ART-SD3792A-00, REV.00
Hardwired Ionization Smoke Alarm with Silence and
Interconnectable Function (
Model No: SMODETI240)
BACKGROUND
There are two different types of smoke alarms currently in general use: the ionization smoke
alarm and the photoelectric smoke alarm. While both types of alarms are suitable for general
residential use, an ionization smoke alarm will normally response faster to fast flaming fires
while a photo-electric smoke alarm may be more sensitive in detecting slow smoldering fires.
Because home fires develop in different ways and are often unpredictable in their growth, it
is impossible to predict which type of alarm will provide the earliest warning. For best home
protection install at least one photoelectric and one ionization smoke alarm.
RECOMMENDED LOCATION OF ALARMS
*
As close to the center of the ceiling as possible; or at least no closer than 61cm to any
wall or corner. If mounting smoke alarm on wall, always locate the top of the smoke
alarm 10 to 30.5 cm from ceiling (see Diagram A).
*
As a minimum, smoke alarms should be located between sleeping areas and potential
sources of fire such as a kitchen, heated garage or basement. In single storey homes with
one sleeping area, an alarm should be installed in the hallway outside the bedrooms. In
single storey homes with two sleeping areas, a minimum of two alarms are required: one
outside each sleeping area. In multilevel homes (includes guest, hostel etc.), an alarm
should be installed outside and inside each sleeping area, in the basement and on every
level of the home.
*
Additional smoke alarms should be installed in bedrooms in anticipation of fires
originating within these rooms, caused by faulty wiring lamp, appliances, smoking or
other hazards.
*
For best protection, smoke alarms should be installed in every room, or every level of
your home.
*
Install smoke alarms in hallway at a distance no longer than 4 meters from the farthest
wall and no greater than 8 meters from the next alarm.
*
The distance from the apex of cathedral ceiling to the top of the smoke alarm should be
90cm minimum.
AVOID THESE LOCATIONS
IN ORDER TO AVIOID A DECREASE IN OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVE, DO NOT
LOCATE YOUR SMOKE ALARM IN:
* the kitchen - smoke from cooking might cause an
unwanted alarm.
* the garage - products of combustion are present
when you start your automobile.
* the front of forced air ducts used for heating and air
conditioning.
* the peak of an "A" frame type of ceiling.
* areas where temperatures may fall below 5
o
C or rise above 45
o
C.
* areas where relative humidity may be out from 10% to 90%.
* the ceiling in a caravan or similar rooms. The shining sun is heating the ceiling and the
air at the upper part of the room. Hot air at the ceiling prevents smoke from a dangerous
smolder process from reaching the smoke alarm. (In this case, mount it on internal walls.)
DEVELOP AND PRACTICE A PLAN OF ESCAPE
BASICS OF ESCAPE PLAN
*
Make a floor plan indicating all doors and windows and at least two 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 all of you 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 the sound.
*
Identify children's bedrooms with red stickers placed in the upper left corner of the
windows for easy identification.
*
Practice a fire drill at least 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.
WHAT TO DO WHEN THE ALARM SOUNDS
