First Alert SA10YRUKN Smoke Fire Alarm User Manual

**First Alert SA10YRUKN Smoke Fire Alarm User Manual

**

IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE
This user’s manual contains important information about your Smoke Alarm’s operation. If you are installing this Smoke Alarm for use by others, you must leave this manual—or a copy of it—with the end user.

All First Alert Smoke Alarms conform to regulatory requirements, including BS5446: Pt. 1:2000 and are designed to detect particles of combustion. Smoke particles of varying number and size are produced in all fires.

lonisation technology is generally more sensitive than photoelectric 1) technology at detecting small particles, which tend to be produced in greater amounts by fla.ming fires, which consume combustible materials rapidly and spread quickly. Sources of these fires may include paper burning in a wastebasket, or a grease fire in the kitchen.

Photoelectric technology is generally more sensitive than ionisation P technology at detecting large particles, which tend to be produced in greater amounts by smouldering fires, which may smoulder 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 Alarms 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 mains circuits; 5) Keep cookers, barbecue grills, fireplaces and chimneys grease- and debris free; 6) Never leave anything heating on the cooker unattended; 7) Keep portable heaters and open flames, like candles, away from flammable materials; 8) Don’t let rubbish accumulate.

Keep alarms clean, and test them weekly. Replace alarms immediately if they are not working properly. Smoke Alarms that do not work cannot alert you to a fire. Keep at least one working fire extinguisher on every floor, and an additional one in the kitchen along with a fire blanket. Have fire escape ladders or other reliable means of escape from an upper floor in case stairs are blocked.

BEFORE YOU INSTALL THIS SMOKE ALARM

IMPORTANT! Read “Recommended Locations for Smoke Alarms” and “Locations to Avoid for Smoke Alarms” 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 can ONLY give an early warning of developing fires if it is installed, maintained and located where smoke can reach it, and where all residents can hear it, as described in this manual. This unit will not sense gas, heat, or flame. It cannot prevent or extinguish fires.

Understand The Different Type of Smoke Alarms
Battery powered or mains powered? Different Smoke Alarms provide different types of protection. See “About Smoke Alarms” for details.
Know Where To Install Your Smoke Alarms
Fire Safety Professionals recommend at least one Smoke Alarm on every level of your home, in every bedroom, and in every bedroom hallway or separate sleeping area. See “Recommended Locations For Smoke Alarms” and “Locations To Avoid For Smoke Alarms” for details.
Know What Smoke Alarms Can and Can’t Do
A Smoke Alarm can help alert you to fire, giving you precious time to escape. It can only sound an alarm once smoke reaches the sensor. See “Limitations of Smoke Alarms” for details.
Check Your Local Building Regulations
This Smoke Alarm is designed to be used in a typical single-family residence. It alone may not meet requirements for boarding houses, sheltered housing, hotels, motels, hostels, inns or communal escape routes *All First Alert in blocks of flats. See “Special Compliance Considerations” for details.

Warning

• 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 the hearing impaired.
• Do not connect this unit to any other alarm or auxiliary device. It is a stand-alone unit that cannot be linked to other devices. Connecting anything else to this unit may prevent it from working properly.
• This Smoke Alarm cannot detect smoke until you activate it. You must activate the unit for it to receive power from the power cells. Failure to activate the unit will prevent the alarm from providing any warning of smoke or fire.
• The power cells in this unit cannot be replaced—once they reach the end of their service life, you must install a new Smoke Alarm. You must deactivate the unit before disposing of it.

CAUTION

• Do not install this unit over a mains cable junction box or holes in the ceiling. Air currents can prevent smoke from reaching the sensing chamber and prevent the unit from alarming. Only mains (AC) powered units are intended for installation over mains cables.
• 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

HOW TO INSTALL THIS SMOKE ALARM THE PARTS OF THIS SMOKE ALARM

Cover

1. Clear test button
2. Blue “Push To Silence” button

TOOLS YOU WILL NEED:
This unit is designed to be mounted on the ceiling, or on the wall if necessary.

• Pencil
• Drill with 3/16” (5 mm) drill bit
• Standard/flathead screwdriver
• Hammer

Parts

1. Mounting bracket
2. Keyhole Shaped Mounting Slot “RPON”
3. Keyhole Shaped Mounting Slot “FGHI”
4. Alignment Arrow On Mounting Bracket
5. Raised Activation Tab
6. Deactivation Tab (located under label)
7. Alignment Tab On Alarm
8. Turn to attach to bracket
9. Turn this way to remove from bracket

INSTALL THE MOUNTING BRACKET:

1. Locate the mounting bracket and find the two keyhole shaped slots marked “RPON” and “FGHI.”

2. Place the bracket on the wall or ceiling where you want to mount the alarm.

3. Hold the mounting bracket against the ceiling (or wall) and trace around the inside of the two keyhole slots labeled “RPON” and “FGHI”. **(Fig. 1)

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   **

4. Make a mark inside each outline for the drill holes. Line one mark up with the letter “P” in the slot labeled “RPON,” and the other with the letter “H” in the slot marked “FGHI. This will help line your screws up correctly and make it easier to attach the mounting bracket. ( **Fig. 2)

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   **

5. Using a 3/16-inch (5 mm) drill bit, drill a hole through each pencil mark.

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. Tighten the screws (provided) into the screw anchors, then loosen them 2 turns.

8. Hold the mounting bracket against the ceiling or wall so the large end of slot “RPON” slides over the mounting screw. Line the screw head up with the letter “P” printed on the bracket (in the narrow end of the keyhole slot). You will notice the bracket may not fit over the second screw. This is normal.

9. Rotate the mounting bracket (to the right) until it fits around the second screw head. Then move the bracket so the second screw lines up with the “H” printed on the bracket.

10. Tighten both screws all the way

ACTIVATE THE POWER CELLS:

WARNING

You must activate the power cells before attaching the Smoke Alarm to the bracket.

1. Find the raised tab on the bottom of the alarm.

2. Insert a large coin or screwdriver in the slot. Turn clockwise (to the right) 1/2 turn until the tab comes out. This activates the power cells.If you have trouble activating the unit, call Customer Service Department at 01275 845024 for assistance.
   NOTE: You may hear a “beep” when you remove the activation tab. This indicates the power cells have been activated correctly, but you must still test the unit using the test button to make sure it is working properly.

3. Test the Smoke Alarm. Press and hold the test button on the cover of the unit for 5-20 seconds, or until the alarm sounds (the unit may continue to alarm for a few seconds after you release the button). During testing you will hear a loud, continuous horn pattern. If the unit does not alarm during testing, call the Customer Service Department for assistance.

ATTACH SMOKE ALARM TO MOUNTING BRACKET

1. Line up the alignment tab on the unit with the alignment tab on the mounting bracket. Push the unit toward the bracket, and turn it clockwise until you feel it snap into place.
2. Test the unit again. Press the clear test button 5-20 seconds until the horn begins sounding. During testing you will hear a loud, continuous horn pattern.

WEEKLY TESTING

Warning
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 home. The built-in test switch accurately tests the unit’s operation as required by British Standards (BSI). If you choose to use an aerosol smoke product to test the Smoke Alarm, be certain to use one that has been certified to British Safety Standards, and use it only as directed. Use of non-BSI certified products or improper use of BSI certified products may affect the Smoke Alarm’s sensitivity.

It is important to test this unit every week to make sure it is working properly. Using the test button is the recommended way to test this Smoke Alarm. Press and hold the test button on the cover of the unit until the alarm continuously 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 and test it again. If it still does not alarm, replace it immediately. During testing you will hear a loud, continuous horn pattern.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE
This unit has been designed to be as maintenance free as possible, but there are a few simple things you must do to keep it working properly.

• Test it at least once a week.
• Clean the Smoke Alarm at least once a month; gently vacuum off any dust using your household vacuum’s soft brush attachment. Never use water, cleaners or solvents since they may damage the unit.
• Relocate the unit if it sounds frequent unwanted alarms. See “Locations to Avoid For Smoke Alarms” for details.

When the power cells become weak, the Smoke Alarm unit will “chirp” about once a minute (the low power warning). This low power warning should last for 30 days, but you should replace the Smoke Alarm immediately to continue  your protection. (To make sure you are truly hearing the low power warning and not the reminder for the Silence Feature, wait at least 30 minutes before deactivating the Smoke Alarm.).

TO DEACTIVATE THE SMOKE ALARM

WARNING

The power cells in this unit are not replaceable. Once they reach the end of their service life, or after 10 years—whichever comes first— you must install a new Smoke Alarm.

NOTE: The low power warning sounds like the reminder “chirp” for the Silence Feature. When you activate the Silence Feature, the unit will “chirp” about once a minute for up to 15 minutes as a reminder. To make sure you are truly hearing the low power warning and not the reminder for the Silence Feature, wait at least 30 minutes before deactivating the unit.

After 10 years or after the “low power warning” sounds (whichever comes first):

1. Remove the label on the bottom of the unit and locate the flat round tab.

2. Insert a Flathead screwdriver in the slot and turn clockwise (to the right) until the tab comes out. This will discharge the power cells and deactivate the unit.

3. Once you deactivate this unit, it will not detect smoke or alarm. It cannot be reactivated.
   You must install a new unit to continue your protection.

4. Install a new Smoke Alarm immediately.

IF THIS SMOKE ALARM SOUNDS

RESPONDING TO AN ALARM
During an alarm, you will hear a loud, continuous horn pattern: beep, beep, beep…

WARNING

• 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 power cells from this Smoke Alarm to stop an unwanted alarm (caused by cooking smoke, etc.). Removing the power cells disables the alarm so it cannot sense smoke, and removes your protection. Instead use the Silence feature, then open a window or fan the smoke away from the unit. The Smoke Alarm will reset automatically.
• 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 Brigade 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 Brigade for ideas on making your home safer.

WARNING

Alarms have various limitations. See “Limitations of Smoke Alarms” for details.

USING THE SILENCE FEATURE

The Silence Feature can temporarily quiet an unwanted alarm for several minutes. To use this feature, press the blue “Push to Silence” button on the cover. The alarm will “chirp” about once a minute (for up to 15 minutes) to remind you the alarm has been silenced. The “chirping” will stop when the unit returns to normal operation. If the unit will not silence and no heavy smoke is present, or if it stays in silence mode continuously (“chirps” for longer than 30 minutes), the unit should be replaced immediately. See “To Deactivate the Smoke Alarm”.

WARNING

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, it 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 Alarms may not operate properly because of dead or weak power cells, a build-up of dirt, dust or grease on the Smoke Alarm cover, or installation in an improper location. Clean the Smoke Alarm as described in “Regular Maintenance,” and test the Smoke Alarm again. If it fails to test properly when you use the test button, or if the problem persists, replace the Smoke Alarm immediately.

• If you experience frequent non-emergency alarms (like those caused by cooking smoke), try relocating the Smoke Alarm.

• If the alarm sounds when no smoke is visible, try cleaning or relocating the Smoke Alarm. The Alarm may be dirty or dusty.

• If the alarm no longer sounds during testing, replace the Smoke
  Alarm! If the Smoke Alarm was properly activated, and had previously alarmed during testing, the power cells are at the end of their service life. (See “Regular Maintenance.”)

• If the alarm will not silence when you use the Silence feature, DO NOT IGNORE THE ALARM! This indicates a potentially dangerous situation.

• If the Smoke Alarm “chirps” about once a minute (for more than 30 minutes), Replace the Smoke Alarm! (See “Regular Maintenance.”) This is the low power cell warning.

Do not try fixing the alarm yourself – this will void your guarantee!

If the Smoke Alarm is still not operating properly, and it is still under guarantee, please see “How to Obtain Guarantee Service” in the Limited Guarantee below.

LIMITED GUARANTEE

BRK Brands Europe Ltd., (“the Company”), guarantees its enclosed Smoke Alarm to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of ten years from the date of purchase. BRK Brands Europe Ltd. makes no other express guarantee for this Smoke Alarm. No agent, representative, dealer or employee of 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 ten 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

Service: If service is required, do not return the product to your retailer.
In order to obtain guarantee service, please telephone the Customer Service Dept. on 01275 845024 to arrange return.

This Smoke Alarm is designed to operate for 10 years, and is backed by a 10-year limited guarantee. To date, the actual Alarm, however, has not been tested for 10 years. The power cells in this Smoke Alarm are not replaceable. When they reach the end of their service life, you must replace the entire Smoke Alarm to continue your protection.

RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR SMOKE ALARMS

Installing Smoke Alarms in Single-Family Residences

British Standards (BSI) recommend one Smoke Alarm on every floor, in every living area, and in every bedroom or sleeping area. See “British Standards (BSI) Recommendations” for details. For additional coverage, it is recommended that you also install a Smoke Alarm in halls, storage areas, finished attics and roof voids. Make sure no door or other obstruction could keep smoke from reaching the Smoke Alarms or minimize the sound level produced from ensuring the occupants from hearing the alarm signal.

More specifically, install Smoke Alarms:

• Where temperatures normally remain between 4˚ C (40˚ F) and 38˚ C (100˚ F).
• On every level of your home, including finished attics.
• Inside every bedroom, especially if people sleep with doors closed.
• In the hall near every sleeping area. If your home has multiple sleeping areas, install a unit in each.
• If a hall is over 7.5 metres (25 feet) long, install an alarm at each end.
• At the top of the first-to-second floor and subsequent floor stairways, and at the bottom of the ground floor stairway

Important!

Specific requirements for Smoke Alarm installation may vary from region to region. Check with your local Fire Brigade and Building Control for current requirements in your area.

BRITISH STANDARDS (BSI) RECOMMENDATIONS
BS 5839 Part 6 (Code of practice for the design and installation of fire detection and alarm systems in dwellings)

Smoke Alarms shall be installed in all circulation spaces (normally hallways and staircases) that form part of escape routes, one on every level, and in all rooms and areas that present a high fire risk. Additionally, Smoke Alarms should also be installed between the sleeping area(s) and the most likely sources of fire (living room and kitchen).

If there are long hallways, corridors, or protected rooms or areas over 7.5 metres (25 feet) from the nearest unit, the installation of additional Smoke Alarms may be necessary. Roof voids containing stored combustibles or sources of ignition may also warrant the installation of additional Smoke Alarms.

The installation of Smoke Alarms in kitchens, toilets, bathrooms orshower rooms is not normally recommended, as these locations occasionally experience conditions that can result in improper operation.

LOCATIONS TO AVOID FOR SMOKE ALARMS

For best performance, it is recommended you AVOID installing Smoke Alarms in these areas:

• Where combustion particles are produced. Combustion particles form when something burns. Areas to avoid include kitchens, garages, and boiler rooms. Keep units at least 3 metres (10 feet) from the sources of combustion particles (cooker, boiler, space heater) 6 metres (20 feet) if possible. Ventilate these areas as much as possible. Note: If you must install Smoke Alarms closer than 6 metres (20 feet) from a source of combustion particles, keep the area well ventilated, and the Smoke Alarms clean.
• In air streams near kitchens. Air currents can draw cooking smoke into the sensing chamber of a Smoke Alarm near the kitchen.
• In very damp, humid or steamy areas keep units at least 3 metres (10 feet) away from bathrooms, toilets, showers, dishwashers, etc.
• Where the temperatures are regularly below 4˚C (40˚F) or above 38˚C (100˚F), including unheated buildings, outdoor rooms, porches, or roof voids.
• In very dusty, dirty, or greasy areas. Do not install a Smoke Alarm directly over the cooker. Keep laundry room Smoke Alarms 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 300 mm (12 inches) away from light fittings. Electrical “noise” can interfere with the sensor; i.e. fluorescent lights, etc.
• Where the bottom edge of wall mounted Smoke Alarms is placed below the level of any door opening.
• In rooms which are being decorated, painted or artexed.
• In “dead air” spaces. “Dead air” spaces may prevent smoke from reaching the Smoke Alarm.

Avoiding Dead Air Spaces
“Dead air” spaces may prevent smoke from reaching the Smoke Alarm.
To avoid dead air spaces, follow the installation recommendations below.
On ceilings, install Smoke Alarms as close to the centre of the ceiling as possible. If this is not possible, install the Smoke Alarm at least 300 mm (12 inches) from the wall or corner.
For wall mounting (if allowed by building regulations), the top edge of Smoke Alarms should be placed between 150 and 300 mm (6 and 12 inches) from the wall/ceiling line, below typical “dead air” spaces.
On a peaked, gabled, or cathedral ceiling, install the first Smoke Alarm within 0.9 metres (3 feet) of the peak of the ceiling, measuring horizontally. Additional Smoke Alarms may be required depending on the length, angle, etc. of the ceiling’s slope. Refer to BS 5839 Part 6, 5588 Part 1 and local building regulations for details on requirements for sloped or peaked ceilings.

ABOUT SMOKE ALARMS

Battery (DC) powered Smoke Alarms: 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. May also be interconnected, model dependent, so if one unit senses smoke, all units alarm.
Mains (AC) powered Smoke Alarms: Can be interconnected so if one unit senses smoke, all units alarm. They do not operate if electricity fails.
Mains (AC) with battery (DC) back-up: will operate if electricity fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed. Mains (AC) powered and mains powered with battery back-up (AC/DC) units must be installed by a qualified electrician.

All these Smoke Alarms 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 them. If you are unsure which type of Smoke Alarm to install, refer to British Standard (BS) 5839 Part 6 and 5588 Part 1. BSI, 389 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 4AL, UK. Local building regulations may also require specific units in new construction or in different areas of the home.

SPECIAL COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS

WARNING

This Smoke Alarm alone is not a suitable substitute for complete fire detection systems in places housing many people—like blocks of flats (communal escape routes), hotels, motels, hostels, inns, hospitals, long-term health care facilities, nursing homes, day care facilities, boarding houses or sheltered housing of any kind—even if they were once single-family residences. It is not a suitable substitute for complete fire detection systems in warehouses, industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and special-purpose nonresidential buildings which require special fire detection and alarm systems. Depending on the building regulations in your area, this Smoke Alarm may be used to provide additional protection in these facilities.

The following information applies to all four building types below:
In new construction, most building regulations require the use of mains (AC) or mains powered with integral standby supply (AC/DC) Smoke Alarms only. In existing construction, mains powered (AC), mains powered with integral standby supply (AC/DC), or battery (DC) powered Smoke Alarms can be used as specified by local building regulations. Refer to British Standard BS 5839 Part 6 and BS 5588 Part 1, local buildings regulations, or consult your Fire Brigade for detailed fire protection requirements in buildings not defined as “dwellings.”

1. Single-Family Residence:
   Single family home. It is recommended Smoke Alarms be installed in all circulation spaces (normally hallways and staircases) that form part of escape routes, on every level, in all rooms and areas that present a high fire risk and between the sleeping area(s) and the most likely sources of fire (living room and kitchen).

2. Multi-Family or Mixed Occupant Residence:
   Blocks of flats. This Smoke Alarm is suitable for use in individual flats, provided a primary fire detection system already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common areas like foyers, hallways, corridors, or porches. Using this Smoke Alarm in common areas may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection by-laws/ regulations.

3. Institutions:
   Hospitals, day care facilities, long-term health care facilities. This Smoke Alarm may be suitable for use in individual patient sleeping/resident rooms, provided a primary fire detection system already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common areas like foyers, hallways, corridors, or porches. Using this Smoke Alarm in common areas may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection by-laws/regulations.

4. Hotels and Motels:
   Also hostels, inns, boarding houses and sheltered housing. This Smoke Alarm may be suitable for use inside individual sleeping/resident rooms, provided a primary fire detection system already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common areas like foyers, hallways, corridors, or porches. Using this Smoke Alarm in common areas may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection by-laws/ regulations.

LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE ALARMS

Smoke Alarms have played a key role in reducing deaths resulting from home fires worldwide. However, like any warning device, Smoke Alarms 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. Allow 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 Alarms 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. AC units cannot work if the AC power is cut off for any reason (open fuse or circuit breaker, failure along an electrical mains or at a power station, electrical fire that burns the electrical wires, etc.). If you are concerned about the limitations of battery or AC power, install both types of units.

Smoke Alarms 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 Alarms 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 ground floor 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 all circulation spaces (normally hallways and staircases) that form part of escape routes, on every level, and in all rooms and areas that present a high fire risk. Even with a unit on every floor, stand-alone units may not provide as much protection as interconnected units, especially if the fire starts in a remote area. Some safety experts recommend installing interconnected mains (AC) powered units with battery (DC) back-up (see “About Smoke Alarms”) or professional fire detection systems, so if one unit senses smoke, all units alarm. Interconnected units may provide earlier warning than standalone units since all units alarm when one detects smoke.

Smoke Alarms 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, etc. should be installed for hearing impaired residents.

Smoke Alarms 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 Alarms are not foolproof. Like any electronic device, Smoke Alarms 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 Alarms cannot prevent or extinguish fires. They are not a substitute for property or life insurance.

Smoke Alarms have a limited life. The unit should be replaced immediately if it is not operating properly. You should always replace a Smoke Alarm after 10 years from date of purchase. Write the purchase date on the user’s manual and keep in a safe place for future reference.

For your records, please record:
Date Purchased: ____
Where Purchased: ____

First Alert® is a registered trademark of the First Alert Trust.

M09-0015-000 J 02/03

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