Use and Care Manual

BATTERY INSTALLATION
1. Once smoke alarm is mounted, the cover can be opened by using the pull tab
located on right side of cover.
2. NOTICE: USE ONLY DURACELL
®
MN 1604 BATTERY WITH THE 913
SERIES SMOKE ALARMS. Available at many retail stores.
3. Connect battery to terminals located near upper right-hand corner inside the
smoke alarm after first resetting battery removal flag back to its stand-by
condition.
4. Re-close smoke alarm by snapping cover shut.
5. After battery has been installed or replaced, test smoke alarm. To test smoke
alarm, follow procedures under CHECKOUT & TROUBLESHOOTING section
of this manual.
CHECKOUT & TROUBLESHOOTING
1. Testing with the Test Knob:
a. Rotate the test knob counter-clockwise to the TEST 1 position and wait up
to 20 seconds for the alarm to sound. If the alarm does not sound after 20
seconds, check the battery connection. If the battery is good but the alarm
does not sound, return the smoke alarm to the manufacturer for service.
See TO RETURN A SMOKE ALARM.
b. After successfully testing the smoke alarm, return the test knob to
NORMAL (non-test) position and wait 20 seconds for the alarm to stop
sounding.
c. To test the unit for high sensitivity, turn test knob clockwise to TEST 2
position. Alarm should remain silent. Make sure to return test knob back
to its normal position. If your alarm sounds during this test it means the
device’s sensitivity has become too high and may cause false alarms. This
could mean your smoke alarm is dirty and should be cleaned as described
in the maintenance procedure below. If the unit continues to alarm for
TEST 2 position following cleaning, return it to Gentex for service.
d. To check for proper smoke entry into the unit’s sensing chamber. Gentex
recommends using the Home Safeguard Smoke Detector spray or
CHEKKIT
®
SMOKE Detector Tester from SDI. This test should be
performed once a year and should be sprayed from a distance no closer
than 12 inches from smoke alarm.
IMPORTANT: The test knob is not an electrical switch, nor is it connected in any
way to the device. Therefore, when you test with the test knob, you are actually
simulating a smoke condition in the unit, as well as testing the sensitivity of the
photodiode and the circuit between the photodiode and the smoke alarm.
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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 ALARMS AT THE
SAME TIME FOR CLEANING.
1. Twist the smoke alarm counter-clockwise to remove it from its mounting plate.
2. Remove battery from the smoke alarm.
3. 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).
4. 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
alarm so as not to dirty the wash water too quickly.
DO NOT dissasemble smoke alarm for cleaning. IF SMOKE
ALARM IS DISASSEMBLED 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.
5. Allow smoke alarm to soak for approximately 10 minutes (longer if extremely dirty).
Then agitate for 5 to 10 seconds to flush out any remaining dirt left inside units’
housing.
6. Remove unit from wash water and transfer directly to one of the first rinse buckets
containing clear water. Again, allow unit to become completely submerged, agitate
once more for 5 to 10 seconds to remove soap residue.
7. Finally, transfer unit to your second and final rinse bucket, repeating method found
in Step 6, then remove smoke alarm to a clean dry area for a period of 48 hours to
allow it to thoroughly dry.
8. Install battery into the smoke alarm, mount the unit and repeat test procedure to
verify proper operation.
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.
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 fre-
quently.
In the event you experience difficulty in the cleaning of your device(s) 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 an 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.
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.
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.
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.
e. Turn test knob to the NORMAL position. The red indicator light should
flash every 30 seconds, showing that the smoke alarm has power.
f. If the red light is not flashing, check the battery connection. If the battery
is good but the red light does not flash, return the smoke alarm for service.
MAINTENANCE
Your 913 Series smoke alarm is equipped with a weak battery indication,
which will sound a BEEP every 30 seconds, when the battery needs replacing.
This trouble signal will last for a minimum of 7 days.
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 smoke alarm