1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Kidde FireX Hardwire Smoke Detector Alarm. This device is designed to provide early warning of smoke and fire, enhancing the safety of your home or property. Featuring an ionization sensor, it is particularly effective at detecting fast-flaming fires. The unit is hardwired for continuous power and includes a 9V battery backup to ensure operation during power outages. Its front-loading battery compartment simplifies battery replacement without needing to remove the unit from the ceiling.
Key features include:
- Front-loading battery door for easy 9V battery replacement.
- Hush feature to temporarily silence nuisance alarms.
- One-button operation for testing and resetting.
- Designed for use as a standalone unit or in an interconnected system.
- UL listed for safety compliance.
2. Safety Information
Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and operation. Failure to follow these instructions may result in property damage, injury, or death. This smoke alarm is designed for residential use. For detailed safety guidelines and warnings, refer to the complete owner's manual available as a PDF document: Kidde FireX Troubleshooting Guide (PDF).
- DO NOT PAINT the smoke alarm. Paint can clog the openings and interfere with the sensor's ability to detect smoke.
- Regularly test your smoke alarm as described in the 'Operating Instructions' section.
- Replace the unit every 10 years from the date of manufacture.
- Ensure proper battery installation; the battery door will not close if a battery is not present.
3. Setup and Installation
This smoke alarm is designed for hardwired installation and includes a 9V battery backup. Professional installation is recommended for hardwired systems.
3.1 Components Included
- Kidde FireX Smoke Alarm Unit
- Mounting Bracket
- Mounting Hardware (screws)
- 9V Alkaline Battery
3.2 Battery Installation
The unit comes with a 9V alkaline battery. To install or replace the battery:
- Open the front-loading battery door located on the front of the unit.
- Connect the 9V battery to the battery clip, ensuring correct polarity (+ to + and - to -).
- Place the battery into the compartment.
- Close the battery door firmly until it clicks into place. The door will not close if the battery is missing or incorrectly installed.
Figure 1: Rear view of the smoke alarm with the front-loading battery compartment open.
3.3 Hardwired Installation
This alarm is designed to be hardwired into your home's electrical system. Ensure power is OFF at the circuit breaker before beginning installation.
- Attach the mounting bracket to the ceiling or wall using the provided screws.
- Connect the alarm's wiring harness to your household wiring according to local electrical codes.
- Align the alarm unit with the mounting bracket and twist clockwise until it locks securely into place.
- Restore power at the circuit breaker.
Figure 2: Dimensions of the Kidde FireX smoke alarm for installation planning.
Figure 3: Important information and warnings located on the back label of the unit.
4. Operating Instructions
Once installed and powered, the smoke alarm is continuously monitoring for smoke.
4.1 Normal Operation
During normal operation, the green LED indicator will flash approximately once every 45 seconds, indicating that the alarm is receiving power and functioning correctly.
4.2 Testing the Alarm
Test the alarm weekly to ensure proper operation.
- Press and hold the 'Push to Test/Hush' button on the front of the alarm.
- The alarm will sound a loud, pulsating alarm (three beeps, pause, three beeps) and the red LED will flash.
- Release the button. The alarm should stop sounding.
Figure 4: Front view of the smoke alarm, showing the test/hush button.
4.3 Hush Feature
The Hush feature temporarily silences nuisance alarms (e.g., from cooking smoke) for approximately 8 minutes.
- If the alarm sounds due to a non-emergency condition, press the 'Push to Test/Hush' button.
- The alarm will silence, and the red LED will flash every 10 seconds to indicate it is in Hush mode.
- After approximately 8 minutes, the alarm will automatically reset and resume normal operation. If smoke is still present, the alarm will sound again.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and effectiveness of your smoke alarm.
5.1 Cleaning Your Alarm
Clean your smoke alarm at least once a year to remove dust and debris that can interfere with its operation.
- Use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the alarm's cover and openings.
- Do not use cleaning solvents or spray cleaners directly on the alarm.
5.2 Battery Replacement
The 9V battery should be replaced immediately when the alarm 'chirps' approximately once every 45 seconds, indicating a low battery condition. Use only ALKALINE 9V batteries from reputable brands (e.g., Energizer 522, Gold Peak 1604P, Panasonic 6AM6, Duracell MN1604).
- Open the front-loading battery door.
- Remove the old battery.
- Insert a new 9V alkaline battery, ensuring correct polarity.
- Close the battery door.
- Test the alarm after replacing the battery.
5.3 End of Life
The smoke alarm has a service life of 10 years. After 10 years, the unit should be replaced, even if it appears to be functioning correctly. A periodic 'chirp' that cannot be silenced by battery replacement or the Hush feature indicates the unit has reached its end of life.
6. Troubleshooting
If your smoke alarm is not functioning as expected, refer to the following common issues. For a comprehensive troubleshooting guide, please consult the official PDF document: Kidde FireX Troubleshooting Guide (PDF).
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm 'chirps' every 45 seconds | Low battery | Replace 9V battery (see Section 5.2). |
| Alarm sounds frequently (nuisance alarms) | Cooking smoke, steam, high humidity, dust | Use Hush feature (see Section 4.3). Clean alarm (see Section 5.1). Relocate alarm if consistently triggered by non-fire sources. |
| Alarm does not sound during test | No power, dead battery, faulty unit | Check circuit breaker. Ensure battery is installed correctly. Replace unit if problem persists. |
| Alarm 'chirps' irregularly or continuously after 10 years | End of unit life | Replace the entire smoke alarm unit. |
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 21006931 (i12060-A) |
| Power Source | 120V AC Hardwired with 9V Battery Backup |
| Sensor Type | Ionization |
| Alarm Type | Audible, Visual (Red LED) |
| Operating Temperature | 40°F (4.4°C) to 100°F (37.8°C) |
| Operating Humidity | 10% - 95% Relative Humidity, non-condensing |
| Dimensions (D x W x H) | 1.75"D x 5"W x 5"H |
| Weight | 11.7 ounces |
| Warranty | 5-Year Limited Warranty |
| Certifications | UL Listed |
8. Warranty and Support
The Kidde FireX Hardwire Smoke Detector Alarm, Model 21006931, comes with a 5-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service.
For warranty claims, technical support, or further assistance, please contact Kidde Customer Service. Do not attempt to repair the unit yourself. For complete warranty details and contact information, refer to the full owner's manual or visit the official Kidde website.
For additional resources, including a detailed troubleshooting guide, please download the PDF document: Kidde FireX Troubleshooting Guide (PDF).