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

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ESL 429/449 Series

Self-Diagnostic Photoelectric

Smoke Detectors

Installation Instructions

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 .

California State Fire Marshal Approved
MEA (New York City) 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.

B.

Dining
Room

TV Room

Kitchen

Living Room

Dining
Room

Bedroom

Kitchen Bedroom

FM

APPROVED

Bedroom

Bedroom

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.

Living Room

Bedroom

C.

Bedroom

Living
Room

Basement

= Required smoke alarms

= Additional smoke alarms required for new construction

Figure 1 . Detector Location

Bedroom

Bedroom

Dining
Room

ESL 429/449

1

ceiling

4”
(10cm)

acceptable here

Note

Measurements shown are to the
closest edge of the detector.

Figure 2. Detector Placement

never here

top of detector
acceptable here

4”
(10cm)

side wall

12”
(30cm)
maximum

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.

4” square or
WIREMOLD mounting
(No. 5739)

single gang
4” octagon
mounting

cover release

mounting
all boxes

test switch

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.

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ESL 429/449