First Alert SA150CECN-BXN User Manual

IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE.

This user’s manual contains important information about your Smoke
Alarm’s operation. If you are installing this Smoke Alarm for use by
others, you must leave this manual—or a copy of it—with the end user.

USER’S MANUAL

SMOKE AND FIRE* ALARM

M09-0008-000 J 03/03

BATTERY POWERED IONISATION SMOKE ALARM

WITH TORCH TEST AND ESCAPE LIGHT

®

FEATURE

Models SA150CECN, SA150CEC-BXN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Fire Safety Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Before You Install This Smoke Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

How To Install This Smoke Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

Weekly Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Regular Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

If This Smoke Alarm Sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

What To Do In Case Of Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

If You Suspect A Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Limited Guarantee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Recommended Locations For Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5

Locations To Avoid For Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

About Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Special Compliance Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Limitations Of Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

All Rights Reserved. © 2003 BRK Brands, Inc.
BRK Brands Europe Ltd., Gordano Gate, Portishead, Bristol, BS20 7GG, UK
Customer Service Dept.: 01275 845024, E-mail address: [e-mail]

FIRE SAFETY TIPS

Follow safety rules and prevent hazardous situations: 1) Use smoking
materials properly. Never smoke in bed. 2) Keep matches or lighters
away from children; 3) Store flammable materials in proper containers;

4) Keep electrical appliances in good condition and don’t overload
mains circuits; 5) Keep cookers, barbecue grills, fireplaces and chim­neys grease- and debris-free; 6) Never leave anything heating on the
cooker unattended; 7) Keep portable heaters and open flames, like can­dles, away from flammable materials; 8) Don’t let rubbish accumulate.

Keep alarms clean, and test them weekly. Replace alarms immediately if
they are not working properly. Smoke Alarms that do not work cannot alert
you to a fire. Keep at least one working fire extinguisher on every floor, and
an additional one in the kitchen along with a fire blanket. Have fire escape
ladders or other reliable means of escape from an upper floor in case
stairs are blocked.

BEFORE YOU INSTALL THIS SMOKE ALARM

IMPORTANT! Read “Recommended Locations for Smoke Alarms” and
“Locations to Avoid for Smoke Alarms” before beginning. This unit

monitors the air, and when smoke reaches its sensing chamber, it
alarms. It can give you more time to escape before fire spreads. This
unit can ONLY give an early warning of developing fires if it is installed,
maintained and located where smoke can reach it, and where all resi­dents can hear it, as described in this manual. This unit will not sense
gas, heat, or flame. It cannot prevent or extinguish fires.

Understand The Different Type of Smoke Alarms

Battery powered or mains powered? Different Smoke Alarms provide
different types of protection. See “About Smoke Alarms” for details.

Know Where To Install Your Smoke Alarms

Fire Safety Professionals recommend at least one Smoke Alarm on every
level of your home, in every bedroom, and in every bedroom hallway or
separate sleeping area. See “Recommended Locations For Smoke
Alarms” and “Locations To Avoid For Smoke Alarms” for details.

Know What Smoke Alarms Can and Can’t Do

A Smoke Alarm can help alert you to fire, giving you precious time to
escape. It can only sound an alarm once smoke reaches the sensor.
See “Limitations of Smoke Alarms” for details.

Check Your Local Building Regulations

This Smoke Alarm is designed to be used in a typical single-family resi­dence. It alone may not meet requirements for boarding houses, shel­tered housing, hotels, motels, hostels, inns or communal escape routes
in blocks of flats. See “Special Compliance Considerations”

for details.

WEEKLY TESTING

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 British Standards (BSI). If you choose to use an aerosol
smoke product to test the Smoke Alarm, be certain to use one that
has been certified to British Safety Standards, and use it only as
directed. Use of non-BSI certified products or improper use of BSI
certified products may affect the Smoke Alarm’s sensitivity.

It is important to test this unit every week to make sure it is work­ing properly.

Using the test button is the recommended way to test this
Smoke Alarm. Press and hold the test button on the cover of the unit
until the alarm sounds (the unit may continue to alarm for a few seconds
after you release the button). If it does not alarm, make sure the unit is
receiving power and test it again. If it still does not alarm, replace it
immediately. During testing you will hear a loud, repeating horn pattern:
beep, beep, beep...

HOW TO INSTALL THIS SMOKE ALARM

THE PARTS OF THIS SMOKE ALARM

FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS!

This unit is designed to be mounted on the
ceiling, or on the wall if necessary.

Tools you will need:

• Pencil

• Drill with 5 mm (3/16 inch) drill bit

• Standard/Flathead screwdriver

• Hammer

1. Hold base firmly and pull up on cover tab
marked “OPEN HERE.” This will open the
hinged cover. The cover may unsnap from
the base if it's opened too far. This will not
damage the unit—the cover hinge snaps
back into place easily.

2. Hold the Smoke Alarm base against the
ceiling (or wall) and make a mark at the
centre of each of the mounting slots with
a pencil.

3. Put the unit where it won’t get covered
with dust when you drill the mounting
holes.

4. Using a 5 mm (3/16 inch) drill bit, drill a
hole through each pencil mark.

5. Insert the plastic screw anchors (in the
plastic bag with screws) into the holes.
Tap the screw anchors gently with a ham­mer, if necessary, until they are flush with
the ceiling or wall.

6. Tighten the screws (provided) into the
screw anchors, then loosen them two
turns.

*All First Alert®Smoke Alarms conform to regulatory requirements,
including BS5446: Pt. 1:2000 and are designed to detect particles
of combustion. Smoke particles of varying number and size are
produced in all fires.

Ionisation technology is generally more sensitive than photoelectric
technology at detecting small particles, which tend to be produced

in greater amounts by flaming fires, which consume combustible
materials rapidly and spread quickly. Sources of these fires may include
paper burning in a wastebasket, or a grease fire in the kitchen.

Photoelectric technology is generally more sensitive than ionisation

technology at detecting large particles, which tend to be produced in

greater amounts by smouldering fires, which may smoulder for hours
before bursting into flame. Sources of these fires may include cigarettes
burning in couches or bedding.

For maximum protection, use both types of Smoke Alarms on each
level and in every bedroom of your home.

• This unit will not alert hearing impaired residents. It is
recommended that you install special units which use devices
like flashing strobe lights to alert the hearing impaired.

• Do not connect this unit to any other alarm or auxiliary device.
It is a stand-alone unit that cannot be linked to other devices.
Connecting anything else to this unit may prevent it from
working properly.

• Unit will not operate without battery power. The Smoke Alarm
cannot work until you install the battery in the correct position
(Match “+” to “+” and “-” to “-”).

• This Smoke Alarm has a battery guard which prevents it from
closing unless a battery is installed. This warns you the unit
will not operate without a battery.

• Do not install this unit over a mains cable junction box or holes
in the ceiling. Air currents can prevent smoke from reaching the
sensing chamber and prevent the unit from alarming. Only
mains (AC) powered units are intended for installation over
mains cables.

• Do not stand too close to the unit when the alarm is sounding.
It is loud to wake you in an emergency. Exposure to the horn at
close range may harm your hearing.

• Do not paint over the unit. Paint may clog the openings to the
sensing chamber and prevent the unit from operating properly.

1 2 3

10

8

9

6

7

3

5

4

1

2

7. Fit the Smoke Alarm over the screw heads
as shown. Close cover.

8. If the Smoke Alarm cover does not line up
the way you want it, rotate the base and
re-tighten the screws.

9. Activate the battery. With the cover open,
remove and reinstall the battery so the ter­minals on the battery match the terminals
on the Smoke Alarm. Match “+” to “+” and
“-” to “-.” Push the battery in until it snaps
in securely and cannot be shaken loose.

If the battery is not snapped in completely,
the unit cannot receive battery power. The
Smoke Alarm may beep briefly when you
install the battery—this is normal.

This Smoke Alarm has two batteries—
one powers the alarm, the other powers
the Escape Light®. You must reposition
BOTH batteries. The Escape Light

®

requires an alkaline battery.

10. Close the cover all the way.

11. Test the Smoke Alarm. See “Weekly
Testing.”

REGULAR MAINTENANCE

This unit has been designed to be as maintenance free as possible, but
there are a few simple things you must do to keep it working properly.

Use only the replacement batteries listed below. The unit may not
operate properly with other batteries. Never use rechargeable
batteries since they may not provide a constant charge.

• Test it at least once a week.

• Test units used in caravans after the vehicle has been in storage,

before every trip, and once a week while in use. Failure to test units
in caravans as described may remove your protection.

• Clean the Smoke Alarm at least once a month; gently vacuum the
outside of the Smoke Alarm using your household vacuum’s soft
brush attachment. Test the Smoke Alarm. Never use water, cleaners
or solvents since they may damage the unit.

• If the Smoke Alarm becomes contaminated by excessive dirt, dust
and/or grime, and cannot be cleaned to avoid unwanted alarms,
replace the unit immediately.

• Relocate the unit if it sounds frequent unwanted alarms. See
“Locations to Avoid for Smoke Alarms” for details.

• When the battery becomes weak, the Smoke Alarm unit will “chirp”

about once a minute (the low battery warning). This low battery
warning should last for a minimum of 30 days, but you should
replace the battery immediately to continue your protection.

• Test for proper Smoke Alarm operation using the test button
whenever the battery is replaced.

Choosing a replacement battery:

Your Smoke Alarm requires a standard 9V battery. The following
batteries are acceptable as replacements: Duracell #MN1604; Energizer
#522, #6LR61; Eveready #1222, #PP3S, #6LF22; Gold Peak #1604P,
#1604S. You may also use the Ultralife U9VL-J lithium battery for longer
service life between battery changes. These batteries are available at

many local retail stores.

When using a lithium battery there is a danger of explosion if the
battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace a lithium battery only with
the same or equivalent type.

Most carbon zinc batteries have an average service life of 1 year; most
alkaline batteries have an average service life of 1-2 years; most Lithium
batteries have an average service life of 6-10 years. Actual battery serv­ice life depends on the Smoke Alarm and the environment in which it is
installed. All the batteries specified above are acceptable replacement
batteries for this unit. Regardless of the manufacturer’s suggested bat-
tery life, you MUST replace the battery immediately once the unit starts
“chirping” (the “low battery warning”).

Cover

1.“OPEN HERE” tab

2. Cover hinge

3. Test button, torch test sensor

4. Escape Light

®

Parts

1. “OPEN HERE” tab

2. Test button, torch test sensor

3. Sensing chamber

4. Smoke Alarm base

5. Mounting slots

6.

Install 9V alkaline battery for
Escape Light®here

7. Install 9V alarm battery here

USING THE TORCH TEST FEATURE

These Smoke Alarms have a Torch Test Feature
which activates the test button when you wave a
strong torch beam across the sensor.

The Torch Test method works best on flat ceilings up
to 4.5 metres (15 feet) high. Wave a torch with a
strong beam rapidly back and forth in a straight line
across the test button—at least 1 metre (3 feet) in
each direction—until the alarm sounds. If this method
does not work, use the test button to make sure the
alarm is working. If it alarms, try the Torch Test method
again, making sure to wave the torch very rapidly
across the test button. You may need to test wall­mounted units, or units on peaked or gabled ceilings
manually.

TESTING ESCAPE LIGHT® FEATURE

The Escape Light®should always shine during testing. If the horn
sounds, but the light does not shine, install a fresh alkaline battery in
the “ALKALINE ONLY” battery slot, make sure the bulb is not burned
out, and re-test. If the light still does not shine, the unit should be
replaced. The low battery warning “chirp” only identifies that the battery
powering the alarm is getting weak.

Testing the Smoke Alarm is the

only way to make sure the Escape Light

®

is working properly.

LIMITED GUARANTEE

BRK Brands Europe Ltd., (“the Company”), guarantees its enclosed
Smoke Alarm – but not the battery – to be free from defects in materials
and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of ten
years from the date of purchase. BRK Brands Europe Ltd. makes no
other express guarantee for this Smoke Alarm. No agent, representative,
dealer or employee of the Company has the authority to increase or
alter the obligations or limitations of the Guarantee. The Company’s
obligation of this Guarantee shall be limited to the repair or replacement
of any part of the alarm which is found to be defective in materials or
workmanship under normal use and service during the ten year period
commencing with date of purchase. The Company shall not be obligat­ed to repair or replace alarms which are found to be in need of repair
because of damage, unreasonable use, modifications or alterations
occurring after the date of purchase.

How to Obtain Guarantee Service
Service:

If service is required, do not return the product to your retailer.
In order to obtain guarantee service, please telephone the Customer
Service Dept. on 01275 845024 to arrange return.

Battery: BRK Brands Europe Ltd. make no guarantee, express or
implied, written or oral, including that of merchantability or fitness for
any particular purpose with respect to battery.

IF YOU SUSPECT A PROBLEM

Smoke Alarms may not operate properly because of dead, missing or
weak batteries, a build-up of dirt, dust or grease on the Smoke Alarm
cover, or installation in an improper location. Clean the Smoke Alarm as
described in “Regular Maintenance,” and install a fresh battery, then test
the Smoke Alarm again. If it fails to test properly when you use the test
button, or if the problem persists, replace the Smoke Alarm immediately.

• If you hear a “chirp” once a minute, replace the battery.

• If you experience frequent non-emergency alarms (like those

caused by cooking smoke), try relocating the Smoke Alarm.

• If the alarm sounds when no smoke is visible, try cleaning or

relocating the Smoke Alarm. The Alarm may be dirty or dusty.

• If the alarm does not sound during testing, try installing a new

battery, and make sure it is snapped in securely.

When using a lithium battery there is a danger of explosion if the
battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace a lithium battery only with
the same or equivalent type.

• If the Escape Light

®

does not light during testing, make sure
both batteries are fresh and installed correctly (the alkaline bat­tery must be installed in the slot marked “ALKALINE ONLY”).
Make sure the bulb is working properly. If you suspect the bulb
is burned out, please telephone our Customer Service Dept. on
01275 845024 to purchase a new one (if the bulb is still under
guarantee, it will be replaced free of charge).

• If the Alarm doesn’t sound when trying the Torch Test Feature,
make sure your torch has a strong beam. This feature works
best on flat ceilings. If you have a peaked or gabled ceiling, you
may have to use the test button manually.

If the Smoke Alarm is still not operating properly, and it is still under
guarantee, please see “How to Obtain Guarantee Service” in the Limited
Guarantee below.

Do not try fixing the alarm yourself – this will void your guarantee!

RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR
SMOKE ALARMS

Installing Smoke Alarms in Single-Family Residences

British Standards (BSI) recommend one Smoke Alarm on every floor,
in every living area, and in every bedroom or sleeping area. See “British
Standards (BSI) Recommendations” for details. For additional coverage,
it is recommended that you also install a Smoke Alarm in halls, storage
areas, finished attics and roof voids. Make sure no door or other
obstruction could keep smoke from reaching the Smoke Alarms or
minimize the sound level produced from ensuring the occupants from
hearing the alarm signal.

More specifically, install Smoke Alarms:

• Where temperatures normally remain between 4˚ C (40˚ F) and 38˚ C
(100˚ F).

•

On every level of your home, including finished attics.

• Inside every bedroom, especially if people sleep with doors closed.

• In the hall near every sleeping area. If your home has multiple

sleeping areas, install a unit in each.

• If a hall is over 7.5 metres (25 feet) long, install an alarm at each end.

• At the top of the first-to-second floor and subsequent floor

stairways, and at the bottom of the ground floor stairway.

Specific requirements for Smoke Alarm installation may vary from region
to region. Check with your local Fire Brigade and Building Control for
current requirements in your area.

See “Recommended Locations For Smoke Alarms” diagram on the
following page.

BRITISH STANDARDS (BSI) RECOMMENDATIONS

BS 5839 Part 6 (Code of practice for the design and installation of
fire detection and alarm systems in dwellings)

Smoke Alarms shall be installed in all circulation spaces (normally hall­ways and staircases) that form part of escape routes, one on every level,
and in all rooms and areas that present a high fire risk. Additionally,
Smoke Alarms should also be installed between the sleeping area(s)
and the most likely sources of fire (living room and kitchen).

If there are long hallways, corridors, or protected rooms or areas over

7.5 metres (25 feet) from the nearest unit, the installation of additional
Smoke Alarms may be necessary. Roof voids containing stored
combustibles or sources of ignition may also warrant the installation of
additional Smoke Alarms.

The installation of Smoke Alarms in kitchens, toilets, bathrooms or
shower rooms is not normally recommended, as these locations
occasionally experience conditions that can result in improper operation.

LOCATIONS TO AVOID FOR SMOKE ALARMS

For best performance, it is recommended you AVOID installing
Smoke Alarms in these areas:

• Where combustion particles are produced. Combustion particles
form when something burns. Areas to avoid include kitchens,
garages, and boiler rooms. Keep units at least 3 metres (10 feet)
from the sources of combustion particles (cooker, boiler, space
heater) 6 metres (20 feet) if possible. Ventilate these areas as much
as possible. Note: If you must install Smoke Alarms closer than

6 metres (20 feet) from a source of combustion particles, keep
the area well ventilated, and the Smoke Alarms clean.

• In air streams near kitchens. Air currents can draw cooking smoke
into the sensing chamber of a Smoke Alarm near the kitchen.

• In very damp, humid or steamy areas keep units at least 3 metres
(10 feet) away from bathrooms, toilets, showers, dishwashers, etc.

• Where the temperatures are regularly below 4˚C (40˚F) or above 38˚C
(100˚F), including unheated buildings, outdoor rooms, porches, or
roof voids.

• In very dusty, dirty, or greasy areas. Do not install a Smoke Alarm
directly over the cooker. Keep laundry room Smoke Alarms free of
dust or lint.

• Near fresh air vents, ceiling fans, or in very drafty areas. Drafts can
blow smoke away from the unit, preventing it from reaching the
sensing chamber.

• In insect infested areas. Insects can clog openings to the sensing
chamber and cause unwanted alarms.

• Less than 300 mm (12 inches) away from light fittings. Electrical
“noise” can interfere with the sensor; i.e. fluorescent lights, etc.

• Where the bottom edge of wall mounted Smoke Alarms is placed

below the level of any door opening.

• In rooms which are being decorated, painted or artexed.

• In “dead air” spaces. “Dead air” spaces may prevent smoke from

reaching the Smoke Alarm.

Avoiding Dead Air Spaces

“Dead air” spaces may prevent smoke from reaching the Smoke Alarm.
To avoid dead air spaces, follow the installation recommendations
below.

On ceilings, install Smoke Alarms as close to the centre of the ceiling
as possible. If this is not possible, install the Smoke Alarm at least
300 mm (12 inches) from the wall or corner.

For wall mounting (if allowed by building regulations), the top edge of
Smoke Alarms should be placed between 150 and 300 mm (6 and 12
inches) from the wall/ceiling line, below typical “dead air” spaces.

On a peaked, gabled, or cathedral ceiling, install the first Smoke
Alarm within 0.9 metres (3 feet) of the peak of the ceiling, measuring
horizontally. Additional Smoke Alarms may be required depending on
the length, angle, etc. of the ceiling's slope. Refer to BS5839 Part 6,
5588 Part 1

and local building regulations for details on requirements for

sloped or peaked ceilings.

SPECIAL COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS

This Smoke Alarm alone is not a suitable substitute for complete
fire detection systems in places housing many people—like blocks
of flats (communal escape routes), hotels, motels, hostels, inns,
hospitals, long-term health care facilities, nursing homes, day care
facilities, boarding houses or sheltered housing of any kind—even
if they were once single-family residences. It is not a suitable
substitute for complete fire detection systems in warehouses,
industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and special-purpose non­residential buildings which require special fire detection and alarm
systems. Depending on the building regulations in your area, this
Smoke Alarm may be used to provide additional protection in these
facilities.

The following information applies to all four building types below:

In new construction, most building regulations require the use of mains
(AC) or mains powered with integral standby supply (AC/DC) Smoke
Alarms only. In existing construction, mains powered (AC), mains
powered with integral standby supply (AC/DC), or battery (DC) powered
Smoke Alarms can be used as specified by local building regulations.
Refer to

British

Standard BS 5839 Part 6 and BS 5588 Part 1

, local build­ings regulations, or consult your Fire Brigade for detailed fire protection
requirements in buildings not defined as “dwellings.”

1. Single-Family Residence:

Single family home. It is recommended Smoke Alarms be installed in all
circulation spaces (normally hallways and staircases) that form part of
escape routes, on every level, in all rooms and areas that present a high
fire risk and between the sleeping area(s) and the most likely sources of
fire (living room and kitchen).

2. Multi-Family or Mixed Occupant Residence:

Blocks of flats. This Smoke Alarm is suitable for use in individual flats,
provided a primary fire detection system already exists to meet fire
detection requirements in common areas like foyers, hallways, corridors,
or porches. Using this Smoke Alarm in common areas may not provide
sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection by-laws/
regulations.

3. Institutions:

Hospitals, day care facilities, long-term health care facilities. This Smoke
Alarm may be suitable for use in individual patient sleeping/resident
rooms, provided a primary fire detection system already exists to meet
fire detection requirements in common areas like foyers, hallways, corri­dors, or porches. Using this Smoke Alarm in common areas may not
provide sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection
by-laws/regulations.

4. Hotels and Motels:

Also hostels, inns, boarding houses and sheltered housing. This Smoke
Alarm may be suitable for use inside individual sleeping/resident rooms,
provided a primary fire detection system already exists to meet fire
detection requirements in common areas like foyers, hallways, corridors,
or porches. Using this Smoke Alarm in common areas may not provide
sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection by-laws/
regulations.

LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE ALARMS

Smoke Alarms have played a key role in reducing deaths resulting from
home fires worldwide. However, like any warning device, Smoke Alarms
can only work if they are properly located, installed, and maintained, and
if smoke reaches them. They are not foolproof.

Smoke Alarms may not waken all individuals. Practice the escape
plan at least twice a year, making sure that everyone is involved – from
kids to grandparents. Allow children to master fire escape planning and
practice before holding a fire drill at night when they are sleeping. If chil­dren or others do not readily waken to the sound of the Smoke Alarm,
or if there are infants or family members with mobility limitations, make
sure that someone is assigned to assist them in fire drill and in the event
of an emergency. It is recommended that you hold a fire drill while family
members are sleeping in order to determine their response to the sound
of the Smoke Alarm while sleeping and to determine whether they may
need assistance in the event of an emergency.

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 units cannot work if the AC power is cut off for any reason
(open fuse or circuit breaker, failure along an electrical mains or at a
power station, electrical fire that burns the electrical wires, etc.). 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 in chimneys or walls, on roofs, or on the other

side of closed doors may not reach the sensing chamber and set off the
alarm. That is why one unit should be installed inside each bedroom or
sleeping area—especially if bedroom or sleeping area doors are closed
at night—and in the hallway between them.

Smoke Alarms may not detect fire on another floor or area of the
home. For example, a stand-alone unit on the second floor may not

detect smoke from a ground floor fire until the fire spreads. This may not
give you enough time to escape safely. That is why recommended mini­mum protection is at least one unit in all circulation spaces (normally
hallways and staircases) that form part of escape routes, on every level,
and in all rooms and areas that present a high fire risk. Even with a unit
on every floor, stand-alone units may not provide as much protection as
interconnected units, especially if the fire starts in a remote area. Some
safety experts recommend installing interconnected mains (AC) powered
units with battery (DC) back-up (see “About Smoke Alarms”) or profes­sional fire detection systems, so if one unit senses smoke, all units
alarm. Interconnected units may provide earlier warning than stand­alone units since all units alarm when one detects smoke.

Smoke Alarms may not be heard. Though the alarm horn in this unit
meets or exceeds current Standards, 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
stereo, TV, traffic, air conditioner or other appliances, 4) residents are
hearing impaired or sound sleepers. Special purpose units, like those
with visual and audible alarms, etc. should be installed for hearing
impaired residents.

Smoke Alarms may not have time to alarm before the fire itself
causes damage, injury, or death, since smoke from some fires may
not reach the unit immediately. Examples of this include persons
smoking in bed, children playing with matches, or fires caused by
violent explosions resulting from escaping gas.

Smoke Alarms are not foolproof.

Like any electronic device, Smoke
Alarms are made of components that can wear out or fail at any time.
You must test the unit weekly to ensure your continued protection.
Smoke Alarms cannot prevent or extinguish fires. They are not a substi­tute for property or life insurance.

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 from date of purchase. Write the purchase date on
the user’s manual and keep in a safe place for future reference.

First Alert®is a registered trademark of
the First Alert Trust.

4 5 6

ABOUT SMOKE ALARMS

Battery (DC) powered Smoke Alarms: Provide protection even when
electricity fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed.
Units are easy to install, and do not require professional installation. May
also be interconnected, model dependent, so if one unit senses smoke,
all units alarm.

Mains (AC) powered Smoke Alarms: Can be interconnected so if one
unit senses smoke, all units alarm. They do not operate if electricity fails.
Mains (AC) with battery (DC) back-up: will operate if electricity fails,
provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed. Mains (AC)
powered and mains powered with battery back-up (AC/DC) units must
be installed by a qualified electrician.

All these Smoke Alarms are designed to provide early warning of fires if
located, installed and cared for as described in the user’s manual, and if
smoke reaches them. If you are unsure which type of Smoke Alarm to
install, refer to

British

Standard (BS) 5839 Part 6 and 5588 Part 1

.

BSI, 389 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 4AL, UK.

Local building regu­lations may also require specific units in new construction or in different
areas of the home.

IF THIS SMOKE ALARM SOUNDS

RESPONDING TO AN ALARM

During an alarm, you will hear a loud, repeating horn pattern:
beep, beep, beep...

• If the unit alarms and you are not testing the unit, it is warning
you of a potentially dangerous situation that requires your
immediate attention. NEVER ignore any alarm. Ignoring the
alarm may result in injury or death.

• Never remove the batteries from a battery operated Smoke
Alarm to stop an unwanted alarm (caused by cooking smoke,
etc.). Removing batteries disables the alarm so it cannot sense
smoke, and removes your protection. Instead open a window or
fan the smoke away from the unit. The alarm will reset automat­ically.

• If the unit alarms get everyone out of the house immediately.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF FIRE

• Don’t panic; stay calm. Follow your family escape plan.

• Get out of the house as quickly as possible. Don’t stop to

get dressed or collect anything.

• Feel doors with the back of your hand before opening them.
If a door is cool, open it slowly. Don’t open a hot door. Keep doors
and windows closed, unless you must escape through them.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth (preferably damp).
Take short, shallow breaths.

• Meet at your planned meeting place outside your home,
and do a head count to make sure everybody got out safely.

• Call the Fire Brigade as soon as possible from outside.
Give your address, then your name.

• Never go back inside a burning building for any reason.

• Contact your Fire Brigade for ideas on making your home safer.

Alarms have various limitations. See "Limitations of Smoke Alarms"
for details.

M09-0008-000 J 03/03

BS5446: Pt. 1:2000

Licence No. 7960

For your records, please record:

Date Purchased:________________Where Purchased:_______________

11

RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR SMOKE ALARMS

7

BEDROOM

LIVING ROOM KITCHEN

EXISTING HOMES

MULTI-STORY RESIDENCE

HALL

KEY:

BEDROOM

REQUIRED TO
MEET BSI
RECOMMENDATIONS

BEDROOM

KITCHEN

BEDROOM

SINGLE-STORY RESIDENCE, FLAT,
MOBILE HOME

RECOMMENDED
FOR ADDITIONAL
PROTECTION

DINING ROOM

LOUNGE

BATTERY POWERED