Universal SS-795 User manual

MODEL SS-795
EARLYWARNING
SMOKE & FIRE ALARM
WITH SILENCE CONTROL
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Thesmokealarmhasarecommendedservice lifeofatleast10yearsundernormalconditions.
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
• THERE ARETWO BASIC SMOKE ALARM TYPES - IONIZATION AND PHOTOELECTRIC.
Ionizationsmokealarms (suchas this SmokeAlarm)are yourbestoverallchoiceforreliability
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-SMOKEALARMSWILLNOTWORKDURINGALOSSOFPOWER.SINCEASMOKE
ALARMWILLNOTWORKWITHOUTPOWER,havingan alarm(s)thatworks fromtwocompletely
differentpowersources,suchasanACdirectwirewithbatterybackupsmokealarm,cangiveyouan
extra measure of protection in case of an AC power failure or a dead battery.
• USINGA SMOKE ALARM IN ASMOKY AREA LIKE A KITCHEN,OR IN A HIGH HUMIDITY
AREA NEAR A SHOWER, CAN CAUSE FALSE ALARMS. DO NOT TURN OFF THE AC
POWERTO QUIETTHE ALARM. A SMOKE ALARMWILL NOT HELP PROTECTYOU IF IT
IS NOT POWERED.Properly locate your alarm to avoid nuisance alarms.
• A SMOKE ALARM MAY NOT ALWAYS WARN YOU ABOUT FIRES CAUSED BY
CARELESSNESS AND SAFETY HAZARDS LIKE SMOKING IN BED, VIOLENT
EXPLOSIONS, ESCAPING GAS, IMPROPER STORAGE OF FLAMMABLE MATERIALS,
OVERLOADEDELECTRICAL CIRCUITS,CHILDRENPLAYINGWITHMATCHES,NATURAL
CAUSES SUCH AS LIGHTNING, OR ARSON. FIRE PREVENTION IS YOUR BEST
SAFEGUARD.
• INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMS MAY MAKE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR LOWER INSURANCE
RATES, but SMOKE ALARMS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR INSURANCE. Homeowners
and renters alike should continue to insure their lives and properties.
• SMOKEALARMS CANNOTWORKWITHOUTPOWER.Battery operatedunits cannot work ifthe
batteriesaremissing, disconnectedordead,if thewrongtypeof batteriesareusedorifthebatteries
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
everybedroomon everylevel of yourhome.Interconnected units mayprovideearlierwarning
than stand-alone units since all units alarm when one detects smoke.
• SMOKEALARMSMAY NOTBE HEARD.Thealarm horninthis unit meets orexceedscurrent
UL 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
bynoise fromstereos,TV's,air conditionersor other appliancesor (4) ifresidents 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.
• SMOKEALARMS HAVE A LIMITED LIFE.Theunit should bereplaced immediately ifit is not
operating properly.You should always replace a smoke alarm after 10 years.

RECOMMENDED LOCATION OF ALARMS
• Locatethe first smoke alarmin the immediatearea of the bedrooms.Trytoprotect the exit path as
the bedrooms are usually farthest from an exit. If more than one sleeping area exists, locate
additional smoke alarms in each sleeping area.
• 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
mountingonan inside partition is preferredtoavoidthe thermalbarrier thatmay form at theceiling.
• 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).
Mobile Home Installation:
For minimum protection,smoke alarms should be installed in compliance with H.U.D.Manufactured Home
Construction Safety Standards,Title 24 CFR, Section 3280.208 and Section 3282.For additional protection,
see Single Story Residence smoke alarm requirements/recommendations for Existing Homes and New
Construction 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 insulation in the ceiling).This is especially important if the
ceiling is unusually hot or cold.
Install a smoke alarm inside each bedroom and in the hallway outside each separate sleeping area.

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 10 feet (3 meters) away from these areas.
• in areas of turbulent air such as air returns or heating and cooling supply vents.Install at least 3
feet (0.9 meters) away from these areas.The air could blow smoke away from the smoke alarm,
interrupting its alarm.
• 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 5 feet (1.5m) from fluorescent lights, electrical "noise" and flickering may affect the
alarm'soperation.
THIS SMOKE ALARM WILL NOT WORK WITHOUT 120 VAC POWER AND A
GOOD BATTERY PROPERLY INSTALLED.THE SMOKE ALARM SHOULD BE
TESTED WHEN INSTALLED AND THEN TESTED WEEKLY AFTER THAT.
FALSE ALARMS
The smoke alarm is designed to minimize false alarms.Smoking will not normally set off the alarm
unless smoke isblowndirectly into the smoke alarm.Combustionparticlesfrom cooking mayset 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 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. Use the "silence" feature if it is a false 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,120V AC 60Hz circuit. Be sure the circuit cannot be
turned off bya switch,dimmer or ground fault circuit interrupter.Failure to connect this unit
to a 24-hour circuit may prevent it from providing constant protection.
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: To makeyour smoke alarm somewhattamper resistant, alockingpin has
beenprovided.Usingthispinwilldeterchildrenandothersfromremovingthe alarmfromthemounting
ring.To use the pin, insert it into the hole in the side of the alarm after it has been installed on the
mountingring.Note that thetamperpin will haveto be removed in order tochange the battery,which
can be done easily with a pair of long nose pliers.Using the long nose pliers, pull the pin out of the
hole.It is now possible to remove the smoke alarm from the mounting ring.
1. Turnthe smoke alarm counterclockwise to removeit from the mountingring.NOTE:The smoke
alarmis sealed and thecoveris notremovable.Yoursmokealarmis also equipped witha 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.
2. Wiring Instructions:
a. Theappropriatepowersupplyis120Volt single phase powersuppliedfromanon-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 of AC 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. If any unit in the series senses smoke,all units will
alarm.This smoke alarm may be interconnected with as many as 11 other UNIVERSAL model
smoke alarms and 6 other units which may be a combination of HD-130 Heat Alarms or RM-
100 Relay Modules for a total of not more than 18 interconnected devices.
The yellow wire is used only for multiple station operation with UNIVERSAL Models SS-785,
SS-790 AND SS-795 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
branchcircuit.If local codes do not permit be surethe neutral wire is commonto 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.
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
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 ACpower 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.

OPERATION,TESTING & MAINTENANCE
OPERATION:The smokealarm is operatingoncethepoweris connected and turned on (thebattery
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,thehornproduces three shortbeeps followedbya two secondpause and thenrepeats.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
properly functioning.
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 alarmsounds if all electroniccircuitry, horn and battery are working.If no alarm sounds,
the unit may have a defective battery or other failure.
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).
Donot use aerosol smoke to test theunit.Aerosolcontaminants can clogthe unit and prevent
smoke from reaching the sensor in a fire emergency.
FALSE ALARMS "SILENCE" CONTROL: Units with the "silence" feature have the capability of
temporarily reducing the sensitivityof the alarm circuit forapproximately8minutes.This feature is to
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
combustion are still present.The "silence" feature may be used repeatedly until the air has cleared.
Before using the alarm "silence" feature, identify the source of smoke and be certain that
safe conditions exist.
MAINTENANCE:Thesmokealarm isvirtuallymaintenance free.However, under dusty conditions,
a vacuum hose may be used to clear the sensing chamber of dust.
BACKUP BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Disconnect AC 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
undernormaloperatingconditions.The smoke alarmhas a lowbattery 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 (Radio Shack Cat.No.23-553, Eveready Energizer #522,
Duracell #MN1604), Carbon-Zinc type (Gold Peak #1604P [UL], Eveready #216), or Lithium type
(ULTRALIFE U9VL-J).
Push and lift the battery door latch and remove the battery from the battery door.While observing
polarity, push thereplacement batteryintothe battery door until itis held securelyin place.Carefully
close and latch the battery door. REPAIRS AND SERVICES
Thesmokealarm contains less than1 microcurie (37 kilobecquerel)of Americium 241,aradioactive
material. This substance requires that the smoke alarm be returned to the manufacturer or the
Departmentof Health fordisposal.Donotdispose of in anyotherway.If the smokealarmis 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.

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
hearthesound.
o Identifychildren's bedrooms with redstickersplaced inthe upper left cornerof thewindows.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!
WHATTO DOWHENTHE 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
seepingthrough cracks,
don't open that door! Instead, useyouralternateexit.If inside door is
cool,place your shoulder against it,open it slightlyand be ready toslam it shutif 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:
"2-2.1.1.1 Smokedetectors shall be installed outsideof each separatesleepingarea in
the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on each additional story of the family living
unit including basements and excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics. In new
construction, a smoke detector shall be installed in each sleeping room."
"A-2.5.2.1 Smoke Detection - Are More Smoke Detectors Desirable? The required
numberof smokedetectors might notprovidereliableearlywarning protection forthose
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
protectedbytherequiredsmokedetectors.Theinstallationofsmokedetectors in kitchens,
attics(finished or unfinished), or garagesisnotnormally recommended,astheselocations
occasionally experience conditions that can result in improper operation."
The equipment should be installed in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association's
Standard 72.(National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269).
THIS PRODUCT MEETS ALL THE REQUIREMENTS
OF UL STANDARD FOR SAFETY, UL217 5TH ED.

288-3240-00D ©2001, UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC. Printed in China
OWINGS MILLS, MARYLAND 21117 USA
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
replacementof theproduct,at Universal'sdiscretion,provided thatthe product
has not been damaged through misuse, abuse, accident, modifications,
alteration,neglect ormishandling.This Warrantyshallnot applytoany 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
warrantyshall notapply toany batteriesused inthe productor toany damage
which may be caused by such batteries. For repair or replacement, send the
defective product to Universal Security Instruments, Inc. at 7-A Gwynns Mill
Court, 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 WARRANT AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS
ANY WARRANTY, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF FITNESS FOR
APARTICULAR PURPOSE, OTHERTHAN THE WARRANTYCONTAINED
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
SPECIFICALLYDISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITYAND SHALL NOTBE LIABLE
FOR ANY 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
consequentialdamages so theabove limitationsor exclusionsmay 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.
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