f. This could mean your smoke alarm is dirty and should be cleaned as described in the maintenance procedure below.
g. If the smoke alarm continues to alarm, for TEST 2 position following cleaning, return it to Gentex for service.
h. To check for proper smoke entry into your smoke alarm's sensing chamber, Gentex recommends using the Home Safeguard Smoke Spray or CHEKKIT® SMOKE Detector Tester from SDI.
i. This test should be performed once a year and should be sprayed from a distance no closer than 12 inches from the smoke alarm.
MAINTENANCE
After your smoke alarm has been in operation for a period of time or if it was installed prior to the completion of all building construction, your device may have become more sensitive due to dirt build-up in the smoke alarm's optic sensing chamber which could cause nuisance alarms or could cause activation from small amounts of smoke build-up.
If this should occur, following this simple washing procedure will restore your smoke alarm back to its original condition.
For further information, regarding frequency of cleaning and testing, refer to NFPA 72, NFPA, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
NOTICE: Failure to follow full cleaning instructions could result in damage to this smoke alarm. DO NOT remove all smoke alarms at the same time for cleaning.
1. Turn off electrical power to the smoke alarm.
2. Rotate the smoke alarm counter-clockwise to remove it from its mounting plate.
3. Unplug the connector from the back of the smoke alarm. Do not remove the wire connection; leave the connector for your replacement smoke alarm or jumper plug. Remove the battery.
4. Select three (3) standard size wash buckets and fill them each with one gallon of normal tap water (distilled or de-ionized treated water is recommended as a final rinse if water is extremely hard in your area).
5. Add 1/8 cup of Ivory dishwashing liquid to the first bucket of water and allow it to mix thoroughly, then place one dirty smoke alarm into the soap water mixture until it becomes completely covered or submerged. NOTE: If the smoke alarms are exceptionally dirty, you may wish to first wipe off any excess dirt before washing unit so as not to dirty the wash water too quickly.
DO NOT open smoke alarm for cleaning. IF SMOKE ALARM IS OPENED DURING CLEANING, PRODUCT WARRANTY BECOMES VOID.
NOTICE: ONLY IVORY DISHWASHING LIQUID IS TO BE USED. OTHER BRANDS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED AND MAY CAUSE YOUR SMOKE ALARM TO MALFUNCTION.
6. Allow smoke alarm to soak for approximately 10 minutes (longer
if extremely dirty). Then agitate for 5 or 10 seconds to flush out any remaining dirt left inside smoke alarm's housing.
7. Remove smoke alarm from wash water and transfer directly to one of the first rinse buckets containing clear water. Again, allow smoke alarm to become completely submerged, agitate once more for 5 or 10 seconds to remove soap residue.
8. Finally, transfer smoke alarm to your second and final rinse bucket, repeating method found in Step 7, then remove smoke alarm to a clean dry area for a period of 48 hours to allow it to thoroughly dry.
IMPORTANT: IT IS RECOMMENDED TO CHANGE WASH AND RINSE WATER AFTER FIVE (5) SMOKE ALARMS. IF YOUR SMOKE ALARMS ARE EXTREMELY DIRTY, WATER SHOULD BE CHANGED MORE FREQUENTLY.
NOTICE: SMOKE ALARMS ARE TO BE AIR DRIED ONLY. DO NOT PLACE ALARM IN OVEN, MICROWAVE OR USE A HOT AIR BLOWER TO ACCELERATE DRYING TIME. THIS COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO YOUR SMOKE ALARM.
In the event you experience difficulty in the cleaning of your smoke alarm or if you have any questions, please contact Gentex Corporation or your local Gentex distributor.
If the smoke alarm does not work properly, do not try and fix it yourself. This will void your warranty. See "To Return a Smoke Alarm" for instructions to return smoke alarms that do not operate properly. DO NOT TRY TO FIX IT YOURSELF. IMPORTANT: Gentex recommends smoke alarms be tested a minimum of once a week.
WARNING! Never use an open flame of any kind to test your smoke alarm. You may ignite and damage the smoke alarm as well as your home. The test feature of your smoke alarm accurately simulates smoke conditions and tests the smoke alarm's functions as required by ANSI/UL 217.
WARNING! Do not cover, tape, or otherwise block the openings of your smoke alarm. These openings are designed to allow air to pass through your smoke alarm, thus sampling the air around the smoke alarm.
WARNING! Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards unless the combination has been evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.
FAILURE TO REGULARLY CLEAN THIS SMOKE ALARM WILL RESULT IN FALSE ALARMS. A BUILD UP OF DUST CREATES AN OBSCURATION THAT SIMULATES SMOKE. THIS MEANS THE UNIT WILL GO INTO ALARM WITHOUT A FIRE CONDITION.
TO RETURN A SMOKE ALARM
Should you experience problems with your smoke alarm, proceed as follows:
1. Turn off electrical power to the smoke alarm.
2. Twist the smoke alarm counter-clockwise to remove it from its mounting plate.
3. Unplug the connector from the back of the smoke alarm. Do not remove the wire connection; leave the connector for your replacement smoke alarm.
4. Remove battery from smoke alarm. Do not ship smoke alarm with battery still attached to battery clip.
5. Carefully pack (the manufacturer cannot be responsible for consequential damage) and return to the manufacturer. Include complete details as to exact nature of difficulties being experienced and date of installation.
6. Return to: Gentex Corporation, 10985 Chicago Drive, Zeeland, Michigan 49464. Prior to returning, call Gentex at 1-800-436-8391 or e-mail FP_RMA@gentex.com to obtain a RMA Number from our return department.
