Kidde 0976CA User manual

9 V Battery Operated
S
moke
A
larm
with Test Button and Hush®Control Feature
Alarm Manual
Model 0976CA
Manual P/N 820-0852 Rev. C
SINGLE STATION
SMOKE ALARM
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 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.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-16
Fire Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-20
Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Contents
Introduction
Model 0976CA
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.
1
Made in China. Patents Pending
130 Esna Park Drive, Markham ON L3R 1E3
Consumer Hotline:
1-800-880-6788
www.kidde.ca

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.
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.
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
alarm not located in that room 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 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 form at the ceiling.
For more details, see Mobile Homes.
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 and Image 2C).
4
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

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 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

Installation
6
IMAGE 2A
IMAGE 2C
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
10 cm (4”)
NOT IN
THIS AREA
ANYWHERE IN THIS
AREA
0.9 m (3’)

Mobile Homes
Modern mobile homes have been designed and built 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 alarm on 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 alarm close to the
bedrooms. For additional protection, see Image 1A.
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.
Mounting
CAUTION: This unit is sealed. The cover is not removable!
CAUTION: When wall mounting, the unit must be mounted so
that battery door faces down! (Image 3C) Incorrect orientation
of wall mounted smoke alarms will decrease operational
effectiveness.
• 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 center of the holes with a pencil. To ensure
aesthetic alignment of the alarm with the hall-way, 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 a hole through the pencil marks and use the
enclosed screws and anchors to secure. Use 3/16” drill
for anchor holes. Align the alarm with the mounting
plate and rotate clockwise (right) until the unit is aligned.
Installation
7

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

Installation
9
• Install the alarm on the mounting plate and rotate the
alarm in 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). When wall mounting, make
sure the battery door is at the bottom of the unit (Image 3C).
Battery
This unit will not function without a properly installed
battery, and is equipped with a battery lockout feature
which prevents the battery door from closing if a battery is
not installed correctly. See Maintenance section for
additional information concerning battery installation.
• For initial installation a pre-installed 9 V battery is
included with a battery pull tab that allows for easy
connection. Simply pull the tab out, and the battery is
connected! See Maintenance for additional information
concerning battery installation.
• Pull the Battery Pull Tab (yellow tab protruding from
the unit) completely out of the unit. This will
automatically connect the battery.
Testing
• Test the unit to ensure proper operation by pressing the
Test button.
CAUTION: Due to the loudness (85 decibels) of the alarm, always
stand an arms-length away from the unit when 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 (85db) alarm until the sensing chamber is
cleared of smoke particles.
Operation

Operation
10
Hush®Control Feature
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 smoke alarm circuit for about 7 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 alarm will silence immediately and “chirp” every
30-40 seconds for approximately 7 minutes. This indicates
that the alarm is in a temporarily desensitized condition.
The smoke alarm will automatically reset after
approximately 7 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.

LED Indicators
This alarm is equipped with a red LED indicator, with two
modes of operation.
Red LED - Flashing every 30-40 seconds: Indicates that the
smoke alarm is operating properly.
Red LED - Flashing: 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 alarm will continue until the air is cleared.
Operation
11

12
Operation
Battery Tamper Resist Feature
This alarm has a battery tamper resist feature, which
prevents the battery door from being opened. This feature
is effective in preventing the removal of the battery from
this device (which will render the unit inoperable).
To activate the battery tamper resist feature, remove the
unit from the mounting plate and locate the small cut-out
in the middle of the product label on the back of the unit.
With a small screwdriver, or similar tool, slide the switch
towards the direction indicated by the arrows (Image 4).
The tamper resist feature is now active and the battery
door can not be opened until the tamper resist feature is
deactivated.
NOTE: Before activating the battery tamper resist feature,
make sure a fresh battery is installed in the unit and that
the battery door is properly closed. If the battery tamper
resist feature is activated while the battery door is open,
the battery door will not close and the unit will be
inoperable.
To deactivate the battery tamper resist, in order to change
the battery, remove the unit from the mounting plate and
locate the small cut-out in the middle of the product label.
Using a screwdriver or similar tool, slide the switch in the
OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF THE ARROWS. The battery
door can now be opened.
BATTERY TAMPER RESIST SWITCH
IMAGE 4

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).
Alarm Removal
To remove the alarm from the mounting plate, rotate the
alarm in the direction of the “OFF” arrow on the cover.
Maintenance
13

Battery Removal
NOTE: If battery tamper resist feature has been activated it
will need to be deactivated in order to change the battery.
Refer to the Battery Tamper Resist Feature section for
instructions.
To replace or install the battery press down on the battery
door and then release to allow the door to pop open. The
battery can then be pulled out (Image 5). When installing
a new battery, make sure the battery terminals are facing
outwards as illustrated inside the battery door and that the
polarity matches the markings printed. Completely press
the battery door down into the alarm and release. The
battery door will secure into the closed position.
A missing or improperly installed battery will prevent the
battery door from closing and result in improper alarm
operation.
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.
Maintenance
14
BATTERY DOOR OPERATION
IMAGE 5

This smoke alarm uses a 9 V carbon zinc battery (alkaline
and lithium batteries may also be used). A fresh battery
should last for one year under normal operating
conditions.
Use only the following 9 volt batteries for replacement:
Carbon-Zinc Type Eveready 216 or 1222
Gold Peak 1604P or 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 WEEKLY TESTING IS REQUIRED!
NOTE: If after battery replacement the alarm continues to
chirp, push the Test button. The Hush®feature may have
been activated accidently while changing the battery and
pushing the Test button will end the Hush®cycle.
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
code label (located on the back 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 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 smouldering fires) sooner
than ionization alarms. Home fires develop in different
ways and are often unpredictable. Neither type of alarm
(photoelectric or ionization) is always best, and a given
alarm may not always provide warning of a fire.
• 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.
Fire Safety
17

18
Fire Safety
• 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
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 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 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 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.

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 smoke alarm may not 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
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.
19
Fire Safety