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Testing The Smoke Detector
The following procedure should be performed to determine strong radio path communication
with the control, and again after installation is completed. THIS TEST SHOULD ALSO BE
PERFORMED ON A REGULAR BASIS (AT LEAST WEEKLY) BY THE USER.
1. Activate the wireless system's TEST
mode via the keypad.
2. Depress and hold the smoke detector's
TEST button. Within 20 seconds, the
detector's horn will start to sound. The
detector will begin to transmit alarm
signals (about once every 4 seconds)
within 6 seconds of the horn sounding.
3. The wireless system's keypad should
emit at least 3 audible sounds when the
alarm transmission is received, and will
display the transmitting detector's ID
number.
4. When satisfied that the keypad has
received the test signal, release the
TEST button. Within 10 seconds the
detector's horn will stop. A few seconds
later, the smoke detector’s ID number will
be cleared from the keypad display.
5. If the keypad does not respond as noted,
check battery connections and be sure
batteries are fresh. If this is an initial
installation, try moving the detector to
another location that provides proper
reception. Repeat test.
NOTE:
Be sure that the detector’s ID has
been “enrolled” by the control during
programming (see information on
Programming on pages 1 and 2).
6. Turn off the system's TEST mode via the
keypad (security code + OFF).
Testing the Tamper Function (if used) after Mounting the Detector
With the system in the normal disarmed mode, temporarily detach the smoke detector from
its mounting plate. The system’s keypad should display a CHECK message. If it does not,
check that the magnet has been installed in the correct location next to the detector. Also,
check that the wire tamper jumper in the detector has been cut.
SUMMARY OF DETECTOR FUNCTIONS
POWER/ALARM LED
HORN
STATUS
Pulses every 40
seconds
Silent
Normal, functioning properly
Pulses every 40
seconds
Beeps once every 40
seconds
Low battery or detector malfunction
Rapid flashing
On continuously
Alarm, detecting smoke
Specifications
Power Source:
Two 9-volt alkaline batteries. Use ADEMCO 464,
Eveready 522, Duracell MN1604, or equivalent.
Power/Alarm LED:
Standby = flashing once every 40 seconds.
Alarm = rapid flashing.
Low-Battery Signal:
One
horn
“chirp” every 40 seconds.
Size
:
5-5/8" inch (14cm) diameter, 2-1/2" inch (6.4cm) high.
TO THE INSTALLER
Regular maintenance and inspection (at least annually) by the installer and frequent testing
by the user are vital to continuous satisfactory operation of any alarm system.
The installer should assume the responsibility of developing and offering a regular
maintenance program to the user as well as acquainting the user with the proper operation
and limitations of the alarm system and its component parts. Recommendations must be
included for a specific program of frequent testing (at least weekly) to insure the system's
proper operation at all times.
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 against fire. While smoke
detectors have played a key role in reducing residential fire deaths, they may not activate or
provide early warning for a variety of reasons in as many as 35% of all fires. 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 not 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, on the 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, improper 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 signals sent by the wireless transmitter in this device may be blocked or 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 metal 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. If 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 that smoke detectors be replaced
every 10 years as a precautionary measure against 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.
