User's Manual

The Limitations of this Smoke Detector
While this smoke detector /transmitter is a highly reliable device that is a part of an advanced wireless security system, it
does not offer guaranteed protection against fire. While smoke detectors have played a key role in reducing residential
fire deaths, they may not activate and provide early warning for a variety of reasons in as many as 35% of all fires. Some
of the reasons smoke detector used in alarm systems may not work are as follows:
• Smoke detectors will not work without power. Battery-operated devices will not work without batteries, or if
the batteries are not put in properly.
• Smoke detectors may have been improperly installed and positioned. Smoke detectors may not sense fires
that start where smoke cannot reach the detectors, such as in chimneys, in walls on the roof, or on the other
side of the closed doors. Smoke detectors also may not sense a fire on another level of a residence or
building. A second-floor detector, for example, may not sense a first-floor fire or basement fire. In addition,
smoke detectors have sensing limitations. No smoke detector can sense every kind of fire every time. In
general, detectors may not always provide adequate warning about rapidly spreading fires caused by
carelessness and safety hazards like smoking in bed, violent explosions, escaping gas, improper storage of
flammable materials, children playing with matches, or arson. Depending on the nature of the fire and/or
location of smoke detectors, the detector, even if it operates as anticipated, may not provide sufficient
warning to allow all occupants to escape in time to prevent injury or death.
• Alarm signals sent by the wireless transmitter in this device may be blocked or reflected by metal before they
reach the alarm receiver. Even if the signal path has been recently checked during a weekly test, blockage
can occur if a metal object is moved into the path.
• Alarm warning devise such as sirens, bells, or horns may not alert people or wake up sleepers if they are
located on the other side of the closed or partly open doors. If warning devices are located on a different level
of the residence from the bedrooms, then they are less likely to waken or alert people inside the bedrooms.
Even persons who are awake may not hear the warning. If the alarm is muffled by the noise from the stereo,
radio, air conditioner, or other appliances, or by passing traffic. Finally, alarm warning devices, however loud,
may not warn hearing-impaired people or waken deep sleepers.
• The smoke detector/transmitter, like other electrical devices is subject to component failure. Even though this
device is designed to last as long as 20 years, the electronic components in it should fail In any time. We
recommend that smoke detectors be replaced every 10 years as a precautionary measure against
component failure.
The most common cause of an alarm system not functioning when a fire occurs is inadequate maintenance. The
alarm system should be tested weekly to make sure all smoke detectors and their transmitters are working
properly. Detectors must be repaired or replaced when they do not function properly.
Installing the alarm system may make the owner eligible for lower insurance rates, but an alarm system is not a
substitute for insurance. Homeowners, property owners, and renters should continue to act prudently in protecting
themselves and continue to insure their lives and property.
We continue to develop new and improved protection devices. Users of alarm systems owe it to themselves and
their loved ones to learn about these developments.