First Alert BRK Dicon Smoke Alarms Owners Manual

Introduction

This manual provides information for First Alert BRK Dicon Smoke Alarms, including fitting instructions, location guide, operating guide, basic fire safety tips, and maintenance instructions. Please keep this manual in a safe place.

Ionisation Smoke Alarms: M300, M300AP, M300I, SA200, SA900, SA900Si, SA300. These alarms feature a dual ionisation sensing chamber, particularly sensitive to fast flaming fires.

Superior Features:

• Battery Operated
• Operating Light (RED): Flashes approximately every 45 seconds confirming unit is powered.
• Low Battery Warning: Unit 'beeps' approximately every 45 seconds for at least 30 days when the battery needs replacing.
• Sensitivity Test Button: Tests sensitivity, circuitry, battery, and horn.
• Loud 85 Decibel Piezo Electric Alarm: Automatically resets when hazardous condition has passed.
• Easy Installation: Fixings supplied.

Special Features:

• 'AP' (Alarm Pause): Silences the smoke alarm by momentarily pressing the test button, ideal for nuisance alarms from cooking fumes. The red light flashes every 10 seconds to indicate silencing, and the alarm automatically resets after approximately 10 minutes.
• 'i' (Interconnect): Allows up to 12 alarms to be connected together, so when one alarm sounds, all connected alarms will follow.
• 'S' (Sealed-in battery): Models with the suffix 'S' have the battery sealed in to prevent tampering.

SA900/SA900Si / SA300 Specifics: Supplied with a Long Life Lithium Powercell guaranteed for 10 years. In the SA900Si, the battery is sealed and not replaceable.

Be Prepared

Smoke and heat alarms are essential for home fire safety. Eliminate dangerous conditions and prepare an escape plan. Familiarize everyone with the alarm signal. Test doors for heat before opening. In case of fire, evacuate immediately, do not collect possessions. Get out, stay out, and call the fire brigade. Establish a meeting place. If trapped, stay low, cover your mouth, and crawl to safety. Keep doors and windows closed except for escape. Practice escape plans regularly.

Where to Locate

General Placement:

• Install alarms between sleeping areas and potential fire sources (living rooms, kitchens).
• In single-storey homes with one sleeping area, install in the hallway near living accommodation. Consider multiple alarms for longer hallways to ensure audibility in bedrooms.
• In single-storey homes with two sleeping areas, install one alarm outside each area.
• In multi-level or split-level homes, install on the ground floor between the staircase and potential fire rooms, and on each storey in circulation areas forming part of the escape route (hallways, landings).
• Heat alarms should only be used in addition to smoke alarms in kitchens, boiler rooms, laundry rooms, garages, etc., and must be interconnected with smoke alarms.
• For best protection, install alarms in every room except those listed in 'Locations to Avoid'.
• Install smoke alarms in circulation areas within 7.5m of the farthest wall, doors to fire-risk rooms, and other smoke alarms.
• Install heat alarms within 5.3m of the farthest wall, doors to fire-risk rooms, and other heat alarms.
• Best location is usually the center of a room or hallway. If wall-mounting a smoke alarm, place the detection element 150-300mm below the ceiling. Heat alarms must not be wall-mounted.
• On sloped ceilings, install smoke alarms on the ceiling 900mm from the highest point.
• Ensure sufficient alarms to compensate for closed doors and other obstacles that may impede smoke or heat.

Diagrammatic Representation of Locations:

• Single storey, one sleeping area: Alarm in hallway (O).
• Single storey, two sleeping areas: Alarms in hallways outside each bedroom (O).
• Two storey dwelling: Alarm on ground floor hallway (O), and on upper floor hallway (O).
• Diagram showing placement relative to ceilings: Smoke alarms on ceilings (O), additional smoke alarms for better coverage (•), heat alarms (▼).

Important: These alarms are primarily intended for single-occupancy private dwellings. Consult manufacturer for other applications.

Locations to Avoid

• Areas with turbulent air (fans, heaters, doors, windows).
• High humidity areas (bathrooms, shower rooms) or extreme temperatures (below 5°C/40°F or above 39°C/100°F).
• Peak of 'A' frame ceilings.
• Less than 300mm from the wall when ceiling-mounted.
• Insect-infested areas.
• Poorly ventilated kitchens or garages (combustion particles can trigger alarms).
• Very dusty or dirty areas.
• Within 300mm of light fittings or room corners.
• Locations making testing or maintenance hazardous (e.g., over a stairwell).
• Poorly insulated walls or ceilings.
• Near objects that might impede smoke or heat (e.g., ceiling decorations).
• Within 1500mm of fluorescent light fittings.

Caravans and Mobile Homes

Touring Caravans:

• Preferred position: horizontally on the ceiling in the living area, close to the sleeping area and out of sight of the kitchen.
• Do not locate in kitchen or bathroom areas.
• Do not locate near exhaust fans or air conditioning units.
• In poorly insulated caravans, place alarms on an inside wall, 6 inches from the ceiling.
• Test alarm operation after storage, before each trip, and weekly during use.

Caravan Holiday Home / Park Homes:

• Preferred position: horizontally on the ceiling in the living area or hall, avoiding proximity to kitchen or bathroom.
• Additional alarms can be fitted in bedrooms.
• Do not locate near exhaust fans or air conditioning.

Installation

1. Handle unit with care.
2. Locate keyhole slots.
3. Mark holes, remove alarm, drill 4.75mm holes, and insert plastic anchors.
4. Screw alarm base to mounting surface. For wall mounting, ensure keyhole slots are uppermost.
5. For interconnect units (suffix 'i'): Connect like terminals using standard figure-eight twin solid core bell wire.

Operation: How to Test

1. Connect battery. Remove activation tab if present. For 'S' models, battery is pre-connected.
2. Check LED operating light flashes approximately every 45 seconds.
3. Depress and hold test button until alarm sounds (may take up to 20 seconds). Alarm is a loud 3-beep pattern.
4. After installation, press test button weekly.
5. Warning: Do not test with a naked flame.
6. For interconnect units: Test each alarm separately and ensure initiating alarm triggers all others.

Batteries

Requires one 9-volt battery. Under normal use, the battery should last approximately one year. SA900 family alarms use a Long Life Lithium Powercell (U9VL) guaranteed for 10 years. This is the only acceptable battery. When the powercell reaches end of life, a low battery warning will sound. For SA900Si, the entire unit requires replacement.

Important: Test alarm after battery replacement.

Simple Maintenance

Vacuum the unit every six months, including the interior, to maintain efficiency. Keep vacuum nozzle from touching the unit.

Troubleshooting

Problems indicated by:

• Alarm does not sound when test button is pressed.
• Operating light is steady on or off (does not flash approx. every 45 seconds when not in alarm).

Try the following:

1. Inspect for damage.
2. Check for recommended battery type.
3. Ensure battery is properly connected.
4. Vacuum unit gently.
5. Replace battery.

If problems persist, do not attempt repairs. Return unit with proof of purchase if under warranty. Units beyond warranty cannot be economically repaired.

False Alarms

Abnormal air conditions can cause false alarms. Do not disconnect batteries. If no fire is apparent, ventilate the room or use Alarm Pause. Always assume an alarm is due to a fire and follow emergency plans. Dust, nicotine, or insect contamination can affect performance. Do not paint the unit.

Limitations of Smoke & Heat Alarms

Alarms require power to function. Battery-operated alarms need proper, charged batteries. AC-powered alarms will not work if power is cut. Consider using both battery and AC-powered alarms for reliability. Alarms sound only when smoke or heat reaches the sensing chamber; obstructions like closed doors can delay or prevent alarms. Alarms on one floor may not detect fires on other floors; install alarms on every level. Alarms do not protect against all fire causes (e.g., smoking in bed, explosions). This is part of a complete fire safety program. BRK Dicon alarms are manufactured to high standards, but no alarm should be used for more than 10 years. Alarms are not a substitute for insurance; consult your insurance agent.

Radioactive Contents

Ionisation smoke alarms utilize a tiny amount of Americium 241 (0.9 microcuries), which is a sealed source and poses no hazard. It has been rigorously tested for safety.

Disposal

BRK Dicon monitors safety and environmental legislation. Contact customer helpline on +44 (0)1452-887570 for the latest information on smoke alarm disposal.

Guarantee

BRK Dicon alarms (excluding batteries) are warranted for five years from the date of purchase against defects in material and workmanship. For the SA900 family, this period is ten years and includes the Long Life battery. Repairs or replacements will be made at BRK Dicon's option without charge with proof of purchase. Warranty covers normal residential use and does not cover damage from negligence, misuse, or lack of care. This warranty does not affect statutory rights.

For assistance, consult the owner's manual or write to: BRK BRANDS EUROPE Ltd., Unit 6 Carter Court, Davy Way, Waterwells Business Park, Quedgeley, Gloucester, GL2 2DE, United Kingdom.

Certifications: CE, 0086-CPD-517190, EN 14604:2005, BS EN 14604:2005, Licence No: KM99052.

Please keep this manual in a safe place. Specifications are subject to change.