UltraFire UBS1RF Optical Smoke Alarm with Radio-Interlink User Manual

1. Overview

This optical smoke alarm is a fire detection and alarm device that provides audible and visual warnings upon detecting smoke. It features a specially designed detection chamber. Optical smoke sensors are less prone to false alarms compared to ionization sensors and are more sensitive to slower, smouldering fires often associated with electrical equipment and furniture. They are suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and areas near kitchens (but not inside kitchens).

During standby, the LED flashes every 50 seconds to indicate normal operation. In alarm mode, the LED flashes approximately once per second, and the alarm enters one of the patterns described in the 'Alarm Signals' section.

[Diagram: A circular smoke alarm unit with a central button/indicator.]

2. Product Specification

• Sensor Type: Optical with thermal enhancement
• Smoke Sensitivity: 0.101 - 0.153dB/m
• Battery Specification: Voltage: DC 3V, Type: 2x AA alkaline
• Silence Time: Approx. 10 minutes
• Recommended Batteries: Energizer E91, Gold Peak Group GP 15A, Raymax LR6
• Do Not Disturb Time: Approx. 10 hours (see Additional Features)
• Dimensions (HxDia): 35x125mm
• Wireless Frequency: 868MHz
• General Operating Temperature: 0°C - 40°C
• Wireless Range: Clear Line of Sight: 100m, Typical Indoors: 35m
• Humidity Range: 0% to 93% RH
• Wireless Limit: 50 devices
• Operating Current: Standby: <6μA, Alarm: <75mA
• Certified to: EN 14604:2005
• Alarm Volume: >85dBA at 3 metres
• Useable Lifespan: 10 years
• Disposal: Not for general waste; see local electronic waste disposal guidelines.
• Suitable for: BS 5839-6 Grade F2

3. Suitability

UltraFire's battery-powered fire detection and alarm devices are designed to meet BS 5839-6 Grade F2 requirements. When interlinked as a network with multiple sensor types, these alarms are intended for use only in single-household premises permitted to use battery-powered alarms.

Local Building Regulations or other requirements may specify mains-powered alarms, in which case this product is not suitable. Multi-household domestic premises and commercial premises typically require more advanced fire detection and alarm systems.

4. Silence / Do Not Disturb Mode

Alarm Silence Mode

WARNING: Before silencing an active alarm, ensure the environment is safe. Do not silence the alarm during an actual fire, as this may prevent occupants from evacuating.

When in alarm mode, pressing the test button silences the unit for approximately 10 minutes. The red LED flashes as per the 'Status Indicators' section to show the alarm is silenced. The alarm automatically resets after about 10 minutes. If fire signs persist, the alarm will sound again. This silence mode can be repeated.

Do Not Disturb Mode

When the alarm indicates a fault, it will chirp as per the 'Status Indicators' section. Pressing the silence button at this time silences the warning for approximately 8 to 10 hours, useful for postponing corrective action overnight. The alarm continues to monitor for fire during this period; if a fire is detected, it will enter alarm mode. The 'Do Not Disturb Mode' only prevents the fault warning chirp.

5. Alarm Signals

Test Alarm Pattern

1. [Chirp sound] 3 times with red LED flash
2. [Pause] 1.5s
3. [Chirp sound] 3 times with red LED flash
4. [Pause] 4.5s
5. [Repeat] from the beginning

Smoke Detected Alarm Pattern

1. [Chirp sound] 3 times with red LED flash
2. [Pause] 1.5s
3. [Chirp sound] 3 times with red LED flash
4. [Pause] 4.5s
5. [Repeat] from the beginning

Wireless Alarm Pattern

1. [Chirp sound] 2 times with red LED flash
2. [Pause] 1.2s
3. [Repeat] from the beginning
4. The alarm will reset after 60 seconds without further wireless activation signal from other alarms.

Note: A lower volume is used for the test alarm pattern.

6. Status Indicators / Installation

Status Indicators

• During standby operation, the red LED flashes once every 50 seconds.
• When the battery fails or a low battery is detected, the alarm chirps once every 50 seconds along with the red LED flashing.
• When a fault is detected, the alarm chirps once every 50 seconds with a red LED flash.
• If the alarm has been silenced, the red LED flashes once every 16 seconds for approximately 10 minutes.

Installation Location

Smoke alarms are recommended for all rooms not regularly exposed to steam, fumes, dust, or other contaminants.

Do Not Install in the Following Places:

• On walls, shelves, or cupboards.
• Where alarms are likely to be exposed to liquids.
• At the very apex of pitched ceilings.
• In the corner of the ceiling.
• Within 50cm of a wall, light fitting, or other obstruction.
• In bathrooms or other rooms exposed to steam.
• Near appliances or areas where combustion occurs regularly.
• In areas exposed to excess dirt, dust, gases, vapours, or humidity.
• Where the ambient temperature regularly exceeds 0°C to 40°C.

7. Placement

UltraFire Wireless Smoke Alarms must be installed on the ceiling, at least 500mm from the nearest wall, light fitting, or other obstruction.

[Diagram: Showing a ceiling installation. A minimum distance of 500mm is indicated from the nearest wall or light fitting. Arrows point to 'BEST HERE' and 'NEVER HERE'.]

These alarms should be installed no more than 600mm vertically below the apex of a pitched ceiling. Where the depth from apex to eaves is 600mm or less, the ceiling should be treated as flat.

[Diagram: Showing a pitched ceiling installation. The alarm should be installed no more than 600mm vertically below the apex. A 'DEAD AIR' zone of 25mm is indicated near the apex. Arrows indicate 'DO NOT INSTALL' in this zone and 'ANYWHERE IN THIS AREA' below it.]

At least one smoke alarm should be installed in each hallway or corridor and on each main landing of every staircase. In hallways or corridors exceeding 7.5m in length, no point should be further than 7.5m from the nearest smoke alarm. For best protection, install optical smoke alarms also in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms to provide the earliest possible warning.

8. Installation Procedure

WARNING: The label on the alarm must not be removed as it shows important information about the product.

1. Check the desired installation position for wires, pipes, or other obstructions that would be dangerous to drill into.
2. Hold the baseplate against the ceiling at the desired installation position. [Diagram: Of the circular alarm baseplate with screw holes.]
3. Mark the installation holes with a pencil.
4. Drill the two installation holes as previously marked using a 5mm diameter drill bit.
5. Strike the two included plastic rawl plugs into the holes with a hammer. [Diagram: Showing two screws and two plastic rawl plugs.]
6. Align the baseplate to the plastic rawl plugs and fix in place using the provided screws.
7. Fit the batteries into the alarm (please note the battery polarities).
8. Follow the instructions in the 'Radio-Interlink' section.
9. Line the alarm up to the baseplate and turn the alarm head clockwise until securely attached.
10. After mounting, test the alarm as described in the 'Maintenance' section.

9. Radio-Interlink

UltraFire radio-interlinked alarms are designed to be wirelessly interlinked as a network with up to 50 products. These alarms need to be "learned in" or interlinked to communicate with each other. If one alarm activates, all other interlinked alarms will also sound. They are not designed to communicate with wireless alarms from other ranges or manufacturers.

Note: Obstructions such as steel reinforcement in concrete could block or impede the wireless signal. While the wireless range is over 100m in open spaces, the effective range may be reduced by walls and other obstructions within a building. It is recommended not to exceed 35m as the maximum distance between alarms in a network.

10. Interlink - User Guide

1. Ensure all alarms have batteries fitted and are turned on.
2. Pick one alarm to be the Master unit; mark this alarm for future reference.
3. On the Master unit, press the test button 3 times in quick succession:
   • The red light should be on continuously.
   • Master mode will time out in 10 seconds if no other alarms attempt a connection.
4. On all other alarms, one at a time, press the test button 3 times in quick succession:
   • If successful, the red light on each alarm should flash rapidly for a short period of time.
   • If not successful, try again.
5. Once all other alarms are connected, the Master unit can be put into normal operation:
   • Either wait 10 seconds or press the test button once.
6. When all alarms are connected and in normal operation, the system should be tested:
   • Pick one alarm and hold the test button; this one should sound almost immediately.
   • Continue holding the test button until the other alarms start sounding.
   • It may take approximately 30 - 45 seconds for all alarms to sound.
   • If any alarms do not sound, put the marked alarm back into Master mode (steps 2 & 3) and try to reconnect the silent alarm(s) according to steps 4 & 5.

11. Interlink - Clear Interlink Code

It may be necessary to remove an alarm from the network in some situations, for example, if troubleshooting an alarm that does not respond to the test signal.

1. Turn the alarm head anti-clockwise and remove it from the baseplate.
2. Take the batteries out from the battery compartment.
3. Press and hold the test button while reinserting the batteries. If successful, the red LED will turn on for about 3 seconds; otherwise, repeat accordingly.
4. Once the LED turns off, release the test button.
5. Press and release the test button again when the LED turns back on.
6. The LED will turn off and the alarm will chirp, indicating success.
7. The alarm is now in standby operation as a standalone unit, no longer interlinked with any other alarms.

12. Maintenance

Testing

Test your alarms to ensure proper operation once per week by pressing the test button. If there is no sound output, it means the alarm is faulty, the batteries are flat, or the installation procedure was not followed correctly. Try replacing the batteries and reinstalling the alarm head. If the alarm still fails to react, consult the 'Troubleshooting' section.

WARNING: The test button accurately tests the alarm's components and functions. Do not expose the alarm to an open flame, as this may contaminate and damage the sensor, preventing adequate protection from real fires and invalidating the warranty.

Note: A lower volume is used for the test alarm pattern.

Note: When testing a single alarm, it transmits a wireless signal, so other connected alarms should also sound. You may need to hold the test button for up to 30 seconds for the alarm to sound. Once released, other alarms will silence within 1 minute.

Repairing

Do not attempt to repair the alarm yourself; dismantling it will affect your warranty. If the alarm is not operating properly and is still under warranty, contact the retailer who sold the product or the manufacturer.

13. Cleaning and Battery Replacement

Cleaning

Do not paint smoke or heat alarms. Clean your alarms every month using a vacuum cleaner fitted with a soft brush attachment.

WARNING: Do not attempt to remove the cover to clean inside, as this will affect the warranty.

Battery Replacement

1. Twist the alarm anti-clockwise to remove it from the baseplate.
2. Remove the old battery.
3. Connect and insert a new battery, ensuring correct polarity.
4. Place the alarm back on the baseplate, twisting clockwise.
5. Hold the test button until the test pattern sounds. This may take 5 - 10 seconds.
6. See the 'Troubleshooting' section if the alarm does not sound.

14. Troubleshooting

15. Fire Safety Advice

Familiarise yourself with and follow national and local regulations regarding the selection and installation of smoke and heat alarms.

Plan Your Escape

If an alarm sounds, and you did not push the test button, it likely indicates a dangerous situation. To prepare, develop escape plans for the premises and discuss them with all occupants. Regular practice of these plans is vital for successful evacuation.

1. Familiarise everyone with the alarm patterns of all alarm devices and explain what they represent.
2. Identify all exits from each room and plan an escape route to the outside from each exit.
3. Teach all occupants to carefully touch doors and use alternate exits if the door is hot; instruct them not to open a hot door.
4. Teach occupants to crawl along the floor to stay below dangerous fumes and gases.
5. Identify a safe meeting place for all occupants outside the building and ensure everyone is aware of it.

16. What to Do in Case of Fire

1. Calmly leave the premises as quickly as possible. Follow your personalised Escape Plan if possible; otherwise:
   • Carefully touch doors to ensure they are not hot before opening them.
   • Use an alternate exit if necessary.
   • Crawl along the floor to avoid smoke.
   • Do not stop to collect anything.
2. Meet at a pre-arranged meeting place outside the building if there are multiple occupants. Check if anyone is missing, but do not re-enter the premises.
3. Call the fire service from outside the building; do not delay your escape to contact emergency services.
4. Do not go back inside a burning building for any reason. Wait for the fire service to arrive.

NOTE: These guidelines will assist in the event of a fire; however, UltraFire cannot predict the exact situation of any home fire. Creating your own escape plan based on your specific premises and occupants is the best way to ensure safe evacuation. Follow fire safety guidance and legislation to reduce the chance of fires starting and prevent hazardous situations.

17. Warranty Information

Safelincs warrants to the original purchaser that its enclosed UBS1RF battery-powered radio-interlinked alarm, under normal domestic use and service, will operate as described and be free from material and workmanship defects for a period of ten years from the date of purchase.

Safelincs hereby warrants that during the warranty period, commencing from the date of purchase, Safelincs, at its discretion, agrees to repair or replace the unit free of charge. The warranty on any replacement alarm will last for the remainder of the period of the original warranty in respect of the alarm originally purchased – that is from the date of original purchase and not from the date of receipt of the replacement product.

Safelincs reserves the right to offer an alternative product similar to that being replaced if the original model is no longer available or in stock. This warranty applies to the original retail purchaser from the date of original retail purchase and is not transferable. Proof of purchase is required.

This warranty does not cover damage resulting from accidents, misuse, abuse, disassembly, lack of reasonable care of the product, or applications not in accordance with the user manual. Consumables such as batteries are also not covered by this warranty. In no case shall Safelincs be liable for any incidental or consequential damages or any other warranty, express or implied.

The warranty does not apply to retail stores, service centres, or any distributors or agents. Safelincs will not recognise any changes to this warranty by third parties. Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law, any implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose is limited in duration for ten years.

This warranty does not affect your statutory rights. Except for death or personal injury, Safelincs shall not be liable for any loss of use, damage, cost, or expense relating to this product or for any indirect or consequential loss, damages, or costs incurred by you or any other user of this product.

Returning Your Alarm

Contact either the original retailer or UltraFire before attempting to return your alarm. Pack the alarm in a well-padded box, tape securely, and affix an appropriate address label. Send the alarm either to the retailer you purchased from or to the manufacturer if still under warranty.

If the alarm is no longer under warranty, replace it immediately with a comparable product. If your current alarms are interlinked, only replace with UltraFire alarms from the same model range to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.

18. Contact Information

[Location] 33 West Street, Alford, LN13 9FX

[Phone] 0800 978 8262

[Email] support@ultra-fire.co.uk

[Website] www.ultra-fire.co.uk

© 2020 Safelincs All Rights Reserved

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