HiSpec HSSA/PE Photoelectric Smoke Alarm

Specifications

Product Description

The HSSA/PE is a multiple station photoelectric smoke alarm that can be connected to other alarms of the same make and type. This interconnect feature allows up to 20 units to be connected together over 80 metres maximum, using a single white wire, enabling all alarms to sound when any one is activated.

Note: This smoke alarm cannot be connected to any other device such as a fire alarm panel.

Main Features

• Photoelectric sensor for slow smoldering fires
• Push-to-test/alarm test button
• Hush feature
• Battery back-up
• Low battery warning
• Interconnectable (up to 20 HiSpec's Heat and/or Smoke Alarms)
• Kitemark Approved BS EN 14604: 2005
• Supplied with fixing kit
• Loud 85dB alarm signal
• Fault signal

Locating the Smoke Alarm

For minimum protection in a single-storey dwelling, fit an alarm in a corridor or hallway between sleeping and living areas. Place it near living areas to ensure the audible alarm is heard when bedrooms are occupied. For multi-storey dwellings, fit one alarm at the bottom of the staircase and further alarms on each upstairs landing, including basements but excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics.

For maximum protection, fit an alarm in every room except kitchens, bathrooms, and garages. Do not fit alarms in kitchens or bathrooms as cooking fumes or steam may trigger them. Do not fit alarms in garages as exhaust fumes may set them off.

Positioning the Smoke Alarm

Ceiling Mounting

Mount on a ceiling in a central position, at least 300 mm from light fittings or decorative objects that might obstruct airflow. Keep at least 300 mm away from walls.

Wall Mounting

Do not mount tight into corners. Position the top edge of the alarm between 150 and 300 mm below the ceiling. Keep at least 300 mm from room corners.

On a Sloping Ceiling

On sloping or peaked ceilings, install the smoke alarm 900 mm from the highest point measured horizontally, as 'dead air' at the apex may prevent smoke from reaching the unit.

Areas to be Avoided

• Adjacent to or directly above hot components like radiators or wall vents.
• In very dusty or dirty environments.
• Within 1.5m of fluorescent light fittings.
• In insect-infested areas.
• Situations where the temperature may fall below 0°C or rise above 40°C.
• Humid areas like bathrooms and kitchens (over 90% relative humidity).
• Near decorative objects, doors, light fittings, or window mouldings that may obstruct smoke entry.
• Fume-filled environments like garages.

Installing the Smoke Alarm

WARNING: This smoke alarm is mains powered and requires wiring by a qualified electrician in accordance with current IEE Regulations for Electrical Installations (BS7671).

The circuit used to power the alarm must be a dedicated permanent supply. Ensure the electrical supply is isolated before installation.

WARNING: To prevent injury, this smoke alarm must be securely attached to the ceiling/wall.

The Smoke Alarm can function as a stand-alone unit or interconnected. All interconnected alarms must be supplied from a single power circuit with a common neutral wire for the interconnect to function. Do not connect the interconnect wire to Live or Neutral.

• Disconnect the AC mains power.
• Install a suitable junction box.
• Unlock the detector unit from the base by pushing back the snap lock and turning the alarm unit anti-clockwise.
• Fix the mounting plate in position.
• Strip the Live, Neutral, and Interconnect wires.
• Connect wires correctly:
• LIVE: Connect to house wires coloured Brown or marked with L.
• NEUTRAL: Connect to house wires coloured Blue or marked with N.
• INTERCONNECT: Connect to the white third wire. If not interconnecting, do not connect this wire.
• Insert a 9V battery firmly into the battery compartment, noting polarity. Ensure the metal tab is fully depressed.

Operating Your Smoke Alarm

A small GREEN indicator light (LED) should be visible through the alarm grill, indicating AC supply is healthy. A RED indicator light (LED) should flash approximately once a minute, indicating the battery is healthy and the unit is operating.

If smoke is detected, the unit will emit a loud pulsating alarm, and the RED indicator light (LED) will flash rapidly until the air is clear.

Testing Your Smoke Alarm

Test your smoke alarm once a week. Push and hold the test button for approximately 3 seconds. A loud pulsating alarm should sound, and the RED indicator light (LED) will flash rapidly.

Note for interconnected alarms: Only the RED indicator light (LED) of the originating unit will flash rapidly. Other units will sound but their RED LED will not flash. Test each alarm to ensure all interconnected units activate.

Hush or Silence Feature

If cooking or other non-hazardous sources cause an unwanted alarm, press and hold the test button for approximately 3 seconds to temporarily silence it. The alarm will enter a dormant period for 10 minutes. The red LED will flash every 10 seconds to indicate reduced sensitivity. The alarm will reset to normal sensitivity after 10 minutes.

Note: If smoke density increases during the hush period (e.g., from a fire), the unit will revert to alarm mode.

Low Battery Warning

If the smoke alarm emits a short 'beep' once a minute, the battery needs immediate replacement. This warning will last for at least 30 days. Interconnected units not in low battery condition will chirp for a few seconds once an hour if a connected detector has a low battery.

If the red indicator light (LED) does not flash every minute, replace the battery.

Maintaining Your Smoke Alarm

Clean your smoke alarm at least once every six months using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Gently clean around the front grilled section and sides to prevent dust build-up.

The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no objects filled with liquids shall be placed on it.

Battery Replacement

Always turn OFF the AC supply to the Smoke Alarm before replacing the battery. Replace the battery at least annually, or immediately when the low battery signal sounds, even if the alarm is receiving AC power.

Test the alarm for correct operation after replacing the battery.

WARNING: Risk of explosion if the battery is replaced incorrectly. Use only the recommended battery types.

• Turn off the AC power supply.
• Gently unlock the detector unit from the base by pushing back the snap lock and turning the alarm unit clockwise.
• Remove the old battery.
• Insert a new 9V battery, noting polarity. Ensure the metal tab is fully depressed.
• Reattach the smoke alarm to the mounting plate by rotating it counter-clockwise until it snaps into place.
• Turn on the AC power and test the smoke alarm using the push-to-test button.

Important Safeguards

• Install the smoke alarm properly.
• Test your smoke alarm weekly.
• Replace the battery immediately once depleted.
• Do not smoke in bed.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children.
• Store flammable materials properly and away from open flames or sparks.
• Maintain emergency equipment like fire extinguishers and escape ladders, and ensure occupants know how to use them.
• Plan escape routes and ensure all occupants are aware of them. Periodically reinforce this awareness.
• Ensure escape routes remain clear of obstructions.

WARNING: If there is any question about the cause of an alarm, assume it is due to an actual fire and evacuate the dwelling immediately.

This product is a sealed unit and cannot be repaired. Tampering will invalidate the warranty. If the unit is faulty, return it to your original supplier with proof of purchase.

Your Smoke Alarm Warranty

These smoke alarms are warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for five years from the date of purchase. The company is not obligated to repair or replace parts found to be defective due to misuse, damage, or alterations after purchase. Send the smoke alarm with proof of purchase, postage and return postage prepaid, to your local distributor.

Hispec Electrical Products Ltd shall have no liability for any personal injury or property damage, or any special, incidental, contingent, or consequential damage of any kind resulting from a fire. The exclusive remedy for breach of this limited warranty is the repair or replacement of the defective product.

Your smoke alarm is not a substitute for insurance. Appropriate coverage is your responsibility. Consult your insurance agent.

This does not affect your statutory rights.

This alarm is only suitable for residential dwellings and not for commercial or industrial use.

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