Kidde 0910KCA User manual

Manual P/N 21008406 Rev. A 05/10
ATTENTION: Please take a few minutes to thoroughly read this
user’s guide, which should be saved for future reference and
passed on to any subsequent owner.
Smoke Alarm
User’s Guide
i9010CA
SINGLE STATION
SMOKE ALARM
10 Year Sealed Lithium Battery Operated
i9010CA

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12
Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
Fire Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-18
Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Contents
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this smoke alarm. It is an
important part of your family’s home safety plan. You can
trust this product to provide the highest quality safety
protection. We know you expect nothing less when the
lives of your family are at stake.
Please take a few minutes to thoroughly read this alarm
manual, and save it for future reference. Teach children
how to respond to the alarms, and that they should never
play with the unit.
If you have any questions about the operation or
installation of your alarm, please call our toll free
Consumer Hotline at 1-800-880-6788.
Image 1C will help you determine the correct location of
safety products that will help make your home a safer place.
IMPORTANT: Read all instructions before installation and keep
this manual near the alarm for future reference.
Do not try to repair the smoke alarm yourself. Refer to the
instructions in Warranty section for service.
1
Made in China. Patents Pending
Kidde Canada Inc.
P.O. Box 40, Apsley, ON K0L 1A0
www.kiddecanada.com

Recommended Locations
• Locate the first alarm in the immediate area of the
bedrooms. Try to protect the exit path, as the
bedrooms are usually farthest from the exit. If more
than one sleeping area exists, locate additional alarms
in each sleeping area (Image 1A).
• Locate additional alarms to protect any stairway as
stairways act like chimneys for smoke and heat.
• Locate at least one alarm on every floor level (Image
1B).
• Locate an alarm in every bedroom.
• Locate an alarm in every room where electrical
appliances are operated (i.e. portable heaters or
humidifiers).
• Locate an alarm in every room where someone sleeps
with the door closed. The closed door may prevent the
alarmfrom waking the sleeper.
• Smoke, heat, and combustion products rise to the
ceiling and spread horizontally. Mounting the smoke
alarmon the ceiling in the center of the room places it
closest to all points in the room. Ceiling mounting is
preferred in ordinary residential construction.
• When mounting an alarm on the ceiling, locate it at a
minimum of 10 cm (4") from the side wall (Image 2A).
• When mounting the alarm on the wall, use an inside
wall with the top edge of the alarm at a minimum of
10 cm (4") and a maximum of 30.5 cm (12") below the
ceiling (Image 2A).
• Put smoke alarms at both ends of a bedroom hallway
or large room if the hallway or room is more than 9.1
m(30') long.
• For mobile home installation, select locations carefully
to avoid thermal barriers that may format the ceiling.
For more details, see Mobile Homes.
Installation
2

3
Installation
• Install smoke alarms on sloped, peaked or cathedral
ceilings at or within 0.9 m (3') of the highest point
(measured horizontally). NFPAStandard 72 states:
“Smoke alarms in rooms with ceiling slopes greater than
0.3 m in 2.4 m (1 foot in 8 feet) horizontally shall be
located on the high side of the room.” NFPA Standard 72
states: “A row of detectors shall be spaced and located
within 0.9 m (3') of the peak of the ceiling measured
horizontally” (Image 2B).
DINING
ROOM
LIVING
ROOM
Smoke Alarms for Minimum Protection
Ionization Type Smoke Alarm with
Hush® Control or Photoelectric Type
Smoke Alarms for Additional Protection
KITCHEN BEDROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
LIVING
ROOM KITCHEN
BEDROOMBEDROOM HALL
BASEMENT
IMAGE 1A
IMAGE 1C
IMAGE 1B
SINGLE FLOOR PLAN MULTIPLE FLOOR PLAN
BEDROOM
FAMILY ROOM
WORKSHOPBASEMENT
KITCHEN
HALL
GARAGE
MASTER
BEDROOM
FIRE
EXTINGUISHERS
SMOKE
ALARMS
CARBON
MONOXIDE
ALARMS
TALKING
SMOKE/CO
ALARM
TOTAL HOME PROTECTION

4
Installation
Locations to Avoid
• Do not install within 0.9 m (3') of the following: The
door to a kitchen, or a bathroom that contains a tub or
shower, forced air ducts used for heating or cooling,
ceiling or whole house ventilating fans, or other high
air-flow areas.
• Do not place the alarm where drapes or other objects
will block the sensor. Smoke must be able to reach the
sensor to accurately detect conditions.
• Do not install in peaks of vaulted ceilings, “A” frame
ceilings or gabled roofs. (Less than 10 cm (4") from the
peak of an “A” frame type ceiling.)
• Install at least 30.5 cm (12") away from fluorescent
lights as electronic noise may cause nuisance alarms.
• Keep out of insect infested areas. Avoid excessively
dusty, dirty or greasy areas. Dust particles may cause
nuisance alarms or failure to alarm.
• Extreme temperatures may effect the sensitivity of the
alarm. Do not install in areas where the temperature is
colder than 4.4°C (40°F) or hotter than 37.8°C (100°F),
such as garages and unfinished attics.
• Do not install in areas where the relative humidity (RH)
is greater than 85%. Very humid areas, with moisture or
steam, can cause nuisance alarms.
• Avoid placing ionization smoke alarms in kitchen areas.
Normal cooking may cause nuisance alarms. If a
kitchen alarm is desired, it should have an alarm silence
feature or be a photoelectric type.
• Do not place in the garage. Particles of combustion are
present when you start your automobile.
• Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards
unless the combination (alarm and guard) has been
evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.

Installation
5
IMAGE 2A
IMAGE 2B
HORIZONTAL DISTANCE FROM PEAK
CEILING
10 cm (4”)
MINIMUM
10 cm (4”)
MINIMUM
30.5 cm (12”)
MAXIMUM
SIDE WALL
BEST
PLACEMENT
ACCEPTABLE
PLACEMENT
NEVER HERE
STAGNANT
AIR
10 cm (4”)
0.9 m (3’) 0.9 m (3’)
NOT IN
THIS AREA
BEST
ANYWHERE IN
THIS AREA

Installation
6
Mounting
CAUTION: This unit is sealed (including the battery). The cover
is not removable!
• After selecting the proper smoke alarm location as
described previously, attach the mounting plate to the
ceiling (Image 3B).
• To ensure aesthetic alignment of the alarm with the
hallway, or wall, the “A” line on the mounting plate
must be parallel with the hallway when ceiling
mounted, or horizontal when wall mounted (Image 3A).
• Secure the mounting plate to the wall or ceiling with
the anchors and screws provided (Image 3B). Use a
3/16" drill bit for anchors.
• For aesthetic reasons, the suggested position for wall
mounting is as shown in Image 3C.
NOTE: This alarm has a battery permanently sealed inside the
alarm. No battery installation is necessary.
Activation
This model is equipped with a featurethat automatically
activates the alarm when the alarm is attached to the
mounting plate for the first time. Once activated, the battery
will supply power to the alarmfor the life of the alarm(10
years). Be sure that the mounting plate is installed correctly
before attaching the alarm to it.
• Install the alarm on the mounting plate and rotate the
alarmin the direction of the “ON” arrow on the cover
until the alarm ratchets into place (Image 3D). This
ratcheting function allows for aesthetic alignment. Note:
The alarm will attach to the mounting plate in 4
positions (every 90 degrees).
The alarm is now activated!

CAUTION: Due to the loudness (85 decibels) of the alarm, always
stand an arms-length away from the unit when testing.
• After installation, test your alarm by depressing and
holding down the Test button for a minimum of 5
seconds (or until the alarm sounds). This will sound the
alarm if the electronic circuitry, horn, and battery are
working. If the alarm does not sound, the unit has a
defective battery or another failure.
Mobile Homes
Mobile homes built in the past five to seven years have
been designed to be energy efficient. Install smoke alarms
as recommended in Recommended Locations and Image 2A.
In mobile homes that are not well insulated compared to
present standards, extreme heat or cold can be transferred
from the outside to the inside through poorly insulated
walls and roof. This may create a thermal barrier that can
prevent the smoke from reaching an alarm mounted on
the ceiling. In such units, install the smoke alarmon an
inside wall with the top edge of the alarm at a minimum
of 10 cm (4") and a maximum of 30.5 cm (12") below the
ceiling (Image 2A).
If you are not sure about the insulation in your mobile
home, or if you notice that the outer walls and ceiling are
either hot or cold, install the alarm on an inside wall. For
minimum protection, install at least one alarmclose to the
bedrooms. For additional protection, see Image 1A.
WARNING: Test your smoke alarm operation after mobile home
vehicle has been in storage, before each trip and at least once a
week during use.
Installation
7

Installation
8
A A
IMAGE 3A IMAGE 3B
IMAGE 3C IMAGE 3D
“A” LINE
ALIGNMENT MARKS
SUGGESTED WALL
MOUNTING POSITION ROTATE TO MOUNT OR TO REMOVE

Installation
9
Alarm Tamper Resist Feature
This alarm is equipped with an automatic tamper resist
feature that prevents someone from removing the unit
from the mounting plate. The feature engages when the
alarm is rotated onto the mounting plate.
Rotate the alarm onto the mounting plate until you hear
the tamper resist tab snap into place, locking the alarm.
To remove the alarm, press on the tamper resist tab, and
rotate the alarm off of the mounting plate (Image 4).
IMAGE 4

This product is designed to detect products of combustion
using the ionization technique. It contains 0.9 microcurie
of Americium 241, a radioactive material. Distributed under
U.S. NRC License No. 32-23858-01E. Manufactured in
compliance with U.S. NRC safety criteria in 10 CFR 32.27.
The purchaser is exempt from any regulatory
requirements.
This smoke alarm uses an extremely small amount of
radioactive element in the ionization sensor chamber. Do
not try to repair the smoke alarm yourself. Refer to the
instructions in Warranty for service.
The smoke alarm is operating once the alarm is activated
(see Activation)and testing is complete. When the smoke
alarm ionization sensor chamber senses products of
combustion, the horn will sound a loud (85db) alarm until
the sensing chamber is cleared of smoke particles.
False Alarms
Smoke alarms are designed to minimize false alarms.
Cigarette smoke will not normally set off the alarm, unless
the smoke is blown directly into the alarm.
Combustion particles from cooking may set off the alarm if
the alarm is located close to the cooking area. Large
quantities of combustible particles aregenerated from
spills or when broiling. Using the fan on a range hood
that vents to the outside (non-recirculating type) will also
help remove these combustible particles from the kitchen.
Operation
10

HUSH®Control Feature
The Hush®button is extremely useful in a kitchen area or
other areas prone to false alarms.
The Hush®feature has the capability of temporarily
desensitizing the smoke alarm circuit for about 8 minutes.
This feature is to be used only when a known alarm
condition, such as smoke from cooking, activates the alarm.
If the alarm does sound, check for fires first. If a fire is
discovered, get out and call the fire department. If no fire
is present, check to see if one of the reasons listed in
Locations to Avoid may have caused the alarm.
The smoke alarm is desensitized by pushing the Hush®
button on the smoke alarm cover. If the smoke is not too
dense, the alarmwill silence immediately and the red LED
will flash slowly(1 second on - 8 seconds off) for 7 to 9
minutes. This indicates that the alarm is in a temporarily
desensitized condition. The smoke alarm will automatically
reset after approximately 8 minutes. If after this period
particles of combustion are still present, the alarm will
sound again.
The Hush®feature can be used repeatedly until the air has
been cleared of the condition causing the alarm. Pushing
the Test button on the alarm will end the Hush®period.
NOTE: Dense smoke will override the Hush®control feature and
sound a continuous alarm.
CAUTION: Before using the alarm Hush®feature, identify the
source of the smoke and be certain a safe condition exists.
Operation
11

LED Indicator
This alarm is equipped with a red LED indicator, with four
modes of operation.
Red LED - Flashing every 40-45 seconds: Indicates that the
smoke alarm is receiving power and operating properly.
Red LED - Flashing (1 second on - 1 second off): When the
smoke alarm senses particles of combustion and goes into
alarm (constant pulsating sound), the red LED will flash
(approximately one flash per second). The flashing LED
and pulsating alarm will continue until the air is cleared.
Red LED - Flashing slowly (1 second on - 8 seconds off):
Indicates that the unit is in the Hush®mode.
Red LED - Flashing rapidly when the Test button is pressed:
This unit features an “alarm memory” to inform you if the
alarmhas sounded since the Test button was last pressed.
The alarm memory will cause the red LED to flash rapidly
when the Test button is pressed. The alarm memory is
reset when the Test button is released.
Operation
12

Testing
NOTE: REGULAR WEEKLY TESTING IS REQUIRED!
CAUTION: Due to the loudness (85 decibels) of the alarm, always
stand an arms length away from the unit when testing.
Test by pushing the Test button on the cover and hold it
for a minimum of 5 seconds (or until the alarm sounds).
This will sound the alarm if all the electronic circuitry,
horn and battery are working. If the alarm does not
sound, the unit has a defective battery or some other
failure. DO NOT use an open flame to test your alarm,
you could damage the alarm or ignite combustible
materials and start a fire.
Test the alarm weekly to ensure proper operation. Erratic
or low sound coming from your alarmmay indicate a
defective alarm, and it should be returned for service (see
Warranty section).
Alarms failing an alarm test, or not operating normally,
must be replaced with a new alarm. Similarly, alarms more
than 10 years old must be replaced.
Cleaning the Alarm
The alarm should be cleaned at least once a year.
• To clean your alarm, remove it from the mounting plate
(see AlarmTamper Resist Feature and AlarmRemoval
sections). You can clean the alarm by using compressed
air or a vacuum cleaner hose with a soft brush
attachment. Blow or vacuum around the perimeter of the
alarm to remove dust and dirt. The outside of the alarm
can be wiped with a damp cloth (do not use a wet cloth
to avoid water entering the unit).
• After cleaning, reinstall your alarm and test your alarm
by using the Test button. If cleaning does not restore
the alarmto normal operation, the alarmshould be
replaced.
• Do not paint the unit. Paint will seal the vents and
interferewith the sensor’s ability to detect smoke. Never
attempt to disassemble the unit or clean inside. This
action will void your warranty.
Maintenance
13

Maintenance
14
Alarm Removal
Refer to the Alarm Tamper Resist Feature section for
removal instructions.
To remove the alarm from the mounting plate, rotate the
alarm in the direction of the “OFF” arrow on the cover.
WARNING: Do not attempt to open the alarm for any reason!
Battery
ALithium-ion battery, permanently sealed inside the alarm,
powers this unit. No battery installation or replacement is
necessary for the life of the alarm.
This alarm has a low battery monitor circuit which will
cause the alarmto “chirp” approximately every 40-45
seconds for a minimum of thirty (30) days at the end of the
life of the alarm.Replace the alarm when this condition
occurs.
Deactivation
WARNING: Do not deactivate the alarm until the end of the alarm
life, when a "chirp" is heard every 40-45 seconds. Once the
alarm is deactivated, the battery will be drained and the alarm
will no longer function.
WARNING: Once the alarm has been deactivated, it cannot be
reactivated and it cannot be reattached onto the mounting plate!
Todeactivate the alarm remove the alarmfrom the
mounting plate and locate the black squareon the back
label.
Puncture the black square area with a screwdriver or
similar tool then slide the exposed piece towards the
center of the alarm. This will deactivate the alarm, stop the
low battery “chirp” and render the alarm safe for disposal
by draining the battery.

WARNING: Please read carefully and thoroughly.
• NFPA Standard 72 states: Life safety from fire in residential
occupancies is based primarily on early notification to
occupants of the need to escape, followed by the
appropriate egress actions by those occupants. Fire warning
systems for dwelling units are capable of protecting about
half of the occupants in potentially fatal fires. Victims are
often intimate with the fire, too old or young, or physically
or mentally impaired such that they cannot escape even
when warned early enough that escape should be possible.
For these people, other strategies such as protection-in-place
or assisted escape or rescue are necessary.
•Smoke alarms are devices that can provide early warning of
possible fires at a reasonable cost; however, alarms have
sensing limitations. Ionization sensing alarms may detect
invisible fireparticles (associated with fast flaming fires)
sooner than photoelectric alarms. Photoelectric sensing
alarms may detect visible fire particles (associated with slow,
smouldering fires) sooner than ionization alarms. Home fires
develop in different ways and are often unpredictable. For
maximum protection, Kidde recommends that both
ionization and photoelectric alarms be installed.
• A battery powered alarm must have a battery of the
specified type, in good condition and installed properly.
• AC powered alarms (without battery backup) will not
operate if the AC power has been cut off, such as by an
electrical fire or an open fuse.
• Smoke alarms must be tested regularly to make sure the
batteries and the alarm circuits are in good operating
condition.
• Smoke alarms cannot provide an alarm if smoke does not
reach the alarm. Therefore, smoke alarms may not sense
fires starting in chimneys, walls, on roofs, on the other side
of a closed door or on a different floor.
• If the alarm is located outside the bedroom or on a different
floor, it may not wake up a sound sleeper.
• The use of alcohol or drugs may also impair one’s ability to
hear the smoke alarm. For maximum protection, a smoke
alarm should be installed in each sleeping area on every
level of a home.
Fire Safety
15

16
Fire Safety
• Although smoke alarms can help save lives by providing an
early warning of a fire, they are not a substitute for an
insurance policy. Home owners, landlords and tenants should
have adequate insurance to protect their lives and property.
Good Safety Habits
Develop and practice a plan of escape!
• Install and maintain Fire extinguishers on every level of the
home and in the kitchen, basement and garage. Know how
to use a fire extinguisher prior to an emergency.
•Make a floor plan indicating all doors and windows and at
least two (2) escape routes from each room. Second story
windows may need an escape ladder.
• Have a family meeting and discuss your escape plan,
showing everyone what to do in case of fire.
•Determine a place outside your home where you all can
meet if a fire occurs.
•Familiarize everyone with the sound of the smoke alarmand
train them to leave your home when they hear it.
•Practice a fire drill at least every six months, including fire
drills at night. Ensure that small children hear the alarm and
wake when it sounds. They must wake up in order to
execute the escape plan. Practice allows all occupants to test
your plan beforean emergency. You may not be able to
reach your children. It is important they know what to do.
•Current studies have shown smoke alarms may not awaken
all sleeping individuals, and that it is the responsibility of
individuals in the household that arecapable 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.
Alarm Exit Procedure
• Alert small children in the home.
• Leave immediately by your escape plan. Every second
counts, so don’t waste time getting dressed or picking up
valuables.

• In leaving, don’t open any inside door without first
feeling its surface. If hot, or if you see smoke seeping
through cracks, don’t open that door! Instead, use your
alternate exit. If the inside of the door is cool, place
your shoulder against it, open it slightly and be ready to
slam it shut if heat and smoke rush in.
• Stay close to the floor if the air is smokey. If possible
do not breathe too deeply to avoid smoke inhalation.
Breathe through a cloth (preferably wet) if possible.
• Once outside, go to your selected meeting place and
make sure everyone is there.
• Call the fire department from your neighbor’s home -
not from yours!
• Don’t return to your home until the fire officials say that
it is all right to do so.
Therearesituations whereasmoke alarmmay not be
effective to protect against fire as noted by the NFPA and
UL. For instance:
a) smoking in bed
b) leaving children home alone
c) cleaning with flammable liquids, such as gasoline
d) fires where the victim is intimate with a flaming
initiated fire; for example, when a person’s clothes
catch fire while cooking
e) fires where the smoke is prevented from reaching the
detector due to a closed door or other obstruction
f) incendiary fires where the fire grows so rapidly that an
occupant’s egress is blocked even with properly
located detectors
NRC Information
Ionization type smoke alarms use a very small amount of
aradioactive element in the sensing chamber to enable
detection of visible and invisible combustion products. The
radioactive element is safely contained in the chamber and
requires no adjustments or maintenance. This smoke alarm
meets or exceeds all government standards. It is
manufactured and distributed under license from the U.S.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Fire Safety
17

Additional Recommendations
The National Fire Protection Association’s Standard 72
provides the following information:
Smoke Detection. Where required by applicable laws,
codes, or standards for the specified occupancy, approved
single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed
as follows: (1) In all sleeping rooms Exception: Smoke
alarms shall not be required in sleeping rooms in existing
one- and two-family dwelling units. (2) Outside of each
separate sleeping area, in immediate vicinity of the
sleeping rooms. (3) On each level of the dwelling unit,
including basements Exception: In existing one- and two-
family dwelling units, approved smoke alarms powered by
batteries are permitted.
Smoke Detection - Are More Smoke Alarms Desirable?
Required number of smokealarms (as shown in Image1A
and Image 1B): 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, it is
recommended that the householder consider the use of
additional smoke alarms for those areas for increased
protection.
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 the smoke alarms in the kitchen, attic (finished or
unfinished), or garage is normally not recommended, as
these locations occasionally experience conditions that can
result in improper operation.
Alarms should be installed in accordance with the National
Fire Protection Association’s Standard 72 (NFPA,
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269).
Notify your local fire department and insurance company
of your smoke alarm installation.
Fire Safety
18

If after reviewing this manual you feel that your smoke
alarm is defective in any way, do not tamper with the unit.
In many cases, the quickest way to exchange your alarm
is to return it to the original place of purchase.
Alternatively, you may return it for servicing to Kidde. If
you have questions, call Kidde Customer Service at 1-800-
880-6788.
10 Year Limited Warranty
Kidde warrants to the original purchaser that the enclosed
smoke alarm will be free from defects in material and
workmanship or design under normal use and service for a
period of ten years from the date of purchase.
The obligation of Kidde under this warranty is limited to
repairing or replacing this smoke alarm or any part which we
find to be defective in material, workmanship or design, free of
charge to the customer, upon sending this smoke alarm with
proof of date of purchase, postage and returnpostage prepaid,
to Kidde Canada Inc., P.O. Box 40, Apsley, ON K0L 1A0.
1-800-880-6788.
This warranty shall not apply to this smoke alarm if it has
been damaged, modified, abused or altered after the date of
purchase or if it fails to operate due to improper maintenance
or inadequate AC or DC electrical power.
The liability of Kidde or any of its parent or subsidiary corporations
arising from the sale of this smoke alarm or under the terms of this
limited warranty shall not in any case exceed the cost of
replacement of smoke alarmand, in no case shall Kidde or any of
its parent or subsidiary corporations be liable for consequential loss
or damages resulting from the failure of the smoke alarm or for
breach of this or any other warranty, express or implied, even if
the loss or damage is caused by the company’s negligence or fault.
Since some provinces do not allow limitations on the duration
of an implied warranty or do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages, the above
limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. While this
warranty gives you specific legal rights, you may also have
other rights which vary from province to province.
The above warranty may not be altered except in writing
signed by both parties hereto.
Warranty
19