RF-SM-ACDC
For model: RF-SM-ACDC
Wireless Smoke Alarm User’s Guide
Wireless Smoke Alarm with SMART HUSH® Control to temporarily silence
nuisance alarms and battery backup.
Thank you for purchasing a Kidde Wireless AC Powered Smoke Alarm, part of
the Kidde Wireless System. It is an important part of your family’s home safety
plan. You can trust this product to provide the highest level of quality and per-
formance. We know you expect nothing less when the lives of your family are at
stake. This alarm, in combination with other Kidde Wireless products, provides
you with an interconnected alarm system without having the inconvenience or
extensive labor of rewiring your home. An interconnected alarm system provides
an earlier warning to smoke or fire by linking alarms so that when one unit
sounds, it will trigger all other units to sound, thereby giving a family more time
to escape. Kidde estimates that nearly 100 million U.S. homes either do not
have interconnected smoke alarms, or have limited coverage. For homes that do
have interconnected systems, this battery powered alarm can provide additional
fire protection in other areas of the home.
For your convenience, write down the following information. If you call
our Consumer Hotline, these are the first questions you will be asked.
Smoke Alarm Model Number
(located on back of alarm):
Date Code (located on back of alarm): The
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
and the manufacturer recommend replacing
this alarm ten years from the date code.
Date of Purchase:
Where Purchased:
Manual P/N 820-0833 Rev. C
WARNING! Ionization sensing alarms may detect invisible fire parti-
cles (associated with fast flaming fires) sooner than photoelectric
alarms. Photoelectric sensing alarms may detect visible fire particles
(associated with slow smoldering fires) sooner than ionization
alarms. Home fires develop in different ways and are often unpre-
dictable. For maximum protection, Kidde recommends that both
Ionization and Photoelectric alarms be installed.
ELECTRICAL RATING: 120 VAC, 60HZ, 15mA maximum per alarm (maximum
15mA for originating unit with 24 devices interconnected).
IMPORTANT! READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE INSTALLATION AND KEEP
THIS USER’S GUIDE NEAR THE ALARM FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
This alarm is interconnect compatible with the following alarms and accessories:
• Smoke alarms: 1235, 1275, 1276, 1285, 1296, i12020, i12040, i12060, i12080,
PE120, PI2000, KN-COSM-I, KN-COSM-IB, RF-SM-ACDC and RF-SM-DC
• Heat alarm: HD135F
• CO alarms: KN-COB-IC, KN-COP-IC
• Relay modules: 120X, SM120X, CO120X
• Strobe Light: SL177i
• Smoke Sounder: RF-SND (not a UL certified accessory)
See User’s Guides for specific application information.
CONTENTS OF THIS USER’S GUIDE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR SMOKE ALARMS
LOCATIONS TO AVOID
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
OPERATION AND TESTING
NUISANCE ALARMS
MAINTENANCE
LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE ALARMS
GOOD SAFETY HABITS
NRC INFORMATION
10 NFPA PROTECTION STANDARD 72
11 CALIFORNIA STATE FIRE MARSHAL REQUIRED INFORMATION
12 TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
13 SERVICE AND WARRANTY
1. RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS FOR ALARMS
• Locate the first alarm in the immediate area of the bedrooms. Try to monitor
the exit path as the bedrooms are usually farthest from the exit. If more than
one sleeping area exists, locate additional alarms in each sleeping area.
• Locate additional alarms to monitor any stairway as they act as chimneys for
smoke and heat.
• Locate at least one alarm on every floor.
• Locate an alarm in every bedroom.
• Locate an alarm in every room where electrical appliances operate (i.e.
portable heaters or humidifiers).
• Locate an alarm in every room where someone sleeps with the door closed.
The closed door may prevent an alarm not located in that room from waking
the sleeper. Kidde recommends installing a Wireless Smoke Sounder in all
rooms where older adults, individuals with partial hearing loss, and children
sleep.
• Smoke, heat, and combustion products rise to the ceiling and spread hori-
zontally. Mounting the smoke alarm in the center of the ceiling places it clos-
est to all points in the room. Ceiling mounting is preferred in ordinary resi-
dential construction.
• For mobile home installation, select locations carefully to avoid thermal barri-
ers that may form at the ceiling. For more details, see MOBILE HOME INSTAL-
LATION below.
• When mounting an alarm on the ceiling, locate it at a minimum of 4” (10
cm) from the sidewall (see Figure 1).
• When mounting the alarm on the wall, use an inside wall with the top edge
of the alarm at a minimum of 4” (10 cm) and a maximum of 12” (30.5 cm)
below the ceiling (see Figure 1).
• Put smoke alarms at both ends of a bedroom hallway or large room if the
hallway or room is more than 30 feet (9.1 m) long.
• Install Smoke Alarms on sloped, peaked or cathedral ceilings at or within 3ft
(0.9m) of the highest point (measured horizontally). NFPA 72 states: “Smoke
alarms in rooms with ceiling slopes greater than 1 foot in 8 feet (.3m in 2.4
m) horizontally shall be located on the high side of the room.” NFPA 72
states: “A row of detectors shall be spaced and located within 3 ft (0.9m) of
the peak of the ceiling measured horizontally” (see Figure 3).
FIGURE 1
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 3
MOBILE HOME INSTALLATION
Modern mobile homes have been designed and built to be energy efficient.
Install smoke alarms as recommended above, refer to RECOMMENDED LOCA-
TIONS and Figure 1. In older mobile homes that are not well insulated com-
pared to present standards, extreme heat or cold can be transferred from the
outside to the inside through poorly insulated walls and roof. This may create a
thermal barrier that can prevent the smoke from reaching an alarm mounted on
the ceiling. In such units, install the smoke alarm on an inside wall with the top
edge of the alarm at a minimum of 4” (10 cm) and a maximum of 12” (30.5
cm) below the ceiling (see Figure 1). If you are not sure about the insulation in
your mobile home, or if you notice that the outer walls and ceiling are either
hot or cold, install the alarm on an inside wall. For minimum protection, install
at least one alarm close to the bedrooms. For additional protection, see SINGLE
FLOOR PLAN in Figure 2.
WARNING: TEST YOUR SMOKE ALARM OPERATION AFTER R.V. OR
MOBILE HOME VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN STORAGE, BEFORE EACH TRIP
AND AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK DURING USE.
2. LOCATIONS TO AVOID
• In the garage. Products of combustion are present when you start your auto-
mobile.
• Less than 4” (10cm) from the peak of an “A” frame type ceiling.
• In an area where the temperature may fall below 40ºF or rise above 100ºF,
such as garages and unfinished attics.
• In dusty areas. Dust particles may cause nuisance alarm or a failure to alarm.
• In very humid areas. Moisture or steam can cause nuisance alarms.
• In insect-infested areas.
• Smoke alarms should not be installed within 3 ft (.9m) of the following: the
door to a kitchen, the door to a bathroom containing a tub or shower,
forced air supply ducts used for heating or cooling, ceiling paddle or whole
house ventilating fans, or other high air flow areas.
• Kitchens. Normal cooking may cause nuisance alarms. If a kitchen alarm is
desired, it should have an alarm silence feature or be a photoelectric type.
• Near fluorescent lights, amateur radios, electrical equipment or other devices
known to transmit in the RF band. Electronic “noise” may cause nuisance
alarms.
• Near large metal surfaces and bundles of wire.
• Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards unless the combination
(alarm and guard) have been evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.
3. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
WIRELESS INTERCONNECT SETUP
1. Remove your new Kidde Wireless Interconnect devices from their respective
packages and place them in front of you.
DO NOT PLUG THEM IN OR INSTALL THE BATTERIES.
2. Find the 8-position dipswitch located on
the back of each device. For this model,
the dipswitch is located under the battery
door (see Figure 4).
3. Select one of the units. You will define the
ID of your system by positioning the
switches of the dipswitch in a random pat-
tern. The ID will need to be the same for
FIGURE 4
each alarm or accessory. This ID will differentiate your alarm system from
similar systems nearby. DO NOT USE THE DEFAULT ID YOUR UNITS ARE
SHIPPED WITH!
4. Using a pen or pencil, change the switches in each of the Kidde Wireless
devices to match the pattern you selected in step 3. Ensure that the
sequence is not reversed.
5. Power each unit after setting the ID by installing the batteries. The alarms
only read the ID that has been set when they are first supplied power. Any
changes to the switch after the unit is powered will not be recognized, and
will require the power to be removed for a minimum of 30 seconds before
powering again.
6. Push and hold the test button on each unit for at least 5 seconds, or until
all the devices produce an alarm. If all the units do not produce an alarm,
refer to the trouble-shooting section at the end of the user’s guide.
CAUTION: Due to the loudness of the alarm, always stand an arm’s
length away from the unit when testing.
7. Install the alarms in accordance with the user’s guide as described in section
1, and repeat step 6. Since wireless communication can be interrupted by
a number of factors, you must test your alarms weekly to ensure proper
communication between alarms.
8. Read the user’s guide and keep it in a safe place for future reference.
If your Wireless smoke alarms enter alarm mode, first check to see if
there is a fire. If a fire does not exist, and the test buttons have not
been activated on any of the units, it is likely that you are receiving
interference from a similar system nearby. In this case, repeat the above
steps and select a different dipswitch pattern, making sure to disconnect
power and remove the batteries before changing the switch positions.
WIRING REQUIREMENTS
• This smoke alarm should be installed on a U.L. listed or recognized junction
box. All connections should be made by a qualified electrician and all wiring
used shall be in accordance with articles 210 and 300.3(B) of the U.S. National
Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA 70, NFPA 72 and/or any other codes having jurisdic-
tion in your area. The multiple station interconnect wiring to the alarms must
be run in the same raceway or cable as the AC power wiring. In addition, the
resistance of the interconnect wiring shall be a maximum of 10 ohms.
• The appropriate power source is 120 Volt AC Single Phase supplied from a
non-switchable circuit that is not protected by a ground fault interrupter.
WARNING: This alarm cannot be operated on power derived from a square
wave, modified square wave or modified sine wave inverter. These types of
inverters are sometimes used to supply power to the structure in off grid instal-
lations, such as solar or wind derived power sources. These power sources pro-
duce high peak voltages that will damage the alarm.
WIRING INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC QUICK CONNECTOR
CAUTION! TURN OFF THE MAIN POWER TO THE CIRCUIT BEFORE
WIRING THE ALARM.
• If you are using the Kidde Wireless AC Powered alarms to replace Hardwired
alarms that are not interconnected (see definitions on Quick Setup Guide),
DO NOT CONNECT THE RED WIRE TO ANYTHING. Leave the red wire-insulat-
ing cap in place to make certain that the red wire cannot contact any metal
parts or the electrical box.
• When alarms are interconnected, all interconnected units must be powered
from a single circuit.
• Only one Wireless AC Powered alarm may be used when all existing alarms
are Hardwired with Interconnect (see definitions on Quick Setup Guide).
• A maximum of 24 devices may be hardwire interconnected in a multiple sta-
tion arrangement. The interconnect system should not exceed the NFPA inter-
connect limit of 12 smoke alarms and/or 18 alarms total (smoke, heat, carbon
monoxide, etc.). With 18 alarms interconnected, it is still possible to intercon-
nect up to a total of 6 remote signaling devices and/or relay modules.
Kidde alarms and accessories CAN ONLY BE interconnected with other
Kidde alarms and accessories as well as specified brands and models of
interconnect compatible alarms. Connection of Kidde products to a non-
specified manufacturer’s interconnect system, or connection with non-
specified equipment from another manufacturer into an existing Kidde
system could result in nuisance alarming, failure to alarm, or damage to
one or all of the devices in the interconnect system. Refer to User’s
Guide supplied with each Kidde product for lists of interconnect compat-
ible models, brands, and devices.
• When mixing models that have battery backup (1275, 1276, 1285, 1296,
i12040, i12060, i12080, PE120, PI2000, KN-COSM-IB, HD135F, KN-COB-IC,
KN-COP-IC) with models without battery backup ((1235, i12020, KN-COSM-
I, 120X, SM120X, CO120X, SL177i), be advised that the models without bat-
tery backup will not respond during an AC power failure.
• For more information about compatible interconnect units and their func-
• The maximum wire run distance between the first and last unit in an inter-
connected system is 1000 feet.
• Figure 5 illustrates interconnection wiring. Improper connection will result in
damage to the alarm, failure to operate, or a shock hazard.
• Make certain alarms are wired to a continuous (non-switched) power line.
NOTE: Use standard UL listed household wire (as required by local codes)
available at all electrical supply stores and most hardware stores.
FUSE OR CIRCUIT BREAKER
RED
BLACK
WHITE
BLACK
WHITE
RED
CONNECTOR
CONNECTOR
Kidde
Relay Module
SM120X
Wireless Alarm
(1 ONLY)
Optional
Accessory
Existing Alarms
FIGURE 5
INTERCONNECT WIRING DIAGRAM
WIRES ON AC QUICK CONNECTOR MUST BE CONNECTED TO:
Black . . . Hot Side of AC Line
White . . . Neutral Side of AC Line
Red . . . . Interconnect Lines (Red Wires) of Other Units in the Multiple Station Setup
BATTERY INSTALLATION
CAUTION! THIS UNIT WILL NOT FUNCTION WITHOUT A PROPERLY
INSTALLED BATTERY, AND IS EQUIPPED WITH A BATTERY LOCKOUT
FEATURE WHICH PREVENTS THE BATTERY DOOR FROM CLOSING IF A
BATTERY IS NOT INSTALLED CORRECTLY.
If your unit was supplied with a yellow pull tab, gently pull the tab out to acti-
vate the battery backup once the unit has been connected to AC power and
mounted to the electrical box with the included trim ring. See MOUNTING
INSTRUCTIONS in the following section.
To install a battery for the first time, remove the alarm from the mounting
bracket and open the battery door. Battery installation instructions are provided
on the inside of the battery door. When installing, use the battery to press the
battery reminder finger down into the battery compartment (see figure 6).
Battery
Finger
FIGURE 6 BATTERY REPLACEMENT
CAUTION! IF THE BATTERY REMINDER FINGER IS NOT HELD DOWN
IN THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT BY THE BATTERY, THE BATTERY
DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE, THE AC QUICK CONNECTOR WILL NOT
ATTACH TO THE ALARM, AND THE ALARM WILL NOT ATTACH TO
THE MOUNTING BRACKET.
After installing the battery, connect your alarm to the AC Quick Connector and
mount the unit. Test your alarm by using the test/reset button and check that
the green LED is on.
A missing or improperly installed battery will prevent the battery door from clos-
ing and result in improper alarm operation. This smoke alarm uses a 9V alkaline
battery (lithium batteries may also be used). A fresh battery should last for one
year under normal operating conditions. This alarm has a low/missing battery
monitor circuit that will cause the alarm to “chirp” approximately every 60 sec-
onds for a minimum of seven (7) days when the battery gets low. Replace the
battery when this condition occurs.
MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: THIS UNIT IS SEALED. THE COVER IS
NOT REMOVABLE!
CAUTION: WHEN WALL MOUNTING: UNIT
MUST BE MOUNTED SO THAT THE SOUNDER
OPENINGS ARE AT THE BOTTOM! (SEE FIGURE
7). INCORRECT ORIENTATION OF WALL
FIGURE 7
MOUNTED SMOKE ALARMS WILL DECREASE
OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS.
1. Complete the steps in section 3, WIRELESS INTERCONNECT SETUP.
When wall mounting,
the “A” line should be
horizontal.
When
mounting in
a hallway,
the “A” line
should be
parallel with
the hallway.
A
A
Install
Remove
Alignment Marks
FIGURE 8
2. After selecting the proper smoke alarm location as described in Section 1
and wiring the AC Quick Connector as described in the WIRING INSTRUC-
TIONS, attach the trim ring to the electrical box (see Figure 8). To ensure
aesthetic alignment of the alarm, the “A” line on the mounting bracket
should be parallel with the hallway when ceiling mounted, or horizontal
when wall mounted.
3. Pull the AC Quick Connector through the center hole in the mounting
bracket and secure the bracket, making sure that the mounting screws are
positioned in the small ends of the keyholes before tightening the screws.
4. Plug the AC Quick Connector into the back of the alarm (see Figure 5),
making sure that the locks on the connector snap into place. Then push the
excess wire back into the electrical box through the hole in the center of the
mounting bracket.
5. Install the alarm on the mounting bracket and rotate the alarm clockwise
until the alarm ratchets into place (this ratcheting function allows for aes-
thetic alignment). NOTE: The alarm will mount to the bracket in 4 positions
(every 90 degrees).
6. Turn on the AC power. The green Power On Indicator should be lit when
the alarm is operating from AC power. Confirm unit operation by pressing
the test button.
7. Test the unit to ensure proper operation by pressing the Test Button. All
interconnected alarms should respond.
CAUTION: Due to the loudness of the alarm, always stand an arm’s
length away from the unit when testing.
Tamper Resist Features
Locations of Posts
FIGURE 9A
FIGURE 9B
This alarm has a tamper resist feature, which helps prevent someone from
removing the unit from the mounting bracket. Activate the smoke alarm tamper
resist feature by breaking off the four posts in the square holes in the mounting
bracket (see Figure 9A). When the posts are broken off, the tamper resist tab on
the base is allowed to engage the mounting bracket. Rotate the alarm onto the
mounting bracket until you hear the tamper resist tab snap into place, locking
the alarm on the mounting bracket. Using the tamper resist feature will help
deter children and others from removing the alarm from the bracket. NOTE: To
remove the alarm when the tamper resist tab is engaged, press down on the
the tamper resist tab, and rotate the alarm off the bracket (see Figure 9B).
4. OPERATION AND TESTING
OPERATION
The smoke alarm is operating once AC power is supplied, a fresh battery is
installed and testing is complete. When the smoke alarm ionization chamber
senses products of combustion, the horn will sound a loud (85db) temporal
alarm until the sensing chamber is cleared of smoke particles.
Smart HUSH® CONTROL: The Smart HUSH® feature has the capability of tem-
porarily desensitizing the smoke sensing circuitry in order to quiet your alarm
while you take care of a non-emergency event. This feature is to be used only
when a known alarm condition, such as smoke from cooking, activates the
alarm. Activate Smart HUSH® control by pushing the button on the smoke alarm
cover. If the smoke is not too dense, the alarm will silence immediately. The
green LED will blink every 2 seconds for approximately 7 minutes to indicate
that the alarm is in a temporarily desensitized condition. The smoke alarm will
automatically reset after approximately 7 minutes, and will sound again if parti-
cles of combustion are still present. The Smart HUSH® feature can be used
repeatedly until the air has been cleared of the condition causing the alarm.
Pushing the test button on the alarm will end the HUSH® period.
Remote HUSH® CONTROL: Press the button on any Kidde Wireless device to acti-
vate the Smart HUSH® feature on the Wireless smoke alarm that is initiating an
alarm. This allows you to enable the Smart HUSH® feature on an alarm that may
be installed in an area that is difficult to reach. This feature should only be used
when a known alarm condition, such as smoke from cooking, activates the alarm.
NOTE: DENSE SMOKE WILL OVERRIDE THE HUSH® CONTROL FEATURE
AND SOUND A CONTINUOUS ALARM.
CAUTION: BEFORE USING THE ALARM HUSH® FEATURE, IDENTIFY
THE SOURCE OF THE SMOKE AND BE CERTAIN A SAFE CONDITION
EXISTS.
Low Battery HUSH® CONTROL: When the battery needs to be replaced, the unit
will produce a low battery “chirp” once per minute. The Low Battery HUSH®
feature allows you to press the button on the alarm producing the warning and
disable the “chirp” for a random period of up to 12 hours. This gives you a
chance to replace the battery at a more convenient time without sacrificing your
safety by disconnecting the alarm from power. During this Low Battery HUSH®
period, your alarm is performing normally and is not desensitized.
LED Indicator Operation
Red LED:
The red LED will flash in conjunction with the alarm beep. Therefore, the red
LED will flash during a smoke alarm, a low battery mode chirp and a unit error
mode chirp.
Green LED:
The green LED will illuminate as described below:
STANDBY CONDITION (powered by AC and battery backup) - The LED will
be constantly on.
STANDBY CONDITION (powered by only battery backup) - The LED will
flash approximately every 10 seconds.
INITIATING ALARM INDICATOR - The LED will flash every second while
sounding an alarm to signify that the alarm sensed a smoke hazard. This
will only be displayed on the alarms that sensed smoke. The remaining
interconnected alarm will sound but will not display the initiating indicator.
The initiating indicator varies from model to model. See the users guide
for each specific model of interconnected alarm for a description of the
initiating alarm indicator.
ALARM MEMORY CONDITION - The LED will flash every second signifying
that the alarm sensed a smoke hazard. It will continue to flash every sec-
ond until the test/reset button is pressed, thus resetting the alarm.
HUSH® MODE CONDITION - The LED will flash every 2 seconds while the
alarm is in HUSH® mode.
TESTING
TEST THE ALARM WEEKLY TO ENSURE PROPER OPERATION.
When testing, ensure that all units activate in response to a push to test from
another unit. This will verify that changes in your environment (i.e. moved furni-
ture, addition of electronic appliances) have not adversely effected the operation
of your Wireless system.
Remote Push To Test: Test your Kidde Wireless alarm system by activating the test
button on any Kidde Wireless alarm for a minimum of 5 seconds, or until all of
the interconnected alarms sound. When the other alarms respond, this verifies
that both the alarms and the interconnect system are functioning properly.
It may take up to 12 seconds for your Wireless interconnected alarms to
enter alarm mode in response to a remote push to test.
If the alarm does not sound, check the fuse or circuit breaker supplying power
to the alarm circuit. If the alarm still does not sound, the unit may have defec-
tive batteries or other failure and you should call Kidde customer service at 1-
800-880-6788. If other interconnected alarms do not produce an alarm signal,
see the trouble-shooting guide in section 12.
DO NOT use an open flame to test your alarm; you could damage the alarm or
ignite combustible materials and start a structure fire.
Erratic or low sound coming from your alarm may indicate a defective alarm,
and it should be returned for service (see Section 13).
5. NUISANCE ALARMS
Smoke alarms are designed to minimize nuisance alarms. Cigarette smoke will
not normally set off the alarm, unless the smoke is blown directly into the
alarm. Combustion particles from cooking may set off the alarm if the alarm is
located close to the cooking area. Large quantities of combustible particles are
generated from spills or when broiling. Using the fan on a range hood which
vents to the outside (non-recirculating type) will also help remove these com-
bustible products from the kitchen.
Model RF-SM-ACDC has a HUSH® button that is extremely useful in a kitchen
area or other areas prone to nuisance alarms. For more information, refer to
Section 4 OPERATION AND TESTING. If the alarm does sound, check for fires
first. If a fire is discovered, get out and call the fire department. If no fire is pres-
ent, check to see if one of the reasons listed in Section 2 may have caused the
alarm.
In rare occasions, interference from other electronic devices may cause nuisance
alarms. If you do get nuisance alarms, please refer to the trouble-shooting guide
at the end of this and each of your Kidde Wireless products’ user’s guides.
6. MAINTENANCE
ALARM REMOVAL
IF THE SMOKE ALARM’S TAMPER RESIST FEATURE HAS BEEN ACTIVATED,
REFER TO THE PARAGRAPH ON SMOKE ALARM TAMPER RESIST FEATURE
IN SECTION 3 FOR REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS.
To remove the alarm from the trim ring, rotate the alarm counter clockwise in
the direction of the "OFF" arrow on the cover. To disconnect the AC power,
squeeze the locking arms on the sides of the AC Quick Connector while pulling
the connector away from the bottom of the alarm (see Section 3, Figure 3).
ALARM REPLACEMENT
Ten years after initial power-up, this unit will “chirp” every 30 seconds to indi-
cate that it is time to replace the alarm. A label has been provided on the side
of the alarm that has “Replace by” printed on it. Write the replace by date on
the label. The date written on the label should be after ten (10) years of cumu-
lative power. NOTE: Chirping once a minute is an indication of a low battery
where as the indication for replacement is once every 30 seconds.
BATTERY INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL
Battery Replacement
If any form of battery failure is detected, the red LED light will flash and the unit
will “chirp” once every minute.
Refer to Section 3, BATTERY INSTALLATION and the inside of the battery
door.
USE ONLY THE FOLLOWING 9 VOLT BATTERIES FOR SMOKE ALARM REPLACE-
MENT.
Alkaline type: ENERGIZER 522; DURACELL MN1604 OR MX1604; GOLD PEAK
1604A; PANASONIC 6AM6, 6AM-6, 6AM-6PI, 6AM6X, and 6LR61(GA).
Lithium type: ULTRALIFE U9VL-J
NOTE: WEEKLY TESTING IS REQUIRED!
WARNING! BE SURE TO FOLLOW BATTERY INSTALLATION INSTRUC-
TIONS PRINTED ON THE INSIDE OF THE BATTERY DOOR OF THE
ALARM AND USE ONLY THE BATTERIES SPECIFIED. USE OF DIFFER-
ENT BATTERIES MAY HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE SMOKE
ALARM AND MAY CAUSE IT NOT TO FUNCTION AS INTENDED.
CONSTANT EXPOSURES TO HIGH OR LOW TEMPERATURES OR HIGH
HUMIDITY MAY REDUCE BATTERY LIFE.
CLEANING YOUR ALARM
YOUR ALARM SHOULD BE CLEANED AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR
To clean your alarm, remove it from the mounting bracket as outlined in the
beginning of this section. You can clean the interior of your alarm (sensing
chamber) by using compressed air or a vacuum cleaner hose around the perime-
ter of the alarm. The outside of the alarm can be wiped with a damp cloth.
After cleaning, reinstall your alarm, verify the green LED is on and test your
alarm by using the test button. If cleaning does not restore the alarm to normal
operation the alarm should be replaced.
7. LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE ALARMS
WARNING: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND THOROUGHLY
• NFPA 72 states: Life safety from fire in residential occupancies is based prima-
rily on early notification to occupants of the need to escape, followed by the
appropriate egress actions by those occupants. Fire warning systems for
dwelling units are capable of protecting about half of the occupants in
potentially fatal fires. Victims are often intimate with the fire, too old or
young, or physically or mentally impaired such that they cannot escape even
when warned early enough so that escape should be possible. For these peo-
ple, other strategies such as protection-in-place or assisted escape or rescue
are necessary.
• Smoke alarms are devices that can provide early warning of possible
fires at a reasonable cost; however, alarms have sensing limitations.
Ionization sensing alarms may detect invisible fire particles (associat-
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Photoelectric sensing alarms may detect visible fire particles (associat-
ed with slow smoldering fires) sooner than ionization alarms. Home
fires develop in different ways and are often unpredictable. For maxi-
mum protection, Kidde recommends that both Ionization and
Photoelectric alarms be installed.
• A battery-powered alarm must have a battery of the specified type, in good
condition and installed properly.
• AC powered alarms (without battery backup) will not operate if the AC
power has been cut off, such as by an electrical fire or an open fuse.
• Smoke alarms must be tested regularly to make sure the batteries and the
alarm circuits are in good operating condition.
• Smoke alarms cannot provide an alarm if smoke does not reach the alarm.
Therefore, smoke alarms may not sense fires starting in chimneys, walls, on
roofs, on the other side of a closed door or on a different floor.
• If the alarm is located outside the bedroom or on a different floor, it may not
wake up a sound sleeper.
• The use of alcohol or drugs may also impair one’s ability to hear the smoke
alarm. For maximum protection, a smoke alarm should be installed in each
sleeping area on every level of a home.
• Although smoke alarms can help save lives by providing an early warning of
a fire, they are not a substitute for an insurance policy. Homeowners and
renters should have adequate insurance to protect their lives and property.
8. GOOD SAFETY HABITS
DEVELOP AND PRACTICE A PLAN OF ESCAPE
• Install and maintain fire extinguishers on every level of the home and in the
kitchen, basement and garage. Know how to use a fire extinguisher prior to
an emergency.
• Make a floor plan indicating all doors and windows and at least two (2)
escape routes from each room. Second story windows may need a rope or
chain ladder.
• Have a family meeting and discuss your escape plan, showing everyone what
to do in case of fire.
• Determine a place outside your home where you all can meet if a fire occurs.
• Familiarize everyone with the sound of the smoke alarm and train them to
leave your home when they hear it.
• Practice a fire drill at least every six months, including fire drills at night when
family members are asleep to see who responds. If someone doesn’t wake
up, assign an adult to wake and assist that individual in the event of a fire.
Kidde recommends that parents plan on alerting and assisting children.
Practice allows all occupants to test your plan before an emergency. It is
important they know what to do.
• Current studies have shown smoke alarms may not awaken all sleeping indi-
viduals, and that it is the responsibility of individuals in the household that
are capable of assisting others to provide assistance to those who may not be
awakened by the alarm sound, or to those who may be incapable of safely
evacuating the area unassisted.
WHAT TO DO WHEN THE ALARM SOUNDS
• Leave immediately by your escape plan. Families have on average less than
three minutes to escape a fire so don’t waste time getting dressed or picking
up valuables.
• In leaving, don’t open any inside door without first feeling its surface. If hot, or
if you see smoke seeping through cracks, don’t open that door! Instead, use
your alternate exit. If the inside of the door is cool, place your shoulder against
it, open it slightly and be ready to slam it shut if heat and smoke rush in.
• Stay close to the floor if the air is smoky. Breathe shallowly through a cloth,
wet if possible.
• Once outside, go to your selected meeting place and make sure everyone is
there.
• Call the fire department from your neighbor’s home - not from yours!
• Don’t return to your home until the fire officials say that it is all right to do so.
• There are situations where a smoke alarm may not be effective to protect
against fire as stated in the NFPA Standard 72. For instance:
a) smoking in bed
b) leaving children home alone
c) cleaning with flammable liquids, such as gasoline
9. NRC INFORMATION
Ionization type smoke alarms use a very small amount of a radioactive element
in the sensing chamber to enable detection of visible and invisible combustion
products. The radioactive element is safely contained in the chamber and
requires no adjustments or maintenance. This smoke alarm meets or exceeds all
government standards. It is manufactured and distributed under license from
the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
10. NFPA REQUIRED PROTECTION
The National Fire Protection Association’s Standard 72 provides the following
information:
Smoke Detection - Where required by applicable laws, codes, or standards for
the specified occupancy, approved single- and multiple-station smoke alarms
shall be installed as follows: (1) In all sleeping rooms Exception: Smoke alarms
shall not be required in sleeping rooms in existing one- and two-family dwelling
units. (2) Outside of each separate sleeping area, in immediate vicinity of the
sleeping rooms. (3) On each level of the dwelling unit, including basements
Exception: In existing one- and two-family dwelling units, approved smoke
alarms powered by batteries are permitted.
Smoke Detection - Are More Smoke Alarms Desirable? The required number of
smoke alarms might not provide reliable early warning protection for those
areas separated by a door from the areas protected by the required smoke
alarms. For this reason, it is recommended that the householder consider the
use of additional smoke alarms for those areas for increased protection. The
additional areas include the basement, bedrooms, dining room, furnace room,
utility room, and hallways not protected by the required smoke alarms. The
installation of the smoke alarms in the kitchen, attic (finished or unfinished), or
garage is normally not recommended, as these locations occasionally experience
conditions that can result in improper operation. This equipment should be
installed in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association’s Standard
72 (NFPA, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269).
NOTIFY YOUR LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT AND INSURANCE COMPANY OF YOUR
SMOKE ALARM INSTALLATION.
11. CAUTION (AS REQUIRED BY THE CALIFORNIA STATE FIRE
MARSHAL)
“Early warning fire detection is best achieved by the installation of fire detection
equipment in all rooms and areas of the household as follows. A smoke alarm
installed in each separate sleeping area (in the vicinity of, but outside of the
bedrooms), and heat or smoke detectors in the living rooms, dining rooms, bed-
rooms, kitchens, hallways, attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility and storage
rooms, basements and attached garages.”
12. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Problem
Possible cause
Solution
Not all of the
Devices may not all
be on the same ID.
Locate the 8-position dipswitch on the back of each
unit and ensure that all of the corresponding switches
are set the same. If an ID needs to be changed:
Remove power, change the ID and reapply power.
alarms/accessories
produce an alarm
signal when the Test
button is pushed on
a unit.
Devices may not have Check to see if the Green LED is on continuously (this
power.
tells you the alarm is receiving AC power) or that it
blinks every ten seconds (this tells you that it is receiving
only battery power). If not, make sure the batteries are
installed correctly and AC Quick Connector is installed
correctly. Contact a qualified electrician to check power
to the wires.
Button not pressed
long enough.
Press and hold the button for a minimum of 5 seconds.
There may be too
much interference
between units.
Move the other units to a new location and try again.
You should try to locate the wireless units as closely to
each other as possible.
Other interconnect- Wiring not installed
ed hardwired alarms properly.
do not sound.
Turn off the power to the alarms’ circuit and ensure
that the wires are connected correctly. See section 3,
WIRING INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC QUICK CONNECTOR .
Units signal an
alarm when no fire
is present and none nearby.
of the test buttons
Unit is set to the
same ID as a system
Change the ID of your units by following the instruc-
tions in Section 3, INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS, WIRE-
LESS INTERCONNECT SETUP. Make sure to turn power
off to all units before changing the switch positions.
have been pushed.
Unit is located in area Review section 2.LOCATIONS TO AVOID. Relocate the
prone to cause false
alarms.
unit.
Electrical noise on the Ensure that the smoke alarms are installed on a dedicat-
interconnect line of
an AC alarm
ed electrical circuit. A professional electrician may be
needed to correct a problem with the wiring.
Wireless Interference. Move the other units to a new location.
Units continue to
signal an alarm after ACDC units installed
the smoke has been on the same inter-
removed from the
area or more than
60 seconds after a
test button was
pushed.
You have two RF-SM- Only one RF-SM-ACDC unit can be connected to system
that uses a third wire to interconnect units. If two RF-
SM-ACDC units are connected to a wired interconnect
system they will interfere with each other’s transmis-
sions and can cause each other to alarm continuously.
connect circuit.
13. SERVICE AND WARRANTY
If after reviewing this user’s guide you feel that your smoke alarm is defective in
any way, do not tamper with the unit. Call the Consumer Hotline, 1-800-880-
6788, to determine if you need to return it for servicing (See Warranty for in-
warranty returns).
KIDDE
1016 Corporate Park Dr., Mebane, NC 27302
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
This device has been designed, constructed, and tested for compliance with
FCC Rules that regulate intentional and unintentional radiators. The user is not
permitted to make any modifications to this equipment or use it in any manner
inconsistent with the methods described in this User’s Guide, without express
approval from Kidde. Doing so will void the user’s authority to operate this
equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
The term “IC:” before the radio certification number only signifies that Industry
of Canada technical specifications were met.
TEN YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
KIDDE warrants to the original purchaser that the enclosed smoke alarm (but not the
battery) will be free from defects in material and workmanship or design under normal
use and service for a period of ten years from the date of purchase. The obligation of
KIDDE under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing the smoke alarm or any
part which we find to be defective in material, workmanship or design, free of charge
to the customer, upon sending the smoke alarm with proof of date of purchase,
postage and return postage prepaid, to Warranty Service Department, KIDDE, 1016
Corporate Park Dr., Mebane, NC 27302.
This warranty shall not apply to the smoke alarm if it has been damaged, modified,
abused or altered after the date of purchase or if it fails to operate due to improper
maintenance or inadequate AC or DC electrical power.
THE LIABILITY OF KIDDE OR ANY OF ITS PARENT OR SUBSIDIARY CORPORATIONS
ARISING FROM THE SALE OF THIS SMOKE ALARM OR UNDER THE TERMS OF THIS
LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL NOT IN ANY CASE EXCEED THE COST OF REPLACEMENT
OF SMOKE ALARM AND, IN NO CASE, SHALL KIDDE OR ANY OF ITS PARENT OR SUB-
SIDIARY CORPORATIONS BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS OR DAMAGES
RESULTING FROM THE FAILURE OF THE SMOKE ALARM OR FOR BREACH OF THIS OR
ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, EVEN IF THE LOSS OR DAMAGE IS
CAUSED BY THE COMPANY’S NEGLIGENCE OR FAULT.
Since some states do not allow limitations on the duration of an implied warranty or
do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, the
above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. While this warranty gives you
specific legal rights, you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Also, KIDDE makes no warranty, express or implied, written or oral, including that of
merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose, with respect to the battery.
The above warranty may not be altered except in writing signed by both parties hereto.
QUESTIONS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call our Consumer Hotline at 1-800-880-6788 or contact
us at our website at www.kidde.com
Kidde 1016 Corporate Park Drive, Mebane, NC 27302
©Copyright Walter Kidde Portable Equipment 2005. All Rights Reserved.
U.S. Patent No. 6,753,786; 6,791,453 and other Patents Pending
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