Smoke Alarm Limitations And Functions - Universal Security Instruments Sensing Plus AMI3051S Instructions Manual

Multi-criteria single station smoke alarm

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There are three basic smoke alarm types: UNIVERSAL

UNIVERSAL

Sensing Plus

and a multi criteria sensor. Alarms containing UNIVERSAL

fast flaming fires and slow smoldering fires.

Ionization smoke alarms are typically more effective at detecting fast flaming fires—fires which consume

combustible materials rapidly and spread quickly. Sources of these fires may include paper burning in a

wastebasket, or kitchen grease fires.

Photoelectric smoke alarms, on the other hand, are typically more effective at detecting slow smoldering

fires—fires which burn for hours before bursting into flame. Sources of these fires may include cigarettes

burning in couches or bedding.

Installing alarms containing UNIVERSAL

fires from a single alarm.

The enclosed alarm is a 2-in-1 UNIVERSAL

SMOKE ALARMS WILL NOT WORK DURING A LOSS OF POWER. SINCE A SMOKE ALARM WILL NOT

WORK WITHOUT POWER, having an alarm(s) that works from two completely different power sources,

such as an AC direct wire with battery backup smoke alarm, can give you an extra measure of protection

in case of an AC power failure or a dead battery. Battery operated alarms cannot work if the batteries are

missing, disconnected or dead. AC (only) powered alarms cannot work if the AC power is cut off for any

reason. If you are concerned about the limitations of the battery or AC power, install both types of alarms.

USING AN IONIZATION SMOKE ALARM IN A SMOKY AREA, SUCH AS A KITCHEN, OR IN A HIGH

HUMIDITY AREA NEAR A SHOWER, CAN CAUSE NUISANCE FALSE ALARMS. IT IS PREFERABLE TO

USE PHOTOELECTRIC ALARMS IN THESE AREAS. DO NOT TURN OFF THE AC POWER TO QUIET

THE ALARM. A SMOKE ALARM WILL NOT HELP PROTECT YOU IF IT IS NOT POWERED. Properly

locate your alarm to avoid nuisance alarms.

A SMOKE ALARM MAY NOT ALWAYS WARN YOU ABOUT FIRES CAUSED BY CARELESSNESS AND

SAFETY HAZARDS LIKE SMOKING IN BED, VIOLENT EXPLOSIONS, ESCAPING GAS, IMPROPER

STORAGE OF FLAMMABLE MATERIALS, OVERLOADED ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS, CHILDREN PLAYING

WITH MATCHES, NATURAL CAUSES SUCH AS LIGHTNING, OR ARSON. FIRE PREVENTION IS YOUR

BEST SAFEGUARD.

INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMS MAY MAKE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR LOWER INSURANCE RATES, BUT

SMOKE ALARMS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR INSURANCE. Homeowners and renters alike should

continue to insure their lives and properties.

SMOKE ALARMS CANNOT DETECT FIRES IF THE SMOKE DOES NOT REACH THEM. Smoke from

fires may not reach the sensing chamber and set off the alarm. One alarm should be installed inside each

bedroom or sleeping area. Do not obstruct airflow around the smoke alarm or place in areas of obstructed

airflow.

BE AWARE OF VARIOUS SITUATIONS AGAINST WHICH THE SMOKE ALARM MAY NOT BE EFFECTIVE.

For example: (1) Fires where the victim is intimate with a flaming initiated fire; for example, when a person's

clothes catch fire while cooking; (2) Fires where the smoke is prevented from reaching the alarm due to a

closed door or other obstruction or (3) Incendiary fires where the fire grows so rapidly that an occupant's

egress is blocked even with properly located alarms.

SMOKE ALARMS MAY NOT DETECT FIRE ON ANOTHER FLOOR OR AREA OF THE HOME.

Recommended minimum protection is at least one smoke alarm in every sleeping area and every bedroom

on every level of your home. Interconnected smoke alarms may provide earlier warning than stand-alone

smoke alarms since all smoke alarms alarm when one detects smoke.

SMOKE ALARMS MAY NOT BE HEARD. The alarm horn in this alarm meets or exceeds current standards,

but it may not be heard if: (1) the smoke alarm 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 stereos, TV's,

air conditioners or other appliances; (4) residents are hearing impaired or (5) if residents are sleeping.

CURRENT STUDIES HAVE SHOWN SMOKE ALARMS MAY NOT AWAKEN ALL SLEEPING INDIVIDUALS

AND THAT IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF INDIVIDUALS IN THE HOUSEHOLD WHO ARE CAPABLE

OF ASSISTING OTHERS TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO THOSE WHO MAY NOT BE AWAKENED BY

THE ALARM SOUND OR TO THOSE WHO MAY BE INCAPABLE OF SAFELY EVACUATING THE AREA

UNASSISTED.

SMOKE ALARMS ARE NOT FOOLPROOF. You must test the smoke alarm weekly to ensure your continued

protection. Smoke alarms cannot prevent or extinguish fires.

SMOKE ALARMS HAVE A LIMITED LIFE. The smoke alarm should be replaced immediately if it is not

operating properly. You should always replace a smoke alarm after 10 years.

SMOKE ALARMS ARE NOT TO BE USED WITH DETECTOR GUARDS UNLESS THE COMBINATION

HAS BEEN EVALUATED AND FOUND SUITABLE FOR THAT PURPOSE.

This alarm meets the new UL217 8th Edition requirements for the detection of polyurethane foam in both

slow smoldering & fast flaming fires; resistance to false alarms from cooking; and it passes the tests for

immunity to high-voltage current surges.