240V Mains Photoelectric Smoke Alarm
User Manual
Model: Q2300, Q2300LL
Tested and Approved to Australian Standard AS 3786:2014+A1:2015 +A2:2018
© 2022 Carrier. All Rights Reserved.
Product Code: 1373-7216-02 01/22
1. Product Features
Model Q2300 / Q2300LL is powered from a 240V AC supply and has a DC battery back-up source (9V battery). AC/DC smoke alarms ensure protection in the event of a power failure. The smoke alarm can be interconnected with up to 23 other Quell models.
- Hush feature silences unwanted alarms for up to 10 minutes.
- Alarm memory identifies which alarm has activated when interconnected.
- The smoke alarm will sound a short beep about once every 40 seconds if the battery is low.
- Multi-purpose green and red LEDs indicate AC power status (green) and alarm status (red).
- Loud alarm sounder: 85 dB.
- Test button checks smoke alarm operation.
⚠ WARNING! REMOVAL OF SMOKE ALARM BATTERY AND DISCONNECTING OR LOSS OF AC POWER WILL RENDER THIS UNIT INOPERATIVE.
The smoke alarm is a sealed unit; return to supplier for any repairs.
2. Product Specifications
Model: | Q2300, Q2300LL |
Electrical Rating: | 240V AC 50HZ, DC battery back up (9V battery). |
Sensor: | Photoelectric |
Interconnecting Smoke And Heat Alarms: | Up to any combination of 23 other alarm models. Compatible Models include: Q2300 & Q2300LL and Q1300. |
Operating Temperature: | 0℃ to 40℃ |
Operating Humidity: | Up to 93% Humidity (Non-Condensing) |
Storage and Transport Conditions: | -20℃ C to +60℃ C, 5-95%RH (non-condensing) |
Loud alarm: | 85 decibels at 3 metres |
Please note the model Q2300LL has a lithium battery that will last the life of the alarm.
3. Recommended Locations for Alarms
This alarm must only be wired to a 240VAC 50Hz sine wave supply.
Laws on smoke alarms vary by state. Refer to your local fire emergency services or state regulations for requirements.
Recommended Locations
- In every room where someone sleeps with the door closed, as the closed door may prevent an alarm located outside from waking the sleeper.
- In the immediate area of bedrooms and the exit path from all sleeping areas (See Figure 1A).
- In stairways, as stairways act like chimneys for smoke and heat.
- In any room where large electrical appliances are operated (e.g., portable heaters or humidifiers).
- If a hallway or room is more than 9.1m long, install alarms at both ends.
- For maximum household protection, see Figure 1C.
Things to Consider
For Ceiling Mounting:
Smoke, heat, and combustion products rise to the ceiling and spread horizontally. Mounting the alarm in the center of the ceiling positions it closest to all points in the room.
- When mounting an alarm on the ceiling, locate it at a minimum of 300mm from the side wall (See Figure 2A).
- For sloped, peaked, or cathedral ceilings, the alarm should be placed between 500mm and 1500mm from the highest point of the ceiling (See Figure 2B).
- In rooms with ceiling slopes greater than 1m in 8m horizontally, alarms should be located on the high side of the room (See Figure 2B).
For Wall Mounting:
- When mounting the alarm on the wall, use an interior wall with the top edge of the alarm at a minimum of 100mm and a maximum of 300mm below the ceiling (See Figure 2A).
Figure 1A (Single Floor Plan): Depicts a house layout with recommended smoke alarm placement zones marked by circles (minimum protection) and larger circles (additional protection) in living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. Triangles indicate areas to avoid near cooking appliances.
Figure 1B (Multiple Floor Plan): Shows a two-story house layout with recommended smoke alarm placement in bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, halls, and basements.
Figure 1C (Total Home Protection): Illustrates a house with various rooms including a garage, kitchen, family room, basement, and workshop. Icons represent fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and fire blankets.
Figure 2A (Ceiling/Wall Placement): Shows a cross-section of a ceiling and wall. For ceiling mounting, it indicates a "BEST PLACEMENT" area and "ACCEPTABLE PLACEMENT" area, with a minimum distance of 300mm from the side wall. It also highlights "DEAD AIR" zones where installation is not recommended. For wall mounting, it shows minimum (100mm) and maximum (300mm) distances from the ceiling.
Figure 2B (Sloped Ceiling Placement): Illustrates placement on a sloped or peaked ceiling. It shows "DEAD AIR" zones near the apex and along the slope, with "DO NOT INSTALL" areas marked. Acceptable placement is indicated between 500mm and 1500mm from the highest point.
3. Recommended Locations for Alarms (Continued)
When mounting the alarm on a sloping ceiling, it should not exceed 1500mm away from the apex. The spacing of additional alarms should be based on a horizontal distance measurement, not a measurement along the slope (See Figure 2B).
In rooms with open joists or beams, all ceiling-mounted alarms shall be located on the bottom of such beams (See Figure 2C).
Alarms installed on an open-joist ceiling shall have the smooth ceiling spacing reduced to no more than half of the listed spacing when measured at right angles to the solid joist (See Figure 2C).
Figure 2C (Open Joist Ceiling): Depicts a room with exposed ceiling joists. It shows that alarms should be mounted on the bottom of the beams and explains spacing requirements for such ceilings, with distances provided in feet and meters.
3. Recommended Locations for Alarms (Mobile Home Installation)
For Well Insulated Mobile Homes
Install alarms as recommended on the previous pages. In mobile homes that are not well insulated, extreme heat or cold can transfer through poorly insulated walls and roof, creating a thermal barrier that can prevent smoke from reaching a ceiling-mounted alarm.
For Poorly Insulated Mobile Homes
Install the alarm on an inside wall with the top edge of the alarm at a minimum of 100mm and a maximum of 300mm below the ceiling (See Figure 2A). For minimum protection, install at least one alarm close to the bedrooms. For additional protection, see Figure 1A.
⚠ Warning: Test your alarm operation after caravan or mobile home vehicle has been in storage, before each trip, and at least once a week during use.
4. Locations To Avoid
- 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
- other high air flow areas
- Areas where curtains or other objects will block the sensor. Smoke must be able to reach the sensor to accurately detect conditions.
- Install at least 300mm away from a light fitting.
- No closer than 400 mm outside the circumference of a ceiling fan.
- Keep out of insect infested areas.
- Avoid excessively dusty, dirty, or greasy areas.
- Do not install in areas where the temperature is colder than 0℃ or hotter than 40℃.
- Do not install in areas where the relative humidity (RH) is greater than 93%.
- 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 3m of cooking appliances.
Avoid dead air spaces, such as the peak of an "A" frame ceiling. "Dead Air" at the top may prevent smoke from reaching the alarm in time to provide early warning. Refer to Figure 2A and 2B.
Note: Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards unless the combination (alarm and guard) has been evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.
5. Installation
⚠ DANGER: ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Turn off power at the main fuse box or circuit breaker by removing the fuse or switching the circuit breaker to the OFF position and securing it.
⚠ WARNING: THIS SMOKE ALARM MUST BE INSTALLED BY QUALIFIED (LICENSED) ELECTRICIANS ONLY.
Wiring Requirements
- This smoke alarm must be installed with an AS/NZS Wiring Rules approved cable or equipment. All connections must be installed by a qualified electrician and be in accordance with the relevant requirements of the AS/NZS Wiring Rules AS 3000 Standards.
- The appropriate power source is 240VAC 50Hz continuous single phase sine wave current supplied from a non-switchable circuit which is not protected by a RCD.
⚠ WARNING: This alarm cannot be operated from power derived from a square wave or modified square wave inverter. These types of inverters are sometimes used to supply power to the structure in off-grid installations, such as solar or wind derived power sources. These power sources produce high peak voltages that will damage the alarm.
Wiring Instructions
⚠ Caution! Turn off the main power to the circuit before wiring the alarm.
- For alarms used as single station, the interconnect cable terminal (I/C) on the alarm is unused.
- When alarms are interconnected, all interconnected units must be powered from a single AC circuit.
- A maximum of 24 Quell safety devices may be interconnected in a multiple station arrangement. The interconnect system should not exceed the interconnect limit of 24 units.
- The maximum wire run distance between the first and last unit in an interconnected system is 250 meters and installed in accordance with AS\NZS 3000. Figure 3 illustrates interconnection wiring. Improper connection will result in damage to the alarm, failure to operate, or electrical shock hazard.
- Make certain alarms are wired to a continuous (non-switched) final sub-circuit.
Note: Use approved listed Australian Standards cable 1.0mm² TPS or larger as required by local codes.
Figure 3 (Interconnect Wiring Diagram): A schematic showing a fuse or circuit breaker connected to the active and neutral lines. These lines then connect to multiple Quell smoke alarms (Q2300, Q2300LL, Q1300) via their respective terminals and an interconnect line (I/C).
Surface Mount Cable Applications:
- Install the duct to terminate at the side of the alarm base.
- Remove a 'knock out' / 'cable access' on one side of the alarm base.
- Position the duct to the alarm base, so the channel in the base aligns with the duct.
- The cable can transition from the duct to the base.
- It may be necessary to remove the outer sheath prior to securing the base to the ceiling. (Excess cable may restrict the terminal cover from securing shut).
- Terminate the cables in the terminals provided to meet with relevant local code requirements. Insert the cables into the terminals, clamping the terminal to the copper by tightening the screw on each terminal.
- Secure the alarm base to the surface with the fixings provided.
Concealed Cable Applications:
- It may be necessary to remove the outer sheath prior to securing the base to the ceiling. (Excess cable may restrict the terminal cover from securing shut).
- Terminate the cables in the terminals provided to meet with relevant local code requirements. Insert the cables into the terminals, clamping the terminal to the copper by tightening the screw on each terminal.
- Secure the alarm base to the surface with the fixings provided (refer to Figures 4A and 4B).
- Prior to closing the terminal cover, ensure that there are no wires obstructing its path.
- Close terminal cover. You will hear a 'click' as it is secured.
- If the alarm is not being interconnected by hardwiring to other alarms / devices, the interconnect cable terminal (I/C) on the alarm mounting base remains unused.
Figures 4A, 4B, 4C (Wiring Details): These figures show close-up views of the alarm base terminals for connecting wires. Figure 4A shows the I/C loop connection. Figure 4B shows the AC power and I/C connections. Figure 4C shows the terminal cover being closed.
6. Mounting Instructions
Battery Activation
See Battery Replacement (page 16) for battery installation.
- To activate the battery, pull out the battery pull tab.
NOTE: If the battery compartment is empty, the alarm cannot mount on the mounting base.
- Connect the alarm to the base tail first, and then swing the alarm closed onto the base until a “click” is heard (See Figure 5).
Figure 5 (Mounting): Illustrates two methods of mounting. A. Mounting on the ceiling: shows sliding the alarm onto the mounting base tail until it clicks, then closing the alarm onto the base until it clicks. B. Mounting on the wall: shows similar steps for wall mounting.
NOTE: Please ensure that the battery is installed prior to mounting of the smoke alarm.
7. Operation And Test
The smoke alarm operates once AC power is applied, a new battery is installed, and testing is complete. When the smoke alarm senses smoke, the horn will sound a loud (85dB) pulsating alarm (3 beeps repeating).
Red and Green LED Indicators:
This smoke alarm features red and green LED indicators visible through the Push-to-Test button or the LED lens above the test button.
The LEDs indicate the following:
GREEN
- ON – AC power is present.
- OFF - AC power is not present.
RED
- Red LED Flashes once every 5 minutes and 20 seconds: Mains power is present indicating normal operation.
- Red LED Flashes once a second: Smoke alarm senses smoke and simultaneously sounds an audible alarm.
- Red LED Flashes once every 10 seconds: Smoke alarm is in hush mode.
- Red LED is 3 rapid flashes at 40 second interval: Indicates which alarm previously detected an alarm condition.
- Red LED OFF and unit is sounding alarm: Another interconnected smoke alarm has sensed smoke and is signaling this alarm.
Testing the smoke alarm
⚠ Warning: Test each smoke alarm to be sure that each is installed correctly and is operating properly.
Stand at arm's length from the smoke alarm when testing. The alarm sounder is loud to alert you to an emergency and can be harmful to hearing when you are too close.
Test the smoke alarm weekly and upon returning from holiday, or when the house has been unoccupied for several days.
Test all smoke alarms weekly by doing the following:
- Check the green LED above the test button is ON, confirming the smoke alarm is receiving AC power.
- Firmly depress and hold the TEST/Hush button for at least five (5) seconds. The smoke alarm will sound 3 long beeps, pause, 3 long beeps, repeating for up to 10 seconds, and then release the TEST/Hush button.
- If the smoke alarm does not sound, turn off the power to the smoke alarm circuit at the main distribution board and check the wiring. Retest the smoke alarm. If the smoke alarm does not sound, please refer to page 15: Troubleshooting. If this doesn't work, please contact your electrician.
NOTE: If smoke alarms are interconnected, all smoke alarms should sound an alarm within three (3) seconds after any test button is pushed and the tested smoke alarm sounds.
⚠ WARNING: If alarm sounder activates, and smoke alarm is not being tested, the smoke alarm is sensing smoke. THE SOUND OF THE ALARM SOUNDER REQUIRES YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION AND ACTION.
8. Nuisance Alarms and Hush Function
This alarm is designed to minimise nuisance alarms. 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.
HUSH
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 alarm to silence the alarm for up to 10 minutes. If the smoke is not too dense, that alarm 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.
If an alarm occurs in an interconnected system of Quell units:
- Pushing the Hush button on the initiating alarm (Red LED flashing every second) will silence that alarm and all compatible interconnected units.
- Pushing the Hush button on any hard-wire smoke alarm will do nothing to silence an interconnected smoke 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 page 15, LOCATIONS TO AVOID, may have caused the alarm. If a fire is discovered, exit the building and call the fire brigade.
9. Troubleshooting
PROBLEM | SOLUTION |
---|---|
Smoke alarm does not sound when tested. NOTE: Push and hold test button for at least five (5) seconds while testing. |
1. Check that AC power is turned on. Green LED should be illuminated. 2. Check that battery is installed correctly as shown in page 15. |
Single chirp about once every 40 seconds | Turn off AC power and replace battery. See "page 15: Battery Replacement”. |
Smoke alarm sounds unwanted alarms for example when residents are cooking, taking showers, etc. | Relocate the smoke alarm to a new location using a licensed electrician. See "page 8: Installation Instructions” and "page 7: Locations to Avoid”. |
Interconnected smoke alarms do not sound when system is tested. | 1. Press and hold button for at least 5 seconds after the initiating unit sounds. 2. Engage a licensed electrician to verify the interconnect wiring. See "Section 5 Wiring instructions”. |
3 chirps every 40 seconds | 1. Before 10 years of operation: unit is in fault mode. See Section 11 Cleaning Your Alarm. If fault continues, contact customer service. 2. After 10 years of operation: end of life warning. Alarm must be replaced (REPLACE IMMEDIATELY!) |
NOTE: Contact Customer Service at 1800 672 171, if your alarm does not seem to operate correctly.
10. Battery Replacement
Alarm removal
Press down resist tab on mounting base, and then release the alarm from mounting base (see Figure 6).
Figure 6 (Alarm Removal): Shows pressing a resist tab on the mounting base and then releasing the alarm from the base.
Battery Installation and Replacement:
After the alarm has been removed, you can replace the battery (see Figure 7).
NOTE: If the battery compartment is empty, the alarm cannot mount on the mounting base.
Figure 7 (Battery Installation): Shows the inside of the smoke alarm with a battery compartment and a 9V battery being inserted.
Replacement Batteries:
USE ONLY THE FOLLOWING 9VOLT REPLACEMENT BATTERIES:
- Alkaline type: ENERGIZER 522; DURACELL MN1604 or MX1604
- Lithium type: FDK CP-V9Ju; ULTRALIFE U9VL-J-P
Note: Weekly testing is recommended.
⚠ Warning! Use only the batteries specified. Use of different batteries may have a detrimental effect on the alarm. Exposure to temperature extremes and / or high humidity may reduce battery life.
11. Cleaning Your Alarm
YOUR ALARM SHOULD BE CLEANED AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR.
To clean your alarm, remove it from the mounting bracket as outlined in "page 16 Battery Replacement or page 11, Figure 5”. 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 damp cloth.
After cleaning, reinstall your alarm and test your alarm by using the test button. If cleaning does not restore the alarm to normal operation, the alarm should be replaced.
After cleaning, reinstall your alarm and check that the green LED is on. Then test your alarm by using the test button.
12. Limitations Of Smoke Alarms
⚠ Warning! Smoke alarms are devices that can provide early warning of possible fires; however, alarms have sensing limitations.
Ionisation 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 smouldering fires) sooner than ionisation alarms.
Home fires develop in different ways and are often unpredictable. For maximum protection, subject to applicable legal requirements in each State and Territory, Quell recommends that both ionisation and photoelectric alarms be installed.
Loose batteries, where fitted, must be of the specified type, in good condition and installed properly. AC only powered alarms will not operate if AC power has been cut off such as by an electrical fire, an open fuse or loss of mains supply. All alarms must be tested regularly to make sure the batteries and the alarm circuits are in good operating condition.
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. If the alarm is located outside the sleeping room 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 maximum protection, a smoke alarm should be installed in each sleeping area on every level of a home.
Smoke alarms cannot provide an alarm if smoke does not reach the unit. Therefore, smoke alarms may not sense fires starting in chimneys, walls, on roofs, on the other side of a closed door or on a different floor.
Hearing impaired occupiers should consider fitting additional accessories to give a visual or tactile (Vibrating pad) alarm.
Although smoke alarms can help save lives by providing an early warning of a fire, they do not prevent property damage. Home owners and renters should have adequate insurance to protect their property.
If after reviewing this user guide you feel that your smoke alarm is defective in any way, do not tamper with the unit. Refer to Section 15 Warranty and Contact Details.
13. Good Safety Habits
DEVELOP AND PRACTICE A PLAN OF ESCAPE:
- 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.
- Make a floor plan indicating all doors and windows and at least two (2) escape routes from each room. Second story windows 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.
- Determine a place outside your home where you all can meet if a fire occurs.
- Familiarise everyone with the sound of the alarm and train them to leave your home when they hear it.
- Practice a fire drill at least every six months, including fire drills at night. 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.
- Current studies have shown alarms may not awaken all sleeping individuals. 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.
14. What To Do When The Alarm Sounds
- Leave immediately by your escape plan. Every second counts, so 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.
- Stay close to the floor if the air is smoky. 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 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.
- There are situations where a smoke alarm may not be effective to protect against fire. For instance:
- a) smoking in bed
- b) leaving children home alone
- c) cleaning with flammable liquids, such as petrol
15. Warranty & Contact Details
TEN YEAR WARRANTY
Warranty
Quell warrants to the original consumer purchaser that each new alarm will be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of 10 years from the date of purchase. To the extent permitted by law, Quell agrees to repair or replace (at our discretion) any defective product on presentation of the proof of purchase.
Australia warranty claims:
Where the goods are offered for sale in Australia, the benefits to the consumer given by this warranty are in addition to other rights and remedies of the consumer under the Australian Consumer Law and other applicable laws relating to the goods. Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
New Zealand warranty claims:
Where the goods are offered for sale in New Zealand, the benefits to the consumer given by this warranty are in addition to other rights and remedies of the consumer under relevant New Zealand consumer protection laws and other applicable laws relating to the goods. Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under relevant New Zealand consumer protection laws. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
Exclusions
Subject to non-excludable laws, this warranty does not cover:
- normal wear and tear to the product or parts
- batteries or other consumables included with this product (excluding sealed non-replaceable battery models)
- damage to the product caused by accidents, misuse, abuse, lack of reasonable care, tampering or repair by a person not authorised by Quell
- any product that has not been installed, operated or maintained in accordance with the manual or operating instructions provided with the product
- any damage caused by improper power input or improper cable connection
- any indirect, special or consequential loss or damage of any kind
To make a claim
If a defect in the product appears within the time frame stated, you are entitled to submit a warranty claim by returning your product to the address shown below. Please contact Quell on the telephone numbers provided below, Monday to Friday during 9.00AM - 5.00PM. When returning the product, please ensure it is properly packaged so that no damage occurs during transit. Any postage and packaging expenses required to return the product to Quell will be at your cost.
Please provide the original or a copy of the proof of purchase. Also, please make sure you have included an explanation of the problem.
If Quell elects to repair the product, please note that goods presented for repair may be replaced by refurbished goods of the same type rather than being repaired. Refurbished parts may be used to repair the goods.
This warranty is provided by:
Kidde Australia Pty Ltd
ABN 68 006 252 428
10 Ferntree Place,
Notting Hill VIC 3168
Telephone: 1800 672 171
Website: www.quell.com.au
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