Kidde 20SDR-CA Photoelectric Smoke Alarm User Guide

Thank You for Purchasing this Kidde Alarm

This model is powered by two replaceable AA batteries. It also contains HUSH™ to temporarily silence nuisance alarms, and “self-testing” features (see section 9).

Teach children how to respond to the alarm and that they should never play with the unit.

This alarm is a multi-criteria device designed to detect smoke from any source of combustion in a residential environment. It is not designed for use in a recreational vehicle (RV) or boat.

NOTE: Please thoroughly read this user guide and save the document for future reference and to pass on to any subsequent owner. Images are representative only. Actual product may vary slightly.

Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (CAN/ULC), The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the manufacturer recommend replacing this alarm after ten years.

Product Support: 1-800-880-6788

Please write down the below information and have this at hand when you call.

Date Code (on back):

Date of Purchase:

Where Purchased:

Date to Replace:

1. Smoke Alarm: What To Do When The Alarm Sounds

The smoke alarm pattern is three long beeps, a 1.5 second pause, and three long beeps repeating. The red LED blinks in time with the alarm pattern.

• Alert small children in the home as well as anyone else that might have difficulty recognizing the importance of the alarm sounding or that might have difficulty leaving the area without help.
• Plan two ways out! Leave immediately by your escape plan. Don't waste time getting dressed or picking up valuables.
• While leaving, don't open any inside door without first feeling its surface. If hot, or if you see smoke seeping through cracks, don't open that door! Instead, use your alternate exit. If the inside of the door is cool, place your shoulder against it, open it slightly and be ready to slam it shut if heat and smoke rush in.
• If the escape route requires you to go through smoke, stay close to the floor where the air is cleaner. Crawl if necessary, and breathe shallowly through a cloth, wet if possible.
• Once outside, go to your selected meeting place and make sure everyone is there.
• Call the fire department or 911 from your cell phone outside, or from your neighbour's home-not from yours!
• Don't return to your home until the fire officials say that it is all right to do so.

NOTE: See Section RECOGNIZING NUISANCE ALARMS, for nuisance alarm situations.

2. Other Alarm Visual And Audible Indicators

3. Troubleshooting Guide

If you require further information please contact Product Support at 1-800-880-6788 or write us at: Kidde Canada Inc., P.O. Box 40, Apsley, ON KOL 1A0. Our internet address is www.kiddecanada.com.

4. Introduction, Product Features And Specifications

Introduction

This alarm detects products of combustion using a photoelectric sensor.

Ten (10) years after the unit was installed, powered up, and tested, this unit will automatically alert you that it is time to replace the unit. This is called “End of Unit Life” mode. See Troubleshooting Guide. To help identify the date to replace the unit, a label has been affixed to the side of the alarm.

Product Features and Specifications:

• Powered by two AA batteries
• Reduced nuisance alarms
• Self-testing (see section 9)
• Easy installation
• Smoke Alarm Hush™
• Smoke Sensor: Photoelectric
• Temperature Operating Range: 4.4°C (40°F) to 37.8°C (100°F)
• Humidity Operating Range: up to 95% RH non-condensing
• Audible Alarm: 85+ dB at 3m (10ft), 3.0 to 3.5 KHz pulsing alarm
• This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003

ISED Compliance Notice

This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

5. Limitations Of Smoke Alarms

WARNING: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND THOROUGHLY

• Life safety from fire in residential occupancies is based primarily on early notification to occupants of the need to escape, followed by the appropriate egress actions by those occupants.
• There are situations where a smoke alarm may not be effective to protect against fire as stated in CAN / ULC-S552, CAN/ULC-S553, and the NFPA Standard 72. For instance:
  • a) smoking in bed
  • b) leaving children home alone
  • c) cleaning with flammable liquids, such as gasoline
• Fire warning systems for dwelling units are capable of protecting about half of the occupants in potentially fatal fires. A smoke alarm may not be effective in some situations, such as during incendiary fires where the fire grows so rapidly that an occupant's egress is blocked even with properly located smoke alarms, or when victims are intimate with the fire (for example, when a person's clothes catch fire while cooking), too old or young, or physically or mentally impaired such that they cannot escape even when warned early enough that escape should be possible. For these people, additional strategies such as protection-in-place or assisted escape or rescue are necessary.
• This model meets the latest residential smoke alarm standards, which includes enhanced resistance to nuisance alarms from cooking. Industry experts recommend that both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms be installed to help ensure optimal detection of the various types of fires that can occur within the home. Ionization sensing alarms may detect invisible fire particles (associated with fast flaming fires) sooner than photoelectric alarms. Photoelectric sensing alarms may detect visible fire particles (associated with slow smoldering fires) sooner than ionization alarms.
• A battery powered alarm must have a battery of the specified type, in good condition and installed properly (this model includes two AA replaceable batteries).
• This device requires a continuous supply of electrical power from a healthy battery or AC connection, depending on the model. It will not work without power.
• Smoke alarms must be tested regularly to make sure the battery and the alarm circuits are in good operating condition.
• Smoke alarms cannot provide an alarm if smoke does not reach the alarm. Therefore, smoke alarms may not sense fires starting in chimneys, within walls, on roofs, on the other side of a closed door or other obstructions.
• If the alarm is located outside the bedroom or on a different floor, it may not wake up a sound sleeper.
• The use of alcohol or drugs may also impair one's ability to hear the smoke alarm. For optimal detection, a smoke alarm should be installed in each sleeping area on every level of a home.

This alarm is not intended to alert hearing impaired individuals.

* Reference National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard 72

6. Recommended Locations For Smoke Alarms

(See Figures 6-A, 6-B, & 6-C for recommended locations)

• Locate smoke alarms in all sleeping areas. Try to monitor the exit path as the bedrooms are usually farthest from the exit. If more than one sleeping area exists, locate additional alarms in each sleeping area.
• Locate additional alarms in stairways, because stairways act like chimneys for smoke and heat.
• Locate at least one alarm on every floor level.
• Locate an alarm in every bedroom.
• Locate an alarm in every room where electrical appliances are operated (i.e. portable heaters or humidifiers).
• Locate an alarm in every room where someone sleeps with the door closed. The closed door may prevent an alarm not located in that room from waking the sleeper.
• Smoke, heat, and combustion products rise to the ceiling and spread horizontally. Mounting the smoke alarm on the ceiling in the center of the room places it closest to all points in the room. Ceiling mounting is preferred in ordinary residential construction.
• For all alarm locations, be sure to choose a flat, solid surface for mounting, with no holes or gaps under the mounting bracket.

Diagram Description: Figure 6-A shows recommended and not recommended placement of smoke alarms on a ceiling and wall. For ceiling mounting, it indicates a minimum of 10 cm (4in) from the side wall and a dead air space. For wall mounting, it shows a minimum of 10 cm (4in) and a maximum of 30.5cm (12in) from the ceiling.

Diagrams for Section 6

Figure 6-B: This figure illustrates single and multiple floor plans showing recommended smoke alarm placement. Required smoke alarms are indicated by a circle, and smoke alarms for additional protection are indicated by a triangle. It also notes not to place alarms within 1.8m (6ft) of appliances.

Figure 6-C: This figure shows placement guidelines for sloped, peaked, or cathedral ceilings. It indicates that smoke alarms should be located on the high side of the room, with specific horizontal distance recommendations from the peak (0.9m or 3ft) and maximum distance from the ceiling edge (20cm or 7.8in).

7. Locations To Avoid

(See Figures 6-A, 6-B, & 6-C for recommended locations)

• In the garage. Products of combustion are present when you start your automobile.
• Normal cooking may cause nuisance alarms. If a kitchen alarm is desired, it should have an alarm silence feature and should not be installed within 1.8m (6 ft) of cooking appliances.
• Do not install within 1.8m (6 ft) of heating appliances.
• In an area where the temperature may fall below 4.4 °C (40 °F) or rise above 37.8 °C (100°F), such as garages and unfinished attics.
• In dusty areas. Dust particles may cause nuisance alarms or a failure to alarm.
• In very humid areas (above 95% RH, non-condensing) as moisture or steam can cause nuisance alarms.
• In insect-infested areas.
• Smoke alarms should not be installed within 0.9m (3 ft) of the door to a bathroom containing a tub or shower, forced air supply ducts used for heating or cooling, ceiling or whole house ventilating fans, or other high air flow areas.
• Near lights. Electronic “noise” generated by the lights may cause nuisance alarms.
• Do not install near vents, flues, or chimneys.
• Do not install near fans, doors, windows or areas directly exposed to the weather.
• Do not install DC (battery only) alarms on top of AC electrical junction boxes.
• Avoid installing where the unit will be exposed to direct sunlight.

NOTE: Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards unless the combination (alarm and detector guard) has been evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.

8. Installation and Activation

NOTE: A dust cover has been installed on the alarm. Keep the dust cover on until all construction has been completed for at least 24 hours (drywall, painting, varnishing, mounting plate install, etc). Retain the dust cover and re-install it to protect the alarm during future construction projects. Construction dust and chemicals can cause contamination and false alarms.

WARNING: DUST COVER MUST BE REMOVED FOR ALARM TO OPERATE.

Diagram Description: Figure 8-A shows a pull tab to activate batteries.

NOTE: Pull out the battery pull tab first to activate the batteries (see Figure 8-A). Battery activation is confirmed with a beep. If the beep does not occur when the battery pull tab is removed, remove the batteries and reinstall them. Confirm the battery activation beep.

• Kidde alarms are not designed, agency tested or certified for recessed mounting and should not be installed in this manner. Recessed mounting impedes smoke entry into the smoke chamber, which may prevent the alarm from sounding in a timely manner. This could endanger the lives of occupants in the residence. Kidde alarms are designed, tested and certified for wall (if applicable) and ceiling surface mount only.
• After selecting the proper location for your alarm, attach the mounting bracket to the wall or ceiling. To ensure aesthetic alignment of the alarm with the hallway, or wall, the “A” line on the mounting bracket should be parallel with the hallway when ceiling mounted, or horizontal when wall mounted (Figures 8-B and 8-C).

Diagram Description: Figure 8-B illustrates how to align the mounting bracket for hallways and walls. Figure 8-C shows alignment marks on the mounting bracket and indicates where to mark and drill holes for wall anchors.

Diagram Description: Figure 8-D shows the correct way to install or remove the alarm by gripping the outside of the enclosure, not the shield. Figure 8-E shows the mounting bracket with the "A" line orientation, the LED, and the installation and removal process. It also notes that after installation, the button should be at the bottom.

Install the alarm fully on the mounting bracket by rotating the alarm in a clockwise direction (Figure 8-E). The alarm will mount to the bracket in 4 positions (every 90 degrees).

The alarm is now activated! After installation / activation, test your alarm as described in Operation and Testing section.

WARNING: FAILURE TO PROPERLY INSTALL AND ACTIVATE THIS ALARM WILL PREVENT PROPER OPERATION OF THIS ALARM AND WILL PREVENT ITS RESPONSE TO FIRE HAZARDS.

9. Operation And Testing

This model meets the latest residential smoke alarm standards, which includes enhanced resistance to nuisance alarms from cooking.

Operation

The alarm is operating once it is activated and testing is complete (see “TESTING” below). When products of combustion (smoke) are sensed, the unit sounds a loud alarm. See Section 1 for alarm signal descriptions.

Testing

WARNING: Do not attempt to test this unit with retail “canned smoke” products. Those products are intended for use by trained professionals and produce inconsistent results when misused. Over-application of canned smoke can permanently damage the alarm.

Self-Testing

This model is equipped with internal, self-testing components that are always checking to ensure the device is operating as expected. (Weekly manual testing is still required. See below.)

Manual Testing

NOTE: When pushing the Test button, use only your finger or thumb. Using any other instrument(s) (such as a broom handle) is strictly prohibited, as it may damage the alarm.

Test your alarm weekly by pressing and releasing the button quickly. A quick beep will confirm the button has been pushed followed by the test sequence. See Other Alarm Visual and Audible Indicators table. The alarm will sound if the electronic circuitry, horn, and batteries are working. If the alarm does not sound, or gives erratic or low volume sound, the unit must be replaced.

WARNING: DUE TO THE LOUDNESS OF THE ALARM, ALWAYS STAND ABOUT 2.5 FEET AWAY FROM THE UNIT OR USE EAR PROTECTION WHEN TESTING.

WARNING: DO NOT USE AN OPEN FLAME TO TEST YOUR ALARM, YOU COULD DAMAGE THE ALARM OR IGNITE COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS AND START A STRUCTURE FIRE.

Chirping

When End of Unit Life or Low Battery chirping begins, you can temporarily silence these chirps by pressing the button. Other fault/error chirps cannot be silenced. Take appropriate action as described in the Troubleshooting Guide.

WARNING: REPLACE UNIT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE WHEN IN END OF UNIT LIFE. SEVEN (7) DAYS AFTER END OF UNIT LIFE BEGINS, THE NOTIFICATIONS CANNOT BE SILENCED, AND SMOKE DETECTION CANNOT BE GUARANTEED. REPLACE IMMEDIATELY!

10. Recognizing Nuisance Alarms

Smoke Nuisance

This model meets the latest residential smoke alarm standards, which includes enhanced resistance to nuisance alarms from cooking.

HUSHTM: If you know why the alarm is sounding, and you can verify that it is not a life threatening situation, you can push the button on the initiating unit to silence the alarm for 8-10 minutes. If the smoke is not too dense, that unit will silence. After the Hush™ period, the smoke alarm will automatically reset and sound the alarm if particles of combustion are still present. You can use Hush™ repeatedly until the air has been cleared of the condition causing the alarm.

NOTE: Dense smoke will override Hush™ and sound a continuous alarm. If no fire is present, check to see if one of the reasons listed in “Locations to avoid” may have caused the alarm. If a fire is discovered, get out and call the fire department or 911.

Cigarette smoke will not normally cause the unit to alarm, unless the smoke is blown directly into the alarm. Combustion particles from cooking may set off the alarm if it is located too close to a cooking appliance. Large quantities of combustible particles are generated from spills or when broiling. Using the fan on a range hood which vents to the outside (non-recirculating type) will also help prevent nuisance alarms from occurring by removing these combustible products from the kitchen.

11. Batteries

This alarm is powered by two replaceable AA batteries. Under normal conditions, fresh batteries will last at least one year.

NOTE: Constant exposure to high or low humidity or temperatures may reduce battery life.

WARNING: THE ALARM IS SEALED AND THE COVER IS NOT REMOVABLE!

Low Battery

This alarm is equipped with a low battery monitor circuit. If the battery capacity is nearing the point where it can no longer provide adequate power for all alarm functions, the low battery condition will occur. See Troubleshooting Guide. The batteries must be replaced within 7 days of the first occurrence of the “Low Battery Warning” to provide continuous alarm detection.

Replace batteries with one of the following approved brands: Energizer E91, Gold Peak 15A or Golden Power GLR6A. These batteries can be purchased at your local retailer.

WARNING: Use only the batteries specified. Use of different batteries may have a detrimental effect on the alarm. Do not mix old and new batteries. Do not mix alkaline, standard, or rechargeable batteries.

Diagram Description: Figure 11 shows the battery compartment with two AA batteries installed.

NOTE: Do not use lithium batteries in this unit. A good safety measure is to replace the batteries at least once a year, or at the same time you change your clocks for daylight saving time. A missing or improperly installed battery will render the unit inoperable.

WARNING: FAILURE TO INSTALL BATTERIES IN THE CORRECT ORIENTATION WILL PREVENT PROPER OPERATION OF THIS ALARM AND WILL PREVENT ITS RESPONSE TO FIRE HAZARDS.

12. Cleaning Your Alarm

Your Alarm Should be Cleaned at Least Once a Year

You can clean the interior of your alarm (sensing chamber) by using compressed air or a vacuum cleaner hose and blowing or vacuuming through the openings around the perimeter of the alarm. The outside of the alarm can be wiped with a clean, dry cloth. Do not use water, detergents or cleaners as they may damage the alarm.

NOTE: Do not insert fingers or cleaning items under the shield during cleaning.

Diagram Description: Figure 12-A shows the correct method for cleaning the alarm using compressed air or a vacuum cleaner hose, with a checkmark for the correct method and crosses for incorrect methods (using fingers or cleaning items under the shield, and using a hair dryer).

If the alarm is in Fault mode, the alarm may be in need of cleaning. After cleaning, press the button. If the fault does not clear, the alarm needs to be replaced.

• Never use detergent or other solvents to clean the unit.
• Avoid spraying air freshener, hair spray, or other aerosols near the alarm.
• Do not use a hair dryer to clean the alarm, as it may damage the alarm and impact performance.
• Do not paint the unit. Paint will seal the vents and interfere with the sensor's ability to detect smoke.
• Never attempt to disassemble the unit to clean inside. This action will void your warranty.

WARNING: REINSTALL THE ALARM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO ENSURE CONTINUOUS DETECTION.

13. Good Safety Habits

Develop and Practice a Plan of Escape

Prepare and practice a home escape plan twice a year, including drills at night. Know two ways out of every room (door & window) and identify a meeting place outside the home where everyone will gather once they have exited the residence. When two people have reached the meeting place, one should leave to call 911 while the second person stays to account for additional family members. Establish a rule that once you're out, you never re-enter under any circumstance!

• Make a floor plan indicating all doors and windows and at least two (2) escape routes from each room. Stories above ground level may need a rope or chain ladder.
• Have a family meeting and discuss your escape plan, showing everyone what to do in case of fire and where to meet after they leave the house.
• Ensure that small children hear the alarm and wake when it sounds. They must wake up in order to execute the escape plan. Practice allows all occupants to test your plan before an emergency. You may not be able to reach your children. It is important they know what to do.
• Familiarize everyone with the sounds of the smoke alarm and train them to leave your home when they hear it.
• Current studies have shown smoke alarms may not awaken all sleeping individuals, and that it is the responsibility of individuals in the household that are capable of assisting others to provide assistance to those who may not be awakened by the alarm sound, or to those who may be incapable of safely evacuating the area unassisted.
• Install and maintain fire extinguishers on every level of the home and in the kitchen, basement and garage. Know how to use a fire extinguisher prior to an emergency.

Fire Prevention

Never smoke in bed or leave cooking food unattended. Teach children never to play with matches or lighters! Train everyone in the home to recognize the smoke alarm pattern and to leave the home using their escape plan when it's heard. Know how to do “Stop, Drop and Roll” if clothes catch on fire, and how to crawl low under smoke. Install and maintain fire extinguishers on every level of the home and in the kitchen, basement and garage.

Fire Safety in the Home

CAN/ULC-S553 and NFPA 72 are intended to provide reasonable safety for persons in family living units. Reasonable fire safety can be produced through the following three-point program: (1) Minimizing fire hazards (2) Providing fire-warning equipment (3) Having and practicing an escape plan.

Per CAN/ULC-S553 and NFPA 72: Where required by other governing laws, codes, or standards for a specific type of occupancy, approved single and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed as follows:

1. In all sleeping rooms and guest rooms
2. Outside of each separate dwelling unit sleeping area, within 6.4 m (21 ft) of any door to a sleeping room, with the distance measured along a path of travel
3. On every level of a dwelling unit, including basements
4. On every level of a residential board and care occupancy (small facility), including basements and excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics
5. In the living area(s) of a guest suite
6. In the living area(s) of a residential board and care occupancy (small facility)

Smoke Detection – Are More Alarms Desirable?

The required number of smoke alarms might not provide reliable early warning protection for those areas separated by a door from the areas protected by the required smoke alarms. For this reason, it is recommended that the resident consider the use of additional smoke alarms for those areas for increased protection. The additional areas include the basement, bedrooms, dining room, furnace room, utility room, and hallways not protected by the required smoke alarms. The installation of smoke alarms in attics (finished or unfinished), garages, or within 1.8 m (6 ft) of a heating or cooking appliance is not normally recommended, as these locations occasionally experience conditions that can result in improper operation.

* Reference National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard 72

14. Service And Warranty

Ten-Year Limited Warranty

Kidde warrants that the enclosed alarm (but not the batteries) will be free from defects in material and workmanship or design under normal use and service for a period of ten years from the date of purchase. The obligation of Kidde under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing the alarm or any part which we find to be defective in material, workmanship or design (part replacement only, no installation), free of charge, upon receiving the alarm with proof of date of purchase, postage and return postage prepaid, to Warranty Service Department, Kidde Canada Inc., P.O. Box 40, Apsley, ON KOL 1A0. Before shipping the product, please remove the batteries from the battery compartment.

This warranty shall not apply to the alarm if it has been damaged, modified, abused or altered after the date of purchase or if it fails to operate due to improper maintenance or inadequate power. Any implied warranties arising out of this sale, including but not limited to the implied warranties of description, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited in duration to the above warranty period. In no event shall the Manufacturer be liable for loss of use of this product or for any indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages, or costs, or expenses incurred by the consumer or any other user of this product, whether due to a breach of contract, negligence, strict liability in tort or otherwise.

The Manufacturer shall have no liability for any personal injury, property damage or any special, incidental, con-tingent or consequential damage of any kind resulting from gas leakage, smoke, fire or explosion. Since some provinces do not allow limitations of the duration of an implied warranty or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. While this warranty gives you specific legal rights, you may also have other rights which vary from province to province.

The above warranty may not be altered except in writing signed by both parties hereto.

Your Kidde Alarm is not a substitute for property, fire, disability, life or other insurance of any kind. Appropriate insurance coverage is your responsibility. Notify your local fire department and insurance company of your alarm installation. Opening the unit will void the warranty.

If there are any differences between this printed warranty and the online limited warranty, then the terms of the online warranty supersede those in this user guide or other printed materials. Visit www.kiddecanada.com for the latest warranty statement.

Questions or For More Information

Call Kidde Product Support line at 1-800-880-6788 or contact us at www.kiddecanada.com

Kidde Canada Inc.
P.O. Box 40, Apsley, ON KOL 1A0

©2024 Kidde. All Rights Reserved.