DSC Meridian WLS906 User manual

How the Smoke Alarm Works
As shown in the illustration, a light source is directed across the
smoke chamber and is not normally reflected into the sensing
element. When smoke enters the chamber, the light beam is
scattered by the smoke and is reflected into the sensor. When
enough light is detected by the sensor, an alarm is activated. On
alarm,theSounderisactivatedandtheredindicatorlightwillflash.
When the smoke clears from the smoke chamber, the unit will
automatically reset itself.
Alarm Indications
Condition Sounder Indicator RF
Light Transmission
No Smoke Silent Flash every Supervision
40-50 s transmissionh
every 12 min.
Smoke Alarm Flash every Alarm
0.67 s transmission
Automatic Self Test Silent Flash every Supervision
Functioning Normally 40-50 s transmission
every 12 min.
Automatic Self Test Chirp between Flash every Fire Trouble
Insufficient Sensitivity LED flashes 40-50 s transmission
Push-button Test Alarm Flash every Supervision
Functioning Normally 0.67 s transmission
every 12 min.
Push-button Test Silent Flash every Fire Trouble
Insufficient Sensitivity 40-50 s transmission
Magnet-Reed-Switch Alarm Flash every Alarm
Test Functioning Normally 0.67 s transmission
Magnet-Reed-Switch Silent Flash every Fire Trouble
Test Insufficient Sensitivity 40-50 s transmission
Low Battery Chirp simultaneous Flash every Fire Trouble
with LED flash 40-50 s transmission
Limitations of Smoke Alarms
While the Meridian Smoke Alarm has been designed for reliability,
it is important to know that all smoke alarms have limitations.
• Smokealarmswillnotworkwithoutpower.Ifthebatteriesarelow,
thesmokealarmwillnotfunction.See“
BatteryInstallation ”below
for important information on battery use.
• Smoke alarms can only generate an alarm when smoke gets
inside the Smoke Chamber; anything that prevents smoke from
entering the Smoke Chamber may prevent or delay an alarm.
Refer to the Guidelines for Locating Smoke Alarms on this
InstructionSheet;itis important that smoke alarms belocatedon
at least every floor of the premises, preferably in every room. It is
also important to avoid obstructions, such as closed doors, that
maypreventsmokefromreachingtheunit.Asmokealarmwillnot
detectafireinthewalls,inthechimneyorontheroofofabuilding
until smoke enters the Smoke Chamber.
• Smokealarmshavecertainobviouslimitations:theymaynotprovide
protection for someone smoking in bed, for children playing with
matches, or for sudden and violent explosions. A smoke alarm is a
singlepartofoverallfiresafetyprecautions;thesmokealarmshould
never be seen as a substitute for a complete fire safety program.
READ THIS INSTRUCTION SHEET THOROUGHLY BEFORE
INSTALLING AND USING YOUR MERIDIAN SMOKE ALARM
Features
• Advanced 90° photoelectric detection pattern and specially
designed smoke chamber
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∗∗
∗
for superior detection and dust
resistance
• Unique high signal-to-noise ratio and superior RFI
immunity to prevent false alarms
• Excellent smoke access provides reliable detection for all
smoke flow directions and velocities
• Loud 85dB piezoelectric alarm horn
• Battery-powered design for easy installation and
independence from house power sources
• Uses six AA batteries and special circuit design to provide
extra long battery life
• Solid-state LED indicator light (red)
• Visible flash light and audible trouble chirp for low battery
warning
• Equipped with an RF transmitter, WLS906 can
communicate with DSC's WLS900 Wireless and Power832
Security Systems
• Test Button allows user to perform sensitivity test and get
a local indication of test result
• Magnet-activated reed-switch allows user to perform
system test
• Battery removal sensor alerts user to missing battery and
prevents installation of alarm when no battery is installed
• Automatic self-test once every 40 seconds provides an
audible trouble indication if the unit has insufficient smoke
sensitivity
• Attractive styling for any decor
• ULC listed S531
∗∗
∗∗
∗
Protected under Canadian Patent No. 1452296. Other patents pending.
Introduction
The DSC Meridian Photoelectric Smoke Alarm incorporates many
advanced design features to provide years of reliable operation. It
is important to follow the Installation and Operation instructions on
thissheettoensurethattheunitwillfunctionproperly-eventhebest
designedsmokealarmwillberendereduselessifitisnotconnected
or located properly.
It is very important that you understand how to test and maintain
your system. Read the Instruction or User Manual for your alarm
systemtofamiliariseyourself with the Fire Alarm functions. Be sure
totestyoursystemregularlyfollowingthetestproceduresdescribed
in your manual. If you should ever have problems operating or
testing your system, and especially if there are problems with the
Fire Alarm functions, contact your Smoke Alarm Installer or Dealer
immediately for service.
While smoke alarms and alarm systems are designed to warn you
of potentially dangerous situations, no system can prevent
emergencies. An alarm system is not a substitute for life and
property insurance; you should always maintain appropriate
insurance coverage.
WLS906
Battery-Powered Smoke Alarms
INSTRUCTIONS FOR
INSTALLATION AND USE

Guidelines for Locating Smoke Alarms
Researchhas shown thatallhostile fires inhomesgenerate smoke
toagreaterorlesserextent.Experimentswithtypicalfiresinhomes
indicate that detectable quantities of smoke precede detectable
levels of heat in most cases. For these reasons, smoke alarms
should be installed outside of each sleeping area and on each
storey of the home.
The following information is for general guidance only and it is
recommended that local fire codes and regulations be consulted
when locating and installing smoke alarms.
It is recommended that additional smoke alarms beyond those
requiredfor minimumprotectionbe installed.Additionalareas that
shouldbeprotectedinclude: the basement; bedrooms, especially
wheresmokerssleep;diningrooms;furnaceandutilityrooms,and
any hallways not protected by the required units.
A smoke alarm should be located between the sleeping area and
the rest of the home as in Figure 1. In homes with more than one
sleeping area, a smoke alarm should be located outside of each
sleeping area, as in Figure 2. A smoke alarm should be located on
each storey of the home, as in Figure 3.
Smokefroma fire generallyrisesto the ceiling,spreadsoutacross
theceilingsurface,andbeginstobankdownawayfromtheceiling.
Because of this airflow behaviour, the smoke may not be able to
enterthecornerwheretheceilingandwallmeet.Inmostcases,this
“dead” air space measures about 4 in. (10 cm) along the ceiling
from the corner and about 4 in. (10 cm) down the wall as shown in
Figure 4. Units should not be placed in the “dead” air space.
Locations to avoid:
• Do not locate smoke alarms at the top of peaked or gabled
ceilings; the “dead” air in these locations may prevent the unit
from detecting smoke.
• Avoid areas with turbulent airflow, such as near fans, doors or
windows.Rapidairflowaroundtheunitmaypreventsmokefrom
entering the unit.
• Do not locate smoke alarms in high humidity areas, such as in
bathrooms or attics. Also avoid areas where the temperature
rises above 38°C (100°F) or falls below 5°C (41°F).
• Do not locate smoke alarms in poorly ventilated garages or
kitchens;carexhaustorcookingsmokecouldcausefalsealarms.
Smoke detectors should always be installed in accordance with NFPA 72,
the National Fire Alarm Code. Smoke detectors should always be located
in accordance with Paragraph 2.1.1.1 of NFPA 72, Chapter 2.:
“2-2.1.1.1 Smoke detectors shall be installed outside of each separate
sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on each
additionalstoryofthefamilylivingunit,includingbasementsandexcluding
crawlspaces and unfinished attics. In new construction, a smoke detector
also shall be installed in each sleeping room.”
Testing Your Smoke Alarm
Never use burning or smouldering materials to test a smoke
alarm. Follow the test procedure described here or contact
your Smoke Alarm Dealer or Installer for testing instructions.
It is recommended that your entire alarm system be tested at
leastonceperweektoverifytheoperationofallsystemfunctions.
Smoke Alarm Unit Test
Totestthesmokealarm,pressandholdtheTestButtononthefront
of the unit. When the button is pressed, the unit’s alarm should
sound.When the button is released, the alarm should be silenced.
Ifthisdoesnot occur, check that the batteries are the correcttype,
in good condition and are installed correctly (see the
Battery
Installation
section). If the smoke alarm still does not function
properly, call your smoke alarm Installer or Dealer for service.
System Test
Toprepareyouralarmsystemforacompletetest,refertothetesting
instructions section of your system’s manual.
Observe carefully all
instructions regarding notification of the monitoring station in
order to avoid an unnecessary emergency response.
When the
systemisreadytobetested,holdthetestmagnetagainstthesmoke
alarm case as shown below.
If you have a Marquis (WLS900) system, and it is not in
walk test mode when the system test is performed, the
System Controller will transmit a fire alarm to the
monitoring station.
After activating the smoke alarm’s system test, an alarm should
sound and the indicator light should flash every 0.67 seconds.
When the magnet is removed, the alarm should be silenced.
See
your system manual for further instructions regarding
completion of the alarm system test.

Owner’s Maintenance Instructions
The Meridian Smoke Alarm is designed to require a minimum of
maintenance. Ifthecasebecomesdusty,wipethecasegentlywith
a soft dry cloth. If the case is greasy, wipe the case gently with a
soft cloth slightly dampened with soapy water.
Never disassemble the smoke alarm; there are no user
serviceable parts inside the unit. Never paint the unit, as
paint may prevent smoke from entering the unit. If you are
planning renovations or repainting, contact your Installer
and ask that the unit be temporarily removed until work is
complete.
If the unit is located in an area where it is exposed to high levels of
dust or insects and is found to cause false alarms, it may require
service; contact your Smoke Alarm Installer or Dealer.
Fire Safety In The Home
Most fires occur in the home, and to minimize this danger, it is
recommendedthatahouseholdfiresafetyauditbeconductedand
a family escape plan be developed.
Household Fire Safety Audit
1 Are all electrical appliances and outlets in a safe condition?
Check for frayed cords, overloaded lighting circuits, etc. If you
areuncertainabouttheconditionofyourelectricalappliancesor
household service, have a professional evaluation.
2 Are all flammable liquids stored safely in closed containers in a
cool, well ventilated area? Cleaning with flammable liquids
should be avoided.
3 Are hazardous materials such as matches out of the reach of
children?
4 Arefurnacesandwoodburningappliancesproperlyinstalled,
clean and in good working order? If in doubt, have a
professional evaluation.
Family Escape Planning
Thereisoften very littletimebetween the detectionofafire and the
time it becomes deadly. Because of this, it is very important that a
family escape plan be developed and rehearsed.
1 Every family member should participate in developing the
escape plan.
2 Study the possible escape routes from each location within the
house. Since many fires occur at night, special attention should
be given to the escape routes from sleeping quarters.
3 It is essential that escape from a bedroom be possible without
opening the interior door. Consider the following when making
your escape plans:
• Make sure that doors and windows that open to the outside are
easily opened. Ensure that they are not painted shut, and that
their locking mechanisms operate smoothly.
• If opening the exit or using the exit is too difficult for children, the
elderly or handicapped, plans for rescue should be developed.
This includes making sure that those who are to perform the
rescue can promptly hear the fire warning signal.
• If the exit is above the ground level, an approved fire ladder or
rope should be provided, as well as training in its use.
• Exitsonthegroundlevelshouldbekeptclear.Besuretoremove
snow from exterior patio doors in winter; outdoor furniture or
equipment should not block exits.
• The family should have a predetermined assembly point where
everyonecanbeaccountedfor;forexample,acrossthestreetor
at a neighbour’s house.
• Once everyone is out of the house, call the Fire Department.
• A good plan emphasizes quick escape. Do not investigate first
orattempttofightthefire,anddonotattempttorescuebelongings
or valuables as this takes up time. Once outside, do not re-enter
the house; wait for the Fire Department.
• Write the plan down and rehearse frequently so that should an
emergencyarise, everyonewillknow whattodo. Revisetheplan
asconditionschange;forexample,whentherearemoreorfewer
familymembersinthehome,oriftherearechangestothehouse.
• Makesureyourfirewarningsystemisoperational byconducting
weekly tests. If you are unsure about system operation, contact
your Smoke Alarm Installer or Dealer.
• It is recommended that you contact your local fire department
and request further information on home fire safety and escape
planning. If available, have your local fire prevention officer
conduct an in-house fire safety inspection.
Installation Instructions
Specifications
Operating Voltage ..................... 9V (six AA Alkaline batteries)
Smoke Sensitivity........................ 2.5%/ft obscuration ±0.5%/ft
................................................... 2.5%/305mm ±0.5%/305mm
Operating Environment ................ 0°C - 37.8°C (32°F - 100°F)
............................................... 5% - 95% RH, non-condensing
Field Test............ Magnet-activated reed switch or Pushbutton
............................. and/or Gemini 501 Smoke Alarm Analyser
Dimensions
Battery Installation
Remove the mounting plate from the alarm by pushing the locking
tab and turning the mounting plate counter-clockwise.
Hold the unit with the battery compartment facing you, and the
imprinted wording right-side up. Install the first two batteries in the
row nearest to you, with the + terminals facing left. Next, install the
middle two batteries with the + terminals facing to the right. Place
your thumb over the centre of these four batteries to keep them in
place. Install the last two batteries, with their + terminals facing to
the left, by snapping them past the nylon retainer.
ThesmokealarmisdesignedtouseEvereadyEnergizerAlkaline
Batteries. Do not use other brands of batteries with the smoke
alarm. Using brands other than the Eveready Energizer will
void ULC approvals, and may affect the system's operation.

Mounting the Unit
Locate the smoke alarm mounting plate on the wall or ceiling and
markalldesiredscrewlocations.Usethesuppliedwallanchorsfor
all screw locations. When the anchors have been placed, secure
the mounting plate to the ceiling or wall.
Toplacethesmokealarmonitsmountingplate,alignthemounting
plate'slockingtabwiththelockrecessonthecaseandturntheunit
clockwise until it is firmly secured.
Dust Cover
The dust cover is intended to protect the unit from dust and dirt
entry, only while the unit is not in service.
CAUTION: The smoke detector will not function with the dust
cover in place.
Installer’s Maintenance Instructions
Normally, the Meridian Smoke Alarm will not require maintenance.
If the unit is mounted in a high dust environment, the inlet areas of
the case may be vacuumed with a soft brush attachment.
Be sure to inform the user and their monitoring station when
maintenance of any sort is performed on the smoke alarm or any
part of the alarm control system. Always test smoke alarms after
maintenance. If a smoke alarm continues to generate nuisance
alarms even after vacuuming, return the unit to DSC for service.
Contact DSC at the address and number below to obtain a return
authorisation number before returning the unit.
Installer’s Responsibility to the User
It is the Installer’s responsibility to thoroughly instruct the end user
of the system on the operation, testing and maintenance of their
system. The Installer should fully explain and demonstrate all
functions of the alarm control system and any equipment, such as
smoke alarms, connected to it. The user should be provided with
all Instruction Sheets and Manuals for their system and any
components connected to it. Complete and thorough instruction
for the user is essential to ensure they will obtain the greatest
benefit from their system. Providing the user with complete
operational information will also benefit the Installer through a
reduction in service calls for nuisance alarms.
Limited Warranty
Digital Security Controls Ltd. warrants that for a period of twelve months from the
date of purchase, the product shall be free of defects in materials and workmanship
under normal use and that in fulfilment of any breach of such warranty, Digital
Security Controls Ltd. shall, at its option, repair or replace the defective equipment
uponreturnoftheequipmentto its repair depot.Thiswarrantyappliesonlyto defects
in parts and workmanship and not to damage incurred in shipping or handling, or
damage due to causes beyond the control of Digital Security Controls Ltd. such as
lightning,excessivevoltage,mechanicalshock,waterdamage,ordamagearisingout
of abuse, alteration or improper application of the equipment.
The foregoing warranty shall apply only to the original buyer, and is and shall be in
lieu of any and all other warranties, whether expressed or implied and of all other
obligationsorliabilitiesonthepartofDigitalSecurityControlsLtd. Digital Security
Controls Ltd. neither assumes, nor authorizes any other person purporting to act on
itsbehalftomodifyortochangethiswarranty,nortoassumeforitanyotherwarranty
or liability concerning this product.
In no event shall Digital Security Controls Ltd. be liable for any direct, indirect or
consequential damages, loss of anticipated profits, loss of time or any other losses
incurred by the buyer in connection with the purchase, installation or operation or
failure of this product.
Smoke detectors that are a part of this system may not properly alert occupants of a
fire for a number of reasons, some of which follow. The smoke detectors may have
been improperly installed or positioned. Smoke may not be able to reach the smoke
detectors, such as when the fire is in a chimney, walls or roofs, or on the other side of
closed doors. Smoke detectors may not detect smoke from fires on another level of the
residence or building.
Every fire is different in the amount of smoke produced and the rate of burning. Smoke
detectors cannot sense all types of fires equally well. Smoke detectors may not provide
timely warning of fires caused by carelessness or safety hazards such as smoking in
bed, violent explosions, escaping gas, improper storage of flammable materials, over-
loaded electrical circuits, children playing with matches or arson.
Even if the smoke detector operates as intended, there may be circumstances when
there is insufficient warning to allow all occupants to escape in time to avoid in-
jury or death.
Warning: Digital Security Controls Ltd. recommends that the entire system be
completelytestedon aregularbasis. However,despitefrequent testing,anddue to,but
notlimitedto,criminaltamperingorelectricaldisruption, itispossibleforthisproduct
to fail to perform as expected.
Important Information: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Digital
Security Controls Ltd. could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
FCC Compliance Statement
CAUTION:Changesor modifications not expressly approvedby Digital Security
Controls Ltd. could void your authority to use this equipment.
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used
properly, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference
toradioandtelevisionreception.Ithasbeen type tested and foundtocomplywiththelimits
for Class B device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart “B” of Part 15 of FCC
Rules,whicharedesignedtoprovidereasonableprotectionagainstsuchinterferencein any
residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to television or radio re-
ception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encour-
aged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Re-orient the receiving antenna
•Relocate the alarm control with respect to the receiver
•Move the alarm control away from the receiver
•Connectthealarm controlintoadifferentoutletso that alarmcontrol and receiver
are on different circuits.
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television
technician foradditional suggestions.The user may find the following booklet prepared by
the FCC helpful: “How to Identify and Resolve Radio/Television Interference Problems”.
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
20402, Stock # 004-000-00345-4.
For more information and technical assistance:
© 1999 Digital Security Controls Ltd.
1645 Flint Road, Downsview, Ontario, Canada M3J 2J6
Tel. [phone] • Fax [phone]
www.dscgrp.com
29001580 R004