Kidde PI2000 Smoke Alarm User's Guide

Important Information

Thank you for purchasing this smoke alarm. It is an important part of your family's home safety plan. Kidde alarms and accessories can only be interconnected with other Kidde alarms and accessories, or specified compatible models. Refer to the User's Guide supplied with each Kidde product for interconnect compatibility.

For your convenience, record the following information:

• Smoke Alarm Model Number: [Located on back of alarm]
• Date Code: [Located on back of alarm]
• Date of Purchase:
• Where Purchased:

The manufacturer and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend replacing this alarm ten years from the date code.

Model Number: 820-0905 REV. B, 1475-7201-01

Product Description & Specifications

The ionization portion of this alarm detects products of combustion using the ionization technique. It contains 0.9 microcurie of Americium 241, a radioactive material.

WARNING: Battery door will not close unless a battery is present. Removal of the smoke alarm battery and disconnecting or loss of AC power will render the smoke alarm inoperative.

Electrical Rating: 120 VAC, 60Hz, 80mA maximum per alarm (maximum 80mA for originating unit with 24 devices interconnected).

IMPORTANT: Read all instructions before installation and keep this manual near the alarm for future reference.

Contents of this Manual

• 1 -- Recommended Locations for Smoke Alarms
• 2 -- Locations to Avoid
• 3 -- Installation Instructions
• 4 -- Operation and Testing
• 5 -- Nuisance Alarms
• 6 -- Maintenance
• 7 -- Limitations of Smoke Alarms
• 8 -- Good Safety Habits
• 9 -- NRC Information
• 10 -- NFPA Protection Standard 72
• 11 -- California State Fire Marshal Required Information
• 12 -- Service and Warranty

1. Recommended Locations for Alarms

• Bedrooms: Locate the first alarm in the immediate area of the bedrooms to monitor the exit path. If multiple sleeping areas exist, place alarms in each.
• Stairways: Locate additional alarms to monitor stairways, as they act like chimneys for smoke and heat.
• Every Floor: Install at least one alarm on every floor level.
• Every Bedroom: Install an alarm in every bedroom.
• Near Appliances: Install an alarm in rooms with electrical appliances (e.g., portable heaters, humidifiers).
• Closed Doors: Install an alarm in rooms where someone sleeps with the door closed, as the door may prevent an alarm outside the room from waking the sleeper.
• Ceiling Mounting: Smoke, heat, and combustion products rise. Ceiling mounting in the center of the room places the alarm closest to all points. This is preferred in ordinary residential construction.
• Mobile Homes: Select locations carefully to avoid thermal barriers. See "Mobile Home Installation" for details.
• Ceiling Mounting Distance: When mounting on the ceiling, locate it at a minimum of 4" (10cm) from the side wall. (See Figure 1).
• Wall Mounting Distance: When mounting on the wall, use an inside wall with the top edge of the alarm at a minimum of 4" (10cm) and a maximum of 12" (30.5cm) below the ceiling. (See Figure 1).
• Hallways/Large Rooms: Place alarms at both ends of a bedroom hallway or large room if it exceeds 30 ft (9.1 m).
• Sloped/Peaked Ceilings: Install on sloped, peaked, or cathedral ceilings at or within 3 ft (0.9m) of the highest point (measured horizontally). NFPA 72 states alarms in rooms with slopes greater than 1 ft in 8 ft horizontally should be on the high side. Rows of alarms should be within 3 ft (0.9m) of the peak. (See Figure 3).

Figure 1 Description: Diagram illustrating recommended ceiling and wall mounting distances. For ceiling mounting, it shows a minimum 4" (10cm) distance from the side wall and a maximum 12" (30.5cm) distance from the ceiling for wall mounting.

Figure 2 Description: Floor plans showing recommended placement of smoke alarms for minimum and additional protection in single-floor and multiple-floor layouts. It also indicates ionization alarms with Hush® control or photoelectric type.

Figure 3 Description: Diagrams showing placement on sloped ceilings, indicating areas to avoid and acceptable areas for alarm installation, with specific distances from the peak.

Mobile Home Installation

Modern mobile homes are designed for energy efficiency. Install alarms as recommended above. In older, less insulated mobile homes, extreme temperatures can create thermal barriers. Install alarms on an inside wall, with the top edge 4" (10cm) to 12" (30.5cm) below the ceiling. If unsure about insulation or if walls/ceiling are hot/cold, use an inside wall. For minimum protection, place an alarm near bedrooms; for additional protection, consult Figure 2.

WARNING: Test alarm operation after storage, before each trip, and at least weekly during use.

2. Locations to Avoid

• Garages: Products of combustion are present when starting a car.
• "A" Frame Ceilings: Less than 4" (10cm) from the peak.
• Extreme Temperatures: Areas below 40°F (4°C) or above 100°F (38°C), such as garages and unfinished attics.
• Dusty Areas: Dust particles can cause nuisance alarms or failure.
• Humid Areas: Moisture or steam can cause nuisance alarms.
• Insect-Infested Areas.
• High Airflow Areas: Within 3 ft (0.9m) of kitchen doors, bathroom doors (with tub/shower), forced air ducts, ceiling/whole house fans.
• Kitchens: Normal cooking can cause nuisance alarms. If a kitchen alarm is desired, it should have a silence feature or be photoelectric.
• Fluorescent Lights: Electronic "noise" may cause nuisance alarms.
• Detector Guards: Do not use with guards unless specifically evaluated and found suitable.

3. Installation Instructions

Wiring Requirements

• Install on a U.L. listed or recognized junction box.
• All connections by a qualified electrician, following U.S. National Electrical Code (NEC) articles 210 and 300.3(B), NFPA 70, NFPA 72, and local codes.
• Interconnect wiring must run in the same raceway/cable as AC power wiring. Interconnect wiring resistance must not exceed 10 ohms.
• Power source: 120 Volt AC Single Phase, non-switchable circuit, not protected by a ground fault interrupter.
• WARNING: Do not use power from square wave, modified square wave, or modified sine wave inverters (common in off-grid solar/wind systems), as high peak voltages will damage the alarm.

Wiring Instructions for AC Quick Connect Harness

CAUTION: Turn off main power to the circuit before wiring.

• Single Station Use: DO NOT connect the RED wire. Leave its insulating cap in place.
• Interconnected Units: All units must be powered from a single circuit.
• Interconnect Limits: Max 24 Kidde/Lifesaver devices. Interconnect system should not exceed NFPA limits (12 smoke alarms, 18 total alarms). Up to 6 remote signaling devices/relay modules can be interconnected with 18 alarms.
• Mixing Models: Models with battery backup (e.g., PI2000) and without battery backup have different behaviors during AC power failure. Models without backup will not operate if AC power fails.
• Max Wire Run: 1000 feet between the first and last unit in an interconnected system.
• Figure 4 Description: Diagram showing interconnection wiring for multiple alarms. Improper connection can cause damage, failure, or shock hazard.
• Wire alarms to a continuous (non-switched) power line using standard UL-listed household wire (18 AWG or larger).

Wire Connections:

• Black wire: Hot Side of AC Line
• White wire: Neutral Side of AC Line
• Red wire: Interconnect Lines (Red Wires) of Other Units in Multiple Station Set up

Battery Installation

Refer to Maintenance (Section 6) for details.

CAUTION: Battery reminder finger must be held down by the battery for the door to close, the AC connector to attach, and the alarm to attach to the trim ring.

Mounting Instructions

CAUTION: This unit is sealed. The cover is not removable.

1. Remove the trim ring by twisting the alarm counter-clockwise ("OFF" direction).
2. After selecting location and wiring the AC harness, attach the trim ring to the electrical box (See Figure 6).
3. Pull the AC QUICK CONNECTOR through the trim ring's center hole. Mount the ring, ensuring mounting screws are in the small ends of the keyholes before tightening.
4. Plug the AC QUICK CONNECTOR into the back of the alarm (See Figure 5), ensuring locks snap into place. Push excess wire back into the electrical box.
5. Install the alarm onto the trim ring. It mounts in 4 positions (every 90 degrees).
6. Rotate the alarm clockwise ("ON" direction) until it ratchets into place for aesthetic alignment.
7. Turn on AC power. The green AC Power On Indicator should be lit.

Figure 5 Description: Image showing the AC Quick Connector.

Figure 6 Description: Image showing the trim ring with mounting posts and screw holes, and a tool being used to break off tamper-resist posts.

Figure 7 Description: Image showing how to release the tamper-resist tab to remove the alarm.

Tamper Resist Feature: Activate by breaking off the four posts in the trim ring's square holes (Figure 6). This allows a tamper resist tab on the base to engage the mounting bracket, locking the alarm. To remove, press the tab and rotate the alarm off the trim ring (Figure 7).

After installation, TEST the alarm by pressing and holding the test button.

4. Operation and Testing

Operation

The alarm operates when AC power is applied and a fresh battery is installed. It sounds an 85db pulsating alarm when smoke is detected, until the air clears.

Hush Control

The "HUSH" button temporarily desensitizes the alarm for about 8 minutes. Use it for known nuisance alarms (e.g., cooking smoke). Pushing the button silences the alarm; the red LED flashes every 2 seconds. The alarm will reset automatically after 8 minutes or if the test/reset button is pressed. Dense smoke will override Hush mode.

CAUTION: Before using Hush, identify the smoke source and ensure the condition is safe.

LED Indicators

• Red LED (under test button):
  • Standby: Flashes every 30-40 seconds (normal operation).
  • Alarm: Flashes rapidly (every 2 seconds) when smoke is detected.
  • Hush: Flashes every 2 seconds.
  • Low Battery: Accompanied by an audible chirp.
  • Alarm Memory: Steady red LED indicates a past alarm event. Resets by pressing the test button. (In interconnected systems, only the originating alarm's memory is activated).
• Green LED (under Hush button): Indicates AC power presence (steady on).

Smoke Sensing Chamber Operation

The alarm will "chirp" if the sensing chamber fails. This chirp occurs between red LED flashes. If chirp and red LED flash simultaneously, check Section 6 for low battery info.

Interconnected Units

When interconnected, only the originating alarm's red LED flashes rapidly. Other units sound the alarm but their red LEDs do not flash rapidly.

Testing

Press and hold the test button for at least 5 seconds. This tests circuitry, horn, and battery. In interconnected systems, testing one alarm tests all. If no alarm sounds, check batteries or unit. DO NOT use an open flame to test.

NOTE: Test the alarm weekly.

5. Nuisance Alarms

Designed to minimize nuisance alarms. Cigarette smoke usually won't trigger it unless blown directly into the alarm. Cooking particles can trigger it if located too close to the cooking area. Using an external-venting range hood fan helps remove cooking smoke.

The PI2000's Hush control is useful in kitchens or areas prone to nuisance alarms.

If the alarm sounds, check for fire first. If no fire, check Section 2 for possible causes.

6. Maintenance

Alarm Removal

If tamper resist feature is active, refer to Section 3 for pin removal.

To replace battery: Rotate alarm counter-clockwise ("OFF") to remove from trim ring. Disconnect AC harness by squeezing connector arms and pulling away (Section 3, Figure 5).

Battery Installation and Removal

Remove alarm from trim ring first. Open battery door to install/replace battery. Instructions are inside the door.

When installing, press the battery reminder finger down into the compartment before inserting the battery (See Figure 5).

CAUTION: Battery reminder finger must be held down by the battery for proper closure and connection.

The PI2000 uses a 9V alkaline or lithium battery. A fresh battery lasts about one year. A low battery circuit causes chirping (every 30-40 seconds for at least 7 days) when the battery is low. Replace battery promptly.

Recommended Batteries:

• Alkaline: ENERGIZER 522; DURACELL MN1604, MX1604, GOLD PEAK 1604A PANASONIC 6AM6, 6AM-6, 6AM-6PI, 6AM6X, and 6LR61(GA)
• Lithium: ULTRALIFE U9VL-J

After battery replacement, reinstall and test the alarm. Check green LED.

NOTE: Weekly testing is required.

Cleaning Your Alarm

Clean at least once a year. Remove alarm from mounting bracket. Clean interior (sensing chamber) with compressed air or vacuum cleaner hose. Wipe exterior with a damp cloth. Reinstall and test. If cleaning doesn't restore normal operation, replace the alarm.

7. Limitations of Smoke Alarms

WARNING: Read carefully.

• NFPA 72: Residential fire safety relies on early notification and egress. Alarms protect about half of occupants in fatal fires. Some individuals (elderly, young, impaired) may not escape even with warnings; they may need protection-in-place or assisted escape.
• Smoke alarms provide early warning at low cost but have limitations. Ionization alarms detect invisible particles (fast flaming fires) faster; photoelectric alarms detect visible particles (slow smoldering fires) faster. Kidde recommends both types for maximum protection.
• Battery-powered alarms need the specified battery type in good condition.
• AC-powered alarms (without battery backup) will not operate during AC power loss (fire, open fuse).
• Test alarms regularly to ensure batteries and circuits are working.
• Alarms cannot detect smoke that doesn't reach them (e.g., fires in chimneys, walls, roofs, behind closed doors, or on different floors).
• Alarms may not wake sound sleepers if located outside the bedroom or on a different floor.
• Alcohol or drugs can impair hearing. For maximum protection, install alarms in each sleeping area on every level.
• Smoke alarms save lives but are not a substitute for insurance. Homeowners and renters should have adequate insurance.

8. Good Safety Habits

Develop and Practice a Plan of Escape

• Create a floor plan showing all doors/windows and at least two escape routes per room. Consider rope/chain ladders for second-story windows.
• Hold family meetings to discuss the escape plan and roles during a fire.
• Designate an outside meeting place.
• Familiarize everyone with the alarm sound and train them to evacuate immediately.
• Practice fire drills at least every six months, including night drills. Ensure children hear and wake to the alarm to execute the plan. Practice helps test the plan. You may not be able to reach children, so they must know what to do.
• Install and maintain fire extinguishers on every level, in the kitchen, basement, and garage. Know how to use them.
• Studies show alarms may not wake all sleepers. It's the responsibility of capable household members to assist those who may not wake or evacuate unassisted.

What to Do When the Alarm Sounds

• Alert small children.
• Leave immediately via your escape plan. Do not waste time dressing or collecting valuables.
• When leaving, feel interior doors for heat or smoke. If hot or smoky, use an alternate exit. If cool, open slightly, ready to slam shut if heat/smoke enters.
• Stay low if the air is smoky. Breathe shallowly through a damp cloth if possible.
• Go to your selected meeting place outside and ensure everyone is there.
• Call the fire department from a neighbor's home.
• Do not return home until fire officials say it is safe.

Situations where alarms may be less effective (NFPA 72): smoking in bed, leaving children home alone, cleaning with flammable liquids.

9. NRC Information

The ionization portion uses a small amount of radioactive element (Americium 241) safely contained in the chamber. It requires no adjustments or maintenance and meets government standards. Manufactured and distributed under U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission license.

10. NFPA Required Protection

NFPA 72 provides guidelines for smoke alarm installation:

• General: Install approved single/multiple-station alarms as required by law, codes, or standards for occupancy.
• Specifics: (1) In all sleeping rooms (exception for existing 1- & 2-family units). (2) Outside each separate sleeping area, near bedrooms. (3) On each dwelling unit level, including basements (exception for existing 1- & 2-family units allowing battery-powered alarms).
• More Alarms: Recommended for areas separated by doors from protected areas for better warning. Additional areas include basements, dining rooms, furnace rooms, utility rooms, and hallways. Avoid kitchens, attics, and garages due to potential for improper operation.

Install according to NFPA 72 (Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269).

Notify local fire department and insurance company of installation.

11. Caution (California State Fire Marshal)

"Early warning fire detection is best achieved by installing fire detection equipment in all rooms and areas of the household: in each separate sleeping area (near, but outside bedrooms), and heat/smoke alarms in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, hallways, attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility/storage rooms, basements, and attached garages."

12. Service and Warranty

If the alarm appears defective, do not tamper. Return for servicing to: KIDDE, 1016 Corporate Park Dr., Mebane, NC 27302. Call 1-800-880-6788 for warranty returns.

Five Year Limited Warranty

Kidde Safety warrants the alarm (not the battery) against defects in material, workmanship, or design for five years from purchase. Obligation is limited to repair or replacement. Warranty does not apply if damaged, modified, abused, or fails due to improper maintenance or inadequate power.

Liability is limited to the replacement cost of the alarm; Kidde is not liable for consequential loss or damages.

Some states may have different warranty limitations.

No warranty is made for the battery.

For Questions or More Information: Call 1-800-880-6788 or visit www.kidde.com.