Kidde 0945CA User manual

9VBattery-Operated
S
moke
A
larm
Manual
Manual P/N 820-0937 Rev.C
SINGLE STATION
SMOKE ALARM
For alarm models: 0945CA and 0946CA
Ionization sensing alarms may detect invisible fire
particles (associated with fast flaming fires) sooner
than photoelectric alarms. Photoelectric sensing
alarms may detect visible fire particles (associated
with slow smoldering 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.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–9
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–12
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13–15
Fire Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16–19
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Contents
Introduction
Models 0945CA and 0946CA
Thank you for purchasing this smokealarm. It is an
important part of your family’s home safety plan. You can
trust this product to provide the highest quality safety
protection. Weknow 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 theyshould 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.
1
Made in China. Patents Pending
P.O. Box 40, Apsley,ON K0L 1A0
Consumer Hotline:
1-800-880-6788
www.kiddecanada.com

WARNING! Removal of the smoke alarm battery will render the
smoke alarm inoperative.
IMPORTANT! Read all instructions before installation and keep
this manual near the alarm for future reference.
Models 0945CA and 0946CA are designed to detect
products of combustion using the ionization technique.
They contain 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. Do not try to
repair the smoke alarm yourself. Refer to the instructions
in the Warranty section for service.
Installation
2

Recommended Locations
• Locate the first alarm in the immediate area of the
bedrooms. Try to monitor 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 monitor 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 an
alarmlocated outside from waking the sleeper.
•Smoke,heat, and combustion products rise to the
ceiling and spread horizontally. Mounting the smoke
alarm on the ceiling in the centre 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.
3
Installation

• Install smoke alarms on sloped, peaked or cathedral
ceilings at or within 0.9 m (3') of the highest point
(measured horizontally). NFPA Standard 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).
Installation
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

WARNING: Test your smoke alarm operation after R.V. or
mobile home vehicle has been in storage, before each trip
and at least once a week during use.
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 supply 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 maycause nuisance alarms.
• Keep out of insect infested areas. Avoid excessively
dusty,dirty or greasy areas. Dust particles maycause
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 relativehumidity (RH)
is greater than 85%. Very humid areas, with moisture
or steam, can cause nuisance alarms.
• Avoid placing smoke alarms in kitchen areas. Normal
cooking maycause nuisance alarms. If a kitchen alarm
is desired, it should have an alarm silencer feature or
be a photoelectric type.
• Do not place in the garage. Particles of combustion are
present when you startyour automobile.
• Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards
unless the combination (alarmand guard) has been
evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.
Installation
5

Installation
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
ANYWHERE IN THIS
AREA
6
10 cm (4”)
NOT IN
THIS AREA
ANYWHERE IN THIS
AREA
0.9 m (3’)

Mounting
CAUTION: This unit is sealed. The cover is not removable!
• Remove the mounting plate from the back of the alarm by
holding the plate and twisting the alarm in the direction
indicated by the “OFF” arrow on the alarm cover.
• After selecting the proper smoke alarm location as
described previously, hold the mounting plate against
the selected installation location (wall or ceiling) and
mark the centre of the holes with a pencil. To ensure
aesthetic alignment of the alarm with the hallway, or
wall, the “A” line on the mounting plate should be
parallel with the hallway when ceiling mounted, or
horizontal when wall mounted (Image 3A and 3B). Drill
ahole through the pencil marks and use the enclosed
screws and anchors to secure the mounting plate. Use
a3/16" drill bit for the screw anchor holes.
• Press the batteryreminder tab down into the battery
compartment while inserting the battery (Image 3E).
CAUTION: If the battery reminder tab is not held down in the
battery compartment by the battery, the unit will not attach to the
mounting plate.
• Alignment marks are provided on the edge of the
mounting plate and the alarm. After installing the
mounting plate,place the alarmonto the mounting plate,
making sure the alignment marks are lined up. Twist the
alarm in the direction indicated by the “ON” arrow on
the alarm cover (Image 3D) until it locks in place.
Installation
7

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

Installation
9
Alarm Tamper-Resist Feature
• To make the smoke alarm tamper-resistant, a tamper
resist means has been provided. To activate this
feature you must break out the tamper-resist blocks on
the mounting plate (Image 4A). Use a small
screwdriver.
• Using this feature will help deter children and others from
removing the alarm from the mounting plate. With the
blocks removed, the tamper-resist feature will be
activated when the alarm is installed on the mounting
plate.
• The tamper-resist tab will have to be released in order
to change the battery. Using a tool (small screwdriver)
push the tab away from the mounting plate (Image 4B)
and rotate the alarm in the “OFF” direction.
• After installation, test the alarm by depressing and
holding down the Test button for several seconds. This
should sound the alarm.
BREAK
OUT
IMAGE 4A IMAGE 4B

Operation
Testing
The smoke alarm is operating once a fresh battery is
installed and testing is complete. When the smoke alarm
ionization sensor chamber senses products of
combustion, the horn will sound a loud (85 db) alarm until
the sensing chamber is cleared of smoke particles.
• Test the unit to ensure proper operation by pressing the
Test button for at least 5 seconds (or until the unit
sounds). This will sound the alarm if the electronic
circuitry, horn, and battery are working. If no alarm
sounds, the unit has a defective battery or 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.
CAUTION: Due to the loudness (85 decibels) of the alarm, always
stand an arms-length away from the unit when testing.
Test the alarm weeklyto ensureproper operation. Erratic
or low sound coming from your alarm may indicate a
defectivealarm, and it should be returned for service (see
Warranty section).
NOTE: WEEKLYTESTING IS REQUIRED.
10

Hush®Control Feature
Model 0946CA only:
Smoke alarms are designed to minimize nuisance 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 are generated 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. The Hush®
button is extremely useful in a kitchen area or other areas
prone to nuisance alarms.
The Hush®feature has the capability of temporarily
desensitizing the alarmcircuit 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 smokealarmis desensitized by pushing the Hush®
button on the smoke alarm cover. If the smoke is not too
dense,the alarmwill silence immediately.
The red LED will Illuminate for 1.5 seconds every 8
seconds to indicate that the alarm is in a temporarily
desensitized condition.
The smokealarm 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.
Operation
11

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.
LED Indicators
This alarm is equipped with a red LED indicator, with
three modes of operation.
Red LED - Flashing every 40–45 seconds: Indicates that the
smoke alarm is operating properly.
Red LED - Flashing: When the Test button is pressed, or
when the smoke alarm senses particles of combustion
and goes into alarm (constant pulsating sound), the red
LED will flash once per second. The flashing LED and
pulsating alarmwill continue until the air is cleared.
Red LED - Hush®mode indication (for model 0946CA only):
The red LED will illuminate for 1.5 seconds every8seconds,
indicating the smoke alarm is in the Hush®mode.
Alarm Memory (for model 0946CA only)
This smoke alarm has a memory function that will 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

13
Testing
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
down for a minimum of 5 seconds. This will sound the
alarm if all the electronic circuitry, horn and battery are
working. If no alarm sounds, 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 alarm may indicate a
defective alarm, and it should be returned for service (see
Warranty section).
NOTE: WEEKLY TESTING IS REQUIRED.
AlarmRemoval
To remove the alarm from the mounting plate, rotate the
alarm in the direction of the “OFF” arrow on the cover. If
the tamper-resist feature has been used, refer to Alarm
Tamper-Resist Feature section for removal instructions.
Maintenance

14
This smoke alarm uses a 9 V battery (carbon zinc,
alkaline and lithium batteries may be used). A fresh
battery should last for one year under normal operating
conditions.
This alarm has a low battery monitor circuit which will
cause the alarm to “chirp” approximately every 30-40
seconds for a minimum of seven (7) days when the battery
gets low. Replace the battery when this condition occurs.
The low battery chirp will occur approximately 20 seconds
after the red LED flash.
Smoke Sensing Chamber Operation
This alarm will “chirp” if it detects a problem with the
smoke sensing chamber. This chirp will occur about 10
seconds after the flash of the red LED indicator light.
Use only the following 9 V batteries for replacement:
Carbon-Zinc Type Eveready 1222
Gold Peak 1604S
Alkaline Type Energizer 522
Duracell MN1604 or MX1604
Gold Peak 1604A
Panasonic 6AM6, 6AM-6, 6AM-6PI,
6AM6X or 6LR61(GA)
Lithium Type Ultralife U9VL-J
These batteries can be purchased at your local retailer.
WARNING! Use only the batteries specified above. Use of different
batteries than the recommended ones, may have a detrimental
effect on the smoke alarm. A good safety measure is to replace
the battery at least once a year, or at the same time you change
your clocks for daylight saving time. Be sure to follow the battery
installation instructions printed on the back of the alarm.
NOTE: REGULAR WEEKLYTESTING IS REQUIRED!
Maintenance

15
Cleaning the Alarm
The alarm should be cleaned at least once a year.
• To clean your alarm, remove it from the mounting plate
as outlined in previous 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 alarm to normal operation, the alarm should be
replaced.
• Do not paint the unit. Paint will seal the vents and
interfere with the sensor’s ability to detect smoke.
Never attempt to disassemble the unit or clean inside.
This action will void your warranty.
Replacing the Alarm
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and
Kidde recommend replacing this alarm ten years from the
date of manufacture. For your convenience, this date has
been provided to you on a label located on the side of the
alarm.
Maintenance

16
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 maydetect invisible fire particles (associated
with fast flaming fires) sooner than photoelectric
alarms. Photoelectric sensing alarms may detect visible
fire particles (associated with slow smoldering 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.
•Abatterypowered 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.
•Smokealarms cannot provide an alarmif 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.
Fire Safety

17
• 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.
• 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
howto 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 alarm
and 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 before an emergency. You
may not be able to reach your children. It is important
theyknow 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 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.
Fire Safety

18
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 smoky. 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.
• There are situations where a smokealarmmaynot be
effective to protect against fire as stated in the NFPA
Standard 72. For instance:
-smoking in bed;
-leaving children unsupervised;
-cleaning with flammable liquids,such as gasoline.
NRC Information
Ionization type smoke alarms use a very small amount of a
radioactive element in the sensing chamber to enable
detection of visible and invisible combustion products. The
radioactiveelement 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 RegulatoryCommission.
Fire Safety

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.
SmokeDetection - Are More Smoke Alarms Desirable?
Required number of smokealarms (as shown in Image 1A
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’sStandard 72
(NFPA, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269).
Notify your local fire department and insurance company
of your smoke alarm installation.
Fire Safety
19