working fire extinguisher on every
• DO NOT stand close to the alarm when the horn is sounding.
floor, and an additional one in the kitchen. Have fire escape ladders or
Exposure at close range may be harmful to your hearing. When
other reliable means of escape from an upper floor in case stairs are
testing, step away when horn starts sounding.
blocked.
BEFORE YOU INSTALL THIS SMOKE ALARM
Important! Read "Recommended Locations for Smoke larms"
and "Locations to void for Smoke larms" before beginning. This
unit monitors the air, and when smoke reaches its sensing chamber,
it alarms. It can give you more time to escape before fire spreads. This unit has been designed to be as maintenance free as possible, but
This unit can ONLY give an early warning of developing fires if it is there are a few simple things you must do to keep it working properly.
installed, maintained and located where smoke can reach it, and where
• Test it at least once a week.
all residents can hear it, as described in this manual. This unit will not
• Clean the Smoke larm at least once a month; gently vacuum off
sense gas, heat, or flame. It cannot prevent or extinguish fires.
any dust using your household vacuum's soft brush attachment,
Understand The Different Type of Smoke larms and test the Smoke larm after cleaning. Never use water, cleaners
or solvents since they may damage the unit.
Battery powered or electrical? Different Smoke larms provide
different types of protection. See " bout Smoke larms" for details.
• If the Smoke larm becomes contaminated by excessive dirt, dust
and/or grime, and cannot be cleaned to avoid unwanted alarms,
Know Where To Install Your Smoke larms
replace the unit immediately.
Fire Safety Professionals recommend at least one Smoke larm on
• Relocate the unit if it sounds frequent unwanted alarms. See
every level of your home, in every bedroom, and in every bedroom
"Locations to void For Smoke larms" for details.
hallway or separate sleeping area. See "Recommended Locations
For Smoke larms" and "Locations To void For Smoke larms" for
• When the battery becomes weak, the Smoke larm unit will "chirp"
details.
approximately once a minute (the low battery warning). This low
battery warning should last for up to 7 days, but you should replace
Know What Smoke larms Can and Can't Do
the battery immediately to continue your protection.
Smoke larm can help alert you to fire, giving you precious time to
escape. It can only sound an alarm once smoke reaches the sensor. Choosing a replacement battery:
See "Limitations of Smoke larms" for details.
Your Smoke larm requires one standard 9V battery. The following
batteries are acceptable as replacements: Eveready 1222, Duracell
Check Your Local Building Codes
MN1604, (Ultra) MX1604; Energizer 522. You may also use a Lithium
This Smoke larm is designed to be used in a typical single-family
battery like the Ultralife U9VL-J-P for longer service life between battery
home. It alone will not meet requirements for boarding houses,
changes. These batteries are available at many local retail stores.
apartment buildings, hotels or motels. See "Special Compliance
Considerations" for details.
• This unit will not alert hearing impaired residents.
It is recommended that you install special units which use
devices like flashing strobe lights to alert hearing impaired
residents.
• Do not connect this unit to any other alarm or auxiliary
device. It is a single-station unit that cannot be linked to
other devices. Connecting anything else to this unit may
prevent it from working properly.
• Unit will not operate without battery power. The Smoke
larm cannot work until you install the battery in the correct
position (Match "+" to "+" and "-" to "-").
• This Smoke larm has a battery door which resists closing
unless a battery is installed.
• Do not install this unit over an electrical junction box.
ir currents around junction boxes can prevent smoke from
reaching the sensing chamber and prevent the unit from
alarming. Only C powered units are intended for installation
over junction boxes.
• Do not stand too close to the unit when the alarm is sounding.
It is loud to wake you in an emergency. Exposure to the horn
at close range may harm your hearing.
• Do not paint over the unit. Paint may clog the openings to
the sensing chamber and prevent the unit from operating
properly.
1
HOW TO INSTALL THIS SMOKE ALARM
THE PARTS OF THIS SMOKE ALARM FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS:
1. Turn alarm upside down so the circular shape is located in the
upper left corner of the alarm.
1. Test/Silence button
2. Power indicator light
and alarm indicator
2. Slide mounting bracket to the left and lift to separate it from the
base.
3. Hold the mounting bracket against
1. Mounting bracket
the ceiling (or wall) so the arrow
2. Mounting slots located on the mounting plate is
pointing to the left. (The circular
3. Battery door, install 9V
shape will now be in upper
battery here
right-hand corner). Trace around
the insides of the mounting slots.
4. Put the unit where it won't get
covered with dust when you drill
the mounting holes.
5. Using a 3/16" (5 mm) drill bit, drill
a hole through the center of the
oval outlines you traced in step #3.
6. Insert the plastic screw anchors (in the plastic bag with screws)
into the holes. Tap the screw anchors gently with a hammer, if
necessary, until they are flush with the ceiling or wall.
7. ttach the mounting bracket to the ceiling or wall.
TOOLS YOU WILL NEED:
8. Install the battery (included). Open the battery door. Match the
This unit is designed to be mounted terminals on the ends of the battery with the terminals on the unit.
on the ceiling, or on the wall if necessary. Match "+" to "+" and "-" to "-." Push the battery in until it snaps
securely and cannot be shaken loose. If the battery is not snapped
in completely, the unit cannot receive battery power.
NOTE: fter you install the battery, the power indicator light may
flash. (If the unit alarms, the light will blink rapidly, and the horn
will repeatedly sound 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps.)
9. ttach the Smoke larm to the
mounting bracket. Line up the arrow
on the back of the unit to the arrow
on the mounting bracket. When the
units are lined up, slide the alarm to
the right until it snaps into place.
NOTE: Once the Smoke larm is
snapped onto the mounting bracket,
you can rotate the Smoke larm to
adjust the alignment.
10. Test the Smoke larm. See "Weekly Testing."
WEEKLY TESTING
It is important to test this unit every week to make sure it is working
properly. Using the test/silence button is the recommended way to test
this Smoke larm. Press and hold the test/silence button on the cover of
the unit until the alarm sounds (the unit may continue to alarm for a few
seconds after you release the button). If it does not alarm, make sure
the unit is receiving power (LED will flash approximately once a minute
indicating it has power); and test it again. If it still does not alarm,
replace it immediately. During testing you will hear a loud, repeating
horn pattern: 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
• lways use the exact batteries specified by this User's Manual.
DO NOT use rechargeable batteries. Clean the battery contacts
and also those of the device prior to battery installation. Install
batteries correctly with regard to polarity (+ and -).
• Please dispose of or recycle used batteries properly, following
any local regulations. Consult your local waste management
authority or recycling organization to find an electronics
recycling facility in your area. DO NOT DISPOSE OF B TTERIES
IN FIRE. B TTERIES M Y EXPLODE OR LE K.
• Keep battery out of reach of children. In the event a battery
is swallowed, immediately contact your poison control center,
your physician, or the National Battery Ingestion hotline at
202-625-3333 as serious injury may occur.
ctual service life depends on the Smoke larm and the environment
in which it is installed. ll the batteries specified above are acceptable
replacement batteries for this unit. Regardless of the manufacturer's
suggested battery life, you MUST replace the battery immediately once
the unit starts "chirping" (the "low battery warning").
2
IF THIS SMOKE ALARM SOUNDS
RESPONDING TO AN ALARM
During an alarm, you will hear a loud, repeating horn pattern:
3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause. The LED will flash rapidly.
• If the unit alarms and you are not testing the unit, it is warning
you of a potentially dangerous situation that requires your
immediate attention. NEVER ignore any alarm. Ignoring the
alarm may result in injury or death.
• Never remove the batteries from a battery operated Smoke
larm to stop an unwanted alarm (caused by cooking smoke,
etc.). Removing batteries disables the alarm so it cannot sense
smoke, and removes your protection. Instead open a window
or fan the smoke away from the unit. The alarm will reset auto-
matically.
• If the unit alarms get everyone out of the house immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF FIRE
• Don't panic; stay calm. Follow your family escape plan.
• Get out of the house as quickly as possible. Don't stop to get
dressed or collect anything.
• Feel doors with the back of your hand before opening them.
If a door is cool, open it slowly. Don't open a hot door. Keep doors
and windows closed, unless you must escape through them.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth (preferably damp).
Take short, shallow breaths.
• Meet at your planned meeting place outside your home,
and do a head count to make sure everybody got out safely.
• Call the Fire Department as soon as possible from outside.
Give your address, then your name.
• Never go back inside a burning building for any reason.
• Contact your Fire Department for ideas on making your home safer.
larms have various limitations. See "Limitations of Smoke larms"
for details.
USING THE SILENCE FEATURE
The Silence Feature can temporarily quiet an unwanted alarm for up to
15 minutes. To use this feature, press the Test/Silence button on the
cover. If the unit will not silence and no heavy smoke is present,
or if it stays in silence mode continuously, it should be replaced
immediately. The LED will flash every 10 seconds while in silence.
The Silence Feature does not disable the unit—it makes it
temporarily less sensitive to smoke. For your safety, if smoke
around the unit is dense enough to suggest a potentially dangerous
situation, the unit will stay in alarm or may re-alarm quickly. If you
do not know the source of the smoke, do not assume it is an
unwanted alarm. Not responding to an alarm can result in property
loss, injury, or death.
IF YOU SUSPECT A PROBLEM
Smoke larms may not operate properly because of dead, missing or
weak batteries, a build-up of dirt, dust or grease on the Smoke larm
cover, or installation in an improper location. Clean the Smoke larm as
described in "Regular Maintenance," and install a fresh battery, then test
the Smoke larm again. If it fails to test properly when you use the test
button, or if the problem persists, replace the Smoke larm immediately.
• If you hear a "chirp" about once a minute, replace the battery.
• If you experience frequent non-emergency alarms (like those
caused by cooking smoke), try relocating the Smoke larm.
• If the alarm sounds when no smoke is visible, try cleaning or
relocating the Smoke larm. The cover may be dirty.
• If the alarm does not sound during testing, try installing a new
battery, and make sure it is snapped in securely.
Do not try fixing the alarm yourself – this will void your warranty!
If the Smoke larm is still not operating properly, and it is still under
warranty, please see "How to Obtain Warranty Service" in the Limited
Warranty.
LIMITED WARRANTY
BRK Brands, Inc., ("BRK") the maker of First lert
warrants that for a period of ten years from the date of purchase, this
product will be free from defects in material and workmanship. BRK, at
its option, will repair or replace this product or any component of the
product found to be defective during the warranty period. Replacement
will be made with a new or remanufactured product or component. If the
product is no longer available, replacement may be made with a similar
product of equal or greater value. This is your exclusive warranty.
This warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser from the date of
initial retail purchase and is not transferable. Keep the original sales
receipt. Proof of purchase is required to obtain warranty performance.
BRK dealers, service centers, or retail stores selling BRK products do
not have the right to alter, modify or any way change the terms and
conditions of this warranty.
This warranty does not cover normal wear of parts or damage resulting
from any of the following: negligent use or misuse of the product, use on
improper voltage or current, use contrary to the operating instructions,
disassembly, repair or alteration by anyone other than BRK or an
authorized service center. Further, the warranty does not cover cts of
God, such as fire, flood, hurricanes and tornadoes or any batteries that
are included with this unit.
BRK shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages
caused by the breach of any express or implied warranty. Except to
the extent prohibited by applicable law, any implied warranty of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is limited in duration
to the duration of the above warranty. Some states, provinces or
jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty
lasts, so the above limitations or exclusion may not apply to you. This
warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
rights that vary from state to state or province to province.
How to Obtain Warranty Service
Service: If service is required, do not return the product to your retailer.
In order to obtain warranty service, contact the Consumer ffairs
Division at 1-800-323-9005, 7:30 M - 5:00 PM Central Standard Time,
Monday through Friday. To assist us in serving you, please have the
model number and date of purchase available when calling.
For Warranty Service return to:
BRK Brands, Inc., 25 Spur Drive, El Paso, TX 79906
Battery: BRK Brands, Inc. make no warranty, express or implied, written
or oral, including that of merchantability or fitness for any particular
purpose with respect to battery.
RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR
SMOKE ALARMS
Installing Smoke larms in Single-Family Residences
The National Fire Protection ssociation (NFP ), recommends one
Smoke larm on every floor, in every sleeping area, and in every bed-
room. In new construction, the Smoke larms must be C powered
and interconnected. See " gency Placement Recommendations" for
details. For additional coverage, it is recommended that you install a
Smoke larm in all rooms, halls, storage areas, finished attics, and
basements, where temperatures normally remain between 40˚ F (4.4˚ C)
and 100˚ F (37.8˚ C). Make sure no door or other obstruction could
keep smoke from reaching the Smoke larms.
More specifically, install Smoke larms:
• On every level of your home, including finished attics and basements.
• Inside every bedroom, especially if people sleep with doors closed.
• In the hall near every sleeping area. If your home has multiple sleep-
ing areas, install a unit in each. If a hall is over 40 feet (12 meters)
long, install an alarm at each end.
• t the top of the first-to-second floor stairway, and at bottom of
basement stairway.
Specific requirements for Smoke larm 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 C or C/DC
units be interconnected for added protection.
See "Recommended Locations For Smoke larms" diagram on the
following page.
3 4
RECOMMENDED LOC TIONS FOR SMOKE L RMS
AGENCY PLACEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
NFP 72 Chapter 29
"For your information, the National Fire larm and Signaling Code,
NFP 72, reads as follows:"
29.5.1* Required Detection.
29.5.1.1* Where required by other governing laws, codes, or standards
for a specific type of occupancy, approved single and multiple-station
smoke alarms shall be installed as follows:
(1)*In all sleeping rooms and guest rooms
(2)*Outside of each separate dwelling unit sleeping area, within 21 ft
(6.4 m) of any door to a sleeping room, with the distance measured
along a path of travel
(3) On every level of a dwelling unit, including basements
(4) On every level of a residential board and care occupancy (small
facility), including basements and excluding crawl spaces and
unfinished attics
(5)*In the living area(s) of a guest suite
(6) In the living area(s) of a residential board and care occupancy
(small facility)
(Reprinted with permission from NFP 72 ® , National Fire larm and
Signaling Code Copyright © 2010 National Fire Protection ssociation,
Quincy, M 02269. This reprinted material is not the complete and
official position of the National Fire Protection ssociation, on the
referenced subject which is represented only by the standard in its
entirety), (National Fire larm and Signaling Code ® and NFP 72
registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection ssociation, Inc.,
Quincy, M 02269).
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:
Smoke larm installed in each separate sleeping area (in the vicinity,
but outside bedrooms), and Heat or Smoke larms 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, it is recommended you VOID installing
Smoke larms in these areas:
• Where combustion particles are produced. Combustion particles
form when something burns. reas 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
(6-meter) distance is not possible – in modular, mobile, or smaller
homes, for example – it is recommended the Smoke larm be
placed as far from these fuel-burning sources as possible. The
placement recommendations are intended to keep these larms at
a reasonable distance from a fuel-burning source, and thus reduce
"unwanted" alarms. Unwanted alarms can occur if a Smoke larm
is placed directly next to a fuel-burning source. Ventilate these
areas as much as possible.
• In air streams near kitchens. ir currents can draw cooking smoke
into the sensing chamber of a Smoke larm near the kitchen.
® brand products
• 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 (4.4˚ C) or above
100˚ F (37.8˚ C), including unheated buildings, outdoor rooms,
porches, or unfinished attics or basements.
• In very dusty, dirty, or greasy areas. Do not install a Smoke larm
directly over the stove or range. Keep laundry room Smoke larms
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 the
sensing chamber.
• In insect infested areas. Insects can clog openings to the sensing
chamber and cause unwanted alarms.
• Less than 12 inches (305mm) 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 larm.
voiding Dead ir Spaces
"Dead air" spaces may prevent smoke from reaching the Smoke larm.
To avoid dead air spaces, follow the installation recommendations
below.
On ceilings, install Smoke larms as close to the center of the ceiling
as possible. If this is not possible, install the Smoke larm at least 4
inches (102 mm) from the wall or corner.
For wall mounting (if allowed by building codes), the top edge of
Smoke larms should be placed between 4 and 12 inches (102 and
305 mm) from the wall/ceiling line, below typical "dead air" spaces.
On a peaked, gabled, or cathedral ceiling, install the first Smoke
larm within 3 feet (0.9 meters) of the peak of the ceiling, measured
horizontally. dditional Smoke larms may be required depending on
the length, angle, etc. of the ceiling's slope. Refer to NFP 72 for
details on requirements for sloped or peaked ceilings.
ABOUT SMOKE ALARMS
Battery (DC) operated Smoke larms: Provide protection even when
electricity fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed.
Units are easy to install, and do not require professional installation.
However, they do not provide interconnected functionality.
C powered Smoke larms: Can be interconnected so if one unit
senses smoke, all units alarm. They do not operate if electricity fails.
C with battery (DC) back-up: will operate if electricity fails, provided
the batteries are fresh and correctly installed. C and C/DC units
must be installed by a qualified electrician.
Wireless Interconnected larms: Offer the same interconnected
functionality as with hardwired alarms, without wires. Units are easy
to install and do not require professional installation. They provide
protection even when electricity fails, provided the batteries are fresh
and correctly installed.
Smoke larms for Solar or Wind Energy users and battery backup
power systems: C powered Smoke larms should only be operated
with true or pure sine wave inverters. Operating this Smoke larm with
most battery-powered UPS (uninterruptible power supply) products or
square wave or "quasi sine wave" inverters will damage the larm.
If you are not sure about your inverter or UPS type, please consult with
the manufacturer to verify.
Continued...
5
BOUT SMOKE L RMS, Continued
Smoke larms for the hearing impaired: Special purpose Smoke
larms should be installed for the hearing impaired. They include a
visual alarm and an audible alarm horn, and meet the requirements of
the mericans With Disabilities ct. These units can be interconnected
so if one unit senses smoke, all units alarm.
Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards unless the
combination has been evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.
ll these Smoke larms are designed to provide early warning of fires
if located, installed and cared for as described in the user's manual,
and if smoke reaches the larm. If you are unsure which type of unit to
install, refer to NFP (National Fire Protection ssociation) 72 (National
Fire larm and Signaling Code) and NFP 101 (Life Safety Code).
National Fire Protection ssociation, One Batterymarch Park, Quincy, M
02269-9101. Local building codes may also require specific units in new
construction or in different areas of the home.
SPECIAL COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS
This Smoke larm is suitable for use in apartments, condominiums,
townhouses, hospitals, day care facilities, health care facilities, boarding
houses, group homes and dormitories provided a primary fire detection
system already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common
areas like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this Smoke larm in
common areas may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or
meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.
This Smoke larm alone is not a suitable substitute for complete fire
detection systems in places housing many people—like apartment
buildings, condominiums, hotels, motels, dormitories, hospitals, health
care facilities, nursing homes, day care facilities, or group homes of any
kind. It is not a suitable substitute for complete fire detection systems
in warehouses, industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and special-
purpose non-residential buildings which require special fire detection
and alarm systems. Depending on the building codes in your area, this
Smoke larm may be used to provide additional protection in these
facilities.
In new construction, most building codes require the use of C or
C/DC powered Smoke larms only. In existing construction, C,
C/DC, or DC powered Smoke larms can be used as specified by
local building codes. Refer to NFP 72 (National Fire larm and
Signaling Code) and NFP 101 (Life Safety Code), local building codes,
or consult your Fire Department for detailed fire protection requirements
in buildings not defined as "households".
HUD M P Program
Certain HUD battery powered Smoke larm applications, especially
® are
those that fall under HUD 223(f) M P (Multi-family ccelerated
Processing), may require a 10 Year sealed tamper resistant battery. This
alarm does not meet that requirement. Substitute First lert S 340B.
LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE ALARMS
Smoke larms have played a key role in reducing deaths resulting from
home fires worldwide. However, like any warning device, Smoke larms
can only work if they are properly located, installed, and maintained, and
if smoke reaches them. They are not foolproof.
Smoke alarms may not waken all individuals. Practice the escape
plan at least twice a year, making sure that everyone is involved – from
kids to grandparents. llow children to master fire escape planning and
practice before holding a fire drill at night when they are sleeping.
If children or others do not readily waken to the sound of the smoke
alarm, or if there are infants or family members with mobility limitations,
make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in fire drill and in
the event of an emergency. It is recommended that you hold a fire drill
while family members are sleeping in order to determine their response
to the sound of the smoke alarm while sleeping and to determine
whether they may need assistance in the event of an emergency.
Smoke larms cannot work without power. Battery operated units
cannot work if the batteries are missing, disconnected or dead, if the
wrong type of batteries are used, or if the batteries are not installed
correctly. C units cannot work if the C power is cut off for any reason
(open fuse or circuit breaker, failure along a power line or at a power
station, electrical fire that burns the electrical wires, etc.). If you are
concerned about the limitations of battery or C power, install both
types of units.
Smoke larms cannot detect fires if the smoke does not reach
them. Smoke from fires in chimneys or walls, on roofs, or on the other
side of closed doors may not reach the sensing chamber and set off the
alarm. That is why one unit should be installed inside each bedroom or
sleeping area—especially if bedroom or sleeping area doors are closed
at night—and in the hallway between them.
Smoke larms may not detect fire on another floor or area of the
home. For example, a stand-alone unit on the second floor may not
detect smoke from a basement fire until the fire spreads. This may not
give you enough time to escape safely. That is why recommended
minimum protection is at least one unit in every sleeping area, and
every bedroom on every level of your home. Even with a unit on every
floor, stand-alone units may not provide as much protection as inter-
connected units, especially if the fire starts in a remote area. Some
safety experts recommend installing interconnected C powered units
with battery back-up (see " bout Smoke larms") or professional fire
detection systems, so if one unit senses smoke, all units alarm.
Interconnected units may provide earlier warning than stand-alone
units since all units alarm when one detects smoke.
Smoke larms may not be heard. Though the alarm horn in this unit
meets or exceeds current standards, it may not be heard if: 1) the unit
is located outside a closed or partially closed door, 2) residents recently
consumed alcohol or drugs, 3) the alarm is drowned out by noise from
stereo, TV, traffic, air conditioner or other appliances, 4) residents are
hearing impaired or sound sleepers. Special purpose units, like those
with visual and audible alarms, should be installed for hearing impaired
residents.
Smoke larms may not have time to alarm before the fire itself
causes damage, injury, or death, since smoke from some fires may
not reach the unit immediately. Examples of this include persons
smoking in bed, children playing with matches, or fires caused by
violent explosions resulting from escaping gas.
Smoke larms are not foolproof. Like any electronic device, Smoke
larms are made of components that can wear out or fail at any time.
You must test the unit weekly to ensure your continued protection.
Smoke larms cannot prevent or extinguish fires. They are not a
substitute for property or life insurance.
Smoke larms have a limited life. The unit should be replaced
immediately if it is not operating properly. You should always replace a
Smoke larm after 10 years from date of purchase. Write the purchase
date on the space provided on back of unit.
First lert ® is a registered trademark of the First lert Trust.
Printed in Mexico M08-0405-002 K1 11/12
6