SimpliSafe Smoke Detector (SSSD3) Owner's Manual

Introduction

The SimpliSafe Smoke Detector (SSSD3) is a photoelectric smoke detector designed to sense smoke entering its chamber. It does not detect gas, heat, or flame. This detector provides early warning of developing fires through its built-in siren, offering precious time to escape before a fire spreads. Proper location, installation, and maintenance are crucial for its effectiveness. The detector also monitors for low battery and sensor malfunctions, indicated by audible chirps.

THIS DETECTOR IS FOR SMOKE DETECTION USE ONLY.

Smoke Detector Location

Smoke detectors should be installed according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 72, Section 29.5.1.1. This includes installation in all sleeping rooms, outside each separate dwelling unit sleeping area, on every level of a dwelling unit (including basements), and in the living areas of a guest suite.

The Smoke Detector is intended for residential use only and is not to be used in a commercial application.

California State Fire Marshall recommendation: Early warning fire detection is best achieved by installing fire detection equipment in all rooms and areas of the household, including each separate sleeping area, living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, hallways, attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility and storage rooms, basements, and attached garages.

Suggested Smoke Detector Locations:

• In the hallway outside each bedroom area.
• On every floor of a multi-floor home or apartment; a minimum of two detectors per household.
• At both ends of a bedroom hallway if the hallway is more than 40 feet long.
• At the bottom of a basement stairwell.
• At the top of a first-to-second floor stairwell.
• As close to the center of the ceiling as possible. If not practical, mount on the ceiling no closer than 4 inches (10 cm) from any wall or corner.
• For sloped ceilings, mount 3 feet measured horizontally from the highest point.
• If ceiling mounting is not possible and wall mounting is permitted, mount high on the wall (about 4 to 6 inches from the ceiling).

Locations to Avoid:

To prevent false alarms and optimize detection:

• Near combustion particles (e.g., kitchens with poor ventilation, garages with vehicle exhaust, near furnaces, water heaters, space heaters). Maintain at least 20 feet distance.
• In damp or very humid areas (e.g., near bathrooms with showers). Install at least 10 feet away from bathrooms.
• In very cold or very hot areas outside the operating range (4.4 to 37.8°C / 40 to 100°F).
• In very dusty or dirty areas.
• Near fresh air vents or drafty areas (air conditioners, heaters, fans).
• In dead air spaces (top of peaked roofs, corners between ceilings and walls).
• In insect-infested areas.
• Near fluorescent lights (maintain at least 5 feet / 1.5 meters).
• Ensure no door or obstruction blocks smoke path.

IMPORTANT: Never disable the unit to avoid nuisance alarms. Relocate the detector instead.

Never remove the battery to stop a nuisance alarm. Open a window or fan the air. The detector will self-silence when smoke clears. If nuisance alarms persist, clean or relocate the detector.

Do not stand close to the detector when the alarm is sounding; prolonged exposure may harm hearing.

NOT SUITABLE FOR INSTALLATION WHERE AIR VELOCITIES EXCEED 300 METERS PER MINUTE (985 FPM).

Installing the Smoke Detector

Adding Smoke Detector to System (SSBS3):

1. Enter Keypad menu with Master PIN.
2. Navigate to Devices.
3. Select "Add Device".
4. Navigate to Smoke Detector.
5. Press the Test button on the Smoke detector.
6. Choose a name for the Smoke Detector.

Install the Smoke Detector on a Ceiling or Wall:

1. Remove the mounting bracket by rotating it counterclockwise.
2. Mount the bracket on the ceiling or wall using the included screws and wall anchors.
3. Push the Smoke Detector onto the mounting bracket and turn clockwise until it clicks. Pull outward to ensure it's secure.

Note: After installation and battery replacement, test the detector.

Visual Description: The detector has a mounting bracket. A central button serves as the Test/Silence Button and also indicates Power/Smoke Alarm status via an LED indicator.

Battery Installation

1. Open the battery compartment.
2. Install a new Panasonic CR123A 3V lithium battery, ensuring correct polarity (+ and -).
3. After installation and mounting, a chirp indicates battery power.

Note: Use only Panasonic CR123A batteries for proper operation.

Note: Test the detector after replacing the battery.

Testing

Test your smoke detector weekly by pressing the test button (clear button on the front) for 4 seconds. The siren will sound (3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps), and the light will flash rapidly. If enrolled in a SimpliSafe system, the base station will also sound.

If the detector beeps three times with a yellow LED flashing three times in 43 seconds, it indicates a malfunction and requires repair or replacement.

Note: This is the only way to ensure proper function. If it fails to test, repair or replace immediately.

Continuous exposure to high sound levels may cause hearing loss.

Never use an open flame to test the detector; it can damage the unit and your home. The built-in test switch is sufficient.

When the alarm sounds outside of testing, it indicates a serious situation requiring immediate attention.

Go/No-Go Field Test: Use Home Safeguard Model 25S UL Listed aerosol smoke detector tester, following canister instructions.

Silence Feature

Press the "test/silence" button to temporarily quiet an alarm for up to 10 minutes. If smoke persists, the unit will re-alarm.

Operating Modes

The LED light indicates the detector's status:

• Red LED blinks rapidly & chirps 3 times: Detector sensed dangerous smoke levels. Buzzer and siren sound. Follow "in case of fire" instructions.
• Red LED blinks every 5-6 minutes: Detector is functioning normally.
• Yellow LED blinks & chirps every minute: Low battery. Install a new Panasonic CR123A 3V lithium battery immediately. This warning lasts up to 30 days.
• Yellow LED blinks & chirps three times per minute: Unit malfunctioned; needs replacement.
• Yellow LED solid: Tamper switch is open. Reinstall the unit on the mounting bracket.

Maintenance Tips

To maintain optimal performance, vacuum the sensing chamber at least monthly:

• Remove the battery before cleaning.
• Use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum to carefully remove dust from the sensing chamber openings. Never use water or cleaners.
• Replace the battery after cleaning and test the detector.

Limitations of Smoke Detectors

While reliable, wireless smoke detectors may not work under all conditions. No fire alarm provides total protection. Alarms are not a substitute for insurance. Detectors require power; they will not operate if batteries are dead or improperly installed.

Smoke detectors may not be heard by sound sleepers or those under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Closed doors and distance can block sound. This detector is not designed for the hearing impaired.

Detectors may not activate early enough if smoke is slow to reach them (e.g., fires in chimneys, walls, or on other levels behind closed doors).

Smoke detectors significantly reduce loss, injury, and death, but cannot guarantee protection against all fire circumstances.

Fire Prevention and Escape

The purpose of an early warning smoke detector is to detect fires in their early stages and alert occupants for safe exit.

Avoid Fire Hazards:

• Do not smoke in bed.
• Do not leave children home alone.
• Never clean with flammable liquids like gasoline.
• Properly store materials and maintain good housekeeping to prevent clutter, especially in basements, attics, or storage areas.
• Use combustible materials and electrical appliances carefully and only for intended uses. Do not overload outlets.
• Do not store explosive or fast-burning materials at home.
• Be prepared for fires, even after taking precautions.

In Case of Fire:

• Leave immediately. Do not stop for valuables.
• In heavy smoke, hold your breath and stay low; crawl if necessary. The clearest air is near the floor.
• If passing through a closed door, feel it and the knob for heat. If cool, brace your foot against the bottom, open slightly. If hot air rushes in, close it quickly.
• Use a neighbor's phone or a street fire alarm to call the fire department. Leave firefighting to professionals.

Be Prepared:

• Perform fire drills regularly to ensure recognition of the alarm signal.
• Draw a floor plan showing two exits from each room. Instruct children carefully, as they may hide during a crisis.
• Establish an outside meeting place and ensure everyone meets there during an alarm to prevent re-entry for missing members who may be safe outside.
• Use window decals to help emergency personnel identify sleeping quarters of children or physically challenged individuals.

Smoke detectors CANNOT provide warnings for fires from explosions, smoking in bed/furniture, ignition of flammable liquids/vapors/gases, or children playing with matches/lighters.

Smoke detectors are not to be used with detector guards unless the combination has been evaluated and found suitable.

This device contains a wireless transmitter that can actuate a remote siren. Interference from similar systems in adjacent apartments or dwellings could prevent the remote siren from sounding. Never rely solely on the remote siren; always ensure the internal siren can be heard from all bedrooms and living areas.

Specifications

Compliance and Ratings

ETL Rating: The Smoke Detector Conforms to UL Standard 268.

FCC Part 15 Notice: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Warning: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. If this equipment causes harmful interference to radio or television reception, try to correct it by:

• Reorienting or relocating the receiving antenna.
• Increasing the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connecting the equipment to an outlet on a different circuit than the receiver.
• Consulting the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician.

Customer Support

For questions regarding your Detector, please contact SimpliSafe:

Mailing Address: SimpliSafe, Inc., 294 Washington Street, Floor 9, Boston MA 02108

E-mail: customer-support@simplisafe.com

Phone: 1-888-957-4675