Advertisement
Quick Links
SMOKE ALARM MANUAL
Model 770LBX: Hardwired Photoelectric and Ionization Smoke Alarm with
battery back-up.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SMOKE ALARM
• Install alarms outside of every bedroom area and on every floor of your
home. Please refer to Section 3 "Where to Locate Smoke Alarms" for
details.
• Test the alarm weekly by pressing and holding the test button for up to 20
seconds until the alarm sounds.
• The model described in this manual is designed for single family resi-
dences, including homes and apartments rather than commercial or
industrial use.
Smoke Alarm Features
• Detachable Base Plate with Locking Pin: Locking pin prevents unauthor
ized tampering.
• Sensitivity Test Button: With interconnected units, pressing the test button
on one causes all others to activate.
• Operating Lights (LED): A continuous green light indicates the alarm is
receiving 120 V AC power. Red LED flashes every 45 seconds to confirm
that the circuitry is operational.
• Push-in Power Connector: For fast and simple installation and
maintenance.
• Interconnection: Allows interconnection of up to 18 alarms (maximum 12
smoke alarms and 6 carbon monoxide alarms). When one alarm sounds,
all properly interconnected alarms follow.
• Alarm Source Indicator: Red operating light will flash approximately every
second in unit originating alarm. Red LEDs on other units flash approxi
mately every 45 seconds.
• 9 V Battery Back-up: 9 V battery back-up unit cannot be installed onto
baseplate without battery. Battery door can be locked shut with screw
provided.
CONTENTS OF THIS MANUAL
1. CAPABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE ALARMS
2. SAFETY TIPS
3. WHERE TO LOCATE SMOKE ALARMS
4. NFPA RECOMMENDATIONS
5. LOCATIONS TO AVOID
6. INSTALLATION AND TESTING
7. MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING
8. LIMITED WARRANTY
1. CAPABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE ALARMS
Early warning can mean the difference between a safe escape and no
escape at all. While smoke alarms can provide invaluable protection for you
and your family, they do have limitations.
• Smoke alarms cannot work without power. Battery operated alarms
will not work without proper batteries, with dead batteries or if batteries are
not properly installed. AC powered alarms will not work if their AC power
supply is cut off by an electrical fire, an open fuse, a circuit breaker or any
other reason.
If you are concerned about the reliability of either batteries or your AC
power supply for any of the above reasons, you should install in your
home both AC and battery powered smoke alarms for added security.
• Smoke alarms are incapable of sounding the alarm until smoke
reaches the sensing chamber. Anything preventing smoke from reaching
the alarm may delay or prevent an alarm. A smoke alarm cannot detect
fire in the walls, chimney or roof unless and until a significant amount of
smoke reaches the alarm. A closed door may prevent smoke from reach-
ing an alarm on the other side of the door. A smoke alarm may not sense
a fire on another floor of a home. For example, a basement smoke alarm
may not detect a fire, which started on the first or second floor.
• Smoke alarms may not be heard. The loudness of the horn in your
alarm meets current standards. However, distance, closed doors, or ambi-
ent noise such as traffic or a stereo may block the sound. Persons who
are hard of hearing may not hear smoke alarms.
Research has shown that some heavy sleepers and especially children
(including those who otherwise have normal hearing) are not awakened
by smoke alarms. For such people, an auxiliary signaling appliance is
recommended.
Current studies have shown smoke alarms may not awaken all sleeping
individuals. It is the responsibility of individuals in the household that 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.
For these reasons, a smoke alarm should be installed in every room
or at least on every level of your home. American Sensors recommends
that hardwire AC powered smoke alarms be interconnected, so that one
alarm will trigger all other alarms to sound their alarms.
• Smoke alarms are not foolproof. Smoke alarms may not always sense
every kind of fire. They cannot be expected to sense fires caused by
carelessness or by safety hazards. They may not give early warning of fast
growing fires caused by smoking in bed, violent explosions, escaping gas,
improper storage of flammable materials, overloaded electrical circuits,
natural causes such as lightning, children playing with matches, or arson.
• Smoke alarms are not substitutes for property, disability, life or other
insurance of any kind. Homeowners and renters should continue to
insure their lives and property. Consult your insurance agent.
• Smoke alarms have limited lives. One or more of the many components
could fail at any time. Therefore, test your smoke alarm weekly. Clean
and take care of it as described in this manual. Repair or replace the
smoke alarm when it fails to test properly. Your smoke alarm should be
replaced if it is ten years old.
Ionization Technology vs.
Photoelectric Technology Smoke
Alarms
There are two different types of smoke alarm technology currently in general
use: ionization and photoelectric. While both types of tech nology are suitable
for general residential use, an ionization alarm will normally respond faster
to fast flaming fires, while a photo electric alarm may be more sensitive to
detecting slow smoldering fires. Because home fires develop in different
ways and are often unpredictable in their growth, it is impossible to predict
which type of alarm will provide the earliest warning. For best home protec-
tion install at least one photo electric and one ionization smoke alarm on each
level of your home.
Your model 770LBX is a 2 in 1 smoke alarm utilizing both photoelectric and
ionization smoke sensing technologies.
2. SAFETY TIPS
Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms are an essential part of a
good home fire safety program. Your fire safety program should also include
a review of fire hazards and the elimination of dangerous conditions when-
ever possible. Consider the following tips:
• Use smoking materials properly. Never smoke in bed.
• Keep matches and cigarette lighters away from children.
• Store flammable materials in proper containers. Never use them near an
open flame or sparks.
• Keep electrical appliances in good condition. Do not overload electrical
circuits.
• Keep stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, and barbecue grills grease-free. Make
sure they are properly installed and away from any combustible materials.
• Keep portable heaters and open flames such as candles away from com-
bustible material.
• Do not allow rubbish to accumulate.
• Keep a supply of extra batteries on hand for your battery powered smoke
alarms.
• Do not stand too close to the alarm when the unit is in alarm as the loud
horn could damage your hearing.
s
WARNING: Never disconnect the battery or the AC power on
!
any type of smoke alarm to silence a nuisance alarm. Clear the area of
smoke by opening doors and windows or fanning the smoke away.
Most important, when fire strikes, a prepared and practiced escape
plan can make the difference between life and death. Develop an
escape plan and practice it with the entire family, including small
children.
• Ensure all family members are familiarized with the alarm signal.
• Prepare an escape plan. Draw a floor plan of your home and determine
two exits from each room. There should be a way to get out of each bed-
room without opening the door.
• Have fire drills often. Practice your Escape and BE PREPARED.
• Decide on a meeting place at a safe distance from your home.
IN CASE OF FIRE
• Don't waste time collecting possessions after a fire starts.
• Alert all occupants and leave the building. Your most valuable possession
is your life.
• Doors can mean escape or death. Never open doors without first checking
for heat. Test them with your hands, if they feel warm, fire may be walled
up behind them; leave closed and find another escape route.
• Call the fire department from OUTSIDE the building.
• If trapped inside, stay close to the floor, cover mouth with cloth, conserve
breaths as you crawl to safety.
• Keep all doors and windows closed except for escape purposes.
• NEVER re-enter a burning building.
• Keep your family in a pre-arranged meeting place after your escape.
Your local fire department may be able to offer you additional ideas for
safety and escape plans in the home.
3a. WHERE TO LOCATE 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 coverage, 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 (12 meters) long,
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.
READ "CAPABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE ALARMS" in
Section 1 of this manual.
Your local fire department or insurance company may be able to give you
further advice on the best smoke alarm locations in your home. Call them
and ask.
3b. INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMS IN MOBILE
HOMES & RVS
For minimum security install one Smoke Alarm as close to each sleep-
ing 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.
4. NFPA RECOMMENDATIONS
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 areas, 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 detectors. For this reason, it is recommended that the house-
holder consider the use of additional smoke detectors 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 detectors. The installation of smoke
detectors in kitchens, attics (finished or unfinished), or garages is not
normally recommended, as these locations occasionally experience
conditions that can result in improper operation.
5. LOCATIONS TO AVOID
Avoid locations where smoke may not reach the alarm in time to pro-
vide early warning, or where the alarm may not be effective.
DO NOT PLACE SMOKE ALARMS:
• In turbulent air from fans, doors, windows, etc. The rapid air movement
may prevent combustion particles from entering the alarm.
• In dead air spaces such as at the peak of an "A" frame ceiling. "Dead air"
at the top may prevent smoke from reaching the alarm in time to provide
early warning. In rooms with simple sloped, peaked or gabled ceilings,
install smoke alarms on the ceiling 3' (90 cm) from the highest point of the
ceiling.
Note: For complex ceiling structures, consult a safety expert for the num-
ber of alarms required and the best locations.
• In very hot or cold areas where the temperature exceeds 100
o
F (37.8
o
C)
or falls below 40
F (4.4
C).
o
o
• Less than 6" (15 cm) from the wall when mounted on the ceiling.
Nuisance alarms could result when smoke alarms are located where inter-
ference may occur with the sensing chamber. To avoid nuisance alarms,
DO NOT place smoke alarms:
• In high humidity areas such as bathrooms and attics. Place smoke
alarms at least 10' (3 m) away from bathrooms.
• In insect-infested areas.
• In poorly ventilated kitchens or garages.
• In very dusty and dirty areas.
• Near fluorescent lights. Place smoke alarms at least 5' (1.5 m) from
fluorescent lights.
IMPORTANT: This alarm cannot be used with detector guards.
WARNING:
This smoke alarm is suitable for residential use. It is not
to be connected to a commercial or industrial fire alarm panel.
6. INSTALLATION AND TESTING
If securing the alarm is a concern, remove and save the "Locking Key" from
the back plate with needle nosed pliers before installing the alarm. See
point 13 in this section for more details on this feature.
THIS EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION'S STANDARD
72 (National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Part, Quincy: MA
02269).
Installation (AC powered units)
Mount to any standard or rectangular junction box with a minimum depth of
1" (2.5 cm).
Without Relay - 120 VAC, 60Hz, 50mA operation
With Relay - 120 VAC, 60Hz, 105mA operation
WARNING: Wiring should only be installed by a licensed electrician in
accordance with the National Electrical Code and local code.
WARNING: The circuit used to power the smoke alarm must be a 24-hour
voltage circuit that cannot be turned off by a switch or a ground-fault inter-
rupter. It is highly recommended that smoke alarms be wired on a separate
circuit (one with no other lights or appliances) to ensure maximum reliability
of AC power supply. For installation of smoke alarms in Dwelling Units, it is
important to follow the National Electrical Code and local code.
1. Electricity must be turned off at service entrance before beginning instal-
lation to prevent electrical shock or equipment damage.
2. Location must comply with applicable building codes.
3. Install a junction box where you plan to install the alarm. Use standard
14-gauge wire.
4. Connect black wire to black wire and white wire to white wire from power
connector to AC power leads.
5. For multiple station application, use the orange wire to
interconnect. If unit is not to be interconnected, cap unused wire. NOTE:
This alarm is interconnectable up to 11 other identical smoke alarms
and 6 carbon monoxide alarms.
6. Loosen or remove screws from junction box.
7. Attach flat side of mounting plate and tighten screws to fit
snugly against the junction box and ceiling or wall.
8. Bring power connector through center opening.
9. Slip the paper gasket supplied with the alarm over the power connector
and then onto the mounting plate so that the four plastic tabs on the
mounting plate will hold the gasket in place. The gasket will prevent
downward air currents from entering the smoke alarm. Air currents could
prevent smoke from entering the alarm.
WARNING: IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU INSERT THE GASKET WHEN
INSTALLING YOUR SMOKE ALARM.
10. On battery back-up (LBX) models, open battery compartment door, con-
nect and insert battery and close compartment door. To prevent tamper-
ing install the screw, which is provided, to secure the compartment door.
Test unit using test button.
11. Plug wire connector into the back of the alarm.
12. Align the plug area on the smoke alarm with the cut-out in the gasket
and place the smoke alarm on the mounting plate, turn clockwise to
fasten it out the mounting plate.
13. If auxiliary lock is desired, insert the locking key into the slot in the base
of the alarm - locking key should "click" into position and be flush with the
alarm housing.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove alarm without first removing the lock-
ing key. If the key is not removed first, damage may result. To remove use
a screwdriver and gently pry the locking key loose.
To Use Optional Locking Key:
Remove from mounting plate with needle nose pliers and insert in housing.
E
14.
Test alarm operation after installation in accordance with
"Operation: How to Test" instructions.
NOTE: Maximum interconnect wiring length is 150'.
Interconnect units within a single family residence only. Otherwise all
households will experience unwanted alarms when you test any unit in the
series. Interconnected units will only work if they are wired to compatible
units and all requirements are met. The wiring shall be in accordance with
the provision of Articles 210 and 3003 (B) of the National Electrical Code,
ANSI/NFPA 70. The resistance of the interconnecting wiring shall be a
maximum of 10 ohms. This unit is designed to be compatible with Model
770LBX in US applications. See www.brkelectronics.com for most current
interconnect list.
Operation: How To Test
Testing After Installation
1. Check to see that the green "POWER ON" light is on. The "POWER ON"
light is visible behind the slotted case and confirms that the smoke alarm
is receiving AC power.
2. Press and hold the test button until the alarm sounds. NOTE: It may
be necessary to press the test button for up to 20 seconds for an alarm
to sound. An alarm is indicated by a loud pulsating sound, 3 beeps/4sec.
Alarm my continue to sound for up to 10 seconds after button is released.
3. At least once a week, press the test button and hold until the alarm
sounds, then release.
NOTE: Multiple Station Only:
4. Test each alarm separately in the system.
5. Determine that the initiating alarm triggers other alarms in the system.
NOTE: Red LED will flash once per second on initiating alarm and
once per 45 seconds on interconnected alarms.
7. MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Batteries should be replaced annually! The Gold Peak 1604A/S/P,
Eveready X22, 522, 1222, Duracell MN1604/MX1604 and Ultralife U9VL-J
are the only acceptable batteries for use in these smoke alarms. When the
battery reaches the end of its normal life, a low battery warning (a single
beep every 45 seconds) will sound for up to 30 days to indicate the need
for battery replacement. When replacing the battery ensure that the posi-
tive and negative terminals on the battery snap positively into the matching
terminals in the smoke alarm.
TEST THE ALARM WEEKLY. VACUUM EVERY SIX MONTHS
Your Smoke Alarm should be cleaned every six months to help keep it
working efficiently. REMOVE POWER TO THE ALARM. Gently vacuum
through the vents of the alarm with a soft brush attachment. Keep vacuum
nozzle from touching the unit.
RE-ESTABLISH POWER TO THE ALARM.
PROBLEMS MAY BE INDICATED BY THE FOLLOWING:
• The alarm does not sound upon pressing the test button.
• The alarm does not sound with the smoke test.
• The green operating light does not re-mail steadily when unit is AC pow-
ered.
• The red operating light remains steadily on or off. (i.e. does not flash once
every 45 seconds, when the unit is not in alarm.)
TRY THE FOLLOWING:
• Inspect breaker or fuse in power circuit to alarm.
• Gently vacuum as recommended above.
• Call an electrician to inspect house wiring and connection to alarms.
If these procedures do not correct the problem, do NOT attempt repairs. If
the smoke alarm is within warranty period and terms, indicate the nature
of the problem and return the unit with proof of purchase. See below for
instructions. Units beyond warranty cannot be economically repaired.
FALSE ALARMS:
Abnormal air conditions may cause the highly sensitive smoke alarm to give
a "false" alarm. If no fire is apparent, activate the alarm silencer feature and
ventilate the room and/or blow fresh air into the unit until the alarm stops.
Once cleared, the smoke alarm will automatically reset.
DO NOT DISCONNECT THE AC POWER SUPPLY.
Dust can lead to excess sensitivity. Vacuum as recommended above.
8. LIMITED WARRANTY
Your American Sensors smoke alarm is warranted for ten years from date
of purchase against defects in material and workmanship. BRK Brands,
Inc., ("BRK") the distributor of American Sensors in the United States, 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 cen-
ter. Further, the warranty does not cover Acts of God, such as fire, flood, hur-
ricanes 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 prohib-
ited 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 Affairs Division
at 1-800-323-9005, 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Central Standard Time, Monday
through Friday. To assist us in serving you, please have the model num-
ber and date of purchase available when calling.
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.
BRK Brands, Inc., 25 Spur Drive, El Paso, TX 79906
SMOKE ALARMS
MODELS
Ionization and Photoelectric Smoke Alarms
770LBX
OWNER'S MANUAL
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE. This manual contains important
information. A copy of this manual must be left with the end user.
2502-A0122
Advertisement
