I
MPORTANT!
P
LEASE 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.
U
SER’S MANUAL
P
rinted in Mexico
M
08-0099-004 03/13
M
odel
S
A303A
Model SA303A
With Silence Feature
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Fire Safety Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
B
efore You Install This Smoke Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
H
ow To Install This Smoke Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Optional Locking Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Weekly Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
R
egular Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
If This Smoke Alarm Sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
What To Do In Case Of Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
U
sing the Silence Feature (Model SA303 Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
I
f You Suspect A Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
R
ecommended Locations For Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
Locations To Avoid For Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
A
bout Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
S
pecial Compliance Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
L
imitations Of Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
A
ll Rights Reserved. © 2013 BRK Brands, Inc.
B
RK Brands, Inc., 3901 Liberty Street Road, Aurora, IL 60504-8122 U.S.A.
C
onsumer Affairs: (800) 323-9005 • www.firstalert.com
FIRE SAFETY TIPS
F
ollow safety rules and prevent hazardous situations: 1) Use smoking
m
aterials properly. Never smoke in bed; 2) Keep matches or lighters away
f
rom children; 3) Store flammable materials in proper containers;
4
) Keep electrical appliances in good condition and don’t overload
e
lectrical circuits; 5) Keep stoves, barbecue grills, fireplaces and
c
himneys grease- and debris-free; 6) Never leave anything cooking on the
s
tove unattended; 7) Keep portable heaters and open flames, like can-
d
les, away from flammable materials; 8) Don’t let rubbish accumulate.
K
eep alarms clean, and test them weekly. Replace alarms immediately if
t
hey are not working properly. Smoke Alarms that do not work cannot alert
y
ou to a fire. Keep at least one working fire extinguisher on every floor, and
a
n additional one in the kitchen. Have fire escape ladders or other reliable
m
eans 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.
U
nderstand The Different Type of Smoke Alarms
Battery powered or electrical? Different Smoke Alarms provide
different types of protection. See “About Smoke Alarms” for details.
Know Where To Install Your Smoke Alarms
Fire SafetyProfessionals 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 Codes
This Smoke Alarm is designed to be used in a typical single-family
home. It alone will not meet requirements for boarding houses,
apartment buildings, hotels or motels. 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 Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada
(ULC).
• If the Alarm ever fails to test properly, replace it immediately.
Products under warranty may be returned to the manufacturer
for
replacement. See “Limited Warranty”.
• DO NOT stand close to the Alarm when the horn is sounding.
Exposure at close range may be harmful to your hearing. When
testing, step away when horn starts sounding.
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 3 beeps, pause 3 beeps
.
HOW TO INSTALL THIS SMOKE ALARM
THE PARTS OF THIS SMOKE ALARM
FOLLOWTHESESIMPLESTEPS!
T
ools you will need:
•
Pencil
•
Drill with 5 mm (3/16”) drill bit
•
Standard Flathead screwdriver
•
Hammer
1
. Remove the mounting bracket from the Smoke Alarm base. Hold
t
he mounting bracket against the ceiling (or wall) and make a mark
a
t the center of each of the mounting slots with a pencil.
2. Put the unit where it won’t get covered with dust when you drill the
mounting holes.
3. Using a 5 mm (3/16”) drill bit, drill a hole through each pencil mark.
4
. Insert the plastic screw anchors (in the plastic bag with screws)
i
nto the holes. Tap the screw anchors gently with a hammer, if
n
ecessary, until they are flush with the ceiling or wall.
5
. Tighten the screws (provided) into the screw anchors.
A
ll First Alert
®
S
moke Alarms conform to regulatory requirements,
a
nd are designed to detect particles of combustion.
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moke particles
o
f varying number and size are produced in all fires.
I
onization technology is generally more sensitive than photoelectric
t
echnology at detecting small particles, which tend to be produced in
g
reater amounts by flaming fires, which consume combustible
m
aterials rapidly and spread quickly. Sources of these fires may include
p
aper burning in a wastebasket, or a grease fire in the kitchen.
Photoelectric technology is generally more sensitive than ionization
technology at detecting large particles, which tend to be produced in
greater amounts by smoldering fires, which may smolder for hours
before bursting into flame. Sources of these fires may include
cigarettes burning in couches or bedding.
F
or maximum protection, use both types of Smoke Alarms on each
l
evel 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 residents.
• Do not connect this unit to any other alarm or auxiliary
device. It is a single-station 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 drawer which resists closing
unless a battery is installed. This warns you the unit will not
operate without a battery.
• Do not install this unit over an electrical junction box.
Air currents around junction boxes can prevent smoke from
reaching the sensing chamber and prevent the unit from
alarming. Only AC powered units are intended for installation
over junction boxes.
• 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
6. Activate the battery. With the
battery compartment open,
i
nstall the battery so the
t
erminals on the battery match
t
he terminals on the Smoke
A
larm. Match “+” to “+” and
“
-” to “-.” Push the battery in
u
ntil it snaps in securely and
c
annot be shaken loose.
I
f the battery is not snapped in completely, the unit cannot receive
b
attery power. The Smoke Alarm may beep briefly when you install
t
he battery—this is normal.
7.
Position the base of the Smoke Alarm over the mounting bracket and
turn. The Alarm can be positioned over the bracket every 60°. Turn
the Smoke Alarm clockwise (right) until the unit is in place.
8. 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.
• 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. A can of clean compressed air (sold at computer
or office supply stores) may also be used. Follow manufacturer
instructions for use. 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 30 days, but you should replace the battery immediately to continue your protection.
Choosing a replacement battery:
Your Smoke Alarm requires one standard 9V battery. The following
batteries are acceptable as replacements: Eveready #1222, Duracell
#MN1604, (Ultra) #MX1604; Eveready (Energizer) #522. You may also
use a Lithium battery like the Ultralife U9VL-J for longer service life
between battery changes. These batteries are available at many local
retail stores.
Continued...
The Parts of This Unit
1
. Mounting Bracket
2. Mounting Slots and Screws
3. Locking Pins (break out of bracket)
4
. Latch to Open Battery Compartment
5
. Swing-Out Battery Compartment
T
o remove the mounting bracket
f
rom the Smoke Alarm base, hold the
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moke Alarm base firmly and twist the
m
ounting bracket counterclockwise.
LIMITED WARRANTY
BRK Brands, Inc., ("BRK") the maker of First Alert®brand products
warrants that for a period of ten years from the date of purchase, this
product will be free from defects in material and workmanship. BRK, at
i
ts option, will repair or replace this product or any component of the
p
roduct found to be defective during the warranty period. Replacement
w
ill be made with a new or remanufactured product or component. If the
p
roduct is no longer available, replacement may be made with a similar
p
roduct of equal or greater value. This is your exclusive warranty.
T
his warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser from the date of
i
nitial retail purchase and is not transferable. Keep the original sales
r
eceipt. Proof of purchase is required to obtain warranty performance.
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RK dealers, service centers, or retail stores selling BRK products do
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ot have the right to alter, modify or any way change the terms and
c
onditions of this warranty.
T
his warranty does not cover normal wear of parts or damage resulting
f
rom any of the following: negligent use or misuse of the product, use on
i
mproper voltage or current, use contrary to the operating instructions,
d
isassembly, repair or alteration by anyone other than BRK or an author-
i
zed service center. Further, the warranty does not cover Acts of God,
s
uch as fire, flood, hurricanes and tornadoes or any batteries that are
i
ncluded with this unit.
BRK shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages
caused by the breach of any express or implied warranty. Except to
the extent prohibited by applicable law, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is limited in duration to the
duration of the above warranty. Some states, provinces or jurisdictions
do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the
above limitations or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives
you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary
from state to state or province to province.
H
ow to Obtain Warranty Service
S
ervice: If service is required, do not return the product to your retailer.
I
n order to obtain warranty service, contact the Consumer Affairs Division
a
t 1-800-323-9005, 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Central Standard Time, Monday
t
hrough Friday. To assist us in serving you, please have the model
n
umber and date of purchase available when calling.
2
5 Spur Drive, El Paso, TX 79906.
Battery: BRK Brands, Inc. make no warranty, express or implied,
written or oral, including that of merchantability or fitness for any
particular purpose with respect to battery.
Model SA305A with Lithium Battery: BRKBrands, Inc. warrants the
enclosed 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. Warranty does not cover length of actual service life.
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
c
aused 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 cover may be dirty.
•
If the alarm does not sound during testing, try installing a new
b
attery, and make sure it is snapped in securely.
I
f the Smoke Alarm is still not operating properly, and it is still under
w
arranty, please see “How to Obtain Warranty Service” in the Limited
W
arranty.
D
o not try fixing the alarm yourself – this will void your warranty!
RECOMMENDEDLOCATIONSFORSMOKEALARMS
I
nstalling Smoke Alarms in Single-Family Residences
T
he National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends one
S
moke Alarm on every floor, in every sleeping area, and in every bed-
r
oom. In new construction, the Smoke Alarms must be AC powered and
i
nterconnected. See “Agency Placement Recommendations” for details.
F
or additional coverage, it is recommended that you install a Smoke
A
larm in all rooms, halls, storage areas, finished attics, and basements,
w
here temperatures normally remain between 4
O
C
(40
O
F
) and 38
O
C
(
100
O
F
). Make sure no door or other obstruction could keep smoke from
r
eaching the Smoke Alarms.
M
ore specifically, install Smoke Alarms:
•
O
n every level of your home, including finished attics and basements.
•
Inside every bedroom, especially if people sleep with the door partly
or completely 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 12 meters
(40 feet) long, install an alarm at each end.
• At the top of the first-to-second floor stairway, and at bottom of basement stairway.
Specific requirements for Smoke Alarm installation vary by municipality
and province. Check with your local Fire Department for current
requirements in your area. It is recommended AC or AC/DC units
be interconnected for added protection.
INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMS IN MOBILE HOMES & RVS
For minimum security install one Smoke Alarm as close to each sleeping
area as possible. For more security, put one unit in each room. Many
older mobile homes (especially those built before 1978) have little or no
insulation. If your mobile home is not well insulated, or if you are unsure
of the amount of insulation, it is important to install units on inside walls
only. Smoke Alarms should be installed where temperatures normally
remain between 4OC (40OF) and 38OC (100OF). WARNING: Test units
used in RVs after the vehicle has been in storage, before every trip,
and once a week while in use. Failure to test units used in RVs as
described may remove your protection.
T
his equipment should be installed in accordance with NFPA (National Fire
P
rotection Association) 72 and
1
01. National Fire Protection Association,
O
ne Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101
U
.S.A. Additional local
b
uilding and regulatory codes may apply in your area. Always check
c
ompliance requirements before beginning any installation.
T
his
m
odel is not RV listed with Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada
(
ULC).
AGENCY PLACEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
N
FPA 72 (National Fire Code)
S
moke Alarms shall be installed in each separate sleeping room, outside
e
ach sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on
e
ach additional story of the family living unit, including basements and
e
xcluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics.
In new construction, Alarms shall be so arranged that operation of any
one Alarm shall cause the operation of all Alarms within the dwelling.
Smoke Detection-Are More Smoke Alarms Desirable? The required
number of Smoke Alarms might not provide reliable early warning
protection for those areas separated by a door from the areas protected
by the required Smoke Alarms. For this reason, it is recommended that
the householder consider the use of additional Smoke Alarms 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 Alarms. The installation of Smoke
Alarms in kitchens, attics (finished or unfinished), or garages is not
normally recommended, as these locations occasionally experience conditions that can result in improper operation.
LOCATIONSTOAVOID FORSMOKE ALARMS
For best performance, it is recommended you AVOID installing
Smoke Alarms in these areas:
•
Where combustion particles are produced. Combustion particles form
w
hen something burns. Areas to avoid include poorly ventilated
k
itchens, garages, and furnace rooms. Keep units at least 6 meters
(
20 feet) from the sources of combustion particles (stove, furnace,
w
ater heater, space heater) if possible. In areas where a 6 meter
(
20-foot) distance is not possible – in modular, mobile, or smaller
h
omes, for example – it is recommended the Smoke Alarm be placed
a
s far from these fuel-burning sources as possible. The placement
r
ecommendations are intended to keep these Alarms at
a
reasonable distance from a fuel-burning source, and thus reduce
“
unwanted” alarms. Unwanted alarms can occur if a Smoke Alarm
i
s placed directly next to a fuel-burning source. Ventilate these areas
a
s much as possible.
•
In air streams near kitchens. Air currents can draw cooking smoke
i
nto the sensing chamber of a Smoke Alarm near the kitchen.
• In very damp, humid or steamy areas, or directly near bathrooms
with showers. Keep units at least 3 meters (10 feet) away from showers, saunas, dishwashers, etc.
• Where the temperatures are regularly below 4
O
C (40OF) or above
38OC (100OF), including unheated buildings, outdoor rooms,
porches, or unfinished attics or basements.
•
In very dusty, dirty, or greasy areas. Do not install a Smoke Alarm
d
irectly over the stove or range. Keep laundry room Smoke Alarms
f
ree of dust or lint.
•
Near fresh air vents, ceiling fans, or in very drafty areas. Drafts can
b
low smoke away from the unit, preventing it from reaching the sens-
i
ng chamber.
• In insect infested areas. Insects can clog openings to the sensing
chamber and cause unwanted alarms.
•
Less than 305 mm (12 inches) away from fluorescent lights.
E
lectrical “noise” can interfere with the sensor.
•
In “dead air” spaces. “Dead air” spaces may prevent smoke from
r
eaching the Smoke Alarm.
A
voiding 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 center of the ceiling as
possible. If this is not possible, install the Smoke Alarm at least
102 mm (4 inches) from the wall or corner.
F
or wall mounting (if allowed by building codes), the top edge of
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moke Alarms should be placed between 102 mm (4 inches) and
3
05 mm (12 inches) from the wall/ceiling line, below typical “dead air”
s
paces.
O
n a peaked, gabled, or cathedral ceiling, install the first Smoke Alarm
w
ithin 0.9 meters (3 feet) of the peak of the ceiling, measured
h
orizontally. Additional Smoke Alarms may be required depending on the
l
ength, angle, etc. of the ceiling's slope. Refer to NFPA 72 for details on
r
equirements 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 apartment
buildings, condominiums, hotels, motels, dormitories, hospitals, long-term
health care facilities, nursing homes, day care facilities, or group homes
of any kind—even if they were once single-family homes. It is not a suitable substitute for complete fire detection systems in warehouses,
industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and special-purpose
non-residential buildings which require special fire detection and alarm
systems. Depending on the building codes 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:
I
n new construction, most building codes require the use of AC or AC/DC
p
owered Smoke Alarms only. In existing construction, AC, AC/DC, or DC
p
owered Smoke Alarms can be used as specified by local building
c
odes. Refer to NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) or NFPA 72 (National Fire
A
larm Code), local building codes, or consult your Fire Department for
d
etailed fire protection requirements in buildings not defined as
“
households.”
1
. Single-Family Residence:
Single family home, townhouse. It is recommended Smoke Alarms be
installed on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and in each
bedroom hallway.
2. Multi-Family or Mixed Occupant Residence:
Apartment building, condominium. This Smoke Alarm is suitable for use
in individual apartments or condos, provided a primary fire detection
system already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common
areas like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this Smoke Alarm in
common areas may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or
meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.
3. Institutions:
H
ospitals, day care facilities, long-term health care facilities. This
S
moke Alarm is suitable for use in individual patient sleeping/resident
r
ooms, provided a primary fire detection system already exists to meet
f
ire detection requirements in common areas like lobbies, hallways, or
p
orches. Using this Smoke Alarm in common areas may not provide
s
ufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection
o
rdinances/regulations.
4
. Hotels and Motels:
Also boarding houses and dormitories. This Smoke Alarm is 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 lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this Smoke
Alarm in common areas may not provide sufficient warning to all
residents or meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.
L
IMITATIONS OF SMOKE ALARMS
S
moke Alarms have played a key role in reducing deaths resulting from
h
ome fires worldwide. However, like any warning device, Smoke Alarms
c
an only work if they are properly located, installed, and maintained, and
i
f smoke reaches them. They are not foolproof.
S
moke Alarms may not waken all individuals. Practice the escape
p
lan at least twice a year, making sure that everyone is involved – from
k
ids to grandparents. Allow children to master fire escape planning and
p
ractice before holding a fire drill at night when they are sleeping.
I
f children or others do not readily waken to the sound of the Smoke
A
larm, or if there are infants or family members with mobility limitations,
m
ake sure that someone is assigned to assist them in fire drill and in the
e
vent of an emergency. It is recommended that you hold a fire drill while
f
amily members are sleeping in order to determine their response to the
s
ound of the Smoke Alarm while sleeping and to determine whether they
m
ay 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 a power line 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.
S
moke Alarms may not detect fire on another floor or area of the
h
ome. For example, a stand-alone unit on the second floor may not
d
etect smoke from a basement fire until the fire spreads. This may not
g
ive you enough time to escape safely. That is why recommended
m
inimum protection is at least one unit in every sleeping area, and every
b
edroom on every level of your home. Even with a unit on every floor,
s
tand-alone units may not provide as much protection as interconnected
u
nits, especially if the fire starts in a remote area. Some safety experts
r
ecommend installing interconnected AC powered units with battery
b
ack-up (see “About Smoke Alarms”) or professional fire
d
etection systems, so if one unit senses smoke, all units alarm.
I
nterconnected units may provide earlier warning than stand-alone units
s
ince 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, 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 space provided on back of unit.
First Alert®is a registered trademark of the First Alert Trust.
4 5 6
ABOUTSMOKEALARMS
Battery (DC) operated 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.
AC powered Smoke Alarms: Can be interconnected so if one unit
senses smoke, all units alarm. They do not operate if electricity fails.
AC with battery (DC) back-up: will operate if electricity fails, provided
the batteries are fresh and correctly installed. AC and AC/DC units must
be installed by a qualified electrician.
Smoke Alarms for Solar or Wind Energy users and battery backup
power systems: AC powered Smoke Alarms should only be operated
with true or pure sine wave inverters. Operating this Smoke Alarm with
most battery-powered UPS (uninterruptible power supply) products or
square wave or “quasi sine wave” inverters will damage the Alarm.
If you are not sure about your inverter or UPS type, please consult with
the manufacturer to verify.
Smoke Alarms for the hearing impaired: Special purpose Smoke
Alarms should be installed for the hearing impaired. They include a
visual alarm and an audible alarm horn, and meet the requirements of
the Americans With Disabilities Act. Can be interconnected so if one
unit senses smoke, all units alarm.
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 Chapter 2 of the National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) Standard 72 (National Fire Alarm Code) and NFPA 101 (Life
Safety Code). National Fire Protection Association, One Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101 U.S.A. Local building codes may also
require specific units in new construction or in different areas of the
home.
TO LOCK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT
Do not lock the battery compartment until you have installed the
battery and tested the unit.
1. Push and hold test button until the alarm sounds a loud 3 beeps,
pause, 3 beeps.
I
f the unit does not alarm during testing,
D
O NOT lock the battery compartment!
I
nstall a new battery and test again. If the
S
moke Alarm still does not alarm, replace it
i
mmediately.
2
. Using needle-nose pliers or a
u
tility knife, detach one locking
p
in from the mounting bracket.
3. Push the locking pin through
the black dot on the label on
the back of the Smoke Alarm.
TO UNLOCK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT
1. Remove the Smoke Alarm from the mounting bracket. If the unit is
locked to the bracket, see the section “To Unlock the Mounting
Bracket.”
2
. Insert a flathead screwdriver under the
h
ead of the locking pin, and gently pry it
o
ut of the battery compartment lock. (If
y
ou plan to relock the battery
c
ompartment, save the locking pin.)
3
. To relock the battery compartment, close the battery door and
r
einsert locking pin in lock.
4
. Reattach the Smoke Alarm to the mounting bracket.
When replacing the battery, always test the Smoke Alarm before relocking the battery compartment.
TO UNLOCK THE MOUNTING BRACKET
1
. Insert a flathead screwdriver between the
m
ounting bracket pin and the mounting
b
racket.
2. Pry the Smoke Alarm
away from the
bracket by turning
both the screwdriver
and the Smoke Alarm
counterclockwise
(left) at the same
time.
TO LOCK THE MOUNTING BRACKET
1
. Using needle-nose pliers, detach one locking pin from mounting
b
racket.
2. Insert the locking pin into the lock located on the pivoting hinge of
the battery door.
3. When you attach the Smoke Alarm to the mounting bracket, the
locking pin’s head will fit into a notch on the bracket.
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 Department 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 Department for ideas on making your home safer.
Alarms have various limitations. See "Limitations of Smoke Alarms"
for details.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE, Continued
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 battery life, you MUST replace the battery immediately once the unit starts “chirping” (the “low battery warning”).
USING THE SILENCE FEATURE (MODEL SA303A ONLY)
The Silence Feature can temporarily quiet an unwanted alarm for up to
10 minutes. To use this feature, press the “Test/Silence” button. The
Alarm remains functional. The LED will flash every 10 seconds (for up
to 10 minutes) to remind you the alarm has been silenced. The flashing
LED will stop when the unit returns to normal operation.
The Silence Feature does not disable the unit—it makes it
temporarily less sensitive to smoke. For your safety, if smoke
around the unit is dense enough to suggest a potentially dangerous
situation, it will stay in alarm, or may re-alarm quickly. If you do not
know the source of the smoke, do not assume it is an unwanted
alarm. Not responding to an alarm can result in property loss, injury
or death.
Alarm Base
1. Battery Compartment
2. Test/Silence button (Model SA303A)
T
his unit is designed to be mounted on
t
he ceiling, or on the wall if necessary.
DO NOT attach this Alarm to an electrical junction box.
Attachment to an electrical box may impair the Alarm’s operation.
Attach directly to wallboard or flat wall or ceiling surface.
C
ertified to
ULC Std S531