First Alert SA500 user manual Optional Locking Features, Weekly Testing, Regular Maintenance

OPTIONAL LOCKING FEATURES

The optional locking features are designed to prevent unauthorized removal of the battery or alarm. It is not necessary to activate the locks in single-family households where unauthorized battery or alarm removal is not a concern.

These Smoke Alarms have two separate locking features: one to lock the battery compartment, and the other to lock the Smoke Alarm to the mounting bracket. You can choose to use either feature independently, or use them both.

Tools you will need: • Needle-nose pliers • Standard flathead screwdriver.

Both locking features use locking pins, which are molded into the mounting bracket. Depending on which locking features you use, remove one or both pins from the mounting bracket using needle-nose pliers.

To permanently remove either locking pin, insert a flathead screwdriver between the locking pin and the lock, and pry the pin out of the lock.

TO LOCK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT

Do not lock the battery compartment until you install the batteries and test the Smoke Alarm.

If the unit does not alarm during testing, DO NOT lock the battery compartment! Install new batteries and test again. If the Smoke Alarm still does not alarm, replace it immediately.

1. Using needle-nose pliers, detach one locking pin from the mounting bracket.

2. After batteries are inserted, then push the locking pin through the hole near the battery door latch on the back of the Smoke Alarm.

TO UNLOCK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT

1. Remove the Smoke Alarm from the mounting bracket. If the unit is locked to the bracket, see the section “To Unlock the Mounting Bracket.”

2. Insert a flathead screwdriver under the head of the locking pin, and gently pry it out of the battery compartment lock. (If you plan to relock the battery compartment, save the locking pin.)

3. To relock the battery compartment, close the battery door and reinsert locking pin in lock.

4. Reattach the Smoke Alarm to the mounting bracket.

When replacing the batteries, always test the Smoke Alarm before relocking the battery compartment.

TO LOCK THE MOUNTING BRACKET

1. Using needle-nose pliers, detach one locking pin from the mounting bracket.

2. Insert the locking pin through the hole on the back of the Smoke Alarm as shown in the diagram.

3. When you attach the Smoke Alarm to the mounting bracket, the locking pin’s head will fit into a notch on the bracket.

TO UNLOCK THE MOUNTING BRACKET

1. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the rectangular cut-out on the mounting bracket nearest to the locking pin.

2. Pry the Smoke Alarm away from the bracket by pushing up on the screwdriver and turning the Smoke Alarm counterclockwise (left) at the same time.

WEEKLY TESTING

•NEVER use an open flame of any kind to test this unit. You might accidentally damage or set fire to the unit or to your home. The built-in test switch accurately tests the unit’s operation as required by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL).

•If the Alarm ever fails to test properly, replace it immediately. Products under warranty may be returned to the manufacturer for replacement. See “Limited Warranty” for details.

•DO NOT stand close to the alarm when the horn is sounding. Exposure at close range may be harmful to your hearing. When testing, step away when horn starts sounding.

It is important to test this unit every week to make sure it is working properly. Using the test button is the recommended way to test this Smoke Alarm. Press and hold the test button on the cover of the unit until the alarm sounds (the unit may continue to alarm for a few seconds after you release the button). If it does not alarm, make sure the unit is receiving power (LED will flash approximately once a minute indicating it has power); and test it again. If it still does not alarm, replace it immediately. During testing you will hear a loud, repeating horn pattern: 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE

This unit has been designed to be as maintenance free as possible, but there are a few simple things you must do to keep it working properly.

Use only the replacement batteries listed below. The unit may not operate properly with other batteries. Never use rechargeable batteries since they may not provide a constant charge.

•Test it at least once a week.

•Clean the Smoke Alarm at least once a month; gently vacuum off any dust using your household vacuum’s soft brush attachment, and test the Smoke Alarm after cleaning. Never use water, cleaners or solvents since they may damage the unit.

•If the Smoke Alarm becomes contaminated by excessive dirt, dust and/or grime, and cannot be cleaned to avoid unwanted alarms, replace the unit immediately.

•Relocate the unit if it sounds frequent unwanted alarms. See “Locations to Avoid For Smoke Alarms” for details.

•When the battery becomes weak, the Smoke Alarm unit will “chirp” approximately once a minute (the low battery warning). This low battery warning should last for up to 30 days, but you should replace the battery immediately to continue your protection.

Choosing a replacement battery:

Your Smoke Alarm requires 2 “AA” Energizer E91 batteries. These batteries are available at many local retail stores.

Actual service life depends on the Smoke Alarm and the environment in which it is installed. All the batteries specified above are acceptable replacement batteries for this unit. Regardless of the manufacturer’s suggested battery life, you MUST replace the battery immediately once the unit starts “chirping” (the “low battery warning”).

To replace the batteries (without removing Alarm from the ceiling or wall):

1. Open the battery compartment.

2. Press tabs A and B as shown in the diagram and remove each battery.

3. Insert the new batteries, making sure
they snap completely into the battery
compartment. Match the terminals	AB
on the ends of the batteries with the
terminals on the unit.

4. Close the battery compartment, and then test the unit by pressing the Test/Silence button.

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