BRK electronic 4120SB, 4120 AC user manual Limitations of Smoke Alarms

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 them. They are not foolproof.

Smoke Alarms cannot work without power. Battery operated units cannot work if the batteries are miss- ing, disconnected or dead, if the wrong type of batter- ies are used, or if the batteries are not installed cor- rectly. 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 con- cerned about the limitations of battery or AC power, install both types of units.

Smoke Alarms cannot detect fires if the smoke does not reach them. 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 bedroom 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 recom- mended 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 “Other Features Of 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 UL 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 con- ditioner 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 imme- diately. Examples of this include persons smoking in bed, children 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 provided on back of unit.

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