Gentex Smarter Vision GN-200 Series User manual

GN-200 & GN-203
PHOTOELECTRIC TYPE SI GLE STATIO /MULTI-STATIO SMOKE
ALARMS, AC POWERED, WITH TA DEM WIRE CO ECTIO
Installation Instructions - Owner's/User’s Information Manual - READ CAREFULLY A D SAVE
I TRODUCTIO G -200 SERIES
The GN-203 Series smoke alarm is a photoelectric type unit for
use as an evacuation device in residential and commercial
residential applications, while the GN-200 Series is used as an alert
and relocate device. Each smoke alarm has a solid state piezo
signal to warn and alert the household to the presence of threatening
smoke.
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.
MODELS
(SEE BACK OF SMOKE ALARM FOR EXACT MODEL)
GN-200*...........................120 VAC, 60 z
GN-203**..........................120 VAC, 60 z with Temporal orn
* These units produce a non-temporal audible alarm and are therefore
not intended for locations where the desired action of the occupant(s)
is evacuation.
** Per FPA 72, the American National Standard Audible Emergency
Evacuation Signal as defined in A SI S3.41, is required whenever
the intended response is to evacuate the building.
NOTICE: Loss of electrical input will cause the smoke alarm not to
function. For maximum safety you should install both battery
operated and AC powered smoke alarms.
HOW YOUR SMOKE ALARM
WORKS
The GN-200 Series smoke alarm operates on the photoelectric
light scatter principle. The unit'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
8 seconds. The light sensor is a photodiode matched to the light
frequency of the LED light source.
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 flashing 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.
HOW TO TELL IF YOUR SMOKE
ALARM IS WORKI G PROPERLY
Your smoke alarm 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.
Test button function: when test button is pressed, the full operation
of the light source and light sensor is checked and will intiate an
alarm.
If the smoke alarm is malfunctioning, a chirp will sound between
the red LED flashes. If AC power fails, the green LED will turn off.
OTE: Tandem Interconnect Models.
When testing one smoke alarm, 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 PROTECTIO PLA : WHAT
YOU CA DO TO MAKE YOUR
FAMILY SAFE FROM FIRES
This smoke alarm can quickly alert you to the presence of smoke
it cannot prevent a 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. Keep your units clean. Test your smoke alarm
weekly and repair or replace it when it no longer functions.
As with any electronic product, smoke alarms have a limited life,
it is recommended that smoke alarms be replaced every ten
years. Smoke alarms that don't work cannot protect you.
b. Follow safety rules and prevent hazardous situations:
Use smoking materials properly; never smoke in bed.
Keep matches and cigarette lighters away from children.
Store flammable materials in proper containers and never use
them near open flames or sparks.
Keep electrical appliances and cords in good working order and do
not overload electrical circuits.
Keep stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, and barbecue grills grease-free
and make sure they are properly installed away from combustible
materials.
Keep portable heaters and open flames such as candles away
from combustible materials.
Do not allow rubbish to accumulate.
Do not leave small children home alone.
c. Develop a family escape plan and practice it with your entire
family, especially small children.
Draw 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.
Teach 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.
Decide 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.
550-0321
Pg. 2-1

old fire drills at least every 6 months to make sure that
everyone, even small children, know what to do to escape safely.
Know where to go to call the fire department from outside your
residence.
Provide 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
I 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.
OTE: Current studies have shown smoke alarms
may not awaken all sleeping individuals, and that it
is the responsibility of individuals in the household
that are capable of assisting others to provide
assistance to those who may not be awakened by
the alarm sound, or to those who may be
incapable of safely evacuating the area unassisted.
WHAT THIS SMOKE ALARM CA
DO
This smoke alarm is designed to sense smoke entering its
sensing chamber. It does not sense gas, 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: This smoke alarm is designed for use within single
residential living units and commercial residential; that is, it should
be used inside a single-family home or one apartment of a multi-fam-
ily building. In a multi-family building, the device may not provide
early warning for residents if it is placed outside of the residential
units, such as on outside porches, in corridors, lobbies, basements,
or in other apartments. In multi-family buildings, each residential unit
should have smoke alarms to alert the residents of that unit.
Devices designed to be interconnected should be interconnected
within one family residence only; otherwise, nuisance alarms will
occur when a smoke alarm in another living unit is tested.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: WHAT SMOKE
ALARMS CA OT DO
Smoke alarms will not work without power. If AC power
supply is cut off by an electrical fire, an open fuse or circuit breaker,
or for any other reason, smoke alarm will not function.
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 smoke alarm meets or exceeds current audibility
requirements of Underwriters Laboratories. 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 smoke alarm is located on a different level of the residence
than the bedroom, it is even less likely to wake up people sleeping in
the bedroom. In such cases, the National Fire Protection
Association recommends that the smoke alarms be interconnected
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 installing a fire-detection system, by connecting smoke alarms
together, or by using radio frequency transmitters and receivers.
All types of smoke alarm sensors have limitations. o type
of device can sense every kind of fire every time. 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: This smoke alarm is not designed to replace special-
purpose fire detection and alarm systems necessary to protect
persons and property in non-residential buildings such as
warehouses, or other large industrial or commercial buildings. It
alone is not a suitable substitute for complete fire-detection systems
designed to protect individuals in hotels and motels, dormitories,
hospitals, or other health and supervisory care and retirement
homes. Please refer to NFPA 101,The Life Safety Code, and NFPA
72 for smoke alarm requirements for fire protection in buildings not
defined as "households."
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.
PLACEME T OF SMOKE 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:
NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, Chapter 11, Section 11.5.1.1 Where
required by applicable 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)
The installation of additional alarms of either the smoke or heat
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
550-0321
Pg. 2-2

Are More Smoke Alarms Desirable? The required number of
smoke alarms might not provide reliable early warning protection for
those areas separated by a door from the areas protected by the
required smoke alarms. For this reason, the use of additional smoke
alarms for those areas for increased protection is recommended.
The additional areas include the basement, bedrooms, dining room,
furnace room, utility room, and hallways not protected by the
required smoke alarms. The installation of smoke alarms in
kitchens, attics (finished or unfinished), or garages is not normally
recommended, because these locations occasionally experience
conditions that can result in improper operation.
IMPORTA T CO SIDERATIO
FPA recommends replacing your smoke alarm(s) every ten
(10) years;why:
Dust, dirt, and other environmental contaminants can affect your
smoke alarm over a prolonged period.
Fast changing industry consensus standards and codes on all
alarms make it advisable to periodically upgrade your smoke
alarm to maximize life safety.
Assurance that your smoke alarm needs are kept abreast with
the constantly improving electronic technology.
Smoke 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.
MOU TI G LOCATIO
This smoke alarm can be mounted on a ceiling or wall with equal
efficiency in either location.
Ceiling location -smoke alarm should be mounted as close as
possible to the center of a hallway or room. If this is not possible,
the edge of the unit should be at least 4 inches from any wall.
Wall location -locate the top of the smoke alarm at least 4 inches
and not more than 12 inches from the ceiling.
Figure 5: RECOMMENDED SMOKE ALARM MOUNTING
LOCATIONS
550-0321
Pg. 2-3
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 3: IN DWELLING UNITS WIT MORE T AN ONE
SLEEPING AREA, A SMOKE ALARM S OULD BE PROVIDED TO
PROTECT EAC SLEEPING AREA IN ADDITION TO SMOKE
ALARMS REQUIRED IN BEDROOMS.
Figure 2: A SMOKE ALARM S OULD BE LOCATED BETWEEN
T E SLEEPING AREA AND T E REST OF T E DWELLING UNIT
AS WELL AS IN EAC BEDROOM.
Figure 1: A SMOKE ALARM S OULD BE LOCATED ON EVERY
LEVEL OF DWELLING UNIT, INCLUDING BASEMENT, WIT IN
EAC SLEEPING ROOM AND OUTSIDE SLEEPING AREAS.
Figure 1
Where to Locate the Req ired 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 2
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 3
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.
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.
Figure 4: A SMOKE ALARM S OULD BE LOCATED ON EAC
LEVEL IN ADDITION TO EAC BEDROOM.
Figure 4
Figure 5

Figure 7
In 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.
In 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.
ear 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.
WAR I G! Never disconnect an AC smoke alarm to silence a
nuisance alarm. Open a window or fan the air around the smoke
alarm 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 smoke alarm. 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.
I STALLATIO G -200 SERIES
CAUTIO : New Construction: DO NOT attach smoke alarm head
until AFTER sanding, painting, and other dust creating situations are
finished and cleaned up.
WIRI G/GE ERAL
1. Use U.L. 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.
CAUTIO : 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.
IMPORTA T: Insure that all fluorescent lighting fixtures are properly
grounded.
NOTICE: The wiring to be used shall be in accordance with the
provisions of Article 210 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/
NFPA 70. Wire installation should be performed only by a licensed
electrician.
MOU TI G 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.
WIRI G O E SMOKE ALARM
1. Run a minimum of 16 gauge, 2-conductor cable, plus ground (3
wires) to the smoke alarm junction box from a power supply.
Smoke alarms shall be connected to their own dedicated circuit.
Use U.L. Listed Class 1 wire.
OTE: The wiring to be used shall be in accordance with
the provisions of Article 300.3(b) of the ational
Electrical Code, A SI/ FPA 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.
WHERE SMOKE ALARMS SHOULD
BE I STALLED I 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 smoke alarms in such units only on inside walls,
between 4 and 12 inches (10 and 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 smoke
alarm in each room, but first read the "Locations to Avoid."
LOCATIO S 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:
In 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 at least
20 feet (6 meters) away from kitchens and other areas where
combustion particles are normally present.
In 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.
In 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 10
feet (3 meters) away from bathrooms.
In 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).
In 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.
ear 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.
NOTE/YELLOW-RED WIRE: The yellow-red wire from the smoke
alarm is for tandem connection only. DO NOT USE, AND DO NOT
REMOVE INSULATION CAP UNLESS CONNECTING ANOT ER
SMOKE ALARM.
550-0321
Pg. 2-4
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 an smoke
alarm is the center of the ceiling. At this location, the device is
closest to all areas of the room.
Figure 6
Figure 8

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 UL
listed Class 1 wire.
2. Make wire connections to the supplied plug-in connector as
follows: black to black, white to white, 3rd conductor to the
yellow/red wire. The yellow/red wire should be stripped to make
the connection. Connect ground wire between metal outlet boxes.
NOTES ON TANDEM INTERCONNECTING MODELS
DO OT connect Gentex Smoke Alarms to other manufacturers'
smoke alarms.
No more than 12 Gentex models GN-200, GN-203 may be
connected in tandem.
All 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.
After installation, to verify proper working conditions, all horns
must sound in this system.
CAUTIO : Failure to observe any of the conditions set forth may
cause system malfunction and damage the smoke alarm.
MOU TI G: PLATE &
SMOKE 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.
CHECKOUT & TROUBLESHOOTI G
1. Supply house power to the smoke alarm. The red indicator light
should flash every 15-30 seconds, showing that the smoke
alarm is operating properly.
2. If red light is not flashing or the green LED is not on:
a. Check the connector plug and wire connections. OTE: Be
sure you turn off power before checking wire connections.
b. If the power supply and wiring check out, but the red light does
not flash or the green LED is still off, return the smoke alarm to
the manufacturer. See TO RETURN A SMOKE ALARM.
3. Place smoke alarm up to mounting plate,rotating it clockwise
until smoke alarm firmly snap locks into place. Keep smoke
alarm parallel to the mounting plate so tabs on plate seat
correctly into the smoke alarm.
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.
OTICE: Remove dust-cover before operating smoke alarm.
PUS BUTTON,
OLD UNTIL
UNIT ALARMS
POWER ON/
ALARM LIG T
5. A TI-TAMPER FEATURE: The optional locking pin has been
designed to inhibit tampering of the smoke alarm mounting. The
GN-200 Series smoke alarms provide an anti-tamper feature to
secure the smoke alarm to the mounting bracket.
A. To secure the smoke alarm to base, remove pin from mounting
bracket (Figure 13).
B. Insert into locking hole located in front. With aid of
needle-nose pliers, twist pin clockwise 1/4 turn (Figure 14).
Pin
Pin
Figure 13
Locking ole
Figure 14
550-0321
Pg. 2-5
WIRI G TWO OR MORE
SMOKE ALARMS
Tandem Installation
NOTICE: All smoke alarms in a tandem installation must be
controlled by the same fuse or circuit breaker. Otherwise tandem
units will not operate. Tandem will not operate in the event of AC
power failure.
LIMITATIO S: A maximum of 12 smoke alarms (GN-200 or
GN-203) may be connected together. Do not exceed 125 feet
between each smoke alarm. Do not exceed 1125 feet between first
and last smoke alarm.
Wire used for interconnection shall be in accordance with article
760 of the latest edition of National Electrical Code (NEC) and
NFPA 70 and must not exceed a resistance of 10 ohms.
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12

3. When powering up smoke alarms in a tandem installation and
all the smoke alarms sound immediately, inspect all smoke
alarms for a flashing red LED. These will be the trouble units.
4. To check for proper smoke entry into your smoke alarm's
sensing chamber, Gentex recommends using the ome
Safeguard Smoke Alarm spray or C EKKIT® SMOKE Detector
Tester from SDI. This test should be performed once a year and
should be sprayed with smoke alarm spray from a distance no
closer than 12 inches from the smoke alarm.
MAI TE A CE
After your smoke alarm has been in operation for a period of time
or if it was installed prior to the completion of all building
construction, your device may have become more sensitive due to
dirt build-up in the smoke alarm's optic sensing chamber which could
cause nuisance alarms or activation from small amounts of smoke
build-up.
If this should occur, following this simple washing procedure will
restore your smoke alarm back to its original condition.
For further information, regarding frequency of cleaning and test-
ing, refer to NFPA 72, NFPA, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
NOTICE: Failure to follow full cleaning instructions could result
in damage to this smoke alarm. DO OT remove all smoke
alarms at the same time for cleaning.
1. Turn off electrical power to the smoke alarm.
2. Rotate smoke alarm counter-clockwise to remove it from its
mounting plate. OTE: If anti-tamper pins have been installed,
they must be removed before rotating smoke alarm from
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. Do not open smoke alarm cover.
Doing so, voids product warranty.
4. Select three (3) standard size wash buckets and fill them each
with one gallon of normal tap water (distilled or de-ionized
treated water is recommended as a final rinse if water is
extremely hard in your area).
5. Add 1/8 cup of Ivory dishwashing liquid to the first bucket of water
and allow it to mix thoroughly, then place one dirty smoke alarm
into the soap water mixture until it becomes completely covered or
submerged. NOTE: If the smoke alarms are exceptionally dirty,
you may wish to first wipe off any excess dirt before washing
the unit so as not to dirty the wash water too quickly.
DO OT open smoke alarm for cleaning. IF SMOKE ALARM IS
OPE ED, PRODUCT WARRA TY BECOMES VOID.
NOTICE: ONLY IVORY DIS WAS ING LIQUID IS TO BE USED.
OT ER BRANDS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED AND MAY CAUSE
YOUR SMOKE ALARM TO MALFUNCTION.
6. Allow smoke alarm to soak for approximately 10 minutes (longer if
extremely dirty). Then agitate for 5 or 10 seconds to flush out any
remaining dirt left inside smoke alarm's housing.
7. Remove smoke alarm from wash water and transfer directly to
one of the first rinse buckets containing clear water. Again, allow
smoke alarm to become completely submerged, agitate once
more for 5 or 10 seconds to remove soap residue.
8. Finally, transfer smoke alarm to your second and final rinse
bucket, repeating method found in Step 7, then remove smoke
alarm to a clean dry area for a period of 48 hours to allow it to
thoroughly dry.
NOTICE: SMOKE ALARMS ARE TO BE AIR DRIED O LY. DO
OT PLACE SMOKE ALARM I OVE , MICROWAVE OR USE A
HOT AIR BLOWER TO ACCELERATE DRYI G TIME. THIS
COULD RESULT I DAMAGE TO YOUR SMOKE ALARM.
IMPORTA T: IT IS RECOMME DED TO CHA GE WASH A D
RI SE WATER AFTER FIVE (5) SMOKE ALARMS. IF YOUR
SMOKE ALARMS ARE EXTREMELY DIRTY, WATER SHOULD BE
CHA GED MORE FREQUE TLY.
In the event you experience difficulty in the cleaning of your
smoke alarm or if you have any questions, please contact Gentex
Corporation or your local Gentex distributor.
If the smoke alarm does not work properly, do not
try and fix it yourself. This will void your warranty. See "To Return a
Smoke Alarm" for instructions to return smoke alarms that do not
operate properly. DO NOT TRY TO FIX IT YOURSELF.
IMPORTA T: Gentex recommends smoke alarms be tested a
minimum of once a week.
WAR I G! Never use an open flame of any kind to test your
smoke alarm. You may ignite and damage the smoke alarm as well
as your home. The test feature of your smoke alarm accurately
simulates smoke conditions and tests the smoke alarm's functions as
required by Underwriters Laboratories.
WAR I G! Do not cover, tape, or otherwise block the openings of
your smoke alarm. These openings are designed to allow air to
pass through your smoke alarm, thus sampling the air around the
smoke alarm.
WAR I G! Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector
guards unless the combination has been evaluated and found
suitable for that purpose.
FAILURE 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.
TO RETUR A SMOKE 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. OTE: Remove anti-tamper pins, if installed.
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. 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.
5. 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.
LIMITED WARRANTY
For a period of 12 months from the date of purchase, or a maximum of 18 months from the date of
manufacture, Gentex warrants to you, the original consumer purchaser, that your Smoke Alarm will be free from
defects in workmanship, materials, and construction under normal use and service. If a defect in workmanship,
materials, or construction should cause your Smoke Alarm to become inoperable within the warranty period,
Gentex will repair your Smoke Alarm or furnish you with a new or rebuilt replacement Smoke Alarm without
charge to you except for postage required to return the Smoke Alarm to us. Your repaired or replacement
Smoke Alarm will be returned to you free of charge and it will be covered under this warranty for the balance of
the warranty period.
This warranty is void if our inspection of your Smoke Alarm shows that the damage or failure was caused by
abuse, misuse, abnormal usage, faulty installation, improper maintenance, or repairs other than those performed
by us.
ANY WARRANTIES IMPLIED UNDER ANY STATE LAW, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERC ANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, APPLY ONLY FOR T E WARRANTY
PERIOD SPECIFIED ABOVE. PLEASE NOTE T AT SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON OW
LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO T E ABOVE EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
GENTEX WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS, DAMAGE, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES OF ANY KIND ARISING IN CONNECTION WIT T E SALE, USE, OR REPAIR OF T IS SMOKE
ALARM. PLEASE NOTE T AT SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW T E EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. SO T E ABOVE EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
If a defect in workmanship, materials, or construction should cause your Smoke Alarm to become inoperable
within the warranty period, you must return the Smoke Alarm to Gentex postage prepaid. You must also pack the
Smoke Alarm to minimize the risk of it being damaged in transit. You must also enclose a return address. Smoke
Alarms returned for warranty service should be sent to: Gentex Corporation, 10985 Chicago Drive, Zeeland, MI
49464.
If we receive a Smoke Alarm in a damaged condition as the result of shipping, we will notify you and you must
file a claim with the Shipper.
T IS LIMITED WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIG TS. YOU MAY ALSO AVE OT ER
RIG TS W IC VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
GENTEX CORPORATION
10985 C ICAGO DRIVE, ZEELAND, MI 49464
P ONE: 1-800-436-8391
www.gentex.com
550-0321-B 02-01-05
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 rep-
resentations 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.
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