Maintenance, Limitations of Smoke Alarms

6. MAINTENANCE

BATTERY REPLACEMENT

To replace the battery, remove the alarm from the mounting plate by rotating the alarm in the direction of the “OFF” arrow on the cover (see Section 3, Figure 1).

The Model 0914 Smoke Alarm is powered by a 9V carbon zinc battery (alkaline and lithium batteries may also be used). A fresh battery should last for one year under normal operating conditions. This alarm has a low battery monitor circuit which will cause the alarm to “chirp” approximately every 30 - 40 seconds for a minimum of seven (7) days when the battery gets low. Replace the battery when this condition occurs.

USE ONLY THE FOLLOWING 9 VOLT BATTERIES FOR SMOKE ALARM REPLACEMENT.

Carbon Zinc Type:	EVEREADY 216 OR 1222;
	GOLD PEAK 1604P OR 1604S
Alkaline Type:	EVEREADY 522; DURACELL MN1604, MX1604;
	GOLD PEAK 1604A
Lithium Type:	ULTRALIFE U9VL

NOTE: REGULAR TESTING IS RECOMMENDED.

WARNING!! USE ONLY THE BATTERIES SPECIFIED. USE OF DIFFERENT BATTERIES MAY HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE SMOKE ALARM.

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 and blowing or vacuuming through the openings around the perimeter of the alarm. The outside of the alarm can be wiped with a damp cloth.

After cleaning, reinstall your alarm 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 primarily on early notification to occupants of the need to escape, followed by the appropri- ate 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 that escape should be possible. For these people, 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 rea- sonable cost; however, alarms have sensing limitations. Ionization type alarms

offer a broad range of fire sensing capabilities but are better at detecting fast flam- ing fires than slow smoldering fires. Photoelectric alarms sense smoldering fires better than flaming fires. Home fires develop in different ways and are often unpre- dictable. Neither type of alarm (photoelectric or ionization) is always best, and a given alarm may not always provide warning of a fire.

•A battery powered alarm must have a battery of the specified type, in good condi- tion and installed properly.

•A.C. powered alarms will not operate if the A.C. 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. Home owners and renters should have adequate insurance to protect their lives and property.

8. GOOD SAFETY HABITS

DEVELOP AND PRACTICE A PLAN OF ESCAPE

•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. Practice allows you to test your plan before an emergency. You may not be able to reach your children. It is important they know what to do.

•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.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THE ALARM SOUNDS

•Leave immediately by your escape plan. Every second counts, 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

0914 specifications

The Kidde 0914 is a highly regarded smoke alarm that combines functionality, reliability, and convenience, making it an essential device for home safety. Designed with user-friendly technology, the Kidde 0914 is a battery-operated smoke detector that provides early warning of potential fire hazards, ensuring peace of mind for homeowners and their families.

One of the standout features of the Kidde 0914 is its advanced photoelectric sensing technology. This technology is designed to detect slow-smoldering fires that are often produced by common household items such as furniture or bedding. Unlike traditional ionization smoke alarms, which are more effective at detecting fast-flaming fires, the photoelectric sensor reduces the likelihood of false alarms caused by cooking smoke or steam, thus improving overall reliability.

The Kidde 0914 is equipped with a loud, 85-decibel alarm that can alert occupants of the home effectively, even during sleep. The unit also includes a test/reset button, allowing users to easily verify alarm functionality and reset it if necessary. Another convenient feature is theindicator light that signals the unit's operational status, providing visual confirmation that the smoke alarm is working properly.

In terms of installation, the Kidde 0914 is user-friendly. It can be mounted on walls or ceilings with minimal effort, and the battery operation means there are no cumbersome wires to deal with. The product typically uses a standard 9V battery, making replacements straightforward and accessible.

The design of the Kidde 0914 is compact and unobtrusive, making it suitable for any room without being visually intrusive. This smoke detector is also lightweight, making it easier to install than heavier alternatives.

Safety is further enhanced by the Kidde brand's commitment to quality and innovation, backed by years of experience in fire safety solutions. The Kidde 0914 adheres to stringent safety standards, ensuring it meets the necessary requirements for effective fire detection.

In conclusion, the Kidde 0914 smoke alarm stands out for its photoelectric technology, user-friendly design, and reliability. It is an excellent choice for ensuring the safety of your home while delivering essential features that help reduce false alarms and provide early warning in case of fire. Prioritizing fire safety has never been easier with the dependable performance of the Kidde 0914.