First Alert SA300 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.
USER’S MANUAL
SMOKE ALARM
Printed in Mexico
M08-0067-015 J1 07/12
Model
SA300
SA303
CAT. NO. SA300 CAT. NO.’s SA303 and SA305
With Silence Feature
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fire Safety Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Before You Install This Smoke Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
How To Install This Smoke Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Optional Locking Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Weekly Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Regular Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
If This Smoke Alarm Sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
What To Do In Case Of Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Using the Silence Feature (CAT. NO.’s SA303, SA305 Only) . . . . . . .4
If You Suspect A Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Recommended Locations For Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
Locations To Avoid For Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
About Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6
Special Compliance Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Limitations Of Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
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 elec-
trical circuits; 5) Keep stoves, barbecue grills, fireplaces and chimneys
grease- and debris-free; 6) Never leave anything cooking on the stove
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. 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 electrical? 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 Codes
This Smoke Alarm is designed to be used in a typical single-family
home. It alone will not meet requirements for boarding houses,
apartment buildings, hotels or motels. See “Special Compliance
Considerations” for details.
All First Alert®Smoke Alarms conform to regulatory requirements,
including UL217 and are designed to detect particles of combustion.
Smoke particles of varying number and size are produced in all fires.
Ionization technology is generally more sensitive than photoelectric
technology at detecting small particles, which tend to be produced
in greater amounts by flaming 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 ionization
technology at detecting large particles, which tend to be produced
in greater amounts by smoldering fires, which may smolder 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.
100% Quality tested and may contain up to 1% reclaimed and tested
components.
• This unit will not alert hearing impaired residents. It is recom-
mended 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 single-station unit that cannot be linked to
other devices. Connecting anything else to this unit may
prevent it from working properly.
• Unit will not operate without battery power. The Smoke Alarm
cannot work until you install the battery in the correct
position (Match “+” to “+” and “-” to “-”).
• This Smoke Alarm has a battery drawer which resists closing
unless a battery is installed. This warns you the unit will not
operate without a battery.
• Do not install this unit over an electrical junction box. Air cur-
rents around junction boxes can prevent smoke from reaching
the sensing chamber and prevent the unit from alarming. Only
AC powered units are intended for installation over junction
boxes.
• 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.
1
CONFORMS TO
UL STD 217

WEEKLY TESTING
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 Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL).
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 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, repeating horn pattern:
3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause.
HOW TO INSTALL THIS SMOKE ALARM
THE PARTS OF THIS SMOKE ALARM
FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS!
Tools you will need:
• Pencil • Drill with 3/16” (5 mm) drill bit
• Hammer • Standard Flathead screwdriver
1. Remove the mounting bracket from the Smoke Alarm base. Hold the
mounting bracket against the ceiling (or wall) and make a mark at
the center of each of the mounting slots with a pencil.
2. Put the unit where it won’t get covered with dust when you drill the
mounting holes.
3. Using a 3/16” (5 mm) drill bit, drill a hole through each pencil mark.
4. 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.
5. Tighten the screws (provided) into the screw anchors.
2 3
6. Activate the battery. With the battery
compartment open, install the battery
so the terminals on the battery match
the terminals on the Smoke Alarm.
Match “+” to “+” and “-” to “-.” Push
the battery in until it snaps in securely
and cannot be shaken loose.
If the battery is not snapped in completely, the unit cannot receive
battery power. The Smoke Alarm may beep briefly when you install
the battery—this is normal.
7.
Position the base of the Smoke Alarm over the mounting bracket
and turn. The Alarm can be positioned over the bracket every 60°.
Turn the Smoke Alarm clockwise (right) until the unit is in place.
8. Test the Smoke Alarm. See “Weekly Testing.”
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.
Use only the replacement batteries listed below. The unit may not
operate properly with other batteries. Never use rechargeable
batteries since they may not provide a constant charge.
• Test it at least once a week.
• Clean the Smoke Alarm at least once a month; gently vacuum the
outside of the Smoke Alarm using your household vacuum’s soft
brush attachment. A can of clean compressed air (sold at computer
or office supply stores) may also be used. Follow manufacturer
instructions for use. Test the Smoke Alarm. Never use water, cleaners
or solvents since they may damage the unit.
• If the Smoke Alarm becomes contaminated by excessive dirt, dust
and/or grime, and cannot be cleaned to avoid unwanted alarms,
replace the unit immediately.
• Relocate the unit if it sounds frequent unwanted alarms.
See “Locations to Avoid for Smoke Alarms” for details.
• When the battery becomes weak, the Smoke Alarm unit will “chirp”
about once a minute (the low battery warning). This low battery
warning should last for 7 days, but you should replace the battery
immediately to continue your protection.
Choosing a replacement battery:
Your Smoke Alarm requires one standard 9V battery. The following
batteries are acceptable as replacements: Duracell #MN1604, (Ultra)
#MX1604; Eveready (Energizer) #522. You may also use a Lithium
battery like the Ultralife U9VL-J-P for longer service life between battery
changes. These batteries are available at many local retail stores.
Continued...
The Parts of This Unit
1. Mounting Bracket
2. Mounting Slots and Screws
3. Locking Pins (break out of bracket)
4. Latch to Open Battery Compartment
5. Swing-Out Battery Compartment
To remove the mounting bracket
from the Smoke Alarm base, hold the
Smoke Alarm base firmly and twist the
mounting bracket counterclockwise.
1
2
3
2
5
4
3
IF THIS SMOKE ALARM SOUNDS
RESPONDING TO AN ALARM
During an alarm, you will hear a loud, repeating horn pattern:
3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause.
• 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 batteries from a battery operated Smoke Alarm
to stop an unwanted alarm (caused by cooking smoke, etc.).
Removing batteries disables the alarm so it cannot sense smoke,
and removes your protection. Instead open a window or fan the
smoke away from the unit. The alarm will reset automatically.
• If the unit alarms get everyone out of the house immediately.
+
–
OPTIONAL LOCKING FEATURES
The locking features are designed to discourage unauthorized removal of the battery or Alarm. It is not necessary to activate the locks in
single-family households where unauthorized battery or Alarm removal is not a concern.
These Smoke Alarms have two separate locking features: one to lock the battery compartment, and the other to lock the
Smoke Alarm to the mounting bracket. You can choose to use either feature independently, or use them both.
Tools you will need: • Needle-nose pliers or utility knife • Standard Flathead screwdriver.
Both locking features use locking pins, which are molded into the mounting bracket. Using needle nose pliers or a utility knife,
remove one or both pins from the mounting bracket, depending on how many locking features you want to use.
To permanently remove either lock, insert a flathead screwdriver between the locking pin and the lock, and pry the pin out of the lock.
Locking Pin
TO LOCK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT
Do not lock the battery compartment until you have installed the
battery and tested the unit.
1. Push and hold test button until the alarm sounds:
3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause.
If the unit does not alarm during testing,
DO NOT lock the battery compartment!
Install a new battery and test again. If the
Smoke Alarm still does not alarm, replace it
immediately.
2. Using needle-nose pliers or a
utility knife, detach one locking
pin from the mounting bracket.
3. Push the locking pin through
the hole near the battery
drawer on the back of the
Smoke Alarm.
TO UNLOCK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT
1. Remove the Smoke Alarm from the mounting bracket. If the unit is
locked to the bracket, see the section “To Unlock the Mounting
Bracket.”
2. Insert a flathead screwdriver under the
head of the locking pin, and gently pry
it out of the battery compartment lock.
(If you plan to relock the battery
compartment, save the locking pin.)
3. To relock the battery compartment, close the battery door and
reinsert locking pin in lock.
4. Reattach the Smoke Alarm to the mounting bracket.
When replacing the battery, always test the Smoke Alarm before
relocking the battery compartment.
TO UNLOCK THE MOUNTING BRACKET
1. Insert a flathead screwdriver between the
mounting bracket pin and the mounting
bracket.
2. Pry the Smoke Alarm
away from the
bracket by turning
both the screwdriver
and the Smoke Alarm
counterclockwise
(left) at the same
time.
TO LOCK THE MOUNTING BRACKET
1. Using needle-nose pliers, detach one locking pin from mounting bracket.
2. Insert the locking pin into the lock located on the pivoting hinge of the
battery door.
3. When you attach the Smoke Alarm to the mounting bracket, the locking
pin’s head will fit into a notch on the bracket.
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 Department 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 Department for ideas on making your home safer.
Alarms have various limitations. See "Limitations of Smoke Alarms"
for details.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE, Continued
Actual battery service life depends on the Smoke Alarm and the
environment in which it is installed. All the batteries specified above
are acceptable replacement batteries for this unit. Regardless of the
manufacturer’s suggested battery life, you MUST replace the battery
immediately once the unit starts “chirping” (the “low battery warning”).
Alarm Base
1. Battery Compartment
2. Test button (CAT. NO. SA300)
2. Test/Silence button
(CAT. NO.’s SA303 and SA305)
This unit is designed to be mounted on
the ceiling, or on the wall if necessary.
DO NOT attach this Alarm to an electrical junction box.
Attachment to an electrical box may impair the Alarm’s operation.
Attach directly to wallboard or flat wall or ceiling surface.

IF YOU SUSPECT A PROBLEM
Smoke Alarms may not operate properly because of dead, missing or
weak batteries, 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 install a fresh battery, then 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 hear a “chirp” once a minute, replace the battery.
• 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 cover may be dirty.
• If the alarm does not sound during testing, try installing a new
battery, and make sure it is snapped in securely.
If the Smoke Alarm is still not operating properly, and it is still under
warranty, please see “How to Obtain Warranty Service” in the Limited
Warranty below.
Do not try fixing the alarm yourself this will void your warranty!
RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR
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 bed-
room. 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 (4.4˚ C) and 100˚ F
(37.8˚ 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 doors closed.
• In the hall near every sleeping area. If your home has multiple sleep-
ing areas, install a unit in each. If a hall is over 40 feet (12 meters)
long, install an alarm at each end.
• At the top of the first-to-second floor stairway, and at bottom of
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 interconnected for added protection.
4
BEDROOM
BEDROOM HALL
LIVING ROOM KITCHEN
FINISHED BASEMENT
BEDROOM
BEDROOM LIVING ROOM
DINING ROOM
MULTI-STORYRESIDENCE
SINGLE-STORYRESIDENCE,APARTMENT,
MOBILEHOME
EXISTING HOMES
KITCHEN
REQUIRED TO
MEETNFPA
RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDED
FOR ADDITIONAL
PROTECTION
KEY:SMOKEALARMSWITHSILENCE
FEATURESRECOMMENDED FOR
ADDITIONAL PROTECTION
USING THE SILENCE FEATURE (CAT. NO.’ S SA303, SA305 ONLY)
The Silence Feature can temporarily quiet an unwanted alarm for up to
10 minutes. To use this feature, press the “Test/Silence” button. The
Alarm remains functional. The LED will flash every 10 seconds (for up
to 10 minutes) to remind you the alarm has been silenced. The flashing
LED will stop when the unit returns to normal operation.
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.
Continued...

AGENCY PLACEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
NFPA 72 Chapter 29
“For your information, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code,
NFPA 72, reads as follows:”
29.5.1* Required Detection.
29.5.1.1* Where required by other governing laws, codes, or standards
for a specific type of occupancy, approved single and multiple-station
smoke alarms shall be installed as follows:
(1)*In all sleeping rooms and guest rooms
(2)*Outside of each separate dwelling unit sleeping area, within 21 ft
(6.4 m) of any door to a sleeping room, with the distance measured
along a path of travel
(3) On every level of a dwelling unit, including basements
(4) On every level of a residential board and care occupancy (small
facility), including basements and excluding crawl spaces and
unfinished attics
(5)*In the living area(s) of a guest suite
(6) In the living area(s) of a residential board and care occupancy
(small facility)
(Reprinted with permission from NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm and
Signaling Code Copyright 2010 National Fire Protection Association,
Quincy. This reprinted material is not the complete and official position
of the National Fire Protection Association, on the referenced subject
which is represented only by the standard in its entirety),.
California State Fire Marshal (CSFM)
Early warning detection is best achieved by the installation of fire
detection equipment in all rooms and areas of the household as
follows: A Smoke Alarm installed in each separate sleeping area (in the
vicinity, but outside bedrooms), and Heat or Smoke Alarms in the living
rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, hallways, finished attics,
furnace rooms, closets, utility and storage rooms, basements, and
attached garages.
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 poorly ventilated
kitchens, garages, and furnace rooms. Keep units at least 20 feet
(6 meters) from the sources of combustion particles (stove, furnace,
water heater, space heater) if possible. In areas where a 20-foot
(6 meter) distance is not possible – in modular, mobile, or smaller
homes, for example – it is recommended the Smoke Alarm be
placed as far from these fuel-burning sources as possible. The
placement recommendations are intended to keep these Alarms at
a reasonable distance from a fuel-burning source, and thus reduce
“unwanted” alarms. Unwanted alarms can occur if a Smoke Alarm is
placed directly next to a fuel-burning source. Ventilate these areas
as much as possible.
• 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, or directly near bathrooms
with showers. Keep units at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from
showers, saunas, dishwashers, etc.
• Where the temperatures are regularly below 40˚ F (4.4˚ C) or above
100˚ F (37.8˚C), including unheated buildings, outdoor rooms,
porches, or unfinished attics or basements.
• In very dusty, dirty, or greasy areas. Do not install a Smoke Alarm
directly over the stove or range. 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 12 inches (305mm) away from fluorescent lights.
Electrical “noise” can interfere with the sensor.
• 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 center of the ceiling as
possible. If this is not possible, install the Smoke Alarm at least 4 inches
(102 mm) from the wall or corner.
For wall mounting (if allowed by building codes), the top edge of Smoke
Alarms should be placed between 4 and 12 inches (102 and 305 mm)
from the wall/ceiling line, below typical “dead air” spaces.
On a peaked, gabled, or cathedral ceiling, install the first Smoke Alarm
within 3 feet (0.9 meters) of the peak of the ceiling, measured horizontally.
Additional Smoke Alarms may be required depending on the length,
angle, etc. of the ceiling's slope. Refer to NFPA 72 for details on
requirements for sloped or peaked ceilings.
5
ABOUT SMOKE ALARMS
Battery (DC) operated 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.
AC powered Smoke Alarms: Can be interconnected so if one unit
senses smoke, all units alarm. They do not operate if electricity fails.
AC with battery (DC) back-up: will operate if electricity fails, provided
the batteries are fresh and correctly installed. AC and AC/DC units must
be installed by a qualified electrician.
Smoke Alarms for Solar or Wind Energy users and battery backup
power systems: AC powered Smoke Alarms should only be operated
with true or pure sine wave inverters. Operating this Smoke Alarm with
most battery-powered UPS (uninterruptible power supply) products or
square wave or “quasi sine wave” inverters will damage the Alarm.
If you are not sure about your inverter or UPS type, please consult with
the manufacturer to verify.
Smoke Alarms for the hearing impaired: Special purpose Smoke
Alarms should be installed for the hearing impaired. They include a
visual alarm and an audible alarm horn, and meet the requirements of
the Americans With Disabilities Act. Can be interconnected so if one
unit senses smoke, all units alarm.
Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards unless the
combination has been evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.
Continued...
INTERCONNECTED
AC OR AC/DC
SMOKE ALARMS
BEDROOM
BEDROOM HALL
LIVINGROOM KITCHEN
FINISHED BASEMENT
REQUIRED TO
MEET NFPA
RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDED
FOR ADDITIONAL
PROTECTION
BEDROOM
BEDROOM LIVINGROOM
DININGROOM
MULTI-STORYRESIDENCE
SINGLE-STORYRESIDENCE,APARTMENT,
MOBILE HOME
KEY:
NEWCONSTRUCTION
SMOKE ALARMS
WITHSILENCE
FEATURES
RECOMMENDED
FOR ADDITIONAL
PROTECTION
KITCHEN
RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR SMOKE ALARMS, Continued

SPECIAL COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS
This Smoke Alarm is suitable for use in apartments, condominiums,
townhouses, hospitals, day care facilities, health care facilities, boarding
houses, group homes and dormitories provided a primary fire detection
system already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common
areas like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this Smoke Alarm in
common areas may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or
meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.
This Smoke Alarm alone is not a suitable substitute for complete fire
detection systems in places housing many people—like apartment
buildings, condominiums, hotels, motels, dormitories, hospitals, health
care facilities, nursing homes, day care facilities, or group homes of any
kind. It is not a suitable substitute for complete fire detection systems
in warehouses, industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and special-
purpose non-residential buildings which require special fire detection
and alarm systems. Depending on the building codes in your area, this
Smoke Alarm may be used to provide additional protection in these
facilities.
In new construction, most building codes require the use of AC or
AC/DC powered Smoke Alarms only. In existing construction, AC,
AC/DC, or DC powered Smoke Alarms can be used as specified by
local building codes. Refer to NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and
Signaling Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), local building codes,
or consult your Fire Department for detailed fire protection requirements
in buildings not defined as “households”.
HUD MAP Program
Certain HUD battery powered Smoke Alarm applications, especially
those that fall under HUD 223(f) MAP (Multi-family Accelerated
Processing), may require a 10 Year sealed tamper resistant battery. This
alarm does not meet that requirement. Substitute First Alert SA340B.
FCC Compliance
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that the interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference
to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the inter-
ference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
of the receiver.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio or TV technician for help.
Warning: Changes or modifications to the product, not expressly
approved by First Alert / BRK Brands, Inc., could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
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 a power line 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 basement 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 every sleeping area, and every
bedroom on every level of your home. 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 AC powered units with battery
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 stand-alone 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, 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 space provided on back of unit.
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 the National Fire Protection Association NFPA
72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety
Code). Local building codes may also require specific units in new
construction or in different areas of the home.
ABOUT SMOKE ALARMS, Continued
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