Kidde 3SFWR Slick Smoke and Heat Alarm User Guide

Kidde 3SFWR Slick Smoke and Heat Alarm

Alarm Range

• 1SFWR: Mains ionization alarm with sealed-in rechargeable backup cells
• 1SFW: Mains ionization alarm with alkaline backup cell
• 2SFWR: Mains optical alarm with sealed-in rechargeable backup cells
• 2SFW: Mains optical alarm with alkaline backup cell
• 3SFWR: Mains heat alarm with sealed-in rechargeable backup cells
• 3SFW: Mains heat alarm with alkaline backup cell

Also inter connectable to all Kidde, Hard Wired 230V Smoke, Heat & CO Alarms. Models with “W” in the model are compatible with the RF-SFTP wireless base and remote KN-RTH-RF for wireless interconnect remote test and Hush operations.

Important Information

This alarm is designed for installation by a qualified electrician, in accordance with the latest I.E.E. Regulations and in regard to relevant Building Regulations/BS Codes of Practice.

• Hard-wired smoke or heat alarms require a constant 230V AC supply. Battery Back-up models additionally require a healthy battery too.
• A healthy mains supply is indicated by a constant green L.E.D. (mains) indicator.
• Test the alarm weekly by pressing (and holding) the test button. The alarm and all those interconnected to it will sound.
• Vacuum your alarms regularly to reduce the likelihood of nuisance alarms, caused by dust contamination.
• Never paint or expose alarm to water – this is a 230V alarm. (If painting or building work is being carried out close to alarm, temporarily cover with a plastic bag, or the dust cover supplied.)
• Smoke alarm operating temp & humidity range: 0° C to 40° C, 93% RH, non-condensing.
• Storage and Transport Conditions: -20° C to +60° C, 5-95%Rh (non-condensing)
• If the alarm chirps every 30-40 seconds at the same time as the red LED, it indicates the battery needs replacing. (If you are in rented property, advise your Landlord.)
• If the alarm chirps every 30-40 seconds in between red LED flashes this indicates the alarm is in error. Press and hold the Test button to reset the unit but replace it if the alarm does re-enter error mode.
• If there is any question to the cause of an alarm, it should be assumed that the alarm was due to an actual fire and the dwelling should be evacuated immediately.

Types of Alarm

Power Supply

• DC alarms
  9V battery-powered units, but will only function if the battery is in good condition –check regularly. (BS5839 Pt6: Grade F).

• AC/DC alarms
  230V mains – for professional installation. Minimum required to comply with relevant local Building Regulations. Interconnectable to other Kidde AC Alarms, so all will sound when one is triggered. If mains power is lost, will operate via battery power if batteries are fresh/properly installed. Some models use replaceable 9V (PP3 type) batteries, others sealed-in rechargeable batteries. (BS5839 Pt6: Grade D). This type is the minimum grade acceptable on new or materially altered dwellings.
  WARNING: This alarm cannot be operated from power derived from a square wave or modified sine wave inverter. These types of inverters are sometimes used to supply power to the structure in off-grid installations, such as solar or wind-derived power sources. These power sources produce high peak voltages that will damage the alarm.

Alarm Types

• Ionization (Ion) alarms are the most common type and provide early detection against fast flaming fires and other fires. Most suitable for dining and living room areas. Ion alarms contain 0.9 microcuries of Americium 241, a radioactive material. BS5839 Pt6 recommends,s however, that optical alarms are also used especially in locations where steam or cooking fumes, from a nearby room, could cause nuisance alarms.
  No one type of alarm is considered suitable for all locations.

• Optical (Photo-Electric) alarms are increasingly used and are less prone to nuisance alarms from cooking fumes. They are therefore the recommended type in BS5839 Pt6, for fitting near kitchen areas and on escape routes/circulation spaces.

• Heat alarms are for use in areas where Ion or Optical smoke alarms would be unsuitable e.g. kitchens, boiler rooms, garages. However, they must always be used interconnected to smoke alarms – do not use in isolation. (They will typically go into alarm when the temperature reaches approximately 57°C.) Suitable for new Building Regulations applicable 1/7/2000 regarding use in kitchens.

How to Operate/Test the Alarm

Operation and L.E.D. Status

• When your alarm is correctly installed to the mains supply, the green L.E.D. light will be on. The red L.E.D. will blink every 30-40 seconds to indicate the sensor is operating correctly. If the alarm senses products of combustion, its 85dB horn will be activated. The red L.E.D. will flash rapidly on the alarm sensing smoke/heat. (Other interconnected alarms will also sound to warn those in other parts of the property.) This will continue until the sensor chamber is clear. If the red L.E.D. blinks every 30-40 seconds and the alarm chirps in between, it indicates failure of the sensing chamber. Press and hold the test button to perform a test but if the unit re-enters error mode replace the alarm. In the case of a heat alarm, it is a class A2 device and will alarm between 54°C and 70°C. and will return to its standby mode when the temperature drops to normal levels. Regularly check and ensure that the green L.E.D. is lit – if not, check the consumer unit/circuit breaker connection. As with previous point above, if in doubt, consult an electrician or your Landlord.

Testing

• Utilise the test button to test the alarm. Do not use naked flames as this does not replicate smoke and may cause physical damage to the alarm or ignite combustible materials and start a structure fire. Test all your alarms weekly – remember they are life-saving devices, protecting the family and home. Press and hold the test button until the alarm sounds. All interconnected alarms will also sound. (Do not stand too close to the alarm during testing – hearing may be damaged.) Immediately after completing the test cycle, the 2SFW AND 2SFWR models will enter into Hush mode and the red LED will flash approximately every 10 seconds.

Hush Button

• This feature temporarily desensitizes the alarm circuit for approximately 7 minutes. This feature is to be used only when a known alarm condition, such as fumes from cooking, activates the alarm. The alarm is desensitized by pushing and releasing the “HUSH” button on the alarm cover. If the smoke is not too dense, the alarm will silence immediately and the red LED will flash every 10-11 seconds for approximately 7 minutes. This indicates that the alarm is in a temporarily desensitized condition. The alarm will automatically reset after approximately 7 minutes and sound the alarm if particles of combustion are still present and released. The “HUSH” feature can be used repeatedly until the air has been cleared of the condition causing the alarm. The triggering alarm is signified by a rapidly flashing red LED. For safety reasons, the triggering alarm signal can only be silenced by activating the Hush button on that unit.
  Note: Dense smoke will override the hush control feature and sound a continuous alarm.
  Caution: Before using the alarm hush feature, identify the source of the smoke and be certain a safe condition exists. (On heat alarms with a hush, the alarms sensor has detected a high temperature – e.g. 57°C. Check for possible causes carefully.)

Nuisance Alarms
Warning: Persistent nuisance alarms indicates incorrect type and/or siting of alarm. Review with your installer or Landlord after cleaning as described in Section 7
(Maintenance).

Battery Checking/Changing

Loose Battery Models

Low Battery Indicator (AC models with loose battery only)
If you hear the alarm chirp continuously every 30-40 seconds at the same time as the led flashes (and have not just pressed the hush button) it indicates the battery voltage is at an unacceptably low level. Replace the battery at the next possible opportunity. WARNING! Removal of battery(s) and disconnection or loss of AC power will render this alarm inoperative

Battery Change

1. Firstly isolate the mains supply at the consumer unit by identifying the appropriate circuit. This may be a dedicated fuse marked “Fire/Smoke Alarms” or with a symbol such as.
   (If you rent your property, your Landlord may arrange this service for you.)

2. Slide screwdriver blade in recess to unlock from base, as indicated by arrow to release locking tab

3. With screwdriver still inserted push alarm hard with palm of hand in direction of arrow, to slide off it’s base.

4. Note correct position of battery and install replacement type as listed below. The alarm cannot be replaced without a battery installed.

5. Reverse procedure to re-install alarm. We recommend the use of alkaline for a longer service life.

6. When you have fitted a fresh battery, check test button; if horn sounds then reverse the process above, reconnect to the mains and switch circuit back on at Consumer Unit.

Good Safety Habits

Develop and practice a plan of escape:

• Install and maintain Fire extinguishers on every level of the home and in the kitchen, basement and garage. Know how to use a fire extinguisher prior to an emergency.
• Current studies have shown smoke alarms may not awaken all sleeping individuals, and that 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.
• Make a floor plan indicating all doors and windows and at least two escape routes from each room. Second storey windows may need a rope or chain ladder.
• Have a family meeting and discuss your escape plan, showing everyone what to do in case of a fire.
• Determine a place outside your home where you can meet if a fire occurs.
• Familiarise everyone with the sound of the alarm and train them to leave your home when they hear it.
• Practice a fire drill at least every six months, including fire drills at night. Ensure that small children hear the alarm and wake when it sounds. They must wake up in order to execute the escape plan. Practice allows all occupants to test your plan before an emergency. You may not be able to reach your children. It is important they know what to do.

What to do when the Alarm Sounds

• • Alert small children in the home.
• Leave immediately by your escape plan. Every second counts, so don’t waste time getting dressed or picking up valuables.
• In leaving, don’t open any inside door without first feeling its surface. If hot, or you see smoke seeping through cracks, don’t open that door!Instead, use your alternative exit.
• If the inside of the door is cool, place your shoulder against it, open it slightly and be ready to slam it shut if heat and smoke rush in.
• Stay close to the floor if the air is smoky. Breathe shallowly through a cloth, wet if possible.
• Once outside, go to your selected meeting place and make sure everyone is there.
• Call the fire brigade on 999 from your neighbor’s home or a call box – not from yours.
• Don’t return to your home until the fire officials say that it is all right to do so.
• There are situations where a smoke alarm may not be effective to protect against fire. For instance:
  • a) smoking in bed
  • b) leaving children unsupervised.
  • c) cleaning with flammable liquids, such as gasoline
  • d) fires where the victim is intimate with a flaming-initiated fire; for example, when a person’s clothes catch fire while cooking.
  • e) incendiary fires where the fire grows so rapidly that an occupant’s egress is blocked even with properly located detectors.

Checking Battery Back-up on Rechargeable Long Life Models

• There is no user-replaceable battery on rechargeable models. This will be indicated on the product; additionally, there is no battery compartment. To check the charge on these models, switch off the alarm AC supply at the Consumer Unit/Fuse Box. The green
  L. E.D. will go out. Push the test button to check battery only mode works. If the rechargeable battery is depleted, the low battery beep will be heard once every 40 seconds. If the alarm has received AC mains power for a minimum of 3 days prior to this, you will need to have the unit changed by your installer or Landlord.

Maintenance

• Your alarm is a life-saving device. Spending a few minutes each month in vacuuming off any excess dust will enhance its performance and reduce the likelihood of nuisance alarms.
• Vacuum up to the grill and through the slots where dust/talc etc. can enter. Wipe off with a very mildly damp cloth. Never use cleaning agents/polishes etc.

Never attempt to open the inside of the alarm this will invalidate its guarantee.

What to do in an Emergency

• If an alarm sounds without anyone pressing the test button you have a potential emergency.
• Donʼt panic you will need to think clearly to ensure all family members escape as soon as possible. Never stop to collect belongings etc. they are replaceable.
• Check the temperature of door handles or doors to check if hot do not open them – fire will be raging on the other side of the door. Find an alternative escape route.
• Keep doors/windows closed to contain the fire after you have passed through them.
• Call 999 from a neighbourʼs phone or call box. This is preferable to using a mobile.
• Do not re-enter the property until advised it is safe to do so by a Fire Brigade Officer.

Troubleshooting

Always turn off the mains supply to AC alarms before checking connections etc..

for Blown Fuse or tripped Circuit Breaker._

b. Check cables at the back of the alarm, are correctly seated/wired in, and the alarm is pushed fully home (see “Battery Changing” section).

2. Frequent nuisance alarms| See sections 2,3,4 and 7. If sited incorrectly/not regularly cleaned as in section 11, nuisance alarms can occur.
3. Alarm chirps every 30-40 seconds| Verify green LED is lit continuously then see section 5 to replace the battery if applicable. If unit has a rechargeable battery or the problem persists after installing a new battery, contact customer service.
4. Alarm does not sound when test button is pressed and held.| See parts 1a and 1b above. Have installer re-check wiring if Green LED is illuminated, but the alarm does not appear to function. If no Green LED check the consumer unit. Alarm with still functions on battery power if the battery is in a serviceable state. . Check via Test Button.
5. Interconnected alarms do not sound when test button is pressed and held.| See part 1b above – consult a qualified electrician or your Landlord to remedy as soon as possible.

Useful Hints

• Smoke/heat alarms can only operate correctly if smoke particles/heat reach the unit. Correct selection/siting and installation are covered in the installer’s manual, who fitted your alarm/s.
• Building Regulations require new homes to have 1 hard-wired smoke alarm per floor and to be interlinked. From 2000 they will additionally require an interlinked heat alarm to be fitted in most kitchens too. i.e. 3 alarms per property.
• Smoke/heat alarms should be replaced every 10 years or sooner.
• These products are designed for domestically scaled premises.
• At the end-of-life for recycling purposes, contact Kidde for instructions on removing the rechargeable batteries from models so equipped as these batteries are not designed for user removal.

Limitations of Smoke/Heat Alarms

Warning! Smoke alarms are devices that can provide early warning of possible fires at a reasonable cost; however, alarms have sensing limitations. Leading authorities recommend that both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms be installed to help insure maximum detection of the various types of fires that can occur within the home. Ionization sensing alarms may detect invisible fire particles (associated with fast flaming fires) sooner than photoelectric alarms. Photoelectric sensing alarms may detect visible fire particles (associated with slow smoldering fires) sooner than ionization alarms.
Heat alarms are useful in areas with condensation/dust/high humidity, such as kitchens and lofts. Heat alarms MUST ALWAYS be interconnected to smoke alarms.
The heat alarm is a class A2 device and will alarm between 54°C and 70°C. – they are not suitable for use as a fire safety device independently, they must always be used in conjunction and interconnected with smoke alarms.
Loose batteries, where fitted must be of the specified type, in good condition, and installed properly.
AC-only powered alarms will not operate if AC power has been cut off such as by an electrical fire, an open fuse, or loss of mains supply.
All alarms must be tested regularly to make sure the batteries and the alarm circuits are in good operating condition.
Life safety from fire in residential occupancies is based primarily on early notification to occupants of the need to escape, followed by the appropriate egress actions by those occupants. Fire warning systems for dwelling units are capable of protecting about half of the occupants in potentially fatal fires. Victims can be involved with the fire, too old or young, or physically or mentally impaired such that they cannot escape even when warned early enough that escape should be possible. For these people, other strategies such as protection-in-place or assisted escape or rescue are necessary.
Smoke alarms cannot provide an alarm if smoke does not reach the unit. Therefore, smoke alarms may not sense fires starting in chimneys, walls, on roofs, on the other side of a closed door, or on a different floor. If the alarm is located outside the bedroom or on a different floor, it may not wake up a sound sleeper. Equally heat alarms will only be triggered if they are correctly sited to detect heat. The use of alcohol or drugs may also impair one’s ability to hear the alarm. For maximum protection, a smoke alarm should be installed in each sleeping area on every level of a home. Hearing impaired occupiers should consider fitting additional strobe accessories to give a visual alarm.
Although smoke/heat alarms can help save lives by providing an early warning of a fire, they are not a substitute for an insurance policy. Homeowners and renters should have adequate insurance to protect their property.
Fire-warning equipment for residential occupancies is capable of protecting about half of the occupants in potentially fatal fires. Victims are often intimate with the fire, too old or too young, or physically or mentally impaired such that they cannot escape even when warned early enough that escape should be possible. For these people, other strategies such as protection-in-place or assisted escape or rescue would be necessary. If the alarm is located outside the sleeping room or on a different floor, it may not wake up a sound sleeper. The use of alcohol or drugs may also impair one’s ability to hear the smoke alarm. For maximum protection, a smoke alarm should be installed in each sleeping area on every level of a home.
If after reviewing this user guide you feel that your smoke alarm is defective in any way, do not tamper with the unit. Refer to Section 14. Contact your Installer, Wholesale Distributor, or Landlord.

Service and Guarantee

Guarantee
Kidde guarantees to you as a purchaser that the enclosed alarm will be free of defects in material, workmanship, or design under normal use and service for a period of 10 years (from the date of purchase), excluding any loose battery supplied.
The Guarantee is not assignable. Our liability to you, under this guarantee, is limited to repairing or replacing any part which we find to be defective in material, workmanship or design, free of charge to the customer, who is situated within the UK, upon sending the alarm with proof of date of purchase, postage prepaid, to Kidde Safety Europe Ltd Ash House, Littleton Road, Ashford, TW15 1TZ, UK, tel: 0800 917 0722
The terms of this guarantee will not apply in the following circumstances: If the alarm has been damaged, modified, neglected, dismantled, contaminated, abused, or altered after the date of purchase, or if it fails to operate due to incorrect selection, siting, installation, maintenance or inadequate AC or DC electrical power, or damage caused by failure to abide by the instructions supplied. The liability of Kidde, arising from the sale of this alarm or under the terms of this guarantee shall not in any case exceed the cost of replacement of the alarm, in no case, shall be liable for consequential loss or damaged resulting from the failure of the alarm or for the breach of this or any other guarantee, express or implied, or for damages caused by failure to abide by the instructions supplied. This guarantee does not affect your statutory rights.
Kidde makes no guarantee, express or implied, written or oral, including that of satisfactory quality or fitness for any particular purpose, with respect to the battery, except built-in rechargeable cells.

Manufactured By:
Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc.
1016 Corporate Park Drive, Mebane, NC 27302, USA
For servicing return to:
Kidde Safety Europe Ltd
Ash House, Littleton Road,
Ashford, TW15 1TZ, UK
Made in China
EU Authorised Representative:
Carrier Fire & Security B.V.
Kelvinstraat 7, 6003 DH Weert, NL

References

• Home Fire Safety Products (smoke & carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, etc.) from Kidde - Kidde
• Home Fire Safety Products (smoke & carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, etc.) from Kidde - Kidde

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