Universal Security Instruments SS-901 User manual

EARLYWARNING
PHOTOELECTRIC
SMOKE & FIRE ALARM
MODEL SS-901
READALLINSTRUCTIONS
The smoke alarm has a recommended service life of at least 10 years under normal
conditions.
INSTALLER:PLEASELEAVETHIS MANUALWITHTHE PRODUCT.
SMOKEALARM LIMITATIONSAND FUNCTIONS
• THEREARE TWO BASIC SMOKEALARM TYPES - IONIZATIONAND PHOTOELECTRIC.
Ionization smoke alarms are your best overall choice for reliability and fast response
time, since they quickly sense small "invisible" smoke particles and will also sense
larger "visible" smoke particles. Photoelectric smoke alarms may respond more quickly
in certain types of fires, for example - slow smoldering fires with large "visible" smoke
particles. ALL TYPES OF SMOKE ALARMS HAVE LIMITATIONS. NO TYPE OF SMOKE
ALARM CAN SENSE EVERY KIND OF FIRE OR SMOKE EVERY TIME.
• WARNING - SMOKE ALARMS WILL NOT WORK DURING A LOSS OF POWER. SINCE A
SMOKE ALARM WILL NOT WORK WITHOUT POWER, having an alarm(s) that works from two
completely different power sources, such as an AC direct wire with battery backup smoke
alarm, can give you an extra measure of protection in case of an AC power failure or a dead
battery.
• USINGASMOKE ALARM INASMOKY AREALIKEA KITCHEN, OR INA HIGH HUMIDITY
AREA NEAR A SHOWER, CAN CAUSE FALSE ALARMS. DO NOT TURN OFF THE AC
POWER TO QUIET THEALARM.ASMOKEALARM WILL NOTHELP PROTECTYOU IF IT
IS NOT POWERED. Properly locate your alarm to avoid nuisance alarms.
• ASMOKEALARMMAYNOTALWAYSWARNYOUABOUTFIRESCAUSEDBYCARELESSNESS
AND SAFETY HAZARDS LIKE SMOKING IN BED, VIOLENT EXPLOSIONS, ESCAPING GAS,
IMPROPERSTORAGEOFFLAMMABLEMATERIALS,OVERLOADEDELECTRICALCIRCUITS,
CHILDRENPLAYINGWITHMATCHES,NATURALCAUSESSUCHASLIGHTNING,ORARSON.
FIRE PREVENTION IS YOUR BEST SAFEGUARD.
• INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMS MAY MAKE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR LOWER INSURANCE
RATES, but SMOKEALARMSARE NOTA SUBSTITUTE FOR INSURANCE. Homeowners
and renters alike should continue to insure their lives and properties.
• SMOKE ALARMS CANNOT WORK WITHOUT POWER. Battery operated units cannot work if
the batteries are missing, disconnected or dead, if the wrong type of batteries are used or if the
batteries are not installed correctly. AC (only) powered units cannot work if the AC power is cut
off for any reason. If you are concerned about the limitations of battery or AC power, install both
types of units.
• SMOKE ALARMS CANNOT DETECT FIRES IF THE SMOKE DOES NOT REACH THEM.
Smoke from fires may not reach the sensing chamber and set off the alarm. One unit
should be installed inside each bedroom or sleeping area.
• SMOKE ALARMS MAY NOT DETECT FIRE ON ANOTHER FLOOR OR AREA OF THE
HOME. Recommended minimum protection is at least one unit in every sleeping area
and every bedroom on every level of your home. Interconnected units may provide earlier
warning than stand-alone units since all units alarm when one detects smoke.
• SMOKE ALARMS MAY NOT BE HEARD. The alarm horn in this unit meets or exceeds
current standards, but it may not be heard if: (1) the unit is located outside a closed or
partially closed door; (2) residents recently consumed alcohol or drugs; (3) the alarm is
drowned out by noise from stereos, TV's, air conditioners or other appliances or (4) if
residents are hearing impaired or sound sleepers.
• SMOKE ALARMS ARE NOT FOOLPROOF. You must test the unit weekly to ensure your
continued protection. Smoke alarms cannot prevent or extinguish fires.
• SMOKE ALARMS HAVE A LIMITED LIFE. The unit should be replaced immediately if it is
not operating properly. You should always replace a smoke alarm after 10 years.
• SMOKE ALARMS ARE NOT TO BE USED WITH DETECTOR GUARDS UNLESS THE
COMBINATION HAS BEEN EVALUATEDAND FOUND SUITABLE FOR THAT PURPOSE.
• CURRENTSTUDIES HAVESHOWN SMOKEALARMS MAYNOTAWAKENALLSLEEPING
INDIVIDUALS AND THAT IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF INDIVIDUALS IN THE
HOUSEHOLD WHOARE CAPABLE OFASSISTING OTHERS TO PROVIDEASSISTANCE
TO THOSE WHO MAY NOT BE AWAKENED BY THE ALARM SOUND OR TO THOSE
WHO MAY BE INCAPABLE OF SAFELY EVACUATING THEAREAUNASSISTED.
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Page 2
RECOMMENDED LOCATION OFALARMS
• Locate the first smoke alarm in the immediate area of the bedrooms. Try to protect the escape
route as the bedrooms are usually farthest from an exit. If more than one sleeping area exists,
locate additional smoke alarms in each sleeping area. If a hall is more than 40 feet (12 meters)
long, install a smoke alarm at each end.
• Locate additional smoke alarms to protect any stairway as stairways act like chimneys for
smoke and heat.
• Locate at least one smoke alarm on every floor level.
• Locate a smoke alarm in any area where a smoker sleeps or where electrical appliances are
operated in sleeping areas.
• Smoke, heat and other 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. However, in mobile homes, wall
mounting on an inside partition is preferred to avoid the thermal barrier that may form at the
ceiling.
• When mounting smoke alarm on the ceiling, locate it a minimum of 4" (10cm) from a side wall
or corner (see Diagram A).
• When mounting smoke alarm on a wall, if local codes allow, use an inside wall with the top edge
of the smoke alarm a minimum of 4" (10cm) and a maximum of 12" (30.5cm) below the ceiling/
wall intersections (See Diagram A).
SlopedCeilings (Peaked Ceilings):
Smokealarms orsmokedetectors mountedona peaked ceilingshallbe locatedwithin36 in.(914mm) horizontally
of the peak, but not closer than 4 in. (102 mm) vertically to the peak.
Sloped Ceilings (Shed Ceilings):
Smoke alarms or smoke detectors mounted on a sloped ceiling having a rise greater than 1 ft. in 8 ft. (1 m in 8
m)horizontallyshall be located within 36 in. (914 mm) of the highsideoftheceiling,but not closer than 4 in. (102
mm) from the adjoining wall surface.
Tray-ShapedCeilings:
SmokeAlarms or smoke detectors shallbeinstalledon the highest portion oftheceilingor on the slopedportion
of the ceiling within 12 in. (305 mm) vertically down from the highest point.
Mobile Home Installation:
For minimum protection, smoke alarms should be installed in compliance with H.U.D. Manufactured Home
ConstructionSafetyStandards,Title24CFR,Section3280.208andSection3282.Foradditionalprotection,see
SingleStory Residence smoke alarmrequirements/recommendationsfor Existing Homes andNewConstruction
Homes.
Note: For mobile homes built before 1978, install smoke alarms on inside walls between 4” and 12” from the
ceiling(older mobile homes have little or no insulationin the ceiling).This is especiallyimportant if theceiling
is unusually hot or cold.
Installasmokealarminsideeachbedroomandinthe hallway outside each separate sleeping area.
Existing Homes:
The NFPArequires a smoke alarm on every level and outside each sleeping area in existing construction. An
existing household with one level and one sleeping area is required to have one smoke alarm.
New Construction Homes and Manufactured Homes:
TheNFPArequiresAC-powered,interconnectedsmoke alarms to beinstalledinside each bedroom,outsideeach
bedroomarea,and on every level of the home. Theyalsorequirea minimum of two AC-powered, interconnected
smokealarmsinanynewconstructionhome.

THISSMOKE ALARM WILL NOT OPERATE WITHOUT ABATTERYINSTALLED.
PROPER BATTERY MUST BE INSTALLED IMMEDIATELY WHEN LOW
BATTERY SIGNAL IS GIVEN OR THE UNIT WILL FAIL. TEST WEEKLY. READ
ANDFOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS OR UNIT WILL NOTOPERATEPROPERLY.
FALSE ALARMS
The smoke alarm is designed to minimize false alarms. Smoking will not normally set off the alarm
unlesssmokeis blown directlyinto the smokealarm.Combustion particlesfromcooking may setoff
the alarm if the smoke alarm is located close to the kitchen cooking surface. Large quantities of
combustion particles are generated from spills or broiling.
If the smoke alarm does alarm, 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 above may have caused
the alarm.
INSTALLATION
Your smoke alarm is designed for easy mounting on wall or ceiling. A complete mounting kit is
included with the smoke alarm. First, attach the mounting bracket on the wall or ceiling with the
screws provided. Second, push and turn the smoke alarm clockwise on the mounting bracket.
(Note:Your smoke alarmis equipped withasafety device whichpreventsmounting unlessa battery
isinstalled.If yoursmokealarm willnotlock into themountingbracket, check tomake sure abattery
is installed.)
Early warning fire detection is best achieved by the installation of fire detection equipment in
all rooms and areas of the household as follows: Asmoke alarm installed in each separate
sleeping area (in the vicinity of, but outside of, the bedrooms) and heat or smoke alarms in
living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, hallways, attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility storage
rooms, basements and attached garages. Test the smoke alarm weekly to assure proper
operation.
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AVOID THESE LOCATIONS
• the garage – products of combustion are present when you start your automobile.
• near appliances or areas where normal combustion regularly occurs (kitchens, near furnaces,
gas hot water heaters). Use smoke alarms with Silence Control for these areas.
• in areas with high humidity, like bathrooms or areas near dishwashers or washing machines.
Install at least 3 feet (0.9 meters) away from these areas.
• in areas of turbulent air such as air returns or heating and cooling supply vents, smoke alarms
shall not be located where airflow prevents operation of the alarms.
• in extremely dusty, dirty or insect-infested areas. Loose particles interfere with smoke alarm
operation.
• in areas where temperature may fall below 400F (4.40C) or rise above 1000F (37.80C).
• closer than 1 foot (0.3m) from fluorescent lights, electrical "noise" and flickering may affect the
alarm'soperation.
• closerthan3 feet (0.9m) horizontalpathfromthe tip of thebladeof a ceiling suspended(paddle)
fan.
• on a poorly insulated ceiling or exterior wall (mount smoke alarm on an inside wall).
OPERATION, TESTING & MAINTENANCE
OPERATION: The smoke alarm is operating once the battery is connected. When products of
combustion are sensed, the unit sounds a loud alarm which continues until the air is cleared.
This alarm incorporates the internationally recognized horn signal for evacuation. During alarm
mode, the horn produces three short beeps followed by a two second pause and then repeats.
STANDBY CONDITION: The red LED flashes once every 40-60 seconds to indicate the unit is
properlyfunctioning.
LOCAL ALARM CONDITION: The red LED flashes rapidly and the unit emits a loud, pulsating
alarm sound.
TESTING: Test by pushing the test button on the smoke alarm cover until the alarm sounds, then
release. The alarm sounds if all electronic circuitry, horn and battery are working. The alarm may
continuetosound for upto10 seconds afterthebutton is released. Ifno alarm sounds, theunitmay
have a defective battery or other failure. Test the smoke alarm weekly to assure proper operation.

NEVER use an open flame of any kind to test this unit. You might accidentally
damage or set fire to the unit or to your home. The built-in test switch accurately
tests the unit's operation as required by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL).
If you choose to use an aerosol smoke product to test the smoke alarm, be
certain to use one that has been Listed to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. Safety
Standards and use it only as directed. Use of non-UL Listed products or improper
use of UL Listed products may affect the smoke alarm's sensitivity.
MAINTENANCE: The smoke alarm is virtually maintenance free. However, under
dusty conditions, a vacuum hose may be used to clear the sensing chamber of dust.
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
The smoke alarm uses a 9 Volt carbon-zinc battery. The battery should last for at
least one year under normal operating conditions. The smoke alarm has a low battery
indicator, an audible "beep." It will operate at 30-40 second intervals for a minimum of
7days. When this indicationoccurs,replacethe battery withanAlkalinetype(Eveready
Energizer#522, Duracell#MN1604),Carbon-Zinc type(GoldPeak #1604P, Eveready
#216).
REPAIRS AND SERVICES
If the smoke alarm is defective in any way, do not tamper with the unit. Return the unit
for servicing. (See warranty for instructions or in-warranty returns.) There will be a
service charge for repairing out of warranty units.
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Page 5
DEVELOP AND PRACTICE A PLAN OF ESCAPE
BASICS OF ESCAPE PLAN
o Make a floor plan indicating all doors and windows and at least two escape routes from each
room. Second story windows may need a rope or chain ladder.
o Have a family meeting and discuss your escape plan, showing everyone what to do in case of fire.
o Determine a place outside your home where all of you can meet if a fire occurs.
o Familiarize everyone with the sound of the smoke alarm and train them to leave your home when they
hear the sound.
o Identify children's bedrooms with red stickers placed in the upper left corner of the windows.
They are available from your local fire department.
o Practice a fire drill at least every six months. Practice allows you to test your plan before an
emergency. You may not be able to reach your children. It is important they know what to do!
WHAT TO DO WHEN THEALARM SOUNDS
o Leave immediately by your plan of escape. Every second counts, so don't waste time getting
dressed or picking up valuables.
o 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
inside door is cool, place your shoulder against it, open it slightly and be ready to slam it shut
if heat and smoke rush in.
o Stay close to the floor if air is smoky. Breathe shallowly through a cloth, wet if possible.
o Once outside, go to your selected meeting place and make sure everyone is there.
o Call the fire department from your neighbor's home – not from yours!
o Don't return to your home until fire officials say that it is all right to do so.
NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION REQUIRED PROTECTION
For your information, the National Fire Protection Association's Standard 72, reads as follows:
“11.5.1One- andTwo-FamilyDwelling Units.11.5.1.1Smoke Detection. Whererequired
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,
includingbasements. Exception:Inexisting one-and two-familydwellingunits, approved
smoke alarms powered by batteries are permitted.
“A.11.8.3AreMoreSmoke DetectorsDesirable?The requirednumberofsmokedetectors
might not provide reliable early warning protection for those areas separated by a door
from the areas protected by the required smoke detectors. For this reason, it is
recommended that the householder consider the use of additional smoke detectors 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 detectors. The installation of smoke detectors in kitchens, attics
(finished or unfinished), or garages is not normally recommended, as these locations
occasionally experience conditions that can result in improper operation.”
The equipment should be installed using wiring methods in accordance with the National Fire
ProtectionAssociation’sStandard72, Chapter11.(NationalFireProtectionAssociation,Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02269).
THIS PRODUCT IS LISTED TO UL STANDARD FOR SAFETY,
UL217 6TH, BY UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES

288-3282-00C
UNIVERSALFIVEYEARLIMITEDWARRANTY
UniversalSecurityInstruments,Inc. ("Universal")warrantsyourUniversal
productto befreefrom defectsinmaterialandworkmanship foraperiod
of five (5) years from the date of purchase. Thiswarrantyapplies only to
the original consumer purchaser and only to products used in normal
residentialuse andservice. Ifthis productis foundtobedefective,Universal's
only obligation, and your exclusive remedy, is the repair or replacement of
the product, at Universal's discretion, provided that the product has not
beendamagedthroughmisuse, abuse, accident, modifications,alteration,
neglect or mishandling. This Warranty shall not apply to any product which
isfoundto have beenimproperlyinstalled,set-up, orusedinany waynotin
accordance with the instructions supplied with the product. This warranty
shallnotapplyto any batteriesusedintheproduct or toanydamagewhich
may be caused by such batteries. For repair or replacement, send the
defective product to Universal Security Instruments, Inc. at 11407 Cronhill
Drive,SuiteA,OwingsMills,Maryland21117,postageprepaidwithapayment
of$4.00to coverthecostsofreturn postageand handling.You mustinclude
a proof of purchase (receipt) along with the returned product.
UNIVERSALDOESNOTWARRANTANDSPECIFICALLYDISCLAIMSANY
WARRANTY, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE,OTHER THANTHEWARRANTYCONTAINED
HEREIN.NOIMPLIEDWARRANTYONTHISPRODUCT,CREATEDBYSTATE
LAW,SHALLEXTENDBEYONDTHETERMOFTHISWARRANTYUNLESS
SUCHLAWOTHERWISEPROVIDES.UNIVERSALSPECIFICALLYDISCLAIMS
ANYLIABILITYANDSHALLNOTBELIABLEFORANYCONSEQUENTIALOR
INCIDENTAL LOSS OR DAMAGE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
DAMAGESTOANYEQUIPMENTWITHWHICHTHISPRODUCTISUSED.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages so the above limitations or exclusions may not
applytoyou.
No agent, representative, dealer, or employee of the company has the
authority to increase or alter the obligations or terms of this Warranty.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other
rights which vary from state to state.
This Warranty is only valid for merchandise purchased from outlets in the
United States and Canada.
©2001UNIVERSALSECURITYINSTRUMENTS,INC,.Rev. 2009
PrintedinChina
11407 Cronhill Drive, Suite A
Owings Mills, Maryland 21117 USA
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