Kidde HD135F Heat Alarm User's Guide

Introduction

This document is the user's guide for the Kidde HD135F Heat Alarm. It is an AC wire-in, single and/or multiple station alarm (up to 24 devices) with a 9 Volt battery backup and a 135°F fixed temperature setting.

This heat alarm is an important part of your family's home safety plan, designed to provide high-quality safety protection. Kidde alarms and accessories can only be interconnected with other Kidde alarms and accessories, or specified brands and models of interconnect-compatible alarms. Connecting Kidde products to non-specified systems or equipment may result in nuisance alarming, failure to alarm, or damage to devices.

For your convenience, please record the following information. This information will be requested if you contact the Consumer Hotline:

• Heat Alarm Model Number: (located on the back of the alarm)
• Date Code: (located on the back of the alarm) - The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the manufacturer recommend replacing this alarm ten years from the date code.
• Date of Purchase:
• Where Purchased:

Important Warnings and Ratings

WARNING: The battery door will not close unless a battery is present. Removal of the heat alarm battery or disconnection/loss of AC power will render the heat 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.

WARNING: THIS HEAT ALARM IS NOT DESIGNED TO PROTECT LIFE SAFETY AGAINST FIRE AND SMOKE. SEE LIMITATIONS OF ALARMS IN SECTION 8 FOR DETAILS.

Contents of This Manual

• 1 SPECIFICATIONS
• 2 RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS OF ALARMS
• 3 LOCATIONS TO AVOID
• 4 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
• 5 OPERATION AND TESTING
• 6 FALSE ALARMS
• 7 MAINTENANCE
• 8 LIMITATIONS OF HEAT ALARMS
• 9 GOOD SAFETY HABITS
• 10 NFPA PROTECTION STANDARD 72
• 11 SERVICE AND WARRANTY

Do not attempt to repair this heat alarm yourself. Refer to Section 11 for service.

1. SPECIFICATIONS

• Model Number: HD135F
• Electrical: AC 120 VAC, 60HZ, 80 mA max, 9 V battery backup, Multiple station (up to 24), compatible with Kidde/Lifesaver smoke alarms.
• U.L. Temperature rating: 135°F Fixed temperature only
• U.L. Maximum ambient temperature at ceiling: 100°F
• U.L. Recommended coverage: 2500 Square Feet (Note "A")
• U.L. recommended spacing: 50 Feet
• Maximum distance from wall: 25 Feet (Note "B")

Note A: Maximum coverage is based on sprinkler device spacing at 10-Ft intervals (100 Sq/Ft) on a smooth ceiling approximately 15 feet high. Higher ceilings may affect response time; reducing spacing can improve it.

Note B: Maximum distance is from any wall or ceiling projection extending down more than 12 inches.

2. RECOMMENDED LOCATION OF ALARMS

• The most favorable mounting location is on the ceiling in the center of the room, as it is closest to all areas.
• EXCEPTION: If the mounting surface is significantly warmer or cooler than the room (e.g., poorly insulated ceiling, below an attic, exterior wall), mount on an inside wall.
• If ceiling center mounting is not possible, an off-center ceiling location is acceptable if it is at least 4" (10 cm) from the side wall.
• If ceiling mounting is not feasible, mount on an inside wall with the top edge of the alarm between 4" (10 cm) and 12" (30.5 cm) below the ceiling.
• For sloped, peaked, or cathedral ceilings: Mount at or within 3 ft (0.9m) of the highest point (measured horizontally). NFPA 72 recommends locating alarms on the high side of rooms with ceiling slopes greater than 1 ft in 8 ft. Alarms in a row should be spaced and located within 3 ft (0.9m) of the peak.
• For rooms with open joists or beams: Mount alarms on the bottom of the beams.
• For open-joisted ceilings: Reduce smooth ceiling spacing to no more than half the listed spacing when measured at right angles to the solid joist.

Mobile Home Installation

Modern mobile homes are designed for energy efficiency; install alarms as recommended above. In older, less insulated mobile homes, heat or cold transfer through walls/roof can create a thermal barrier. In such cases, mount the alarm on an inside wall, 4" to 12" below the ceiling. If unsure about insulation or if outer walls/ceiling are hot/cold, use an inside wall.

WARNING: TEST YOUR HEAT ALARM OPERATION AFTER RV OR MOBILE HOME VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN STORAGE, BEFORE EACH TRIP AND AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK DURING USE.

3. LOCATIONS TO AVOID

• In front of forced air supply ducts, near ceiling fans, or other high air flow areas.
• In areas where the temperature may fall below -20°F or rise above 100°F.
• Near fluorescent lights (electronic "noise" may cause nuisance alarms).
• With detector guards unless the combination (alarm and guard) has been evaluated and found suitable.

4. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Wiring Requirements

• Install on a U.L. listed or recognized junction box. All connections must be made by a qualified electrician and comply with applicable codes (e.g., NEC, NFPA 70, NFPA 72).
• Multiple station interconnect wiring must run in the same raceway or cable as AC power wiring. Interconnect wiring resistance should not exceed 10 ohms.
• Power source: 120 Volt AC Single Phase from a non-switchable circuit, not protected by a ground fault interrupter.
• WARNING: Do not operate from square wave or modified square wave inverters (used in off-grid/solar/wind systems), as they produce high peak voltages that can damage the alarm.

Wiring Instructions for AC Quick Connect Harness

CAUTION! TURN OFF THE MAIN POWER TO THE CIRCUIT BEFORE WIRING THE ALARM.

• Single Station Use: DO NOT CONNECT THE RED WIRE. Leave the insulating cap on to prevent contact with metal parts or the electrical box.
• Interconnected Units: All interconnected units must be powered from a single circuit.
• A maximum of 24 Kidde/Lifesaver devices can be interconnected. The system should not exceed NFPA limits: 12 smoke alarms and/or 18 total alarms (smoke, heat, CO, etc.). With 18 alarms, up to 6 remote signaling devices/relay modules can also be interconnected.
• Mixing Models: Models with battery backup (e.g., HD135F) and without battery backup will not respond during AC power failure if mixed.
• Maximum wire run distance between the first and last unit in an interconnected system is 1000 feet.
• Improper wiring can cause damage, failure to operate, or shock hazard.
• Ensure alarms are wired to a continuous (non-switched) power line. Use standard UL listed household wire.

Mounting Instructions

CAUTION: THIS UNIT IS SEALED. THE COVER IS NOT REMOVABLE!

1. Remove the trim ring by holding it and twisting the alarm counter-clockwise (direction of "OFF" arrow).
2. After selecting the location and wiring the AC QUICK CONNECT harness, attach the trim ring to the electrical box.
3. Use a screwdriver to punch out the correct mounting holes in the trim ring that match your electrical box or plaster ring type. Use the circle, square, and octagon markings on the trim ring for guidance.

4. Pull the AC QUICK CONNECTOR through the center hole of the trim ring. Mount the ring, ensuring mounting screws are in the small ends of the keyholes before tightening.
5. Plug the AC QUICK CONNECTOR into the back of the alarm, ensuring connectors snap into place. Push excess wire back into the electrical box through the trim ring's center hole.
6. Install the alarm onto the trim ring by aligning the marks and rotating clockwise (direction of "ON" arrow) until it snaps into place.

Tamper Resist Locking Pin: Use this pin to deter children or others from removing the alarm. Insert it into the side hole after installation. The pin must be removed to change batteries.

After installation, TEST your alarm by pressing and holding the test button for several seconds. A hair dryer can also be used to test the heat sensing element.

CAUTION: For best fire detection, install alarms in all rooms and areas: smoke alarms in each sleeping area (near, but outside bedrooms) and heat/smoke alarms in living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, hallways, attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility rooms, basements, and attached garages.

5. OPERATION AND TESTING

Operation

The heat alarm operates when AC power is applied, batteries are installed, and testing is complete. When the alarm senses temperatures above 135°F (± a few degrees), the horn will sound a loud (85 db) pulsating alarm until the temperature drops below 135°F.

LED Indicators

The alarm has red and green LED indicators.

• Red LED (under test button):
  • Standby Condition: Flashes every 30-40 seconds to indicate proper operation.
  • Alarm Condition: Flashes rapidly (one flash per second) when heat is detected. This continues until the temperature drops below 135°F.
  • Interconnected Units: Only the red LED of the originating or tested alarm flashes rapidly. Other units in the system will sound but their red LEDs will not flash rapidly.
• Green LED (under the other button):
  • Standby Condition: Steady on, indicating AC power is present.

Testing

Press and hold the test button for at least 5 seconds. This tests the circuitry, horn, and battery. The test may not produce a signal if the ambient temperature is below 32°F; in this case, test by blowing hot air at the sensing element with a hair dryer from about 1 foot away.

If no alarm sounds, check the fuse/circuit breaker. If it still doesn't sound, the unit may have defective batteries or other failures.

TEST THE ALARM WEEKLY TO ENSURE PROPER OPERATION.

Erratic or low sound may indicate a defective alarm; return it for service (Section 12).

6. FALSE ALARMS

• To avoid false alarms, do not use where room temperatures exceed 100°F.
• Heat alarms respond only to heat, not smoke. If the unit alarms, check for fire first. If a fire is found, evacuate and call the fire department. If no fire is present, check Section 3 for potential causes.

7. MAINTENANCE

Alarm Removal

If the tamper-resist pin was used, refer to Section 4 for removal instructions.

To replace the battery, remove the alarm from the trim ring by rotating it counter-clockwise (OFF direction, see Section 4, Figure 7). Disconnect the AC power harness by squeezing the locking arms on the connector sides and pulling it away from the alarm (see Section 4, Figure 6).

Battery Installation and Removal

Remove the alarm from the trim ring first. Open the battery door and install/replace the battery. Installation instructions are on the inside of the battery door.

When installing the battery, press the battery reminder finger down into the compartment and install the battery (see Figure 9).

CAUTION: If the battery reminder finger is not held down by the battery, the door will not close, the AC connector will not attach, and the alarm will not attach to the trim ring.

Battery Types and Lifespan

The alarm uses a 9V carbon backup battery (alkaline and lithium batteries can also be used). A fresh battery should last one year under normal conditions.

The alarm has a low/missing battery monitor that chirps every 30-40 seconds for at least seven (7) days when the battery is low. Replace the battery when this occurs.

USE ONLY THE FOLLOWING 9 VOLT BATTERIES FOR REPLACEMENT:

• Carbon-zinc type: EVEREADY 216 OR 1222; GOLD PEAK 1604P OR 1604S
• Alkaline type: ENERGIZER 522; DURACELL MN1604, MX1604; GOLD PEAK 1604A; PANASONIC 6AM6, 6AM-6, 6AM-6PI, 6AM6X, and 6LR61(GA)
• Lithium type: ULTRALIFE U9VL-J

NOTE: WEEKLY TESTING IS REQUIRED!

WARNING: Follow battery installation instructions inside the battery door and use only specified batteries. Different batteries may have a detrimental effect.

Cleaning Your Alarm

Clean the alarm at least once a year. Remove the alarm from the mounting bracket. Clean the interior (sensing chamber) with compressed air or a vacuum cleaner hose through the openings around the temperature sensor. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth.

After cleaning, reinstall and test the alarm. If cleaning does not restore normal operation, the alarm should be replaced.

8. LIMITATIONS OF HEAT ALARMS

WARNING: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND THOROUGHLY

• Heat alarms are NOT designed to protect life safety against fire and smoke. Hazardous levels of toxic gases, smoke, and heat can build up before a heat alarm operates. For life safety, use heat alarms only as an added source of information and a supplement to smoke alarms.
• Heat alarms do not always detect fires. They may miss slow-smoldering fires, fires in different rooms, or fires where heat bypasses the alarm. This alarm will NOT detect smoke, gases, or flames.
• Home fires are unpredictable. No single type of alarm (heat, photoelectric, ionization) is always best, and an alarm may not always provide warning. Alarms have limitations. Battery-powered alarms require specified, good-condition batteries. AC-powered alarms won't work if AC power is cut off. Test alarms regularly.
• Heat alarms cannot alarm if heat does not reach them. They may not sense fires in chimneys, walls, roofs, behind closed doors, or on different floors. If located outside a bedroom or on a different floor, they may not wake a sound sleeper. Alcohol or drugs can impair hearing. For maximum protection, use heat alarms as a supplement to smoke alarms. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping area on every level and interconnect them with heat alarms.
• While heat alarms combined with smoke alarms can save lives by providing early warning, they are not a substitute for insurance. Homeowners and renters should have adequate insurance.

9. GOOD SAFETY HABITS

Develop and Practice a Plan of Escape

• Install and maintain fire extinguishers on every level of the home (kitchen, basement, garage). Know how to use one before an emergency.
• Create a floor plan showing all doors, windows, and at least two escape routes per room. Second-story windows may require a rope or chain ladder.
• Hold family meetings to discuss the escape plan and assign roles.
• Designate an outdoor meeting place.
• Familiarize everyone with the alarm sound and train them to leave immediately.
• Practice fire drills at least every six months, including at night. Ensure children hear the alarm and wake to execute the plan. Practice helps occupants test the plan. You may not be able to reach children; ensure they know what to do.
• Studies show smoke alarms may not awaken all sleepers. It is the responsibility of capable household members to assist those who may not awaken or evacuate unassisted.

What to Do When the Alarm Sounds

• Leave immediately using your escape plan. Do not delay to dress or collect valuables.
• When leaving, feel interior doors before opening. If hot or smoke is seeping through cracks, use an alternate exit. If cool, open slightly, ready to close if heat/smoke enters.
• Stay low to the floor if the air is smoky. Breathe shallowly through a damp cloth if possible.
• Once outside, go to the designated meeting place and ensure everyone is present.
• Call the fire department from a neighbor's home, not your own.
• Do not return home until authorized by fire officials.

Situations where a smoke alarm may not be effective include: smoking in bed, leaving children home alone, or cleaning with flammable liquids.

10. NFPA REQUIRED PROTECTION

NFPA Standard 72 provides guidelines for smoke alarm installation:

• Smoke Detection Requirements: Install approved single- and multiple-station smoke alarms as follows: (1) In all sleeping rooms (exception: not required in sleeping rooms of existing 1- and 2-family dwellings). (2) Outside each separate sleeping area, near bedrooms. (3) On each level of the dwelling unit, including basements (exception: battery-powered alarms permitted in existing 1- and 2-family dwellings).
• Additional Alarms: The required number of alarms may not provide reliable early warning for areas separated by doors. Consider additional alarms for areas like basements, dining rooms, furnace rooms, utility rooms, and unprotected hallways. Avoid installing alarms in kitchens, attics, or garages due to potential false alarms.

Install this equipment in accordance with NFPA Standard 72.

11. CAUTION (As Required by the California State Fire Marshal)

Early warning fire detection is best achieved by installing detection equipment in all rooms and areas. This includes smoke alarms in sleeping areas (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 your alarm appears defective, do not tamper with it. Return it for servicing to: KIDDE Safety, 1016 Corporate Park Dr., Mebane, NC 27302. Call 1-800-880-6788 for warranty returns.

Five Year Limited Warranty

Kidde Safety warrants the original purchaser that the heat alarm (excluding the battery) will be free from defects in material, workmanship, or design for five years from the purchase date under normal use. Kidde's obligation is limited to repairing or replacing the defective alarm or part, free of charge, upon sending it with proof of purchase to the Warranty Service Department.

This warranty does not apply if the alarm is damaged, modified, abused, or altered, or if it fails due to improper maintenance or inadequate power.

Kidde Safety's liability will not exceed the cost of alarm replacement. They are not liable for consequential loss or damages resulting from alarm failure or breach of warranty, even if caused by negligence.

Some states may have different limitations on implied warranties or consequential damages.

Kidde Safety makes no warranty regarding the battery.

QUESTIONS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION

Call our Consumer Hotline at 1-800-880-6788 or contact us at our website at www.kidde.com.

Kidde, 1016 Corporate Park Drive, Mebane, NC 27302