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4. Install smoke alarms in circulation areas at a distance no greater than 7.5m from the farthest wall,
no greater than 7.5m from a door to any room in which a fire might start and no greater than 7.5m
from the next smoke alarm.
5. When heat alarms are installed in a room, they should be at a distance no greater than 5.3m from
the farthest wall no greater that 5.3m from a door to any room in which a fire might start and no
greater than 5.3m from the next heat or smoke alarm.
6. As it is impossible to predict the source of a fire the best location for an alarm is the centre of the
room or hallway. If it is necessary to locate the smoke alarm on a wall always locate the detection
element of the alarm 150mm to 300mm (6 to 12 inches) below the ceiling and the bottom of the
alarm above the level of doors and other openings.
NOTE: Heat alarms should not be wall mounted.
7. In rooms with simple sloped, peaked or gabled ceilings install smoke alarms 900mm (3 feet) from
the highest point of the ceiling. 'Dead air' at the peak of the ceiling may prevent smoke from
reaching the alarm in time to provide an early warning.
8. Closed doors and other obstructions will interfere with the path of smoke and heat to an alarm and
may prevent occupants from hearing an alarm on the other side of a closed door. Install sufficient
alarms to compensate for closed doors and other obstacles.
9. Your local fire brigade or insurance company may be able to give you further advice. Call them and
ask. Further help and information may also be found in BS5839 Part 6 and the Fire Safety guidance
given by the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR).
CAUTION: Research indicates that substantial increases in warning time can be obtained with each
properly installed additional alarm, It is strongly recommended that the advice above be followed to
ensure maximum protection.
IMPORTANT: These smoke and heat alarms are intended primarily for use in single-family occupancy
private dwellings. For use in other applications the manufacturers advice should be sought.
LOCATIONS TO AVOID
DO NOT locate alarms: -
1. In turbulent air from fans, heaters, doors, windows, etc.
2. In high humidity areas such as bathrooms and shower rooms or where the temperature exceeds
39ºC (100ºF) or falls below 5ºC (40ºF)
3. At the peak of an 'A' frame ceiling – dead air at the top may prevent smoke and heat from reaching
the alarm to provide an early warning.
4. Less than 300mm (12 inches) from a wall when mounted on the ceiling.
5. In insect infested areas. Tiny insects may affect performance.
6. (Smoke alarms) in poorly ventilated kitchen or garage. Combustion particles from cooking or car
exhaust could trigger a nuisance alarm
7. In very dusty or dirty areas – dirt and excessive dust can impair the performance of the alarm.
8. Within 300mm (12 inches) of a light fitting or room corners.
9. In locations that would make routine testing or maintenance hazardous. (e.g. over a stairwell).
10. On poorly insulated walls or ceilings.
11. Near objects such as ceiling decorations that might impede the path of smoke or heat to the
alarm.
12. Within 1500mm (5 feet) of a fluorescent light fitting and keep wiring at least 1000mm (39 inches)
from these fittings. Do not install alarms on circuits containing fluorescent light fittings or dimmer
switches.
Further help and information may be found in BS5839 Part 6
D: USER INFORMATION
Features
• Operating Lights – A continuous green light indicates the alarm is receiving mains power. The red
light doubles as an alarm source indicator and flashes approximately every 45 seconds to confirm
circuitry integrity.
• Alarm Source Indicator – Red light will flash every second in the unit originating the alarm. Red lights
on other alarms flash every 45 seconds.
• Alarm Pause (670 range only) – Silence your smoke alarm by momentarily pressing the test button.
Ideal when non-emergency smoke (e.g. cooking fumes) cause nuisance alarms. Red light flashes
every ten seconds to remind you that the alarm has been silenced. Double beep indicates that the
alarm has automatically reset after approximately 10 minutes.
Be Prepared
Smoke and heat alarms properly installed and maintained are an essential part of a good home fire
safety programme. Review fire hazards and eliminate dangerous conditions wherever possible. When
fire strikes a prepared and practiced escape plan could prove vital. Your local fire brigade may be
willing to advise you. Call them and ask. Consider and discuss the following safety hints:
• Ensure everyone is familiarized with the alarm signal.
• Always test doors with your hands before flinging them open. If they feel warm, fire may be walled
up behind them – leave closed and find another escape route.
• Don't waste time collecting possessions. Rouse all occupants and leave the building; your life is
more valuable.
• GET OUT, STAY OUT, GET THE FIRE BRIGADE OUT!
• Keep everyone in a set meeting place after your escape.
• If trapped inside, stay close to the floor, cover your mouth with cloth and conserve breath while you
crawl to safety.
• Keep all windows and doors closed except for escape purposes.
• Prepare and practice an escape plan before a fire starts.
Draw a floor plan. Have fire drills often. Practise your escape.
Simple Maintenance
Vacuum every six months to keep unit working efficiently by firstly turning off the mains electricity
supply and vacuuming through the vents using a soft brush attachment. Keep the nozzle from
touching the unit. SWITCH POWER BACK ON WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED.
Test the alarm once a week by: -
• Checking that the green light is on and that the red light is flashing every 45 seconds or so. The
lights are located behind the grille on the front of the alarm.
• Press and hold the test button until the alarm sounds. NOTE: Pressing this button on alarms in the
670 series also places the alarm in pause mode.
MBX MODELS.
Change the battery with a new one when the alarm beeps every 45 seconds.
All MBX Models
Turn off the mains electricity supply, remove locking key, rotate the alarm approximately 10mm anti-
clockwise and remove the alarm from the ceiling. Unplug the alarm from the mains supply. Remove
the screw and prise open the battery compartment door on the back of the alarm to replace the battery
with one of the following: Duracell MN1604, MX1604, Eveready PP3B PP3S, 6LF22 Gold Peak
1604A, 1604S. Close the battery door refit the screw and re-assemble the alarm to the ceiling
ensuring that the mains plug is securely fitted. Test the alarm using the test button then turn on the
mains electricity supply. PLEASE NOTE: The alarm cannot be fitted to the baseplate without a battery
installed.
650MRL, 670MRL, 680MRL
Rechargeable Lithium batteries provide approximately 6 months back up power supply in the event of
a mains supply failure. The alarm may beep every 45 seconds for a few hours after a mains supply
failure while the batteries re-charge.
650MC, 670MC, 680MC.
High performance capacitors provide a back up power supply in the event of a mains supply failure.
The alarm may beep every 45 seconds for a few hours after a mains supply failure while the
capacitors re-charge.
Troubleshooting
Problems are indicated by four events: -
1. Alarm does not sound upon pressing the test button
2. Green light does not illuminate when mains power is on.
3. Red operating light remains steadily on, or off (i.e. does not flash every 45 seconds when alarm is
in standby).
4. Alarm emits a beep every 45 seconds when back up power supply should be fully charged.
Try the following: -
1. Inspect the fuse in the power circuit to the alarm
2. Gently vacuum as detailed in 'Simple Maintenance'.
3. For MBX models only, replace the battery.
4. Call a qualified electrician to inspect the house wiring and connections to the alarm.
If these procedures do not eliminate the problem. DO NOT ATTEMPT REPAIRS. In the first instance
contact the manufacturer for further advice.
If the alarm is still within warranty period and terms, return the unit with proof of purchase to the
distributor, indicating the nature of the problem. Units beyond warranty cannot be economically repaired.
For address see the bottom of this page.
False Alarms
Abnormal air conditions may cause the highly sensitive alarm to give a 'false' alarm. DO NOT
DISCONNECT THE ALARM. If no fire is apparent, ventilate the room and/or operate the alarm pause (If
fitted).
WARNING: IF THERE IS ANY QUESTION AS TO THE CAUSE OF AN ALARM, ALWAYS ASSUME THAT
IT IS DUE TO AN ACTUAL FIRE AND FOLLOW YOU FIRE EMERGENCY PLANS. Do not assume the
alarm is a nuisance alarm and activate alarm pause (if fitted).
Dust can have an adverse effect. Vacuum as recommended above.
Do not paint the unit.
Other factors such as nicotine contamination may also adversely affect the alarm.
Radioactive Contents
Ionization type smoke alarms utilise a tiny amount of radioactive material, 0.9 microcuries (30
kilobequerels) of Americium 241, to detect smoke. This material is in the form of a sealed source and
represents no hazard whatsoever to anyone installing or using the smoke alarm. Any stray particles would
be unable to "penetrate the dead layer of skin and thus do not constitute an external hazard". (Radiation
Protection Guidance for Scientists and Physicians). All BRK
®
Dicon™ ionization smoke alarms have been
rigorously tested by the National Radiological Protection Board to ensure absolute safety.
Disposal
This product, the batteries and other accessories must not be disposed of as unsorted municipal waste
and must be collected separately at the end of the products life. Contact your local authority for
information about collection points in your area.
Limited guarantee
BRK brands Europe Ltd., ("the Company"), guarantees its enclosed alarm to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of five years from the date of
purchase. BRK Brands Europe Ltd. Makes no other express guarantee for this alarm. No agent,
representative, dealer or employee from the Company has the authority to increase or alter the obligations
or limitations of the Guarantee. The Company's obligation of this guarantee shall be limited to the repair or
replacement of any part of the alarm which is found to be defective in materials or workmanship under
normal use and service during the five year period commencing with date of purchase. The Company
shall not be obligated to repair or replace alarms which are found to be in need of repair because of
damage, unreasonable use, modifications or alterations occurring after the date of purchase.
How to obtain guarantee service
If service is required, return the product to your retailer.
Battery: BRK Brands Europe Ltd. make no guarantee, express or implied, written or oral, including that of
merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose with respect to battery.
YOUR ALARM IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROPERTY, DISABILITY OR OTHER INSURANCE OF ANY
KIND. APPROPRIATE COVERAGE IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. CONSULT YOUR AGENT.
This warranty does not affect your statutory rights in any way.
In the event of a problem with your alarm or you have any questions concerning its use; care and
service please consult this manual.
If you require any further help or clarification please write to:
BRK
®
Dicon™, BRK Brands Europe Ltd
Unit 6, Carter Court - Davy Way - Waterwells Business Park - Quedgeley - Gloucester - GL2 2DE
United Kingdom
or phone our Helpline on: 01452 887570
www.brkdicon.eu
PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL IN A SAFE PLACE
Please note that specifications may be subject to change.
BS5446-2: 2003
Licence No: KM 85855
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