– 10 –
– 11 –
• UNHEATED BUILDINGS - temperature limits are 40
°
- 100
°
F (5–38
°
C). The
detector will not function properly in locations where the normal ambient
temperature exceeds these limits.
• INSECT INFESTED AREAS - insects entering the sensing chamber may
cause a nuisance alarm.
IF NUISANCE ALARMS ARE EXPERIENCED, CAREFULLY CHECK THE
DETECTOR'S LOCATION FOR POSSIBLE CAUSES AS LISTED
PREVIOUSLY. RELOCATE AND CLEAN THE DETECTOR IF NECESSARY.
REMEMBER THAT THE MAJOR CAUSES OF NUISANCE ALARMS ARE
DIRTY OR IMPROPERLY LOCATED DETECTORS.
DINING
KITCHEN
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
LIVING ROOM
✪
✪
✪
✪
✪
▲
▲
BEDROOM
BDRM
BDRM
DINING
LIVING ROOM
TV ROOM
KITCHEN
■
■
■
✪
✪
✪
✪
✪
✪
▲
✪
✪
✪
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
TO
BR
■
■
■
■
■
LVNG RM
BASEMENT
KTCHN
▲
▲
.
CLOSED
DOOR
GARAGE
▲
Smoke Detectors for Minimum Protection
Smoke Detectors for Additional Protection
Heat-Activated Detectors
THE LIMITATIONS OF THIS SMOKE DETECTOR/TRANSMITTER
While this smoke detector/transmitter is a highly reliable device that is part of an
advanced wireless security system, it does not offer guaranteed protection agains
fire. While smoke detectors have played a key role in reducing residential fire
deaths in the United States, they may not activate or provide early warning for a
variety of reasons in as many as 35% of all fires, according to data published by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Some of the reasons smoke detectors
used in alarm systems may not work are as follows:
• Smoke detectors will not work without power. Battery operated devices will no
work without batteries, or if the batteries are not put in properly.
• Smoke detectors may have been improperly installed and positioned. Smoke
detectors may not sense fires that start where smoke cannot reach the detectors
such as in chimneys, in walls, or roof, or on the other side of closed doors. Smoke
detectors also may not sense a fire on another level of a residence or building. A
second floor detector, for example may not sense a first floor fire or basement fire
In addition, smoke detectors have sensing limitations. No smoke detector can
sense every kind of fire every time. In general, detectors may not always provide
adequate warning about rapidly spreading fires caused by carelessness and
safety hazards like smoking in bed, violent explosions, escaping gas, imprope
storage of flammable materials, children playing with matches, or arson
Depending on the nature of the fire and/or location of the smoke detectors, the
detector, even if it operates as anticipated, may not provide sufficient warning to
allow all occupants to escape in time to prevent injury or death.
• Alarm signal sent by the wireless transmitter in this device may be blocked o
reflected by metal before they reach the alarm receiver. Even if the signal path
has been recently checked during a weekly test, blockage can occur if a meta
object is moved into the path.
• Alarm warning devices such as sirens, bells or horns may not alert people or wake
up sleepers if they are located on the other side of closed or partly open doors. I
warning devices are located on a different level of the residence from the
bedrooms, then they are less likely to waken or alert people inside the bedrooms
Even persons who are awake may not hear the warning if the alarm is muffled by
noise from a stereo, radio, air conditioner or other appliances, or by passing traffic
Finally, alarm warning devices, however loud, may not warn hearing impaired
people or waken deep sleepers.
• This smoke detector/transmitter, like other electrical devices, is subject to
component failure. Even though this device is designed to last as long as 20
years, the electronic components in it could fail at any time. We recommend tha
smoke detectors be replaced every 10 years as a precautionary measure agains
component failure.
The most common cause of an alarm system not functioning when a fire occurs is
inadequate maintenance. The alarm system should be tested weekly to make sure
all smoke detectors and their transmitters are working properly. Detectors must be
repaired or replaced when they do not function properly.
Installing an alarm system may make the owner eligible for lower insurance rates
but an alarm system is not a substitute for insurance. Homeowners, property
owners and renters should continue to act prudently in protecting themselves and
continue to insure their lives and property.
We continue to develop new and improved protection devices. Users of alarm
systems owe it to themselves and their loved ones to learn about these
developments.