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SPECIAL COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS
This Smoke Alarm alone is not a suitable substitute for complete fire
detection systems in places housing many people—like apartment
buildings, condominiums, hotels, motels, dormitories, hospitals,
long-term health care facilities, nursing homes, day care facilities, or
group homes of any kind—even if they were once single-family homes.
It is not a suitable substitute for complete fire detection systems in ware-
houses, industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and special-purpose
non-residential buildings which require special fire detection and alarm
systems. Depending on the building codes in your area, this Smoke
Alarm may be used to provide additional protection in these facilities.
The following information applies to all four types of buildings listed below:
In new construction, most building codes require the use of AC or AC/DC pow-
ered Smoke Alarms only. AC, AC/DC, or DC powered Smoke Alarms can be
used in existing construction as specified by local building codes. Refer to NFPA
72 (National Fire Alarm Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), local building
codes, or consult your Fire Department for detailed fire protection requirements
in buildings not defined as “households.”
1. Single-Family Residence:
Single family home, townhouse. It is recommended Smoke Alarms be
installed on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and in each bedroom
hallway.
2. Multi-Family or Mixed Occupant Residence:
Apartment building, condominium. This Smoke Alarm is suitable for use in
individual apartments or condos, provided a primary fire detection system
already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common areas like lob-
bies, hallways, or porches. Using this Smoke Alarm in common areas may not
provide sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection ordi-
nances/regulations.
3. Institutions: Hospitals, day care facilities, long-term health care facilities.
This Smoke Alarm is suitable for use in individual patient sleeping/resident
rooms, provided a primary fire detection system already exists to meet fire
detection requirements in common areas like lobbies, hallways, or porches.
Using this Smoke Alarm in common areas may not provide sufficient warning
to all residents or meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.
4. Hotels and Motels: Also boarding houses and dormitories. This Smoke
Alarm is suitable for use inside individual sleeping/resident rooms, provided a
primary fire detection system already exists to meet fire detection require-
ments in common areas like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this Smoke
Alarm in common areas may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or
meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.
LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE ALARMS
Smoke Alarms have played a key role in reducing deaths resulting from home
fires worldwide. However, like any warning device, Smoke Alarms can only work
if they are properly located, installed, and maintained, and if smoke reaches the
Alarms. They are not foolproof.
Smoke alarms may not waken all individuals. Practice the escape plan at
least twice a year, making sure that everyone is involved – from kids to grand-
parents. Allow children to master fire escape planning and practice before
holding a fire drill at night when they are sleeping. If children or others do not
readily waken to the sound of the smoke alarm, or if there are infants or family
members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to
assist them in fire drill and in the event of an emergency. It is recommended
that you hold a fire drill while family members are sleeping in order to deter-
mine their response to the sound of the smoke alarm while sleeping and to
determine whether they may need assistance in the event of an emergency.
Smoke Alarms cannot work without power. Battery operated units cannot
work if the batteries are missing, disconnected or dead, if the wrong type of bat-
teries are used, or if the batteries are not installed correctly. AC units cannot
work if the AC power is cut off for any reason (open fuse or circuit breaker, failure
along a power line or at a power station, electrical fire that burns the electrical
wires, etc.). If you are concerned about the limitations of battery or AC power,
install both types of units.
Smoke Alarms cannot detect fires if the smoke does not reach the Alarms.
Smoke from fires in chimneys or walls, on roofs, or on the other side of closed
doors may not reach the sensing chamber and set off the Alarm. That is why one
unit should be installed inside each bedroom or sleeping area—especially if bed-
room or sleeping area doors are closed at night—and in the hallway between
them.
Smoke Alarms may not detect fire on another floor or area of the dwelling.
For example, a stand-alone unit on the second floor may not detect smoke from
a basement fire until the fire spreads. This may not give you enough time to
escape safely. That is why recommended minimum protection is at least one unit
in every sleeping area, and every bedroom on every level of your dwelling. Even
with a unit on every floor, stand-alone units may not provide as much protection
as interconnected units, especially if the fire starts in a remote area. Some safety
experts recommend installing interconnected AC powered units with battery
back-up (see “About Smoke Alarms”) or professional fire detection systems, so if
one unit senses smoke, all units alarm. Interconnected units may provide earlier
warning than stand-alone units since all units alarm when one detects smoke.
Smoke Alarms may not be heard. Though the alarm horn in this unit meets or
exceeds current standards, it may not be heard if: 1) the unit is located outside a
closed or partially closed door, 2) residents recently consumed alcohol or drugs,
3) the Alarm is drowned out by noise from stereo, TV, traffic, air conditioner or
other appliances, 4) residents are hearing impaired or sound sleepers.
Special
purpose units, like those with visual and audible alarms, should be installed for
hearing impaired residents.
Smoke Alarms may not have time to alarm before the fire itself causes
damage, injury, or death, since smoke from some fires may not reach the
unit immediately. Examples of this include persons smoking in bed, chil-
dren playing with matches, or fires caused by violent explosions resulting
from escaping gas.
Smoke Alarms are not foolproof. Like any electronic device, Smoke Alarms are
made of components that can wear out or fail at any time. You must test the unit
weekly to ensure your continued protection. Smoke Alarms cannot prevent or
extinguish fires. They are not a substitute for property or life insurance.
Smoke Alarms have a limited life. The unit should be replaced immediately if it
is not operating properly. You should always replace a Smoke Alarm after 10
years from date of purchase. Write the purchase date on the space provid
ed on
back of unit.
7
Printed in Mexico M08-0050-000 Q 09/03
First Alert
®
is a registered trademark of the First Alert Trust.
BRK
®
is a registered trademark of BRK Brands, Inc.
LIMITED WARRANTY
BRK Brands, Inc., ("BRK") the maker of First Alert
®
brand and BRK
®
brand products, warrants that for a period of ten years from the date of purchase, this product will
be free from defects in material and workmanship. BRK, at its option, will repair or replace this product or any component of the product found to be defective during
the warranty period. Replacement will be made with a new or remanufactured product or component. If the product is no longer available, replacement may be made
with a similar product of equal or greater value. This is your exclusive warranty.
This warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser from the date of initial retail purchase and is not transferable. Keep the original sales receipt. Proof of purchase is
required to obtain warranty performance. BRK dealers, service centers, or retail stores selling BRK products do not have the right to alter, modify or any way change
the terms and conditions of this warranty.
This warranty does not cover normal wear of parts or damage resulting from any of the following: negligent use or misuse of the product, use on improper voltage or
current, use contrary to the operating instructions, disassembly, repair or alteration by anyone other than BRK or an authorized service center. Further, the warranty
does not cover Acts of God, such as fire, flood, hurricanes and tornadoes or any batteries that are included with this unit.
BRK shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages caused by the breach of any express or implied warranty. Except to the extent prohibited by
applicable law, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is limited in duration to the duration of the above warranty. Some states,
provinces or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the
above limitations or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state or
province to province.
How to Obtain Warranty Service
Service: If service is required, do not return the product to your retailer. In order to obtain warranty service, contact the Consumer Affairs Division at
1-800-323-9005, 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday. To assist us in serving you, please have the model number and
date of purchase available when calling.
3920 Enterprise Court, Aurora, IL 60504-8132.
Battery: BRK Brands, Inc. make no warranty, express or implied, written or oral, including that of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose
with respect to battery.