Universal SS-785 User manual

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
Thesmokealarmhasarecommendedservicelifeofatleast10yearsundernormalconditions.
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.
MODEL SS-785/SS-790
EARLYWARNING
SMOKE & FIRE ALARM
SMOKEALARM LIMITATIONSAND FUNCTIONS
• THEREARETWO 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 INA SMOKY AREA LIKEAKITCHEN, OR INA HIGH HUMIDITY
AREA NEAR A SHOWER, CAN CAUSE FALSE ALARMS. DO NOT TURN OFF THE AC
POWER TO QUIETTHEALARM.ASMOKEALARM WILL NOTHELP PROTECT YOU 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 NOTASUBSTITUTE 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 EVALUATED AND FOUND SUITABLE FOR THAT PURPOSE.
• CURRENTSTUDIES HAVE SHOWN SMOKEALARMS MAYNOTAWAKENALLSLEEPING
INDIVIDUALS AND THAT IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF INDIVIDUALS IN THE
HOUSEHOLD WHOARE CAPABLE OF ASSISTING OTHERSTO 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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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):
Smokealarmsorsmokedetectors mountedonapeakedceilingshallbelocated 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)horizontallyshallbe located within 36 in. (914 mm)ofthehighsideof the ceiling, but not closerthan4in.(102
mm) from the adjoining wall surface.
Tray-ShapedCeilings:
SmokeAlarmsorsmokedetectorsshallbeinstalledonthehighestportionoftheceilingorontheslopedportion
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
ConstructionSafety Standards, Title 24 CFR,Section3280.208 and Section 3282.Foradditional protection, see
SingleStoryResidencesmokealarmrequirements/recommendationsforExistingHomesandNewConstruction
Homes.
Note: For mobile homes built before 1978, install smoke alarms on inside walls between 4” and 12” from the
ceiling(older mobile homeshave little orno insulation inthe ceiling). This is especially important ifthe ceiling
is unusually hot or cold.
Installa smoke alarm inside eachbedroomand in the hallwayoutsideeach 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, interconnected smoke alarms to be installedinsideeachbedroom,outside each
bedroomarea,andoneverylevel of the home. They also require a minimumoftwoAC-powered,interconnected
smokealarms in any new constructionhome.

MODEL SS-785 - THIS SMOKE ALARM WILL NOT WORK WITHOUT 120 VAC POWER
PROPERLY CONNECTED. THE SMOKEALARM SHOULD BE TESTED WHEN INSTALLED
AND THEN TESTED WEEKLYAFTER THAT.
MODELSS-790 - THIS SMOKE ALARM WILLNOT WORK WITHOUT 120 VAC POWERAND
A GOOD BATTERY PROPERLY INSTALLED. THE SMOKE ALARM SHOULD BE TESTED
WHEN INSTALLED AND THEN TESTED WEEKLYAFTER THAT.
FALSE ALARMS
The smoke alarm is designed to minimize false alarms. Smoking will not normally set off the alarm
unlesssmoke is blowndirectlyintothe smoke alarm.Combustionparticlesfromcooking 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 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 above may have caused
the alarm.
INSTALLATION
Installation of this unit must conform to the electrical codes in your area;Article 760 of the
National Electrical Code, NFPA 72, 101; SBC (SBCCI); UBC (ICBO); NBC (BOCA): OTFDC
(CABO), and any other local or building codes that may apply. Wiring and installation must
be performed by a licensed electrician. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in injury
or property damage.
This unit must be powered by a 24-hour, 120VAC 60Hz circuit. Be sure the circuit cannot be
turned off by a switch, dimmer or ground fault circuit interrupter. Failure to connect this unit
to a 24-hour circuit may prevent it from providing constant protection.
IMPORTANT: Do not subject this smoke alarm to megger, high voltage or high-pot tests.
Remove the smoke alarm(s) before high-potting tests occur on the circuit or system.
(Ref. Section 550-17, National Electric Code, 2002 Edition).
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD
Turn off power to the area where you will install this unit at the circuit breaker or fuse box
before beginning installation. Failure to turn off the power before installation may result in
serious electrical shock, injury or death.
TAMPER LOCKING PIN: Tomakeyour smoke alarmsomewhattamperresistant,alockingpin has
been provided. Using this pin will deter children and others from removing the alarm from the
mountingring.Touse the pin,insertit into theholein the sideof the alarmafterithas been installed
on the mounting ring. Note that the tamper pin will have to be removed in order to change the
battery, whichcanbe done easilywith a pair of longnose pliers. Usingthe long nosepliers,pull the
pin out of the hole. It is now possible to remove the smoke alarm from the mounting ring.
1. Turnthesmokealarm counterclockwise to removeitfromthemountingring. NOTE:Thesmoke
alarm is sealed and the cover is not removable. Your smoke alarm is also equipped with a
safety device which prevents mounting unless a battery is installed. If your smoke alarm will
not lock onto the mounting ring, check to make sure a battery is installed.
Page 3
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.
• closerthan 3feet(0.9m) horizontal pathfromthe tip ofthe blade ofa ceiling suspended(paddle)
fan.
• on a poorly insulated ceiling or exterior wall (mount smoke alarm on an inside wall).

2. Wiring Instructions:
a. The appropriate power supply is 120 Volt single phase power supplied from a non-
switchable circuit NOT protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter.
b. Turn off main power to the circuit before wiring the smoke alarm.
c. There are three pigtail leads (black, white and yellow) coming from the AC QUICK
CONNECTOR.The proper wire connection is as follows:
WIRES FROM QUICK CONNECTOR CONNECTTO
BLACK "HOT" side ofAC line
WHITE "NEUTRAL" side of AC line
YELLOW Interconnect wires of other units
For units that are used as single smoke alarms, do not connect the yellow wire to anything.
Insulate this wire (tape it) in place to make certain the yellow wire cannot contact any metal parts.
Interconnected units can provide earlier warning of fire than stand-alone units, especially
if a fire starts in a remote area of the dwelling. This smoke alarm may be interconnected
with as many as 11 other UNIVERSAL model smoke alarms such as SS-785, SS-790,
SS-795, SS-2795, SS-2895 and 6 other units which may be a combination of Carbon
Monoxide Alarms such as CD-9385, CD-9390, CD-9485, CD-9490, CD-9795, Heat Alarms/
HD-130 or Relay Modules/RM-100 for a total of not more than 18 interconnected devices.
Interconnected CO alarms will only respond if a CO alarm / event initiates the alarm. All
other alarms remain silent.
Interconnected smoke alarms, heat alarms and relay modules will only respond if a smoke
alarm / event or heat alarm / event initiates the alarm. All CO alarms remain silent.
Note that units without battery backup will not respond during an AC power failure.
NOTE: Relay Modules/RM-100 will not respond if a CO alarm / event initiates the alarm.
The yellow wire is used only for multiple station operation with UNIVERSAL models only.
Connecting this yellow wire to any other circuits may result in damage. When smoke
alarms are interconnected, all units must be powered from a single AC branch circuit. If
local codes do not permit be sure the neutral wire is common to both phases. The maximum
wire run distance between the first and last smoke alarm in an interconnected system is
1,000 feet. NOTE: Use standard household wire (18 gauge or larger, rated at least 300V, as
required by local codes) available at all electrical supply/hardware stores.
The wiring to be used shall be in accordance with the provisions of Articles 210 and
300.3(B) of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70. In addition, the resistance of the
interconnecting wiring shall be a maximum of 10 Ohms.
Early warning fire detection is best achieved by the installation of fire detection equipment
in all rooms and areas of the household as follows: A smoke 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.
3. Attach the mounting ring to the electrical junction box.
4. To activate 9 volt battery and smoke alarm, pull and remove the thin colored plastic tab at
the battery door hinge. Discard plastic tab.
5. Plug the AC QUICK CONNECTORS together. Push and turn the smoke alarm clockwise
onto the mounting ring.
6. See "TAMPER LOCKING PIN."
7. Turn on AC power and check the LED's for proper operation. The green LED lights to
indicate AC power. The red LED will flash every 40-60 seconds to indicate proper operation.
Page 4

OPERATION, TESTING & MAINTENANCE
OPERATION: The smoke alarm is operating once the power is connected and turned on (for the
Model SS-790, the battery must also be installed). 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 hornproducesthree shortbeepsfollowedby atwosecond pauseandthen repeats. This
pattern is somewhat different than the previous alarm sound, which continually beeped.
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.
REMOTE ALARM CONDITION: The red LED is off and the unit emits a loud, pulsating alarm.
GREEN LED: The green LED is on whenever AC power is turned on.
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 (Model SS-790
only).If no alarmsounds,the unit mayhavea defective battery(ModelSS-790 only) orotherfailure.
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).
BACKUP BATTERY REPLACEMENT (Model SS-790 only)
DisconnectAC power before changing battery. Shock hazard exists if AC power is miswired.
The smoke alarm uses a 9 Volt carbon-zinc battery. The battery should last for at least one year
undernormal operating conditions.The smoke alarmhasa low batteryindicator; 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).
Push and lift the battery door latch and remove the battery from the battery door. While observing
polarity, push the battery into the battery door until it is held securely in place. Carefully close and
latch the battery door.
Page 5
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:Thesmoke alarmisvirtually maintenancefree.However,under dusty conditions,
a vacuum hose may be used to clear the sensing chamber of dust.
Clean the smoke alarm at least once a month toremove dust, dirtordebris.Alwaysturnoffpower
tosmokealarmbeforecleaning.Using a softbrushorwandattachmenttoavacuum cleaner,vacuum
all sides and cover of smoke alarm. Be sure all the vents are free of debris.

Page 6
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 PROTECTIONASSOCIATION REQUIRED PROTECTION
For your information, the National Fire Protection Association's Standard 72, reads as follows:
“11.5.1 One- andTwo-Family Dwelling Units. 11.5.1.1 Smoke 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:In existing one- andtwo-family dwellingunits,approved
smoke alarms powered by batteries are permitted.
“A.11.8.3Are More Smoke Detectors Desirable?Therequirednumberofsmokedetectors
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’sStandard 72, Chapter 11.(National Fire ProtectionAssociation,Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02269).
THIS PRODUCT IS LISTED TO UL STANDARD FOR SAFETY,
UL217 6TH, BY UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES

288-3100-02H
UNIVERSALFIVEYEARLIMITEDWARRANTY
UniversalSecurityInstruments, Inc. ("Universal")warrantsyourUniversal
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
residentialuse andservice.Ifthisproductisfoundtobedefective,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,
neglect or 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, Suite A, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117, postage prepaid with a
payment of $5.00 to cover the costs of return postage and handling. You
must include a proof of purchase (receipt) along with the returned product.
UNIVERSALDOES NOTWARRANTANDSPECIFICALLYDISCLAIMSANY
WARRANTY, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OTHER THAN THE WARRANTY CONTAINED
HEREIN.NOIMPLIEDWARRANTYONTHISPRODUCT,CREATEDBYSTATE
LAW, SHALLEXTENDBEYONDTHE TERM OFTHISWARRANTYUNLESS
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
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.
©1996UNIVERSALSECURITYINSTRUMENTS,INC,.Rev.2009
PrintedinChina
11407 Cronhill Drive, Suite A
Owings Mills, Maryland 21117 USA
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