
DF-72/EC
CONNECT AND 
INSTALL TWO 
9-VOLT ALKALINE 
BATTERIES
BY
SMOKE 
DETECTOR
For Use with DF-16/EC 
Security Console
Installation 
Instructions
(760) 438-7000 • FAX (760) 438- 7043
www.linearcorp.com
STEP 1 Remove mounting plate. Remove the unit’s mount- 
ing plate by turning the plate counterclockwise.
DESCRIPTION
The DF-72/EC is a high quality, photoelectric smoke detector with a 
built-in supervised digitally-coded radio transmitter. The DF-72/EC 
monitors and then transmits alarms, low battery, and test signals. The 
DF-72/EC sounds a local alarm as soon as smoke is detected. Twenty 
seconds after the local alarm sounds, the DF-72/EC’s transmitter 
will send an alarm signal to the console. The alarm signal will 
be repeated every 20 seconds as long as smoke is still present. 
Coding switches are not required or used in the DF-72/EC. Each transmitter 
is pre-coded at the factory to a unique code. With the DX format, there are 
more than one million codes possible.
The smoke detector and transmitter are powered by two 9-volt 
batteries. These batteries are supplied with the transmitter and can 
power the unit for up to two years. If the battery voltage drops below 
a preset level, a low battery report is sent to the receiver every hour.
STEP 2 Identify components. Examine the DF-72/EC to  
identify the component locations.
 NOTE: After replacing batteries, press transmitter test button to reset 
“low battery circuit”
STEP 3 Install batteries. Connect the two 9-volt batteries  
and place them into the battery compartments.
TWIST MOUNTING 
PLATE TO 
UNLOCK
REMOVE 
MOUNTING 
PLATE
STEP 4 Pick smoke detector location. Referring to the  
NFPA standard on the back of this sheet, select a good location to mount the DF-72/EC. Mounting the DF-72/EC on foilbacked wallpaper or on a metal single-gang electrical box is 
not recommended because the radio range will be reduced.
DINING
LIVING 
ROOM
KITCHEN BEDROOM BEDROOM
SMOKE
DETECTOR
BEDROOM
TRANSMITTER 
BOARD
BATTERY 
COMPARTMENTS
TRANSMIT LED
TRANSMITTER 
TEST BUTTON
STEP 5 Install mounting plate. Use the two screws and  
anchors provided to attach the mounting plate to the wall or 
ceiling. Alternately, the mounting plate can be attached to a 
plastic single-gang electrical outlet box. For the best radio 
range, observe the “best signal” label on the bottom of the 
unit.
SCREW 
ANCHORS 
FOR WALLBOARD
OR
PLASTIC 
SINGLE-GANG 
ELECTRICAL 
BOX
STE P 6  Program into receiver. Follow the DF-16/EC  
console’s instructions to set it in a program or learn mode. 
Press the transmitter test button (not the smoke detector’s test 
button) to send a test signal. The transmit LED should light. 
Verify that the signal was received and that the transmitter was 
properly entered into the console’s memory.
START IN
OFF MODE
ENTER YOUR
SECRET CODE
RED TEST
LIGHT
PRESS AND RELEASE TRANSMITTER 
TEST BUTTON TO SEND A TEST SIGNAL
PRESS 
LEARN
ENTER AN
UNUSED SENSOR
NUMBER
HOLD OFF BUTTON FOR 3 SECONDS 
WHEN FINISHED TO EXIT LEARN MODE
SEND SIGNAL 
FROM SMOKE
DETECTOR
LEARN BUTTON

STEP 7 Attach DF-72/EC to mounting plate. Match up  
alignment tabs on detector and plate. Turn detector clockwise 
until it locks in place.
MATCH UP 
ALIGNMENT 
TABS
TWIST DETECTOR 
CLOCKWISE TO 
LOCK TO MOUNTING 
PLATE
STEP 8 Test smoke detector. Set the console into a test 
mode. Press and hold the smoke detector test button. Continue to hold the test button for at least 30 seconds after the 
noisemaker starts. Verify that the signal was received.
CONTINUE TO HOLD THE SMOKE 
DETECTOR'S TEST BUTTON FOR 
ABOUT 30 SECONDS UNTIL 
THE CONSOLE'S SIREN STARTS
PRESS AND HOLD DETECTOR 
TEST BUTTON, SMOKE 
DETECTOR'S BEEPER WILL 
START TO SOUND
PLACE CONSOLE IN OFF MODE 
TO STOP SIREN, CHECK THAT THE 
SENSOR STATUS LIGHT IS BLINKING
Y
N
C 
G
E
E
R 
M
E
NFPA 74 STANDARD FOR SMOKE DETECTOR LOCATION
The DF-72/EC should be installed in accordance with National Fire Protection Association 
(NFPA) Standard 74, which reads as follows:
2-1.1.1Smoke detectors shall be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the 
immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on each additional story of the family living unit 
including basements and excluding crawl spaces and unfi nished attics*.
The provisions of 2-1.1.1 represent the minimum number of detectors required by this 
standard. It is recommended that the householder consider the use of additional smoke or heat 
detectors for increased protection for those areas separated by a door from areas protected 
by the required smoke detectors under 2-1.1.1 above. The recommended additional areas 
are: living room, dining room, bedroom(s), kitchen, attic (fi nished or unfi nished), furnace 
room, utility room, basement, integral or attached garage and hallways not covered under 2-
1.1.1 above. However, the use of additional detectors remains the option of the householder.
2-1.1.2 For family living units with one or more split levels (i.e., adjacent levels with less than 
one full story separation between levels), a smoke detector required by 2-1.1.1 shall suffi ce 
for an adjacent lower level, including basements.
NFPA 74 STANDARD FOR SMOKE DETECTOR LOCATION
Exception: Where there is an intervening door between one level and the adjacent 
lower level, a smoke detector shall be installed on the lower level.
Ceiling mounted smoke alarms should be located in the center of the room or hall, 
 
or not less than 4 inches (10 cm) from any wall. When the detector is mounted on 
a wall, the top of the detector should be 4 to 12 inches (10-30 cm) from the ceiling.
Do not install smoke alarms where normal ambient temperatures are above 100°F (37.8°C), 
 
or below 40°F (4°C). Also, do not locate alarm in front of air conditioners, heating registers, 
or other locations where normal air circulation will keep smoke from entering the detector.
FIRE PREVENTION AND ESCAPE
The purpose of an early warning smoke alarm is to detect the presence of fi re in its early stages, 
and sound an alarm giving the occupants more time to exit the premise before the smoke reaches 
a dangerous concentration level.
Fires start even with the best of housekeeping and fi re prevention procedures. Fire is an 
unexpected event. Early warning detection aler ts occupants in time to act.
KNOW FIRE HAZARDS. No detection device can protect life in all situations. Therefore, 
safeguards should be taken to avoid such potentially dangerous situations as: smoking 
in bed, leaving children home alone, cleaning with fl ammable liquids such as gasoline.
DINING
LIVING 
ROOM
A smoke alarm should be 
located between the sleeping area 
and the rest of the family living unit.
KITCHEN
SMOKE
DETECTOR
BEDROOM BEDROOM
BEDROOM
TV
ROOM
BEDROOM
DINING
KITCHEN
SMOKE
DETECTORS
LIVING 
ROOM
In family living units with more 
than one sleeping area, a smoke 
alarm should be provided to 
protect each.
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
FIRE PREVENTION AND ESCAPE
The best fi re protection is minimizing fi re hazards through proper storage of materials and general 
good housekeeping techniques. A cluttered basement, attic, or other storage area is an open 
invitation to fi re. Careless use of combustible materials and electrical appliances, or overloading 
of electrical outlets are other prime causes in starting fi res.
It is most important that explosive and/or fast burning materials be eliminated from the home, if 
at all possible.
Even after proper precautions have been taken, fi res can start. Be prepared.
IN CASE OF FIRE. Leave immediately. Don’t stop to pack or search for valuables. In heavy 
smoke, hold your breath and stay low - crawl if necessary. The clearest air is usually at the fl oor.
If you have to go through a closed door, carefully feel the door and door knob to see if undue heat 
is present. If they seem relatively cool, brace your foot against the bottom of the door with your hip 
against the door and one hand against the top edge. Open it slightly. If a rush of hot air is felt, slam 
the door quickly and latch it. Unvented fi re tends to build up considerable pressure. Be sure all the 
household realizes and understands this danger.
Use your neighbor’s phone or a street fi re alarm box. The job of extinguishing the fi re should be 
left to the professionals. Too many unforeseen things can occur when inexperienced people try 
to extinguish a fi re.
BED
LIVING 
ROOM
BASEMENT
R&TTE VAEE 27802, EMC, SFT, ETS
Linear Corporation declares that the apparatus DF-72/EC 
complies with the essential requirements and other 
relevant provisions of Directive 1995/5/EC.
ROOM
RECREATION ROOM
Indicates required smoke detector 
Indicates optional smoke detector 
if door is not provided between 
Living and Recreation Rooms
HALL
BED
ROOM
BED
ROOM
LIVING 
ROOM
A smoke detector should be 
located on each story.
BED
ROOM
HALL
DINING
ROOM
BASEMENT
FIRE PREVENTION AND ESCAPE
BE PREPARED. Perform fi re drills regularly. Use them to assure recognition of an alarm signal. 
For your protection, simulate different circumstances (smoke in hall, in living room, etc.). Then 
have everyone react to the situation.
Draw a fl oor plan and show two exits from each room. Frequently a knotted rope or ladder from a 
window will serve this purpose. It is important that children be instructed carefully, because they 
tend to hide in times of crisis.
It is imperative that one meeting place outside the home be established. You should insist that 
everyone meet there during an alarm. This will eliminate the tragedy of someone reentering the 
house for a missing member who is actually safe.
If you have children and/or invalids residing in your household, you can help your fi re depar tment. 
Most fi re departments have window decals available for use in children’s or invalid’s bedrooms. 
Properly used, these decals will quickly identify sleeping quarters of these individuals and show 
the fi re department where to look fi rst for members of your household.
Additional information on Household Fire Warning is available at nominal cost from: The 
 
National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269. Request 
Standard No. NFPA 74.
This Linear product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for twelve (12) months. The Warranty Expiration 
Date is labeled on the product. This warranty extends only to wholesale customers who buy direct from Linear or through 
Linear’s normal distribution channels. Linear does not warrant this product to consumers. Consumers should inquire from 
their selling dealer as to the nature of the dealer’s warranty, if any. There are no obligations or liabilities on the part of Linear 
Corporation for consequential damages arising out of or in connection with use or performance of this product or other 
indirect damages with respect to loss of property, revenue, or profi t, or cost of removal, installation, or reinstallation. 
All implied warranties, including implied warranties for merchantability and implied warranties for fi tness, are valid only until 
Warranty Expiration Date as labeled on the product. This Linear Corporation Warranty is in lieu of all other warranties  
express or implied. For warranty service on Linear equipment return product, at sender’s expense to: 
Linear Hong Kong 19/F Hounor Industrial Centre, 6 Sun Yip Street Chai Wan, Hong KongAttention: Repairs Department
REPAIRS POLICY
Charges will be made for equipment that is not in warranty, shows customer abuse, or is damaged by the effects of lightning, 
water, fi re, or other abnormal happenings.Customer’s equipment sent in for repair may be repaired or replaced with new or 
remanufactured equipment at Linear’s discretion.The customer is always responsible for shipping and handling charges to the 
repairs facility. Linear will pay return shipping and handling charges on “in warranty” products shipped back to the customer. 
The customer will be billed for the return shipping and handling charges on “out of warranty” products.There will be a 50% 
expedite fee for any express requests.The International Sales Manager must be notifi ed prior to the return of product to Linear. 
All international returns must have an International Repair Authorization number (IRA#). The number must be marked on all 
packages. Failure to do so will cause delays in processing.
IMPORTANT !!!
Linear radio controls provide a reliable communications link and fi ll an important need in por table wireless signaling. However, 
there are some limitations which must be observed. The radios are required to comply with local rules and regulations as radio 
devices. As such, they have limited transmitter power and therefore limited range.A receiver cannot respond to more than one 
transmitted signal at a time and may be blocked by radio signals that occur on or near their operating frequencies, regardless 
of code settings. Changes or modifi cations to the device may void regulatory compliance. Infrequently used radio links should 
be tested regularly to protect against undetected interference or fault. A general knowledge of radio and its vagaries should be 
gained prior to acting as a wholesale distributor or dealer, and these facts should be communicated to the ultimate users.
Copyright © 2003 Linear Corporation  211048 C
INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY