Kidde 10Y29 Smoke Alarm User Guide

About This Smoke Alarm

The Kidde 10Y29 is a Lithium (non-replaceable sealed in) Battery-Operated Optical Smoke Alarm featuring a HUSH Control. It is designed to provide high-quality safety protection.

Important: Additional markings are located on the back of the unit.

For your convenience, record the following details:

• Date Code (located on back of alarm): Kidde recommends replacing this alarm ten years from the date code.
• Date of Purchase:
• Where Purchased:

Certifications include EN14604:2005 (Licence No. KM738872, 2797-CPR-535595 11) and EN 14604:2005+AC:2008 (103.0001 21 AB:0086).

Introduction to Smoke Detection

Leading authorities recommend installing both ionisation and photoelectric smoke alarms for maximum detection of various fire types. Ionisation alarms detect invisible fire particles from fast-flaming fires, while photoelectric alarms detect visible particles from slow-smoldering fires.

IMPORTANT: READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE INSTALLATION AND KEEP THIS MANUAL NEAR THE ALARM FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

Contents of This Manual

• 1 -- Recommended Locations for 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 -- Kidde Recommendations
• 10 -- Service and Warranty

Environmental Protection

Waste electrical products should not be disposed of with household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with your Local Authority or Supplier for recycling advice.

1. Recommended Locations for Alarms

• Locate the first alarm in the immediate area of the bedrooms to monitor the exit path. If there is more than one sleeping area, locate additional alarms in each.
• Place additional alarms to monitor stairways, as they act like chimneys for smoke and heat.
• Install at least one alarm on every floor level.
• Install an alarm in every bedroom.
• Install an alarm in every room with electrical appliances, excluding kitchens (e.g., portable heaters or humidifiers).
• Install an alarm in every room where someone sleeps with the door closed, as a closed door can prevent an alarm outside the room from waking the sleeper.
• Smoke, heat, and combustion products rise and spread horizontally. Ceiling mounting in the center of the room places the alarm closest to all points. Ceiling mounting is standard for ordinary residential construction.
• When mounting on a ceiling, locate it a minimum of 50 cm (20 inches) from the side wall.
• When mounting on a wall, use an inside wall with the top edge of the alarm at a minimum of 10 cm (4 inches) and a maximum of 30.5 cm (12 inches) below the ceiling.
• Install smoke alarms at both ends of a bedroom hallway or large room if it exceeds 9.1 meters (30 feet) in length.
• On sloped, peaked, or cathedral ceilings, install alarms at or within 0.9 meters (3 feet) of the highest point (measured horizontally). If ceiling slopes are steep (greater than 0.3m in 2.4m or 1 foot in 8 feet), locate alarms on the high side of the room, spaced within 0.9 meters (3 feet) of the peak.

Diagram Descriptions:

• Figure 1: Illustrates recommended placement distances on ceilings and walls, showing minimum distances from side walls (50 cm/20") and peaks (10 cm/4" minimum, 30.5 cm/12" maximum for wall mounting).
• Figure 2: Shows a single floor plan with recommended locations for smoke alarms for minimum and additional protection.
• Figure 3: Depicts correct placement on sloped ceilings, indicating distances from the peak (0.9m/3ft).

2. Locations to Avoid

• In the garage, due to combustion products from motor vehicles.
• Less than 50 cm (20 inches) from a side wall.
• More than 0.9 m (3 feet) from the peak of an "A" frame type ceiling (measured horizontally).
• Where ventilation openings can be blocked by items like newspapers or curtains.
• Less than 102 mm (4 inches) from the peak of an "A" frame type or sloped ceiling (measured vertically).
• In areas where temperatures may fall below 0°C (32°F) or rise above 40°C (104°F), such as garages and unfinished attics.
• In dusty areas, as dust particles can cause false alarms or failure to alarm.
• In very humid areas (above 93% RH, non-condensing), as moisture or steam can cause nuisance alarms.
• In insect-infested areas.
• Within 0.9 meters (3 feet) of kitchen doors, bathroom doors (tub/shower), forced air supply ducts, ceiling or whole house ventilating fans, or other high air flow areas.
• Kitchens, as normal cooking may cause nuisance alarms.
• Near fluorescent lights, including CFL lamps, as electronic "noise" may cause nuisance alarms.
• With detector guards unless the combination has been evaluated and approved.
• Storage and Transport Conditions: -20°C to +60°C, 5-95% RH (non-condensing).
• On top of AC electrical junction boxes (for DC battery-only alarms).

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

3. Installation Instructions

Installation should be performed by a competent individual.

CAUTION: THIS UNIT IS SEALED (INCLUDING THE BATTERY). THE COVER IS NOT REMOVABLE!

Mounting Bracket Alignment:

• When mounting in a hallway, the "A" line on the mounting bracket should be parallel with the hallway.
• When wall mounting, the "A" line should be horizontal (parallel to the floor).

Figure Descriptions:

• Figure 4: Shows the mounting bracket with alignment marks ("A" line).
• Figure 5: Illustrates the correct orientation of the "A" line for wall mounting (horizontal).
• Figure 6: Depicts the process of attaching the alarm to the mounting bracket by rotating it clockwise.

Installation Steps:

1. To ensure aesthetic alignment, position the "A" line on the mounting bracket parallel to the hallway for ceiling mounting or horizontal for wall mounting.
2. Attach the mounting bracket to the ceiling or wall using the provided screws and cavity fixings. Use a 3/16” drill bit for cavity fixings.
3. The battery is permanently sealed inside the alarm; no battery installation or maintenance is necessary for the life of the alarm.

Note: Extreme temperature cycling can reduce battery life. Long-term exposure to high temperatures degrades the battery. Kidde recommends locating the alarm in a controlled temperature environment (20-30°C) for optimal battery life.

Activating the Alarm

Once activated, the battery powers the alarm for its 10-year life. Ensure the mounting bracket is correctly mounted before installing the alarm.

1. Install the alarm onto the mounting bracket and rotate clockwise until it snaps into place. The alarm is now activated.
2. Test the alarm by pressing and holding the test button for at least 1 second (or until it sounds). The initial test sound is at a lower volume. Holding for over 5 seconds produces the full 85-decibel alarm. This confirms the electronics, horn, and battery are working. If no alarm sounds, the unit may have a defective battery or other failure.

DO NOT use an open flame to test your alarm.

Tamper Resist Feature

This feature prevents unauthorized removal of the unit from the mounting bracket.

• To activate, break out the small tab in the square hole on the mounting bracket.
• Rotate the alarm onto the bracket until the tamper resist tab snaps into place.
• To remove the alarm when tamper-resist is engaged, press down on the tamper resist tab and rotate the alarm in the direction indicated by the arrows on the cover.

Figure Descriptions:

• Figure 7: Shows the location of posts for the tamper-resist feature.
• Figure 8: Illustrates how to remove the alarm when the tamper-resist feature is engaged.

4. Operation and Testing

Operation

The smoke alarm operates after activation and testing. When smoke is detected, it sounds a loud 85db pulsating alarm until the air clears. If there is any doubt about the cause, assume it is an actual fire and evacuate the dwelling immediately.

HUSH Control

The HUSH control (integrated with the test button) temporarily desensitizes the alarm circuit for approximately 10 minutes. Use this when known non-fire conditions (like cooking smoke) trigger the alarm. Pushing the HUSH button silences the alarm immediately; the LED will flash every 10 seconds to indicate Hush mode. The alarm automatically resets after about 10 minutes. The HUSH feature can be used repeatedly until the air clears. Pushing the test/reset button will end the Hush period early.

NOTE: DENSE SMOKE WILL OVERRIDE THE HUSH CONTROL FEATURE.

CAUTION: BEFORE USING THE ALARM HUSH FEATURE, IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF THE SMOKE AND BE CERTAIN A SAFE CONDITION EXISTS.

Flashing LED Light Modes

• Standby Mode: LED flashes every 60-70 seconds, indicating power.
• Alarming: LED flashes every 0.5 seconds.
• Hush Mode: LED flashes every 10 seconds.
• Low Battery Warning (30 days prior): LED flashes twice every 30 seconds.
• Low Battery (chirping): LED flashes every 30 seconds with a chirp every 60 seconds. Replace alarm immediately.
• Fault Condition: Alarm chirps every 30 seconds without an LED flash.
• End of Life (10 years): LED flashes every 30 seconds with 2 chirps. Replace alarm.

Testing

Test the alarm weekly by pressing the test/Hush button for at least 1 second. The first test sequence is at a lower volume. Holding for over 5 seconds activates the full 85-decibel alarm. This verifies the alarm's functionality. If no alarm sounds, the unit may be defective.

DO NOT use an open flame to test your alarm.

Smoke Sensing Chamber Operation

The alarm will chirp every 30 seconds (with a red LED flash) if it detects a problem with the smoke sensing chamber.

NOTE: WEEKLY TESTING IS REQUIRED.

Erratic or low sound may indicate a defective alarm; return it for service.

If nuisance alarms occur frequently during cooking, the alarm may be too close to the kitchen. Pressing the Hush button before cooking can desensitize it for approximately 10 minutes.

5. Nuisance Alarms

Smoke alarms are designed to minimize nuisance alarms. Cigarette smoke typically won't trigger the alarm unless blown directly into it. Combustion particles from cooking can trigger the alarm if it's located too close to the cooking area. Using a non-recirculating range hood fan can help remove combustible particles from the kitchen.

The 10Y29 model's HUSH control is useful in areas prone to nuisance alarms. If the alarm sounds, check for fires first. If no fire is present, review Section 2 for potential causes.

6. Maintenance

Battery Activation and Deactivation

NOTE: The lithium battery is permanently sealed inside the alarm and requires no installation or replacement for the life of the unit.

WARNING! DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE ALARM FOR ANY REASON!

• To activate, attach the alarm to the mounting bracket by rotating as indicated on the cover (see Section 3).
• The alarm has a low battery monitor. When the battery is low, it will chirp every 60 seconds (with a red LED flash every 30 seconds) for at least 30 days. Before this, the LED flashes twice every 30 seconds for 30 days. This provides ample warning to replace the alarm at a convenient time.
• After the unit's 10-year life, the LED will flash once with two chirps every 30 seconds, indicating replacement is needed.
• To deactivate, remove the alarm from the mounting bracket by rotating it as indicated on the cover. Refer to Section 3 for tamper-resist removal.

WARNING! DO NOT REMOVE THE ALARM UNTIL LOW BATTERY OR END OF ALARM LIFE.

WARNING!: Do not dispose of batteries in fire, hot ovens, or by crushing or cutting them, as this can result in an explosion.

Cleaning Your Alarm

YOUR ALARM SHOULD BE VACUUMED ONCE A MONTH.

If the tamper resist feature is activated, follow Section 3 instructions to remove the alarm for maintenance.

To clean, remove the alarm from the mounting bracket. Clean the interior (sensing chamber) using compressed air or a vacuum cleaner hose through the openings. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. After cleaning, reinstall and test the alarm. If cleaning does not restore normal operation, replace the alarm.

7. Limitations of Smoke Alarms

WARNING: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND THOROUGHLY

• Life safety from fire in residences relies on early notification and occupant action. Smoke alarms can protect about half of occupants in fatal fires. Victims may be too old, young, or impaired to escape even with early warning. Strategies like protection-in-place or assisted escape are needed for these individuals.
• Both ionisation and photoelectric alarms are recommended for comprehensive fire detection.
• Smoke alarms must be tested regularly to ensure proper operation.
• Alarms cannot sense smoke if it does not reach them (e.g., fires in chimneys, walls, behind closed doors, or on different floors).
• An alarm located outside a bedroom or on a different floor may not wake a sound sleeper.
• Alcohol or drugs can impair hearing. For maximum protection, install alarms in each sleeping area on every level.
• Smoke alarms provide early warning 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

• Install and maintain fire extinguishers on every level, in the kitchen, basement, and garage. Know how to use them.
• Create a floor plan showing all doors, windows, and at least two escape routes per room. Consider rope or chain ladders for second-story windows.
• Hold family meetings to discuss the escape plan and assign roles.
• Designate an outside meeting place.
• Familiarize everyone with the smoke alarm sound and train them to evacuate immediately.
• Practice fire drills at least every six months, including at night, to ensure children wake up and can execute the plan.

What to Do When the Alarm Sounds

• Alert small children.
• Leave immediately via your escape plan. Do not waste time getting dressed or collecting valuables.
• Before opening an inside door, feel its surface. If hot, or if smoke seeps through cracks, use an alternate exit. If cool, open slightly with your shoulder against it, ready to slam shut if heat/smoke rushes in.
• Stay low to the floor if the air is smoky. Breathe through a wet cloth if possible.
• Once outside, go to your designated meeting place and ensure everyone is present.
• Call the Fire Brigade (dial 999) from a neighbor's home.
• Do not return home until fire officials deem it safe.

Situations where a smoke alarm may not be effective:

• Smoking in bed.
• Leaving children home alone.
• Cleaning with flammable liquids (e.g., gasoline).

9. Kidde Recommendations

Install smoke alarms outside each separate sleeping area, near bedrooms, and on each additional story, including basements. In new construction, install one in each sleeping room.

Are More Smoke Alarms Desirable? The required number may not provide adequate early warning for areas separated by doors. Consider additional alarms for areas like basements, dining rooms, utility rooms, and hallways not covered by the minimum requirements.

Installation in kitchens, attics, or garages is generally not recommended due to conditions that can cause improper operation.

Kidde alarms are not designed, tested, or certified for recessed mounting. Recessed mounting impedes smoke entry and may prevent timely alarm. Kidde alarms are designed and certified for wall and ceiling surface mounting only.

10. Service and Warranty

If your smoke alarm appears defective, do not tamper with it. Return it for servicing to:

Kidde Safety Europe Ltd, Ash House, Littleton Road, Ashford, TW15 1TZ, UK.

(Refer to the Warranty for in-warranty returns.)

Ten Year Warranty

Kidde Safety warrants the smoke alarm to be free from defects in material, workmanship, or design for ten years from the date of purchase under normal use. Kidde Safety's obligation is limited to repairing or replacing the defective unit or part, free of charge. To claim, send the alarm with proof of purchase and return postage prepaid to the Warranty Service Department.

This warranty does not apply if the alarm has been damaged, modified, abused, or altered, or if it fails due to improper maintenance or siting.

Kidde Safety's liability is limited to the replacement cost of the alarm and does not cover consequential loss or damages. This warranty does not affect your statutory rights.

Questions or More Information

Call the Consumer Hotline at 0800 917 0722 or visit the website at www.smoke-alarms.co.uk.

Manufactured By: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc., 1016 Corporate Park Drive, Mebane, NC 27302, USA.

For servicing return to: Kidde Safety Europe Ltd, Ash House, Littleton Road, Ashford, TW15 1TZ, UK. MADE IN CHINA.

EU Authorised Representative: Carrier Fire & Security B.V., Kelvinstraat 7, 6003 DH Weert, NL.