Universal SS-775 User manual

SMOKE & FIRE ALARM
with Silence Control
MODELSS-775/SS-776
READALL INSTRUCTIONS
Thesmokealarmhas arecommended servicelife ofat least10 yearsunder normalconditions.
The smoke alarm uses an extremely small amount of a radioactive element in the ionization
chamber. Do not tamper with radioactive sealed source or try to repair the smoke alarm
yourself. Refer to instructions for repairs.
SMOKE ALARM LIMITATIONS AND 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.ALLTYPES OF
SMOKEALARMSHAVELIMITATIONS.NO TYPEOFSMOKEALARMCAN SENSEEVERY
KIND OF FIRE OR SMOKE EVERYTIME.
• WARNING-SMOKEALARMSWILLNOTWORKDURINGALOSSOFPOWER.SINCEASMOKE
ALARMWILLNOTWORKWITHOUTPOWER,havinganalarm(s)thatworksfromtwocompletely
differentpowersources,suchasanACdirectwirewithbatterybackupsmokealarm,cangiveyouan
extrameasureofprotectionincaseofanAC power failure or a dead battery.
• USINGASMOKE ALARM INASMOKYAREALIKE A KITCHEN, OR INA HIGH HUMIDITY
AREA NEAR A SHOWER, CAN CAUSE FALSE ALARMS. DO NOT TURN OFF THE AC
POWER TO QUIETTHEALARM.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 BESTSAFEGUARD.
• INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMS MAY MAKE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR LOWER INSURANCE
RATES, but SMOKEALARMSARE NOTASUBSTITUTE FOR INSURANCE. Homeowners
and renters alike should continue to insure their lives and properties.
• SMOKEALARMS CANNOTWORK WITHOUTPOWER. Battery operated unitscannotwork if the
batteriesaremissing,disconnectedordead,if thewrong typeofbatteriesareusedorif thebatteries
are not installed correctly. AC (only) powered units cannot work if the AC power is cut off for any
reason.Ifyouare concerned about the limitationsof battery orACpower,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
everybedroomon every levelofyour home. Interconnected units may provide earlierwarning
than stand-alone units since all units alarm when one detects smoke.
• SMOKEALARMS MAYNOTBE HEARD.Thealarmhorn inthisunit meetsorexceeds current
standards,but it may not be heard if: (1) theunitislocated outsidea closed or partiallyclosed
door;(2)residentsrecently consumedalcoholordrugs; (3) the alarm is drowned outbynoise
fromstereos,TV's,air conditioners or otherappliancesor (4) if residentsare 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.
• SMOKEALARMS HAVEALIMITED 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.
• CURRENTSTUDIESHAVE SHOWNSMOKEALARMSMAYNOTAWAKENALLSLEEPING
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 THE AREA UNASSISTED.
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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(PeakedCeilings):
Smokealarms orsmokedetectorsmountedonapeakedceilingshall belocated within36in.(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 belocatedwithin 36in.(914 mm) ofthe high sideofthe ceiling,butnot closerthan4 in. (102
mm) from the adjoining wall surface.
Tray-ShapedCeilings:
SmokeAlarms orsmokedetectors shallbeinstalled onthe highestportionof theceiling oronthe 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, Title 24CFR,Section 3280.208 andSection3282.For additional protection,see
SingleStory Residencesmokealarmrequirements/recommendationsfor ExistingHomes andNew Construction
Homes.
Note: For mobile homes built before 1978, install smoke alarms on inside walls between 4” and 12” from the
ceiling(oldermobilehomes have little or no insulationintheceiling). This is especially important iftheceiling
is unusually hot or cold.
Installasmoke alarm insideeachbedroom and in thehallwayoutside each separatesleepingarea.
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,interconnectedsmokealarmsto beinstalledinsideeach bedroom,outsideeach
bedroomarea,and oneverylevel ofthehome. Theyalsorequire aminimumof twoAC-powered,interconnected
smokealarmsin any newconstructionhome.

THIS SMOKEALARM WILL NOT OPERATE WITHOUTA BATTERY INSTALLED.
PROPER BATTERY MUST BE INSTALLED IMMEDIATELY WHEN LOW
BATTERY SIGNAL IS GIVEN OR THE UNIT WILL FAIL. TEST WEEKLY. READ
AND FOLLOWALL INSTRUCTIONS OR UNIT WILL NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
FALSE ALARMS (SEE "SILENCE" CONTROL)
The smoke alarm is designed to minimize false alarms. Smoking will not normally set
off the alarmunlesssmoke is blowndirectly into the smokealarm. Combustion particles
from cooking may set off 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. Use the "silence" feature if it is a false 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:Yoursmokealarmis equipped with asafetydevice which preventsmounting unless a battery
isinstalled.If yoursmokealarm will not lockintothe mounting bracket, checktomake sure a battery
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,
diningrooms,kitchens,hallways,attics,furnacerooms,closets,utilitystoragerooms,basements
andattached garages.Testthe smoke alarm weekly to assure properoperation.
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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.
• closerthan3feet (0.9m) horizontalpathfrom the tipoftheblade of 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.
FALSE ALARMS "SILENCE" CONTROL: Units with the "silence" feature have the capability of
temporarilyreducingthe sensitivity ofthealarm circuit forapproximately8 minutes.This feature isto
be used only when a known alarm condition such as smoke from cooking activates the smoke
alarm.The smoke alarm is deactivated by pushing the test button on the smoke alarm cover for at
least three seconds. The smoke alarm will automatically reduce sensitivity and "beep" every 30-40
seconds for approximately 8 minutes to indicate the alarm is in the temporary silent condition. The
smoke alarm will gradually reactivate during the 8 minutes and sound the alarm if particles of
combustionarestillpresent. The"silence"featuremay be used repeatedly until theairhascleared.
CAUTION: Before using the alarm "silence" feature, identify the source of smoke and be
certain that safe conditions exist.
STANDBY CONDITION:The red LED (SS-776 only) flashes once every 40-60 seconds to indicate
the unit is properly functioning.
LOCALALARM CONDITION: Thered LED(SS-776only)flashes rapidly and the unitemitsa 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 up to 10 secondsafterthe button is released. Ifnoalarmsounds, the unit may
have a defective battery or other failure. Test the smoke alarm weekly to assure proper operation.
Page 4
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.
RV INSTALLATION -
WARNING: TEST SMOKE ALARM OPERATION AFTER VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN STORAGE,
BEFORE EACH TRIP, AND AT LEAST ONCE PER WEEK DURING USE. An identical marking is
tobeprovided by therecreationalvehicle manufacturer that shallbepermanent and located, visibly,
within 24 inches (610mm) of the smoke alarm.
MAINTENANCE:The smoke alarm is virtuallymaintenancefree. However, underdustyconditions,
a vacuum hose may be used to clear the sensing chamber of dust.
BATTERYREPLACEMENT
The smoke alarm uses a 9 Volt carbon-zinc battery. The battery should last for at least one year
undernormaloperating conditions.The smoke alarm hasalow battery indicator, an audible"beep."
It will operate at 30-40 second intervals for a minimum of 7 days. When this indication occurs,
replace the battery with an Alkaline type (Eveready Energizer #522, Duracell #MN1604), Carbon-
Zinc type (Gold Peak #1604P, Eveready #216).
REPAIRS AND SERVICES
Thesmokealarm containsless than 1microcurie(37kilobecquerel) ofAmericium 241,aradioactive
material.The distributionof these ionization-type smoke alarms is licensedby theU.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission; the consumer is exempt from any licensing or requirements. 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
warrantyunits.

Page 5
DEVELOPAND 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
hearthe sound.
o Identifychildren'sbedrooms with redstickersplaced in theupperleftcornerof 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 THE ALARM 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
seepingthroughcracks,don't open that door! Instead,useyour alternate exit. If insidedooris
cool,placeyour shoulder against it,openit slightly and bereadyto slam it shutifheatand 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.
NATIONALFIRE PROTECTIONASSOCIATION REQUIRED PROTECTION
For your information, the National Fire ProtectionAssociation's Standard 72, reads as follows:
“11.5.1One-andTwo-Family DwellingUnits. 11.5.1.1Smoke Detection. Whererequired
by applicable laws, codes, or standards for the specified occupancy, approved single-
andmultiple-station smokealarmsshall be installedas follows:(1)In all sleepingrooms.
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
vicinityof thesleepingrooms. (3)On eachlevelof thedwelling unit,includingbasements.
Exception: In existing one- and two-family dwelling units, approved smoke alarms
powered by batteries are permitted.
“A.11.8.3AreMore SmokeDetectors Desirable?Therequired numberof smokedetectors
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
requiredsmoke detectors.The installationofsmokedetectors inkitchens,attics (finished
orunfinished), orgaragesis notnormallyrecommended, astheselocations 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,Chapter 11. (NationalFire ProtectionAssociation,Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA02269).
THIS PRODUCT IS LISTED TO UL STANDARD FOR SAFETY,
UL217 6TH, BY UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES

288-3099-03I
UNIVERSAL FIVE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Universal Security Instruments, Inc. ("Universal") warrants your
Universal product to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of five (5) years from the date of purchase.
This warranty applies only to the original consumer purchaser and only
to products used in normal residential use and service. If this product is
found to be defective, 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 been damaged through
misuse,abuse,accident, modifications,alteration,neglector mishandling.
This Warranty shall not apply to any product which is found to have been
improperly installed, set-up, or used in any way not in accordance with
the instructions supplied with the product. This warranty shall not apply
to any batteries used in the product or to any damage which may be
caused by such batteries. For repair or replacement, send the defective
product to Universal Security Instruments, Inc. at 11407 Cronhill Drive,
SuiteA, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117, postage prepaid with a payment
of $4.00 to cover the costs of return postage and handling. You must
include a proof of purchase (receipt) along with the returned product.
UNIVERSAL DOES NOT WARRANTAND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS
ANY WARRANTY, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OTHER THAN THE WARRANTY
CONTAINED HEREIN. NO IMPLIED WARRANTY ON THIS PRODUCT,
CREATED BY STATE LAW, SHALL EXTEND BEYOND THE TERM OF
THIS WARRANTY UNLESS SUCH LAW OTHERWISE PROVIDES.
UNIVERSAL SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMSANY LIABILITYAND SHALL
NOT BE LIABLE FORANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL LOSS
OR DAMAGE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DAMAGES TO
ANY EQUIPMENT WITH WHICH THIS PRODUCT IS USED.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages so the above limitations or exclusions may not
apply to you.
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.
©1996UNIVERSALSECURITY INSTRUMENTS,INC,.Rev.2009
PrintedinChina
11407 Cronhill Drive, Suite A
Owings Mills, Maryland 21117 USA
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