Check all Alarms weekly, especially after initial
installation or re-occupation (e.g. following a holiday)
1. Check that the green mains indicator light is on. (if it is
off check circuit breakers, fuses and wiring etc.)
2. Check that the red LED on the cover flashes once
every 40 seconds to indicate normal operation – If
the memory has been set indicating that the Alarm
has been activated in the last 24 hours, the red LED
will flash twice every 40 seconds. After 24 hours the
memory will be cleared.
3. Press the test button for up to 10 seconds to ensure
the sensor chamber, electronics and sounder are
working. A red light on the cover, will flash while horn
is sounding. The alarm will stop when the button is
released. Pressing the test button simulates the effect
of smoke or heat during a real fire and is the best way
to ensure the Alarm is operating correctly. This action
will also clear the memory.
WARNING: DO NOT TEST WITH FLAME
This can set fire to the Alarm and damage the house.
We do not recommend testing with smoke or heat as
the results can be misleading unless special apparatus
is used.
4. Check for any sign of contamination such as cobwebs
or dust and clean the alarm as described in the
“cleaning” section if necessary.
5. Interconnected Alarms only - Test the first unit by
pressing the button for 10 seconds. All the units
should alarm within 10 seconds of the first horn
sounding. The red light on the first unit only will flash
about once a second. On releasing the button the
local Alarm will stop sounding immediately and the
remote Alarms will stop sounding approximately 3
seconds later (if testing using RF interconnection
this could take slightly longer). This will verify that
the interconnect is working. Check all the other units
similarly.
6. Check the functioning of the mains battery back-up
directly after installation and then at least yearly as
follows:
- Turn off the mains power at the distribution board and
check that the green indicator light is extinguished.
- Press the test button and ensure the horn sounds
loudly for 10 seconds.
Turn on the mains supply at the distribution board only if
the unit passes the above test.
Note: If the mains is disconnected and the battery is
almost depleted the unit will beep every 40 seconds for
at least 30 days.
7. Monitor the Alarm over a short period of time for any
beeps.
Switching off Mains for long periods
If the premises are regularly being left without mains
power for long periods the Smoke/Heat Alarms should be
removed from their mounting plates to prevent the batteries
becoming fully depleted. (This is sometimes done with
holiday homes which are only occupied in the Summer).
The Alarms must be re-attached to the mounting plates
when the premises are re-occupied.
3
Testing and Maintenance
