First Alert BRK Dicon Smoke Alarms Owners Manual

Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the installation, operation, and maintenance of First Alert BRK Dicon battery-operated smoke alarms.

Product Series and Superior Features

Product Series Covered:

• M300, M300AP, M300i, SA200
• SA900, SA900Si, SA300, SA300L

These alarms feature a dual ionization 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 emits a `beep` 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 the hazardous condition has passed.
• Easy Installation: Fixings supplied.

Special Features

• 'AP' (Alarm Pause): Fitted to SA900/SA300 and models with the suffix 'AP'. Allows silencing of nuisance alarms (e.g., cooking fumes) by momentarily pressing the test button. The red light flashes every 10 seconds to indicate silencing. The alarm automatically resets after approximately 10 minutes.
• 'i' (Interconnect): Fitted to models with the suffix 'i'. Allows up to 12 alarms to be connected together, so when one alarm sounds, all properly connected alarms will also sound.
• 'S' (Sealed-in battery): Model numbers with the suffix 'S' have the battery sealed in to prevent tampering.

For example, a model SA900Si is an alarm with a sealed-in battery that can be interconnected to other alarms.

Models SA900, SA900Si, and SA300L are supplied with a Long Life Lithium Powercell, guaranteed for 10 years under normal use. In the SA900Si, the battery is sealed and not replaceable.

Be Prepared: Fire Safety

Properly installed and maintained smoke and heat alarms are crucial for home fire safety. Review fire hazards and eliminate dangerous conditions. A practiced escape plan is vital.

Safety Hints:

• Ensure everyone is familiar with the alarm signal.
• Test doors with your hands before opening. If warm, find another escape route.
• Do not collect possessions; rouse occupants and leave. Your life is more valuable.
• GET OUT. STAY OUT. GET THE FIRE BRIGADE OUT.
• Establish a set meeting place after escape.
• If trapped, stay low, cover mouth, and crawl to safety.
• Keep doors and windows closed except for escape.
• Prepare and practice an escape plan. Draw a floor plan and conduct fire drills.

Where to Locate Alarms

General Placement:

• Minimum: Locate between sleeping areas and potential fire sources (living rooms, kitchens).
• Single-storey homes: Install in the hallway near living accommodation. For audibility in bedrooms, multiple alarms may be needed, especially if hallways exceed 15m.
• Single-storey homes with two sleeping areas: Minimum of two alarms, one outside each sleeping area.
• Multi-level/split-level homes: Install on the ground floor between the staircase and potential fire rooms, and on each storey in circulation areas (hallways, landings) forming part of the escape route.

Diagram Descriptions:

• [Diagram Description]: Single-storey, one sleeping area: Shows a house layout with a hallway, living room, and bedroom. A circle (representing a smoke alarm) is placed in the hallway.
• [Diagram Description]: Single-storey, two sleeping areas: Shows a house layout with two bedrooms, a hallway, and living areas. Circles (smoke alarms) are placed in the hallway outside each bedroom.
• [Diagram Description]: Two-storey dwelling: Shows a house layout with two floors, including bedrooms, living areas, and circulation spaces (hallways/landings). Circles (smoke alarms) are placed in hallways on both floors. Triangles (heat alarms) are shown in a kitchen and garage.

Additional Alarms:

• Install in bedrooms for fires originating there (faulty wiring, appliances, smokers).
• For best protection, install in every room except those listed in "Locations to Avoid".
• Heat alarms should be used in kitchens, boiler rooms, laundry rooms, garages where smoke alarms are unsuitable, and must be interconnected with smoke alarms.

Placement Distances:

• Smoke alarms in circulation areas: No more than 7.5m from the farthest wall, 7.5m from a fire source room door, and 7.5m from the next smoke alarm.
• Heat alarms in rooms: No more than 5.3m from the farthest wall, 5.3m from a fire source room door, and 5.3m from the next heat alarm.
• Best location: Usually the center of a room or hallway.
• Wall mounting (smoke alarms only): Locate detection element 150mm to 300mm (6-12 inches) below the ceiling, with the bottom of the alarm above door/opening levels. Heat alarms must not be wall mounted.
• Sloped/peaked/gabled ceilings: Install on the ceiling 900mm (3 feet) from the highest point to avoid 'dead air'.
• Obstructions (closed doors): Install sufficient alarms to compensate for closed doors that may impede smoke/heat or sound transmission.

Important Note:

Refer to BS5839 Part 6 and DTLR Fire Safety guidance for further information.

Caution: Additional alarms significantly increase warning time. Follow placement advice for maximum protection.

Locations to Avoid

DO NOT locate alarms:

• In turbulent air from fans, heaters, doors, windows.
• In high humidity areas (bathrooms, shower rooms) or where temperatures exceed 39°C (100°F) or fall below 5°C (40°F).
• At the peak of an 'A' frame ceiling (dead air zone).
• Less than 300mm (12 inches) from the wall when ceiling mounted.
• In insect-infested areas.
• (Smoke alarms) in poorly ventilated kitchens or garages (combustion particles can cause nuisance alarms).
• In very dusty or dirty areas.
• Within 300mm (12") of light fittings or room corners.
• In locations making testing/maintenance hazardous (e.g., over a stairwell).
• On poorly insulated walls or ceilings.
• Near objects that might impede smoke/heat path (e.g., ceiling decorations).
• Within 1500mm (5 feet) of fluorescent light fittings.

Further help may be found in BS5839 Part 6.

Caravans and Mobile Homes

The National Caravan Council (NCC) requires approved smoke alarms in new/used caravans. BRK Dicon M300AP and SA900 are NCC approved.

Touring Caravans:

• Preferred position: Horizontally on the ceiling in the living area, as close to the sleeping area as possible, and out of sight of the kitchen.
• DO NOT locate in kitchen or bathroom areas (cooking fumes/humidity cause nuisance alarms).
• 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.

Warning:

Caravan Holiday Home:

• Preferred position: Horizontally on the ceiling in the living area, avoiding proximity to the kitchen.
• Additional alarms may be fitted in bedrooms.
• DO NOT locate in kitchen or bathroom areas.
• DO NOT locate near exhaust fans or air conditioning units.

Park Homes:

• If only one alarm: Horizontally on the ceiling in the living room or hall, away from kitchen/bathroom.
• Additional alarms can be fitted in bedrooms.
• DO NOT locate near exhaust fans or air conditioning.

Installation

1. Open the cover and handle the unit with care.
2. Locate keyhole slots.
3. Mark holes through the alarm base, then remove the alarm. Drill two 4.75mm holes. (DO NOT drill with the alarm in position to avoid dust contamination).
4. Insert plastic anchors and screw the alarm base to the mounting surface.
5. Note for Wall Mounting: Ensure keyhole fixing slots are positioned with the narrow aperture uppermost to prevent dislodgement.
6. For Interconnect Units Only (Models with suffix 'i'): Using standard figure-eight twin solid core bell wire, connect like terminals (Positive to Positive, Negative to Negative).

Operation: How to Test

1. Connect battery(ies). For models with suffix 'S', the battery is pre-connected; remove the activation tab.
2. Note on Electrostatic Charges: Storage in low humidity or certain transport conditions may cause electrostatic charges. This can temporarily increase horn sound duration upon battery insertion or test button operation. Gently wipe the inside and outside of the plastic cover with a clean, damp cloth to clear this condition.
3. Check the LED operating light flashes approximately every 45 seconds in standby mode.
4. Depress and hold the test button until the alarm sounds (may take up to 20 seconds). The alarm is indicated by a loud 3-beep pattern and may continue for up to 10 seconds after the button is released.

After Installation:

1. Press the test button until the alarm sounds, then release. Repeat this test weekly.

Warning:

For Interconnect Units Only (Models with suffix 'i'):

1. Test each alarm separately within the system.
2. Verify that the initiating alarm triggers all other connected alarms.

Batteries

Your alarm requires one 9-volt battery. Recommended batteries include GP 1604A/P, Duracell MN1604/MX1604, or Eveready 1222. Under normal use, the battery should last approximately one year.

SA900, SA900Si & SA300L: These models come with a Long Life Lithium Powercell, guaranteed for 10 years. The U9VL Lithium Powercell is the only acceptable battery. In the SA900Si, the battery is sealed and not replaceable. When the powercell nears end-of-life, a low battery warning (intermittent beeping for at least 30 days) will indicate the need for replacement (or full alarm replacement for SA900Si).

Important:

Simple Maintenance

Vacuum the unit every six months to maintain efficiency. Open the cover and gently vacuum the interior, keeping the vacuum nozzle from touching the unit.

Troubleshooting:

Problems are indicated by:

• The alarm does not sound when the test button is pressed.
• The operating light remains steadily on or off (does not flash approx. every 45 seconds when not in alarm).

Try the following:

• Inspect for obvious damage.
• Visually check for recommended battery type.
• Ensure the battery is properly connected.
• Gently vacuum as recommended.
• Replace the battery.

If problems persist, do NOT attempt repairs. If within warranty, return the unit with proof of purchase to the distributor. Units beyond warranty cannot be economically repaired.

False Alarms

Abnormal air conditions can cause sensitive smoke alarms to give a 'false' alarm. DO NOT disconnect batteries. If no fire is apparent, ventilate the room and/or operate Alarm Pause.

Warning:

Dust, nicotine, and insect contamination can adversely affect alarm performance. Do not paint the unit.

Limitations of Smoke & Heat Alarms

These alarms provide early warning at reasonable cost, but have limitations:

• Power Dependency: Alarms require power. Battery alarms need proper, installed batteries. AC alarms need an uninterrupted power supply. Consider dual power sources for reliability.
• Sensing Delay: Alarms activate only when smoke or heat reaches the sensing chamber. Closed doors or obstructions can delay or prevent detection. Alarms cannot detect fires within walls, chimneys, or roofs until smoke reaches the unit. An alarm on one floor does not guarantee detection on another.
• Specific Fire Types: Alarms may not protect against smokers in bed, children playing with matches, or explosions from escaping gas.
• Program Component: Smoke alarm installation is part of a complete home fire safety program.
• Lifespan: While manufactured to high standards, it is recommended that no alarm be used for more than 10 years to minimize fault risk.
• Insurance: Alarms are not a substitute for insurance. Appropriate coverage is the user's responsibility.

Radioactive Contents

Ionization smoke alarms in the BRK Dicon Micro 300, SA900, and First Alert SA300/SA200 ranges use a tiny amount of Americium 241 (0.9 microcuries / 33 kilobecquerels) for smoke detection. This is a sealed source and poses no hazard. All units have been rigorously tested by the National Radiological Protection Board for safety.

Disposal

BRK Dicon/First Alert monitors safety and environmental legislation. For the latest information on smoke alarm disposal, contact the customer helpline at +44 (0)1452-887570.

Guarantee

BRK Dicon/First Alert alarms (excluding batteries) are warranted for five years from purchase against defects in material and workmanship. For the SA900/SA300 family, this period is ten years and includes the Long Life battery. Repairs or replacements are at BRK Dicon/First Alert's option, provided proof of purchase is supplied. This warranty covers normal residential use and excludes damage from negligence, misuse, or lack of care.

This warranty does not affect statutory rights.

Note: Alarms are not a substitute for insurance; appropriate coverage is the user's responsibility.

Contact Information

For problems or questions regarding use and care, consult the manual. For further help, 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

BS EN 14604: 2005 (Licence No: KM99052)