Gentex S1209 Service manual

PHOTOELECTRIC TYPE SINGLE/MULTIPLE STATION SMO E ALARM, AC POWERED,
WITH BATTERY BAC -UP & TANDEM WIRE CONNECTION, 120VAC/9VDC, 60Hz
Installation Instructions - Owner's/User’s Information Manual -READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE
INTRODUCTION S1209 SERIES
The S1209 Series photoelectric type smoke alarm for use as an evacuation device
in all residential applications and as a supervisory alarm on a protected premises. The
device has a solid state piezo signal to warn and alert the household to the presence
of threatening smoke, as well as annunciate a trouble condition at the protected
premises system.
Your photoelectric smoke alarm is designed to detect the smoke that results from
an actual fire. Consequently, it is uncommon for household smoke such as cigarette
smoke or normal cooking smoke to cause an alarm.
BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION
Dangers, Warnings, Cautions and Notices alert you to important operating
procedures or to potentially hazardous situations. Pay special attention to these
items.
wThis photoelectric smoke alarm is listed for use in single-family and multi-
family residences, along with hotels, motels and other commercial residential
occupancies.
wThis photoelectric smoke alarm must receive continuous 120VAC, 60Hz, pure
sine wave electrical power. (battery is meant for emergency back-up only).
In order for the emergency battery back-up to work, a new battery must be
properly installed (see BATTERY INSTALLATION section).
wNEVER ignore your smoke alarm if it sounds. Refer to IF YOUR SMO E
ALARM SOUNDS section for more information. Failure to do so can result in
serious injury or death.
wTest this device once a week per manufacturer installation recommendation.
If the device ever fails to test correctly, replace immediately! If the device is
not working properly, it cannot alert you to a problem.
wThis product is intended for use in indoor locations of family dwelling units.
MODELS
(SEE BACK OF SMOKE ALARM FOR EXACT MODEL)
*S1209..........................120VAC, 60 z with temporal horn
* These units produce a temporal audible alarm for smoke alarm notification. Per NFPA
72, the American National Standard Audible Emergency Evacuation Signal as defined
in ANSI S3.41, is required whenever the intended response is to evacuate the building.
OPTIONS
F - 1 Form A/1 Form C Auxiliary Relay
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
OPERATING VOLTAGE............................................................................120VAC, 60 z
OPERATING CURRENT.................................................................................0.045 amps
OPERATING AMBIENT TEMPERATURE RANGE.....................................40OF to 100OF
ALARM ORN RATING........................................................................85 dBA at 10 feet
NOTICE: IN T E EVENT AC POWER FAILS, A 9VDC BATTERY WILL PROVIDE
PROPER ALARM OPERATION FOR A MINIMUM OF 24 OURS.
HOW THE SMO E ALARM WOR S
GENERAL INFORMATION - SMO E ALARM
The S1209 Series alarm operates on the photoelectric light scatter principle. The
device’s sensing chamber houses a light source and a light sensor.
The darkened sensing chamber is exposed to the atmosphere and designed to
permit optimum smoke entry from any direction while rejecting light from outside the
smoke alarm.
The light source is an infrared (invisible) LED which pulses every 30 seconds to
detect smoke. The light sensor is a photodiode matched to the light frequency of the
LED light source.
S1209 SERIES
Under normal conditions, the light generated by the pulsing infrared LED is not
seen by the light sensor, as it is positioned out of the direct path of the light beam.
When smoke enters the sensing chamber, light from the pulsing LED light source is
reflected by the smoke particles onto the photodiode light sensor. At the first sighting
of smoke, the device is put into a pre-alarm mode. This is indicated by a rapidly flash-
ing red LED on the face of the smoke alarm.
Once the light sensor confirms smoke for 2 consecutive pulses inside the chamber,
the light sensor produces the signal necessary to trigger the device and sound the
electronic horn.
Smoke Alarm Temporal 3 Acti ation Signal: NFPA 72, 2013 Edition A.29.3.5: The
standard fire alarm evacuation signal is a three-pulse temporal pattern using any
appropriate sound. The pattern consists of the following in this order:
(1) an “on” phase lasting 0.5 second ± 10 percent.
(2) An “off” phase lasting 0.5 second ± 10 percent for three successive “on” periods.
(3) An “off” phase lasting 1.5 seconds ± 10 percent.
HOW TO TELL IF THE SMO E ALARM IS WOR ING PROPERLY
wYour device is provided with an alarm horn and flashing red Light Emitting Diode
(LED) indicator, which flashes every 15-30 seconds, and a green AC power on
LED.
wTest button function: when test button is pressed, the full operation of the light
source, light sensor and smoke sensor circuit are verified and will initiate an alarm.
wIf the battery is low or missing, a chirp will be emitted. If the smoke alarm has
been silenced for smoke or is reporting a trouble condition, two chirps will sound.
If AC power fails, the green LED will turn off.
NOTE: TANDEM INTERCONNECTED DEVICES.
wWhen testing one device, the device that is activated will flash the red indicator
light and sound its alarm horn. All other units will sound the alarm horn with their
red indicator lights remaining off.
FIRE PROTECTION PLAN: WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MA E YOUR
FAMILY SAFE FROM FIRES
This smoke alarm can quickly alert you to the presence of smoke - it cannot
prevent fire. The ultimate responsibility for fire protection rests solely on you.
Installing smoke alarms is just the first step in protecting your family from fires. You
also must reduce the chances that fires will start in your home and increase your
chances of safely escaping if one does start. To have an effective fire safety program:
a. Install smoke alarms properly following the instructions in this manual.
eep your units clean. Test your smoke alarm weekly and have unit
repaired or replace unit when it no longer functions. As with any electronic
product, smoke alarms have a limited life and devices that don't work cannot
protect you.
b. Follow safety rules and prevent hazardous situations:
wUse smoking materials properly; never smoke in bed.
wKeep matches and cigarette lighters away from children.
wStore flammable materials in proper containers and never use them near open
flames or sparks.
wKeep electrical appliances and cords in good working order and do not overload
electrical circuits.
wKeep stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, and barbecue grills grease-free and make
sure they are properly installed away from combustible materials.
550-0008
Pg. S-1

Smoke alarms may not sense fire that starts where smoke cannot reach the
units such as in chimneys, in walls, on roofs, or on the other side of closed doors. If
bedroom doors are usually closed at night, smoke alarms should be placed in each
bedroom as well as in the common hallway between them.
Smoke alarms also may not sense a fire on another level of a residence or
building. For example, a second-floor device may not sense a first-floor or basement
fire. Therefore, smoke alarms should be placed on every level of a residence or
building.
The horn in your device meets or exceeds current audibility requirements of
ANSI/UL 217. owever, if the smoke alarm is located outside a bedroom, it may
not wake up a sound sleeper, especially if the bedroom door is closed or only partly
open. If the device is located on a different level of the residence than the bedroom, it
is even less likely to awaken people sleeping in the bedroom. In such cases, the
National Fire Protection Association recommends that the smoke alarms be intercon-
nected so that a unit on any level of the residence will sound an alarm loud enough to
awaken sleepers in closed bedrooms. This can be done by employing a systematic
approach by interconnecting smoke alarms together, or by using radio frequency
transmitters and receivers.
All types of smoke alarm sensors have limitations. No type of device can
sense every kind of fire every time. These types of fires include:
1) Fires where the victim is intimate with a flaming initiated fire; for example,
when a person’s clothes catch on fire while cooking.
2) Fires where the smoke is prevented from reaching the smoke alarm due to a
closed door or other obstruction.
3) Incendiary fires where the fire grows so rapidly that an occupant’s egress is
blocked even with properly located smoke alarms.
In general, smoke alarms may not always warn you about fires caused by
violent explosions, escaping gas, improper storage of flammable materials, or
arson.
NOTICE: T IS SMOKE ALARM IS NOT DESIGNED TO REPLACE SPECIAL-
PURPOSE FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEMS NECESSARY TO PROTECT
PERSONS AND PROPERTY IN NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS SUC AS
WARE OUSES, OR OT ER LARGE INDUSTRIAL OR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS.
IT ALONE IS NOT A SUITABLE SUBSTITUTE FOR COMPLETE FIRE-DETECTION
SYSTEMS DESIGNED TO PROTECT INDIVIDUALS IN OTELS AND MOTELS,
DORMITORIES, OSPITALS, OR OT ER EALT AND SUPERVISORY CARE AND
RETIREMENT OMES. PLEASE REFER TO NFPA 101,T E LIFE SAFETY CODE,
AND NFPA 72 FOR SMOKE ALARM REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE PROTECTION IN
BUILDINGS NOT DEFINED AS " OUSE OLDS."
Installing smoke alarms may make you eligible for lower insurance rates, but
smoke alarms are not a substitute for insurance. ome owners and renters
should continue to insure their lives and property.
NOTICE: GENERAL LIMITATIONS OF SMO E ALARMS
Smoke alarms may not awaken all individuals. If children and others do not
readily awaken 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 the event of an emergency.
Smoke alarms will not work without power. This smoke alarm requires a
continuous supply of power.
Smoke alarms for solar or wind energy users and battery back-up power
systems: AC powered smoke alarms should only be operated with true or pure sine
wave inverters. Operating this device 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 may not be heard. The alarm decibel rating meets or exceeds
current UL Standards of 85 dBA at 10 feet (3 meters). owever if the device is
installed outside the sleeping area, it may not awaken a sound sleeper, one who has
recently used drugs or has been drinking alcoholic beverages. This is especially true
if the door is closed or only partially open. Even persons who are awake may not
hear the sounding alarm if the sound is blocked by distance or closed doors. Noise
from traffic, stereo, radio, television, air conditioner, or other appliances may also
prevent alert persons from hearing the alarm horn. This device is not intended for
people who are hearing impaired.
Smoke alarms have a limited life. Although the device and all of its components
have passed many stringent tests and are designed to be as reliable as possible, any
of these parts could fail at any time. Therefore, you must test your smoke alarm
weekly.
PLACEMENT OF SMO E ALARMS
T IS EQUIPMENT S OULD BE INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WIT T E
NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION'S
STANDARD 72 (National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA
02269).
For your information, the National Fire Protection Association's Standard 72, reads
as follows:
550-0008
Pg. S-2
wKeep portable heaters and open flames such as candles away from combustible
materials.
wDo not allow rubbish to accumulate.
wDo not leave small children home alone
c. Develop a family escape plan and practice it with your entire family,
especially small children.
wDraw and post a floor plan of your home and find two ways to exit from each
room. There should be one way to get out of each bedroom without opening
the door.
wTeach children what the smoke alarm signal means, and that they must be
prepared to leave the residence by themselves if necessary. Show them how
to check to see if doors are hot before opening them, how to stay close to the
floor and crawl if necessary, and how to use the alternate exit if the door is
hot and should not be opened.
wDecide on a meeting place a safe distance from your house and make sure that
all your children understand that they should go and wait for you if there is a
fire.
wold fire drills at least every 6 months to make sure that everyone, even small
children, know what to do to escape safely.
wKnow where to go to call the fire department from outside your residence.
wProvide emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers and teach your family
to use this equipment properly.
d. Bedroom doors should be closed while sleeping if a smoke alarm is installed
in the bedroom. They act as a barrier against heat and smoke.
WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS A FIRE IN YOUR HOME
If you have prepared family escape plans and practiced them with your family, you
have increased their chances of escaping safely. Review the following rules with your
children when you have fire drills so everyone will remember them in a real fire
emergency. If alarm should sound:
a. Don't panic; stay calm. Your safe escape may depend on thinking clearly and
remembering what you have practiced.
b. Get out of the house following a planned escape route as quickly as possible. Do
not stop to collect anything or to get dressed.
c. Open doors carefully only after feeling to see if they are hot. Do not open a door if
it is hot; use an alternate escape route.
d. Stay close to the floor; smoke and hot gases rise.
e. Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth, wet if possible, and take short, shallow
breaths.
f. Keep doors and windows closed unless you open them to escape.
g. Meet at your prearranged meeting place after leaving the house.
h. Call the Fire Department as soon as possible from outside your house. Give the
address and your name.
i. Never re-enter a burning building.
Contact your local Fire Department for more information on making your home
safer from fires and about preparing your family's escape plans.
NOTICE: CURRENT STUDIES AVE S OWN SMOKE ALARMS MAY NOT AWAKEN
ALL SLEEPING INDIVIDUALS, AND T AT IT IS T E RESPONSIBILITY OF
INDIVIDUALS IN T E OUSE OLD T AT ARE CAPABLE OF ASSISTING OT ERS
TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO T OSE W O MAY NOT BE AWAKENED BY T E
ALARM SOUND, OR TO T OSE W O MAY BE INCAPABLE OF SAFELY
EVACUATING T E AREA UNASSISTED.
WHAT THIS SMO E ALARM CAN DO
This smoke alarm is designed to sense smoke entering its sensing chamber. It
does not sense heat or flames.
When properly located, installed, and maintained, this smoke alarm is designed to
provide early warning of developing fires at a reasonable cost. This device monitors
the air and, when it senses smoke, activates its built-in alarm horn. It can provide
precious time for you and your family to escape from your residence before a fire
spreads. Such an early warning, however, is possible only if the smoke alarm is
located, installed, and maintained as specified in this User's Manual.
NOTICE: T IS SMOKE ALARM IS DESIGNED FOR USE WIT IN SINGLE
RESIDENTIAL LIVING UNITS; T AT IS, IT S OULD BE USED INSIDE A SINGLE-
FAMILY OME OR ONE APARTMENT OF A MULTI-FAMILY BUILDING. T IS
SMOKE ALARM CAN ALSO BE USED WIT PROTECTION SYSTEMS. IN A MULTI-
FAMILY BUILDING, T E DEVICE MAY NOT PROVIDE EARLY WARNING FOR
RESIDENTS IF IT IS PLACED OUTSIDE OF T E RESIDENTIAL UNITS, SUC AS
ON OUTSIDE PORC ES, IN CORRIDORS, LOBBIES, BASEMENTS, OR IN OT ER
APARTMENTS. IN MULTI-FAMILY BUILDINGS, EAC RESIDENTIAL UNIT S OULD
AVE SMOKE ALARMS TO ALERT T E RESIDENTS OF T AT UNIT. DEVICES
DESIGNED TO BE INTERCONNECTED S OULD BE INTERCONNECTED WIT IN
ONE FAMILY RESIDENCE ONLY; OT ERWISE, NUISANCE ALARMS WILL OCCUR
W EN A SMOKE ALARM IN ANOT ER LIVING UNIT IS TESTED.
NOTICE: WHAT SMO E ALARMS CANNOT DO
Smoke alarms will not work without power. A battery must be connected to the
device to maintain proper operation if AC power supply is cut off by an electrical fire,
an open fuse or circuit breaker, or for any other reason. In the event of AC power
failure, the battery will supply power for a minimum of 24 hours.

NFPA 72, 2016 Edition, Chapter 29, Section 29.5.1 Required Detection, states the
following:
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 6.4m (21ft) of any
door to a sleeping room, 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)
29.5.1.2 Where the area addressed in 29.5.1.1(2) is separated from the adjacent
living areas by a door, a smoke alarm shall be installed in the area between the door
and the sleeping room, and additional alarms shall be installed on the living area side
of the door as specified by 29.5.1.1 and 29.5.1.3.
29.5.1.3 In addition to the requirements of 29.5.1.1(1) through 29.5.1.1(3), where the
interior floor area for a given level of a dwelling unit, excluding garage areas, is
greater than 93m2(1000ft2), smoke alarms shall be installed per 29.5.1.3.1 and
29.5.1.3.2.
29.5.1.3.1 All points on the ceiling shall have a smoke alarm within a distance of 9.1m
(30ft) travel distance or shall have an equivalent of one smoke alarm per 46m2(500ft2)
is evaluated by dividing the total interior square footage of floor area per level by 46m2
(500ft2).
29.5.1.3.2 Where dwelling units include great rooms or vaulted/ cathedral ceilings
extending over multiple floors, smoke alarms located on the upper floor that are
intended to protect the aforementioned area shall be permitted to be considered as
part of the lower floor(s) protection scheme used to meet the requirements of
29.5.1.3.1.
The installation of additional alarms of either the smoke, heat or CO type should
result in a higher degree of protection. Adding alarms to rooms that are normally
closed off from the required alarms increases the escape time because the fire does
not need to build to the higher level necessary to force smoke out of the closed room
to the required alarms. As a consequence, it is recommended that the householder
consider the installation of additional fire protection devices. owever, it should be
understood that NFPA 72 does not require additional smoke alarms over and above
those called for in FIGURES 1, 2, 3 and 4 where required smoke alarms are shown.
FIGURE 2: A SMOKE ALARM MUST BE LOCATED BETWEEN T E SLEEPING
AREA AND T E REST OF T E DWELLING UNIT AS WELL AS IN EAC BEDROOM
In dwelling units with more than one bedroom area or with bedrooms on more than
one floor, more than one smoke alarm is required, as shown in FIGURE 3.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 1: A SMOKE ALARM MUST BE LOCATED ON EVERY LEVEL OF
DWELLING UNIT, INCLUDING BASEMENT, WIT IN EAC SLEEPING ROOM AND
OUTSIDE SLEEPING AREAS
Where to Locate the Required Smoke Alarms. The major threat from fire in a
dwelling unit occurs at night when everyone is asleep. Persons in sleeping areas can
be threatened by fires in the remainder of the unit; therefore, smoke alarms are best
located in each bedroom and between the bedroom areas and the rest of the unit as
shown in FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 1
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4: A SMOKE ALARM MUST BE LOCATED ON EAC LEVEL IN ADDITION
TO EAC BEDROOM.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION
NFPA 72, 2016 Edition, Chapter 29, Section 29.8.1.4(5)(b) states: “Smoke
alarms installed in one- and two-family dwellings shall not remain in service
longer than 10 years from the date of manufacture.” Smoke alarms should be
replaced for the following reasons:
wDust, dirt, and other environmental contaminants can affect your smoke alarm over
a prolonged period.
wFast changing industry consensus standards and codes on all smoke alarms
make it advisable to periodically upgrade your smoke alarm to maximize life safety.
wAssurance that your smoke alarm needs are kept abreast with the constantly
improving electronic technology.
wSmoke alarms are recognized as one of the lowest cost ways to protect dwelling
inhabitants against the danger of fire(s). It makes good common sense to
periodically replace and update your smoke alarm that contributes so much to life
safety.
MOUNTING LOCATION
This smoke alarm can be mounted on a ceiling or wall with equal efficiency in either
location.
wCeiling location -smoke alarm should be mounted as close as possible to the
center of a hallway or room.
wWall location -locate the top of the smoke alarm not more than 12 inches from
the ceiling.
Figures 1, 2, 3, & 4 are reprinted with permission from NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code®, Copyright ©2002,
National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02169. 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. National Fire Alarm Code® and NFPA 72® are registered trademarks of the National Fire
Protection Association, Inc., Quincy, MA 02169.
550-0008
Pg. S-3
FIGURE 5: RECOMMENDED SMOKE ALARM MOUNTING LOCATIONS
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 3: IN DWELLING UNITS WIT MORE T AN ONE SLEEPING AREA, A
SMOKE ALARM MUST BE PROVIDED TO PROTECT EAC SLEEPING AREA IN
ADDITION TO SMOKE ALARMS REQUIRED IN BEDROOMS
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 6: RECOMMENDED SMOKE ALARM LOCATION IN ROOMS WIT
SLOPED, GABLED, OR PEAKED CEILINGS.
The placement of the smoke alarm is critical if maximum speed of fire detection is
desired. Thus, a logical location for a smoke alarm is the center of the ceiling. At this
location, the device is closest to all areas of the room.
FIGURE 6
In addition to smoke alarms outside of the sleeping areas and in each bedroom,
NFPA 72 requires the installation of a smoke alarm on each additional level of the
dwelling unit, including the basement. These installations are shown in FIGURE 4.
The living area smoke alarm should be installed in the living room or near the stairway
to the upper lever, or in both locations. The basement smoke alarm should be installed
in close proximity to the stairway leading to the floor above. Where installed on an
open-joisted ceiling, the smoke alarm should be placed on the bottom of the joists.
The smoke alarm should be positioned relative to the stairway so as to intercept smoke
coming from a fire in the basement before the smoke enters the stairway.

FIGURE 7
INSTALLATION S1209 SERIES
NOTICE: NEW CONSTRUCTION: DO NOT ATTAC SMOKE ALARM EAD UNTIL
AFTER SANDING, PAINTING, AND OT ER DUST CREATING SITUATIONS ARE
FINIS ED AND CLEANED UP.
WIRING/GENERAL
1. Use ANSI/UL Listed cable with Class 1 insulation.
2. Observe local code requirements. Use box connector to anchor cable to outlet
box.
3. Metal outlet boxes must be grounded to earth ground.
NOTICE: USE ONLY DURACELL® MN 1604 BATTERY WIT T E S1209 SERIES
SMOKE ALARMS. AVAILABLE AT MANY RETAIL STORES.
CAUTION: Turn off electricity to prevent S OCK and damage to smoke alarm. Be
sure the power line to the smoke alarm is not controlled by any on/off switch, or other
type of switch, other than a fuse or circuit breaker.
IMPORTANT: Ensure that all fluorescent lighting fixtures are properly grounded.
NOTICE: T E WIRING TO BE USED S ALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WIT T E
PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 210 OF T E NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, NFPA 70.
WIRE INSTALLATION S OULD BE PERFORMED ONLY BY A LICENSED
ELECTRICIAN.
MOUNTING OUTLET BOX
Use a 2" x 3" switch box or a 4" square or octagon junction box. Mount a box for each
smoke alarm. If wall mounting is desired, be sure the box screws are oriented to
upper right and lower left corners. Be sure to use supplied Mounting Plate.
WIRING ONE ALARM
1. Run a minimum of 16 gauge, 2-conductor cable, plus ground (3 wires) to the
junction box from a power supply. Smoke alarms shall be connected to their own
dedicated circuit. Use ANSI/UL Listed Class 1 wire.
NOTICE: T E WIRING TO BE USED S ALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WIT T E
PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 300.3(B) 210 OF T E NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE,
ANSI/NFPA 70 AS WELL AS ARTICLE 210.
2. Make wire connections to the supplied plug-in connector as follows: black to black,
white to white, and connect the ground wire to the metal outlet box.
wIn damp or very humid areas, or next to bathrooms with showers. The moisture
in humid air can enter the sensing chamber as water vapor, then cool and
condense into droplets that cause a nuisance alarm. Install smoke alarms at
least 36 inches (910mm) away from bathrooms.
wIn very cold or very hot environments, or in unheated buildings or outdoor
rooms, where the temperature can go below or above the operating range of the
smoke alarm. Temperature limits for proper operation are 40° to 100°F (4.4° to
37.8°C).
wIn very dusty or dirty areas. Dust and dirt can build up on the smoke alarm's
sensing chamber and can make it overly sensitive, or block openings to the
sensing chamber and keep the smoke alarm from sensing smoke.
wNear fresh air inlets, returns or excessively drafty areas. Air conditioners,
heaters, fans, fresh air intakes and returns can drive smoke away from smoke
alarms, making the devices less effective.
wIn dead air spaces at the top of a peaked roof or in the corners between
ceilings and walls. Dead air may prevent smoke from reaching a smoke alarm.
See FIGURES 5 and 6 for recommended mounting locations.
wIn insect-infested areas. If insects enter a smoke alarm's sensing chamber, they
may cause a nuisance alarm. Get rid of the bugs before installing smoke
alarms where bugs are a problem.
wNear fluorescent light fixtures. Electrical "noise" from nearby fluorescent light
fixtures may cause a nuisance alarm. Install smoke alarms and fluorescent
lights on separate electrical circuits.
550-0008
Pg. S-4
wNever disconnect an AC smoke alarm to silence a nuisance alarm. Open a
window or fan the air around the device to remove the smoke. The alarm
will automatically turn off when the smoke in the air is completely gone.
Do not stand close to the device. The sound produced by the smoke alarm
is loud because it is designed to awaken you in an emergency. Prolonged
exposure to the horn at a close distance may be harmful to your hearing.
wThis smoke alarm is designed for use inside a single or multi-family dwelling.
It is not meant to be used in common lobbies, hallways, or basements of
multi-family buildings unless working alarms are also installed in each family
living unit. Smoke alarms in common areas may not be heard from inside
individual family living units.
wThis smoke alarm is not a suitable substitute for complete detection systems
in places which house many people like hotels or dormitories, unless a
smoke alarm is also placed in each unit.
wDO NOT use this smoke alarm in warehouses, industrial or commercial
buildings, special-purpose non-residential buildings or airplanes. This
smoke alarm is specifically designed for residential use and may not provide
adequate protection in non-residential applications.
NOTICE: RED-YELLOW WIRE AND BROWN-YELLOW WIRE: T E RED-YELLOW
WIRE AND BROWN-YELLOW WIRE FROM T E SMOKE ALARM IS FOR TANDEM
CONNECTION ONLY. DO NOT USE, AND DO NOT REMOVE INSULATION CAP
UNLESS CONNECTING ANOT ER SMOKE ALARM, SMOKE/CO ALARM OR CO
ALARM.
FIGURE 8
RED-YELLOW OR
BROWN-YELLOW WIRE
UNINSULATED WIRE
EART GROUND - FOR
METAL BOXES ONLY
3-WIRE CABLE AND
GROUND 120VAC
BLACK
W ITE
WHERE ALARMS SHOULD BE INSTALLED IN MOBILE HOMES
In mobile homes built after about 1978 that were designed and insulated to be
energy-efficient, smoke/alarms should be installed as described in the section above.
In older mobile homes that have little or no insulation compared to today's
standards, uninsulated metal outside walls and roofs can transfer heat and cold from
outdoors, making the air right next to them hotter or colder than the rest of the inside
air. These layers of hotter or colder air can prevent smoke from reaching a smoke
alarm. Therefore, install devices in such units only on inside walls, not more than 12
inches (30 cm) from the ceiling. If you are not sure about the insulation level in your
mobile home, or if you notice that the walls or ceiling are unusually hot or cold, install
the device on an inside wall.
Minimum protection requires one smoke alarm as close to the sleeping area as
possible. For better protection, install one device in each room, but first read the
"LOCATIONS TO AVOID."
LOCATIONS TO AVOID
Nuisance alarms are caused by placing smoke alarms where they will not operate
properly. To avoid nuisance alarms, do not place smoke alarms:
wIn or near areas where combustion particles are normally present such as
kitchens; in garages where there are particles of combustion in vehicle exhausts;
near furnaces, hot water heaters, or gas space heaters. Install smoke alarms
between 10 feet (3 meters) and 20 feet (6 meters) away from kitchens and other
areas where combustion particles are normally present.
wIn air streams passing by kitchens. FIGURE 7 shows how a smoke alarm can
be exposed to combustion particles in normal air movement paths, and how to
correct this situation.
PLUG SMOKE
ALARM
BLK
WHT
RED / YEL
VIO
VIO / BLK
BLU
ORN
YEL
GRAY
GRAY
HOT
NEUT
POWER
TANDEM - LEGACY
ALARM
CONTACTS
ACCESSORY
ALARM
CONTACTS
INTERNAL
JUMPER
BRN / YEL
TANDEM
ADDITIONAL
WIRES FOR
S1209F MODEL
RELAY CONTACTS
RATED LOAD RESISTIVE
2.0 AMP @ 30 VDC MAX
0.5 AMP @ 125 VAC MAX
S1209 / S1209F WIRING DIAGRAM

CAUTION: RED/YELLOW and BROWN/YELLOW wire to be capped when not in use.
This wire is for tandem connection only. DO NOT connect to any other circuit.
WIRING TWO OR MORE ALARMS
Tandem Installation
NOTICE: ALL SMOKE ALARMS IN A TANDEM INSTALLATION MUST BE
CONTROLLED BY T E SAME FUSE OR CIRCUIT BREAKER. OT ERWISE
TANDEM UNITS WILL NOT OPERATE. TANDEM WILL OPERATE IN T E EVENT
OF AC POWER FAILURE IF BATTERY IS CONNECTED TO T E SMOKE ALARM.
LIMITATIONS: A maximum of 12 smoke alarms (S1209) may be connected
together. Do not exceed 125 feet between each device. Do not exceed 1125 feet
between first and last smoke alarm.
NOTICE: A MAXIMUM OF 12 SMOKE ALARMS OF S1209 WIT T E RELAY
OPTION (F) MAY BE TANDEM INTERCONNECTED.
Wire used for interconnection shall be in accordance with article 760 of the latest
edition of National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) and must not exceed a resistance of 10
ohms.
wAll units connected in tandem MUST get their power from the same circuit, that is,
all smoke alarms in tandem must be controlled by the same fuse or circuit breaker.
wAfter installation, to verify proper working conditions, all horns must sound in this
system.
wWhen tandem interconnecting S1209 Series to additional S1209 Series, GN-503
Series or CO1209 Series and the smoke alarm horn sounds but are not
synchronized and the CO horn does not sound the red/yellow wire has been used.
Use brown/yellow wire.
wUse red/yellow wire to tandem interconnect S1209 alarms to Gentex legacy
products. The S1209 Series can be tandem interconnected with the following
Gentex legacy products: 9123 Series, 7139CS Series and GN-300 Series.
wUse brown/yellow wire to tandem interconnect S1209 Series alarms to additional
S1209 Series, GN-503 Series and CO1209 Series.
wIf the red/yellow wire is used to interconnect the S1209 Series to additional S1209
Series, GN-503 Series and CO1209 Series, the units will not be tandem
interconnected. The brown/yellow MUST be used.
wDo not tandem using both the red/yellow wire and brown/yellow wire. Only 1
tandem interconnect wire is needed between units.
CAUTION: Failure to observe any of the conditions set forth may cause system
malfunction and damage to the device.
BATTERY INSTALLATION
1. Locate side mounted battery drawer.
2. Open battery drawer by firmly pulling on side lip, then sliding battery drawer open.
3. Insert battery into drawer, terminal side first. Take care to make sure the
appropriate terminal is aligned correctly, (+) terminal on battery to (+) terminal on
alarm metal contact and (-) terminal on battery to (-) terminal on the alarm metal
contact.
4. Rotate battery into drawer and close drawer. Note: the battery drawer will not close
if the battery is installed incorrectly.
5. Slide battery drawer shut until it is snapped into place.
6. Use only Duracell® MN 1604 battery with the S1209 Series smoke alarm.
Available at many retail stores.
7. Push test button to verify battery operation.
NOTICE: UNITS WIT BATTERY BACK-UP WILL NOT PROVIDE POWER OR
TRANSMIT AN ALARM TO OT ER AC ONLY UNITS IN T E EVENT OF AN AC
POWER FAILURE. ALL BATTERY BACK-UP UNITS IN TANDEM WIT GOOD
BATTERIES WILL OPERATE NORMALLY DURING AN AC POWER FAILURE A
MINIMUM OF 24 OURS.
550-0008
Pg. S-5
S1209 / S1209F TANDEM INTERCONNECT WIRING DIAGRAM
LIMITATIONS: Maximum of 12 smoke
alarms may be connected together.
Do not exceed 125 feet between each
smoke alarm. Do not exceed 1125
feet between the first and last smoke
alarm.
Use BROWN/YELLOW wire to
tandem interconnect S1209 Series
alarms to additional S1209, CO1209
and GN-503 Series. DO NOT USE
RED/YELLOW WIRE TO
INTERCONNECT S1209, CO1209
AND GN-503 SERIES
NOTE: S1209 AND S1209F CAN BE
TANDEM INTERCONNECTED WIT
T E FOLLOWING GENTEX
LEGACY PRODUCTS: 9123, 7139CS,
GN-300 AND GN-303 SERIES.
T ESE PRODUCTS WILL NOT
ACTIVATE FOR A CO EVENT W EN
TANDEM INTERCONNECTED TO A
GENTEX CO OR SMOKE/CO
ALARM.
LIMITATIONS: Maximum of 12 smoke alarms may be connected together. Do not
exceed 125 feet between each smoke alarm. Do not exceed 1125 feet between the
first and last smoke alarm.
1. Run a minimum of 16 gauge, 3-conductor cable, plus ground (4 wires) to the first
junction box from a power supply and between all smoke alarms that are to be
connected together. Use ANSI/UL Listed Class 1 wire. Power limited cable for
multiple tandem connections is available at many commercial electrical retail
stores.
NOTICE: W EN USING BOT TANDEM CONNECTIONS, 4-CONDUCTOR CABLE,
PLUS GROUND (5 WIRES) WILL BE USED.
2. Make wire connections to the supplied plug-in connector as follows: black to black,
white to white, 3rd conductor to the red/yellow wire for legacy Gentex products or
the brown/yellow wire for new. The red/yellow wire or brown/yellow wire should be
stripped to make the connection. Connect ground wire between metal outlet
boxes.
FIGURE 10
MOUNTING: PLATE & SMO E ALARM
1. Lace the connector through the provided mounting plate and secure the plate to the
junction box.
2. Plug the wire connector into the smoke alarm base.
FIGURE 9
RED-YELLOW (LEGACY)
BROWN-YELLOW WIRE
4th UNINSULATED WIRE
EART GROUND - FOR
METAL BOXES ONLY
4-WIRE CABLE
120VAC
BLACK
W ITE
NOTES ON TANDEM INTERCONNECTING MODELS
wDO NOT connect Gentex Smoke Alarms to other manufacturers' smoke alarms.
wA maximum of 18 compatible smoke, heat, CO and/or combination smoke/CO
alarms may be interconnected. No more than 12 of the 18 can be smoke alarms
per NFPA 72.
wNo more than 12 Gentex model S1209 or S1209F may be connected in tandem.
wNo more than 6 Gentex LEGACY products with Form A/Form C contacts may be
connected in tandem.
3. Place device up to mounting plate, rotating it clockwise until device firmly snap
locks into place. Keep smoke alarm parallel to the mounting plate so tabs on plate
seat correctly into device.
4. Remove dust-cover after all construction is complete. Dust-cover must be removed
prior to power being supplied to the smoke alarm. If the dust-cover is not removed,
operation of smoke alarm will be inhibited.
FIGURE 11
POWER ON
INDICATOR/
SMOKE
INDICATOR
FIGURE 14 PRESS AND RELEASE
BUTTON FOR SELF
TEST. PUS BUTTON
AND OLD UNTIL
DEVICE ALARMS
FOR FUNCTIONAL
TEST
NOTICE: REMOVE DUST-COVER BEFORE OPERATING SMOKE ALARM

550-0008-AAC
Important Notice:
These materials have been prepared by Gentex Corporation ("Gentex") for informational purposes only, are necessarily summary, and are not purported to serve as legal advice and should not be used as such. Gentex makes no representations and warranties, express or implied, that these materials are complete and accurate, up-to-date, or in compliance with all
relevant local, state and federal laws, regulations and rules. The materials do not address all legal considerations as there is inevitable uncertainty regarding interpretation of laws, regulations and rules and the application of such laws, regulations and rules to particular fact patterns. Each person's activities can differently affect the obligations that exist under
applicable laws, regulations or rules. Therefore, these materials should be used only for informational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for seeking professional legal advice. Gentex will not be responsible for any action or failure to act in reliance upon the information contained in this material.
Gentex recommends smoke alarms be tested a minimum of once a week. The
test feature of your smoke alarm accurately simulates smoke conditions and tests the
device's functions as required by ANSI/UL 217.
NOTICE:
wNEVER USE AN OPEN FLAME OF ANY KIND TO TEST YOUR DEVICE. YOU
MAY IGNITE AND DAMAGE T E SMOKE ALARM AS WELL AS YOUR OME.
wDO NOT COVER, TAPE, OR OT ERWISE BLOCK T E OPENINGS OF YOUR
SMOKE ALARM. T ESE OPENINGS ARE DESIGNED TO ALLOW AIR TO PASS
T ROUG YOUR SMOKE ALARM, T US SAMPLING T E AIR AROUND T E
SMOKE ALARM.
wSMOKE ALARMS ARE NOT TO BE USED WIT DETECTOR GUARDS UNLESS
T E COMBINATION AS BEEN EVALUATED BY A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED
TESTING LABORATORY AND FOUND SUITABLE FOR T AT PURPOSE.
wFAILURE TO REGULARLY CLEAN T IS SMOKE ALARM WILL RESULT IN
FALSE ALARMS. A BUILD UP OF DUST CREATES AN OBSCURATION T AT
SIMULATES SMOKE. T IS MEANS T E UNIT WILL GO INTO ALARM
WIT OUT A FIRE CONDITION.
WEE LY TESTING
Press the test/reset button on the alarm until the alarm sounds. During testing the
device will simulate a smoke condition in the alarm. LED’s will flash to indicate
testing. The alarm sequence should last 10-20 seconds. If the device does not alarm,
make sure it is fully operational. If the device still does not go into alarm mode when
tested, replace the device immediately.
wIf the alarm ever fails to test properly, replace it immediately. Products
under warranty may be returned to the manufacturer for replacement, see
LIMITED WARRANTY.
wDO NOT stand close to the device when the alarm is sounding. Exposure
at close range could result in hearing damage.
TO EEP THE ALARM WOR ING PROPERLY:
wTest weekly as described in WEEKLY TESTING.
wKeep alarm cover clean using soft cloth. DO NOT vacuum or use compressed
air, water, cleaners or solvents to clean alarm.
wReplace battery immediately if low battery warning is heard. See “BATTERY
INSTALLATION” section.
NOTICE: DO NOT SPRAY CLEANING C EMICALS OR INSECT SPRAYS DIRECTLY
ON OR NEAR T E ALARM. DO NOT PAINT OVER T E ALARM. DOING SO MAY
CAUSE PERMANENT DAMAGE.
wousehold cleaners, aerosol chemicals and other contaminants can affect the
sensor. When using any of these materials near the alarm, make sure the room
is well ventilated.
wThis smoke alarm is not washable. DO NOT submerge the alarm in water.
Water can affect the sensor, causing permanent damage.
TO RETURN AN ALARM
Should you experience problems with your smoke alarm, proceed as follows:
1. Turn off electrical power to the smoke alarm.
2. Twist the smoke alarm counter-clockwise to remove it from its mounting plate.
3. Unplug the connector from the back of the smoke alarm. Do not remove the
wire connection; leave the connector for your replacement smoke alarm.
4. Remove battery from smoke alarm. Do not ship smoke alarm with battery still in
battery drawer.
5. Carefully pack (the manufacturer cannot be responsible for consequential
damage) and return to the manufacturer. Include complete details as to exact
nature of difficulties being experienced and date of installation.
6. Return to: Gentex Corporation, 10985 Chicago Drive, Zeeland, Michigan
49464. Prior to returning, call Gentex at 800-436-8391 or e-mail
[email protected] to obtain a RMA Number from our return department.
Manual Issue Date:
11/01/09
LIMITED WARRANTY
For a period of 12 months from the date of purchase or a maximum of 18 months from the date of manufacture (or as long as required by applicable law), Gentex warrants to you the original purchaser that your appliance will be free from defects in workmanship and materials under normal
use and service.
This warranty does not apply and is void if damage or failure is caused by: accident, abuse, misuse, abnormal use, faulty installation, liquid contact, fire, earthquake or other external cause; operating the appliance outside Gentex’s published guidelines; or service,
alteration, maintenance or repairs performed by anyone other than Gentex. This warranty also does not apply to: consumable parts, such as batteries; cosmetic damage, including but not limited to scratches or dents; defects caused by normal wear and tear or otherwise
due to the normal aging of the appliance, or if any serial number has been removed or defaced from the appliance.
TO T E EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, T IS WARRANTY AND T E REMEDIES SET FORT EREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OT ER WARRANTIES, REMEDIES AND CONDITIONS, W ET ER ORAL, WRITTEN, STATUTORY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. GENTEX
DISCLAIMS ALL STATUTORY AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WIT OUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF MERC ANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND WARRANTIES AGAINST IDDEN OR LATENT DEFECTS TO T E EXTENT PERMITTED BY
LAW. TO T E EXTENT SUC WARRANTIES CANNOT BE DISCLAIMED, SUC IMPLIED WARRANTIES S ALL APPLY ONLY FOR T E WARRANTY PERIOD SPECIFIED ABOVE. PLEASE NOTE T AT SOME STATES (COUNTRIES AND PROVINCES) DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATION ON
OW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY (OR CONDITION) LASTS. SO T E ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN T IS WARRANTY AND TO T E EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, GENTEX WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY BREAC OF WARRANTY OR CONDITION, OR ARISING
IN CONNECTION WIT T E SALE, USE OR REPAIR OF T E APPLIANCE, OR UNDER ANY OT ER LEGAL T EORY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF REVENUE, LOSS OF ACTUAL OR ANTICIPATED PROFITS, LOSS OF T E USE OF MONEY, LOSS OF
BUSINESS, LOSS OF OPPORTUNITY, LOSS OF GOODWILL, AND LOSS OF REPUTATION. T E MAXIMUM LIABILITY OF GENTEX S ALL NOT IN ANY CASE EXCEED T E PURC ASE PRICE PAID BY YOU FOR T E APPLIANCE. PLEASE NOTE T AT SOME STATES
(COUNTRIES AND PROVINCES) DO NOT ALLOW T E EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO T E ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
If a defect in workmanship or materials causes your appliance to become inoperable within the warranty period, you must return the appliance to Gentex postage prepaid to: Gentex Corporation, 10985 Chicago Dr., Zeeland MI 49464. You must prove to the satisfaction of Gentex the date of
purchase of your appliance. You must also enclose a return address. Warranty service may only be performed by Gentex personnel at Gentex's facilities in Zeeland, Michigan. You must also pack the appliance to minimize the risk of it being damaged in transit. If we receive an appliance in a
damaged condition as the result of shipping, we will notify you and you must seek a claim with the shipper.
If you submit a valid claim to Gentex during the warranty period, Gentex will, at its option, repair your appliance or furnish you with a new or rebuilt appliance without charge to you except for postage required to return the appliance to us. Gentex will not reimburse you
for repairs or replacement parts provided by other parties. Your repaired or replacement appliance will be returned to you free of charge and it will be covered under the warranty for the balance of the warranty period, if any. When a product or part is replaced, any
replacement item becomes your property and the replaced item becomes property of Gentex. For additional warranty and product information go to www.gentex.com.
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE (OR BY COUNTRY OR PROVINCE). BY THIS WARRANTY, GENTEX DOES NOT LIMIT OR EXCLUDE YOUR RIGHTS EXCEPT AS
ALLOWED BY LAW. TO FULLY UNDERSTAND YOUR RIGHTS, YOU SHOULD CONSULT THE LAWS OF YOUR COUNTRY, PROVINCE OR STATE.
GENTEX CO PO ATION
10985 CHICAGO D IVE, ZEELAND, MI 49464
PHONE: [phone]
www.gentex.com
CHEC OUT & TROUBLESHOOTING
wPress and release button for self test feature. Results of test:
wAlarm is silent - Smoke Alarm is in good working condition
w1 Chirp - Low battery. Replace battery following instructions in BATTERY
INSTALLATION Section
w2 Chirps with red LED flash - Smoke Alarm has been silenced for smoke or
smoke alarm is reporting a trouble condition.
wPress and hold button until all alarms annunciate for functional test.
wSupply house power to the smoke alarm, green indicator will be on. The red
indicator light should flash approximately every 15-30 seconds, showing that unit
is operating properly.
wIf red light is not flashing or the green LED is not on:
wCheck that AC power is working.
wCheck that the battery is installed.
wPush test button and hold until device alarms. Alarm will go into self test mode.
wCheck the connector plug and wire connections.
NOTICE: BE SURE YOU TURN OFF POWER BEFORE C ECKING WIRE
CONNECTIONS.
wIf the power supply and wiring check out, but the red light does not flash or the
green LED is still off, return the unit to the manufacturer. See TO RETURN AN
ALARM.
wWhen powering up devices in a tandem installation and all the alarms sound
immediately, inspect all devices for a solid green LED. Verify wiring of units, if
wiring checks and problem remains, the devices with flashing red LED are the
trouble units and should be replaced.
wIf smoke alarm becomes contaminated by excessive dust and can not be cleaned,
avoid nuisance alarms by replacing device.
USING THE RESET FEATURE
wThe reset feature is for your convenience only and will not correct a smoke
problem. ALWAYS check your home for a potential problem after any alarm.
Failure to do so can result in injury or death.
wNEVER remove the battery from your alarm to silence the horn; use the reset
feature. Removing the battery, removes your protection! The reset feature is
intended to reset the smoke alarm while the problem is corrected - IT WILL NOT
CORRECT A SMO E/CO PROBLEM.
While the alarm has been reset, the device will continue to monitor the air for the
presence of smoke.
When smoke reaches alarm levels, the alarm will sound a temporal 3 horn pattern -
3 beeps, a pause, 3 beeps, a pause, etc. Press the reset button until the horn
becomes silent. During the reset cycle, the alarm will sound 2 chirps every 30
seconds up to 5 minutes. Within the 5 minute reset cycle, the smoke alarm will sound
if smoke reaches alarm levels indicating a continued presence of smoke.
NOTICE:
wAFTER INITIAL 5 MINUTE RESET CYCLE, T E ALARM WILL RE-EVALUATE
PRESENT SMOKE LEVELS AND RESPOND ACCORDINGLY. IF SMOKE
LEVELS REMAIN POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS, OR INCREASE TO IG ER
LEVELS, T E ALARM WILL SOUND AGAIN.
wW EN SMOKE OBSCURATION REAC ES ANSI/UL UPPER T RES OLD, T E
SMOKE ALARM WILL NOT SILENCE FOR SMOKE.
MAINTENANCE
NOTICE:
wDO NOT OPEN SMOKE ALARM FOR CLEANING. IF SMOKE ALARM IS
OPENED, PRODUCT WARRANTY BECOMES VOID.
wIF T E DEVICE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, DO NOT TRY AND FIX IT
YOURSELF. T IS WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY. SEE "TO RETURN AN
ALARM" FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO RETURN SMOKE ALARMS T AT DO NOT
OPERATE PROPERLY. DO NOT TRY TO FIX IT YOURSELF.