GE Security 429C, 429CRT, 429CST, 429CT, 449AT Installation

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Description

The ESL 429/449 Series low-profile, self-diagnostic, two-wire and four-wire smoke detectors work on the light scattering principle. A pulsed infrared light-emitting diode serves as the light source, and a high-speed photo-diode as the sensing element. This design has superior protection against false alarms caused by dust, insects, RF, and ambient light.

These smoke detectors are especially suited for residential occupancies, including hotels, motels, and dormitories, as well as other commercial and industrial fire-system applications. This series is designed for two-wire and four-wire connection to 6-24 VDC fire alarm control panels, UL Listed for commercial or household fire protection.

Features

Self-diagnostics including automatic sensitivity testing. Each detector in the series continually monitors its own sensitivity and operational status (see Maintenance).

A wide range of optional features are offered as shown in the Product Selection Guide. To provide for almost any application, these options include a built-in sounder, an auxiliary relay, an integral heat detector, and an isolated heat detector.

Selecting a Location

Selecting a suitable location is critical to the operation of smoke alarms. This equipment should be installed in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Standard 72. See Figure 1.

A-11-8.3.a Where to Locate the Required Smoke Alarms in Existing Construction.

The major threat from fire in a family living unit occurs at night when everyone is asleep. The principal threat to persons in sleeping areas comes from fires in the remainder of the unit. Therefore, a smoke alarm(s) is best located between the bedroom areas and the rest of the unit. In units with only one bedroom area on one floor, the smoke alarm(s) should be located as shown in Figure 1 A.

In family living units with more than one bedroom area or with more than one floor, more than one smoke alarm is required, as shown in Figure 1 B.

In addition to smoke alarms outside of the sleeping areas, the installation of a smoke alarm on each additional story of the family living unit, including the basement, is required. These installations are shown in Figure 1 C. The living area smoke alarm should be installed in the living room or near the stairway to the upper level, or in both locations. The basement smoke alarm should be installed in close proximity to the stairway leading to the floor above. Where installed on an open-joisted ceiling, the alarm should be placed on the bottom of the joists. The alarm should be positioned relative to the stairway to intercept smoke coming from a fire in the basement before the smoke enters the stairway.

ESL 429/449 Series

Self-Diagnostic Photoelectric

Smoke Detectors

Installation Instructions

California State Fire Marshal Approved	FM
MEA (New York City) Approved
	APPROVED

Where to Locate the Required Smoke Alarms in New Construction.

All of the smoke alarms specified for existing construction are required and, in addition, a smoke alarm is required in each bedroom.

A.
Dining	Kitchen	Bedroom	Bedroom
Room
	Living Room		Bedroom

B.	TV Room	Dining	Kitchen	Bedroom
		Room
		Living Room		Bedroom
	Bedroom

C.

Bedroom							Bedroom
Living							Dining
Room							Room

Basement

= Required smoke alarms

= Additional smoke alarms required for new construction

Figure 1 . Detector Location

ESL 429/449	1

4”

(10cm)

ceiling

acceptable here

never here

top of detector acceptable here

Note

Measurements shown are to the closest edge of the detector.

4”

(10cm)

12”

(30cm) maximum

side wall

Figure 2. Detector Placement

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.

Important !

Regulations pertaining to smoke detector installations vary from state to state. For more information, contact your local fire department or local authority having jurisdiction.

In addition to NFPA 72, use the following location guidelines to optimize performance and reduce the chance of false alarms:

•Locate ceiling-mounted smoke detectors in the center of a room or hallway at least 4 inches (10cm) from any walls or partitions.

•Locate wall-mounted smoke detectors so the top of the alarm is 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30cm) below the ceiling. See Figure 2.

•When more than one detector is required, spacing of 30 feet (9m) may be used as a guide on smooth ceilings. Other spacing may be used depending on ceiling height, high air movement, and other conditions or response requirements.

•Locate in a suitable environment as follows:

-Temperature between 32°F (0°C) and 100°F (38°C)

-Humidity between 0 and 95% non-condensing

•Locate away from air conditioners, heating registers and any other ventilation source that may interfere with smoke entering the detector.

•Locate away from kitchens, wood stoves, garages, furnaces, and bathrooms.

•Mount smoke detectors on a firm permanent surface, typically a stud or metal runner.

Figure 3. Plug-in Terminal Block

Note

For instructions on removal of terminal block and circuit board, call technical services at 800-648-7424.

test switch

4” square or WIREMOLD mounting (No. 5739)

mounting all boxes

single gang 4” octagon mounting

cover release

Figure 4. Detector Mounting

Installation

The detectors mount to standard single-gang electrical boxes, four-inch octagonal or four-inch square electrical boxes, or on WIREMOLD No. 5739 fixture boxes. The detectors may also be mounted directly to walls or ceilings where local codes/ jurisdictions permit.

1.Pull wire through the electrical box and connect to the plug-in terminal block supplied, one wire per terminal. See Figures 3 and 5.

2.Dress wiring neatly and snap the terminal block into the back of the detector.

Note

The detector cover must be closed completely, to support the circuit board, while installing the terminal block.

3.Open the cover and mount the detector, using the mounting holes provided. See Figure 4.

Note

Positive air pressure from wire openings, conduit, mounting boxes, irregular mounting surfaces, or plenums causing air movement through and away from the detector may prevent proper operation. Seal all openings causing unwanted air flow using UL Listed expanding foam or Duxseal.

4.Remove the red plastic dust cover from the detector. The detectors are shipped with a dust cover for protection on construction sites with dusty environments.

2	ESL 429/449