Red Smoke Alarm R240: Installation Instructions

Product Overview

This document provides installation, operation, testing, and maintenance instructions for the Red Smoke Alarm R240. It is a 240V mains-powered photoelectric smoke alarm with a 9V battery backup.

[Important Note]: Read all instructions before installation. No user-serviceable parts inside. This alarm must be installed by a licensed electrician.

Specifications

Visual Description of Alarm: A circular white photoelectric smoke alarm, approximately 140mm in diameter and 55mm in height. It features a central green LED indicator and a red LED indicator, along with a prominent test/hush button on the front. The unit has mounting points and a latch mechanism.

Electrical Terminals: The base unit features terminals labeled: 'Active / Line' (I/A), 'Earth or Loop' (E/LOOP), 'Neutral' (N), and 'Interconnect' (I). Each terminal is designed to accommodate two 1.5 mm² wires.

Wiring Connections: For installation, a black wire connects to Neutral (N), a red wire connects to Active (A), and an interconnect wire (if used) connects to the 'I' terminal. The power source is 220-240V AC.

Installation & Interconnecting Smoke Alarms

1. Strip the Active/Neutral and Interconnect (if used) wires to the specified length.
2. Connect wires to the correct terminals on the base, ensuring terminal screws are fully tightened. [Caution]: Do not use impact (electric) drivers for installation, as this may damage the unit and void the warranty.
3. Screw the mounting base onto the ceiling or wall using appropriate plugs and screws.
4. Clip the smoke alarm onto the base and install the 9V battery. The alarm will not latch to the base without the battery installed.
5. Turn on the mains power and verify LED function. The Green LED should be constantly illuminated (mains power ON). The Red LED should pulse every 40-60 seconds (correct operation and battery charged).
6. Press the Test/Hush button for 3 seconds to confirm the alarm is functioning. Installation is complete when both LEDs function correctly.

[Notice] Equipment Installation Compliance: Follow all National/State Electrical Codes and local legislation. Cable sizing must comply with AS/NZS 3000:2018 wiring regulations and state regulations, with a minimum of 1.0 mm² 250v. Interconnect cable must be SDI cable; using 4-core or aircon wire will void the warranty.

Equipment Installation Hazard & Important Notes

• All interconnected smoke alarms must be supplied from the same circuit.
• A common Neutral wire is required for the interconnect function.
• [Warning]: Do not connect the Interconnect wire to Active or Neutral.
• Maximum of 40 interconnected smoke alarms can be linked.
• Only Red smoke alarms can be interconnected.
• [Warning]: Failure to follow these instructions may result in equipment damage or injury.

Troubleshooting Specific LED Indicators

• Red LED flashes very quickly (3 times per second) without sound: Indicates a missing neutral connection or incorrect wiring. Check and rectify wiring issues immediately.
• Optional Wireless Base: A wireless base (RWB) can be purchased separately if wired interconnection is not possible.

Alternative Power Sources & Circuits

• [Caution]: This product is designed for a Pure or True Sine Wave 230V AC supply.
• [Caution]: Do not connect to power sources utilizing an inverter, such as PV solar panels, due to Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
• [Caution]: Alarms must not be powered from a light dimmer circuit.

Battery & Battery Replacement

Battery Instruction

• The smoke alarm uses a 9V battery for backup power during AC power failure. The battery provides approximately one to three months of operation without AC power.
• The battery should last at least one year under normal conditions. Energiser 522 is a recommended battery.
• To replace the battery: unlatch the unit from the mounting base, de-energise the alarm by removing the old battery, and hold the test/hush button for over 3 seconds.

Battery Replacement

• The battery should be replaced annually.
• The smoke alarm cannot be closed properly without a battery in place.

[Important]: Test the smoke alarm using the test facility whenever batteries are replaced.

[Battery Removal Finger Slot]: A slot is provided for battery removal.

Operation and Testing

Operation

• The smoke alarm operates once the mains power (220-240V) is connected and the 9V battery is correctly installed.
• Once Smoke Is Detected: The alarm sounds a loud alarm (85 dB) and the red LED flashes rapidly until the air is cleared.
• Standby Condition: The red LED flashes once every 48 seconds, indicating correct operation and battery status.
• Green LED: Illuminated when mains power (220-240V) is ON.
• Memory Function: If the red LED flashes every 4 seconds, it indicates a previous alarm activation. This function remains active for 72 hours.

Testing

[Important]: Test the smoke alarm once per month to ensure proper operation.

Test by pressing the Test/Hush button for three seconds until the alarm sounds. This confirms all electronic circuitry, horn, and battery are working.

If no alarm sounds: check battery installation or replace the battery. If a new battery is installed correctly and the alarm still fails to sound, replace the smoke alarm.

[Important]: Smoke alarms can fail at any time. Test weekly and replace every 10 years. Never use an open flame for testing. Ensure all interconnected alarms operate during testing.

[Important Information]: After pressing the Test/Hush button, wait 10 minutes before further testing due to temporarily reduced sensitivity.

Hush or Silence Feature

• This feature is integrated into the Test/Hush button.
• If non-hazardous sources (e.g., cooking) trigger the alarm, press the Test/Hush button for 3 seconds to temporarily silence it.
• The alarm enters a dormant period for 10 minutes, after which it resumes normal operation.

Installation of Smoke Alarms

Recommended Locations

• Install at least one alarm for each bedroom.
• Install at least one alarm to protect any stairway.
• Install at least one alarm on every floor level.
• Install an alarm in rooms where smokers sleep for additional protection.
• Install an alarm in rooms with electrical appliances (e.g., portable heaters, humidifiers) for additional protection.
• Install an alarm in rooms where sleepers may have their doors closed, as a closed door can prevent the alarm from waking them.

Mounting Guidelines

• Ceiling Mounting: Minimum 300mm from the side wall and a maximum of 500mm from any corner.
• Wall Mounting: Minimum 300mm from the ceiling level and a maximum of 500mm from the ceiling level and any corner.
• Sloping Ceiling Apex: Locate a minimum of 500mm from the apex, not exceeding 1500mm.

Diagram Description (Figure 3i - Single Floor): Illustrates recommended smoke alarm placement. For ceiling mounting, alarms should be at least 300mm from walls and 500mm from corners. For wall mounting, alarms should be 300-500mm from the ceiling and corners. 'DEAD AIR SPACE' near walls and corners should be avoided. 'BEST HERE' locations are indicated in rooms and hallways.

Diagram Description (Figure 3ii - Multiple Floor/Sloping Ceiling): Shows placement at the apex of a sloping ceiling (500mm-1500mm from apex). It also depicts a typical multi-floor layout with recommended locations (circles) for minimum and additional protection across bedrooms, hallways, and living areas.

[Important]: Incorrect orientation of smoke alarms may decrease operational effectiveness.

Avoid These Locations

• Garages: Vehicle emissions can cause false alarms.
• In front of forced air supply ducts (heating/air-conditioning) or high airflow areas.
• In the peak of an "A" frame type ceiling.
• Areas with temperatures below 0°C or above 45°C.
• Dusty areas: Dust particles can cause false alarms or failure to alarm.
• Areas of high condensation (e.g., bathrooms, laundries).
• Kitchen/cooking areas.

Maintenance

Under dusty or greasy conditions, use a vacuum cleaner to clean the exterior, including cover slots. The alarm can operate up to 10 years without replacement, provided the correct battery is used. [Warning]: Do not immerse in or spray with household cleaners.

If the unit chirps every 48 seconds, the battery may need replacement.

Troubleshooting Guide

Warranty

Red smoke alarms have a service life of 10 years under normal use. Australian Standards require smoke alarms to be replaced 10 years from the manufacture date.

Red Smoke Alarms warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of ten (10) years from the manufacture date for the original purchaser. For subsequent purchasers, the warranty is five (5) years from the manufacture date.

Contact Information

If the smoke alarm fails to operate correctly, please contact:

RED SMOKE ALARMS PTY. LTD.
20 Kikuyu Rd, Chevallum, QLD 4555
service@redsmokealarms.com.au
www.redsmokealarms.com.au
1300 316 552

[Disclaimer]: Red Smoke Alarms reserves the right to change specifications, modify designs, and discontinue items without obligation. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, no warranty is given regarding descriptions, specifications, or other information, and the company shall not be liable for errors.

© Red Smoke Alarms 2024. Material copyright under Australian and international laws. Reproduction without prior written permission and acknowledgment is prohibited.

E&OE V 3.0