American Sensor Smoke Alarm SA308BASIC User Manual

• Do not install it directly over a stove, toaster or dishwasher.  
foot obscuration. In Alarm-Pause mode, the LED will flash  
once every 10 seconds to indicate that the Alarm-Pause  
feature is on. After approx. 10 minutes, the alarm will beep  
twice to indicate the alarm sensitivity has returned to normal.  
Models SA318, SA320, SA500 and SA900: Press the cover  
to activate Alarm-Pause feature.  
Ionization Technology vs.  
Photoelectronic Technology  
Smoke Alarms  
Smoke alarms contain electronic parts that may fail and  
components that can deteriorate over time. Therefore, smoke  
alarms have a limited service life. In order to prolong the  
service life and to provide optimal performance, smoke alarms  
should be tested and cleaned periodically. It is strongly  
recommended that smoke alarms be replaced within 10 years  
of original installation.  
SMOKE ALARM MANUAL  
Ionization Type Models  
IF THERE IS ANY QUESTION AS TO THE CAUSE OF AN  
ALARM, ALWAYS ASSUME THAT IT IS DUE TO AN  
ACTUAL FIRE AND FOLLOW YOUR FIRE EMERGENCY  
PLANS. Do not assume it is a nuisance or false alarm.  
Valuable time for escape could be lost.  
There are two different types of smoke alarm technology currently in  
general use: ionization and photoelectronic. While both types of  
technology are suitable for general residential use, an ionization  
alarm will normally respond faster to fast flaming fires, while a photo-  
electronic alarm may be more sensitive to 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 photoelectronic and one ionization smoke alarm  
on each level of your home. Models SA308, SA310, SA318, SA320,  
SA500 and SA900 are ionization type smoke alarms.  
INTRODUCTION  
Figure 2  
Figure 1  
IMPORTANT: Please read this entire owner’s manual and  
follow all directions as written.  
Smoke alarms for limited protection  
Additional smoke alarms for better coverage  
Figure 3  
This symbol alerts you to important operating instructions or  
to potentially hazardous situations. Please read these items  
carefully.  
Installation  
These diagrams show smoke alarm  
locations as recommended above in 3a.  
9. 10 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY  
• Obtain a screwdriver and a drill with 3/16” (5 mm) bit.  
Your American Sensors SA308, SA310, SA318, SA320,  
SA358, SA500 Smoke Alarms, excluding the battery, and the  
SA900 including the powercell U9VL-J, are warranted for ten  
years from date of purchase against defects in material and  
workmanship. Units returned to Dicon Global Inc. with proof of  
purchase date during this period as a result of such defects will  
be repaired, or replaced at Dicon Global Inc.’s option. This  
warranty only covers defects in material or workmanship in  
normal residential use and does not cover the battery, nor does  
this warranty cover damage resulting from negligent handling,  
misuse, or lack of reasonable care. This warranty is in lieu of  
any other warranty either expressed or implied.  
DICON GLOBAL INC. SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY  
PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR ANY  
SPECIAL INCIDENTAL, CONTINGENT OR CONSEQUENTIAL  
DAMAGE OF ANY KIND RESULTING FROM A FIRE. THE  
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR BREACH OF THE LIMITED  
WARRANTY CONTAINED HEREIN IS THE REPAIR OR  
REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AT DICON  
GLOBAL INC.’S OPTION. IN NO CASE SHALL DICON  
GLOBAL INC.’S LIABILITY UNDER ANY OTHER REMEDY  
PRESCRIBED BY LAW EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE.  
YOUR SMOKE ALARM IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR  
PROPERTY, DISABILITY, LIFE OR OTHER INSURANCE OF  
ANY KIND. APPROPRIATE COVERAGE IS YOUR  
• Find the arrow along the side of the cover. Located under  
are 2 clips. To open the smoke alarm, press down on the  
base of clips while lifting the cover at the same time. Handle  
the unit with care to avoid damage.  
Models  
Models SA308/SA310–Basic Models–can be located in any  
SA308–Basic  
SA310–Basic  
SA318–General Purpose  
A photoelectronic smoke alarm senses smoke using an  
electronic photo receptor to sense the scattering of light by  
smoke particles.  
area of the home.  
Models SA318/SA320/SA500/SA900–General Purpose  
Models –can be located in any area of the home. Its Alarm-  
Pause feature makes it ideal in the kitchen area to silence  
nuisance alarms.  
Cover  
Arrow  
SA320–General Purpose  
Base of Clips  
–Alarm–Pause feature silences nuisance alarms  
–Recommended for kitchen area, suitable for all rooms  
2. SAFETY TIPS  
READ “CAPABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE  
ALARMS” in Section 1 of this manual.  
Your local fire department or insurance company may be able  
to give you further advice on the best smoke alarm locations  
in your home. Call them and ask.  
Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms are an  
essential part of a good home fire safety program. Your fire  
safety program should also include a review of fire hazards  
and the elimination of dangerous conditions whenever  
possible. Consider the following tips:  
SA500–Multi-location  
SA900–Multi-location with Long Life Lithium Battery  
Alarm  
Base  
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SMOKE ALARM  
• Install alarms outside of every bedroom area and on every  
floor of your home. Please refer to Section 3 “Where to  
Locate Smoke Alarms” for details.  
• Install the alarm as close as possible to the center of the  
ceiling.  
Your Smoke Alarm is packaged with battery/batteries  
disconnected. Connect them before mounting the unit.  
Ensure proper polarity of batteries. Alarm may be damaged  
if batteries are reversed.  
• Replace batteries if the smoke alarm beeps approximately  
once every 45 seconds (low battery warning).  
Test the alarm weekly by pressing and holding the cover/test  
button for up to 20 seconds until the alarm sounds.  
• Smoke alarms have a limited life service. See the  
replacement year printed on the side of the alarm.  
• Models described in this manual are designed for single  
family residences, including homes and apartments, rather  
than commercial or industrial use.  
• IF MOUNTING SMOKE ALARM ON WALL – Place alarm on  
wall so that the hinge for the cover faces the floor, and the  
arrow indicating where to open, faces the ceiling. This  
mounting position ensures that the cover hangs open as a  
visual reminder that the battery is missing. This position also  
provides good visibility of screw holes for easy installation.  
• Use smoking materials properly. Never smoke in bed.  
• Keep matches and cigarette lighters away from children.  
• Store flammable materials in proper containers. Never use  
them near an open flame or sparks.  
• Keep electrical appliances in good condition. Do not  
overload electrical circuits.  
• Keep stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, and barbecue grills  
grease free. Make sure they are properly installed and away  
from any combustible materials.  
• Keep portable heaters and open flames such as candles  
away from combustible material.  
• Do not allow rubbish to accumulate.  
• Keep a supply of extra batteries on hand for your battery  
powered smoke alarms.  
• Do not stand too close to the alarm when the unit is in alarm  
as the loud horn could damage your hearing.  
3b. WHERE TO LOCATE SMOKE ALARMS IN MOBILE HOMES  
In mobile homes built after 1978 locate the smoke alarm as  
described above.  
Older mobile homes may have little or no insulation compared  
to the ones built post 1978. These uninsulated exteriors can  
disrupt airflow around the smoke alarm in hotter or colder  
weather. Locate the alarm only on interior walls 4” to 6”  
(10 to 15 cm) from ceiling 1. If you own an older mobile  
home, 2. If you notice the exterior walls and/or ceiling are  
noticeably cold or warm 3. If you are uncertain about the  
quality of insulation.  
• Mark holes through the alarm base, then remove the alarm.  
Drill two 3/16” (5 mm) holes to line up with mounting holes in  
the alarm base. Keep smoke alarm out of reach from plaster  
dust while drilling.  
RESPONSIBILITY. CONSULT YOUR INSURANCE AGENT.  
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also  
have other rights which may vary from State to State.  
• Insert the plastic anchors. Screw alarm base onto ceiling  
support.  
Return to point of purchase for servicing. Or, for repair or  
replacement within the warranty period, return this product (or  
send it postage prepaid) along with proof of purchase date to  
Dicon Global Inc. Please enclose a note stating the nature of  
the difficulty. Prior to sending, please call our toll free 1-800  
line (1-800-387-4219) to establish a Returned Goods  
Authorization (“RGA”) number and the latest instructions to  
serve you promptly. Please mark this number on the exterior  
of your package. Note: Date Code located on back of smoke  
alarm.  
• Properly install batteries.  
Regardless of the age of the mobile home, locate alarms  
throughout to ensure maximum protection. Follow the location  
instructions in this manual.  
• Close cover and test as recommended in this section.  
Note: For a more complete discussion of installation and  
location requirements refer to: CAN/ULC-S553-M86  
“Standard for the Installation of Smoke alarms” (available  
from Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, 7 Crouse Road,  
Scarborough, Ontario M1R 3A9).  
4. NFPA RECOMMENDATIONS  
For your information, the National Fire Protection  
Association’s Standard 72 reads as follows:  
WARNING: Never disconnect the battery or the AC  
!
Smoke Alarm Safety Features  
power on any type of smoke alarm to silence a nuisance  
alarm.  
2-2.1.1.1 Smoke alarms shall be installed outside of each  
separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of  
the bedrooms and on each additional story of the  
family living unit, including basements and excluding  
crawl spaces and unfinished attics. In new  
construction a smoke alarm also shall be installed in  
each sleeping room.  
Alarm Signal – loud pulsating sound.  
B. Testing After Installation  
• Press the cover/test button for a minimum of 5 seconds, until  
the horn sounds, then release. The horn will stop sounding.  
Operating Light (LED) – Light flashes approximately every  
45 seconds to let you know that the unit is powered.  
Low Battery Warning Beep – Approximately every 45  
seconds for up to 30 days to alert you when the battery  
needs replacing.  
Dicon Global Inc.  
Clear the area of smoke by opening doors or windows or  
fanning the smoke away. Press the cover/test button on  
models SA318, SA320, SA500 and SA900 to activate the  
Alarm-Pause feature.  
Most important, when fire strikes, a prepared and  
practiced escape plan can make the difference between  
life and death. Develop an escape plan and practice it  
with the entire family, including small children.  
• Ensure all family members are familiarized with the alarm  
signal.  
• Prepare an escape plan. Draw a Floor Plan of Your Home  
and determine two exits from each room. There should be a  
way to get out of each bedroom without opening the door.  
• Have Fire Drills Often. Practice your Escape and BE  
PREPARED.  
20 Steelcase Road West, Unit 3  
Markham, Ontario Canada  
L3R 1B21-800-387-4219  
www.diconglobal.com  
• MODELS SA318/SA320/SA500/SA900 – Alarm-Pause :  
Perform as above. The alarm should be silenced as  
described in Part A of Section 6. REMEMBER –  
RELEASING THE COVER AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATES  
THE ALARM-PAUSE FEATURE FOR APPROXIMATELY  
10 MINUTES.  
Battery Removal Indicator – Cover resists closing if battery  
A-2.5.2.1 Smoke Detection – Are More Smoke Alarms Desirable? The  
required number of smoke alarms might not provide reliable  
early warning protection for those areas separated by a door  
from the areas protected by the required smoke alarms. For  
this reason, it is recommended that the householder consider  
the use of additional smoke alarms for those areas for  
increased protection. The additional areas include the  
basement, bedrooms, dining room, furnace room, utility room,  
and hallways not protected by the required smoke alarms.  
The installation of smoke alarms in kitchens, attics (finished or  
unfinished), or garages is not normally recommended, as  
these locations occasionally experience conditions that can  
result in improper operation.  
is removed.  
Dual-Ionization Chambers – Advanced design responds to  
visible or invisible particles of combustion (smoke) to sense  
fires in their earliest stages. Compensates for changes in  
humidity and temperature to virtually eliminate “nuisance”  
alarms caused by normal atmospheric changes in the home.  
• At least once a week, press the test button/cover until the  
alarm sounds, then release.  
7. BATTERY REPLACEMENT  
MODELS SA308/SA310/SA318/SA320: The Eveready 216,  
522, 1222, Duracell MN1604, MX1604 and Gold  
Peak1604P/S/A are the only acceptable batteries for use in  
this smoke alarm. The battery will power the smoke alarm for  
at least one year under normal use. When the battery  
reaches the end of its normal life, a low battery warning  
(intermittent beeping) will indicate the need for battery  
replacement for up to 30 days.  
CONTENTS OF THIS MANUAL  
1. CAPABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE ALARMS  
2. SAFETY TIPS  
3. WHERE TO LOCATE SMOKE ALARMS  
4. NFPA RECOMMENDATIONS  
5. LOCATIONS TO AVOID  
6. INSTALLATION AND TESTING  
7. BATTERY REPLACEMENT  
8. MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING  
9. LIMITED WARRANTY  
• Decide on a meeting place at a safe distance from your  
home.  
ESCAPE PLAN IN CASE OF FIRE  
• Don’t waste time collecting possessions after a fire starts.  
5. LOCATIONS TO AVOID  
Avoid locations where smoke may not reach the alarm in time  
to provide early warning, or where the alarm may not be  
effective.  
MODEL SA500: Your smoke alarm uses one 9 Volt battery.  
The Duracell MN1604, MX1604 or Eveready 522 and  
GP1604A are the only acceptable batteries for use in this  
smoke alarm.  
• Arouse all occupants and leave the building. Your most  
valuable possession is your life.  
• Doors can mean escape or death. Never open doors without  
first checking for heat. Test them with your hands, if they feel  
warm, fire may be walled up behind them – leave closed  
and find another escape route.  
• Call the fire department from OUTSIDE the building.  
• If trapped inside, stay close to the floor, cover mouth with  
cloth, conserve breath as you crawl to safety.  
• Keep all doors and windows closed except for escape  
purposes.  
• NEVER re-enter a burning building.  
• Keep your family in a pre-arranged meeting place after your  
escape.  
DO NOT PLACE SMOKE ALARMS:  
In turbulent air from fans, doors, windows, etc. The rapid  
air movement may prevent combustion particles from  
entering the alarm.  
MODEL SA900: Your smoke alarm uses one 9 Volt Lithium  
battery. The Ultralife U9VL-J powercell is the only acceptable  
battery for use in this smoke detector when the battery needs  
to be replaced.  
10. OTHER AMERICAN SENSORS PRODUCTS  
1. CAPABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE ALARMS  
In dead air spaces such as at the peak of an “A” frame  
ceiling. “Dead air” at the top may prevent smoke from  
reaching the alarm in time to provide early warning. In rooms  
with simple sloped, peaked or gabled ceilings, install smoke  
alarms on the ceiling 3 feet (90 cm) from the highest point of  
the ceiling.  
Replacement batteries are available at most retail outlets.  
American Sensors smoke alarms are designed to provide  
early warning of fire and smoke at reasonable cost. Early  
warning can mean the difference between a safe escape and  
no escape at all. While smoke alarms can provide invaluable  
protection for you and your family, they do have limitations.  
Smoke alarms cannot work without power. Battery  
operated alarms will not work without proper batteries, with  
dead batteries or if batteries are not properly installed. AC  
powered alarms will not work if their AC power supply is cut  
off by an electrical fire, an open fuse, a circuit breaker or any  
other reason.  
WARNING: Use of non-recommended batteries may be  
detrimental to the proper functioning of the alarm.  
Note: For complex ceiling structures, consult a safety expert  
for the number of alarms required and the best locations.  
REPLACEMENT OF SMOKE ALARMS AFTER 10 YEARS OF  
SERVICE  
Smoke alarms contain electronic parts that may fail and  
components that can deteriorate over time. Therefore, smoke  
alarms have a limited service life. See the replacement year  
printed on the side of the alarm.  
In very hot or cold areas where the temperature exceeds  
1000F (37.80C) or falls below 400F (4.40C).  
• Less than 6 inches (15 cm) from the wall when mounted on  
the ceiling.  
If you are concerned about the reliability of either batteries or  
your AC power supply for any of the above reasons, you  
should install in your home both AC and battery powered  
smoke alarms for added security.  
Nuisance alarms could result when smoke alarms are located  
where interference may occur with the sensing chamber. To  
avoid nuisance alarms, DO NOT place smoke alarms:  
In high humidity areas such as bathrooms and attics.  
Place smoke alarms at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from  
bathrooms.  
8. MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING  
VACUUM EVERY SIX MONTHS  
• Smoke alarms are incapable of sounding the alarm until  
smoke reaches the sensing chamber. Anything preventing  
smoke from reaching the alarm may delay or prevent an  
alarm. A smoke alarm cannot detect fire in the walls,  
chimney or roof unless and until a significant amount of  
smoke reaches the alarm. A closed door may prevent smoke  
from reaching an alarm on the other side of the door. A  
smoke alarm may not sense a fire on another floor of a  
home. For example, a basement smoke alarm may not  
detect a fire which started on the first or second floor.  
Smoke alarms may not be heard. The loudness of the  
horn in your alarm meets current standards. However, the  
sound may be blocked by distance, closed doors, or ambient  
noise such as traffic or a stereo. Smoke alarms may not be  
heard by persons who are hard of hearing.  
For these reasons, a smoke alarm should be installed in  
every room or at least on every level of your home.  
American Sensors recommends that hardwire AC powered  
smoke alarms be interconnected, so that one alarm will  
trigger all other alarms to sound their alarms.  
Smoke alarms are not fool-proof. Smoke alarms may not  
always sense every kind of fire. They cannot be expected to  
sense fires caused by carelessness or by safety hazards.  
They may not give early warning of fast growing fires caused  
by smoking in bed, violent explosions, escaping gas,  
improper storage of flammable materials, overloaded  
electrical circuits, natural causes such as lightning, children  
playing with matches, or arson.  
Your Smoke Alarm should be cleaned every six months to  
help keep it working efficiently. Open cover and gently  
vacuum interior of alarm. Keep vacuum nozzle from touching  
unit.  
• In insect-infested areas.  
In poorly ventilated kitchens or garages.  
In very dusty and dirty areas.  
Your local fire department may be able to offer you additional  
ideas for safety and escape plans in the home.  
Do not paint the unit.  
IONIZATION SMOKE ALARMS  
TEST WEEKLY BY PRESSING TEST BUTTON  
Near fluorescent lights. Place smoke alarms at least 5 feet  
PROBLEMS MAY BE INDICATED BY THE FOLLOWING:  
3a. WHERE TO LOCATE SMOKE ALARMS  
(1.5 meters) from fluorescent lights.  
• The alarm does not sound upon pressing the test  
button/cover.  
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 story homes with one  
sleeping area, an alarm should be installed in the hallway  
outside the bedrooms (see Figure 1). In single story homes  
with two separate sleeping areas, a minimum of two alarms  
are required, one outside each sleeping area (see Figure 2).  
In multi-level or split-level homes, as a minimum, an alarm  
should be installed outside each sleeping area, in the  
basement and at every level of the home (see Figure 3).  
WARNING: Do not connect this smoke alarm to any other  
alarm or auxiliary device. Connecting the alarm to any other  
device may be detrimental to its proper operation.  
• The operating light remains steadily on or off (i.e. does not  
flash once every 45 seconds, when the unit is not in alarm).  
• The alarm “beeps” once every 45 seconds (Low Battery  
Warning).  
6. INSTALLATION AND TESTING  
A. Testing Before Installation  
TRY THE FOLLOWING:  
• Inspect for obvious damage.  
Connect battery. Storage in low humidity, and certain  
transportation conditions, may cause electrostatic charges to  
build-up in the alarm system housing. Although harmless,  
these charges may increase the length of time during which  
the horn sounds upon battery insertion or test button  
operation. The condition may be cleared by gently wiping  
the outside of the plastic cover with a clean, damp cloth.  
Model SA310 Shown  
• Gently vacuum as recommended above.  
• Check that unit contains recommended battery type.  
• Check that batteries are properly connected.  
• Replace battery.  
• In every room of your home (except the bathroom):  
Research indicates that substantial increases in warning  
time can be obtained with each properly installed, additional  
alarm.  
• In bedrooms: In anticipation of fires originating within these  
rooms, caused by faulty wiring, lamps, appliances, smoking  
or other hazards.  
• In hallways: At a distance no greater than 13 feet (4 meters)  
from the farthest wall and no greater than 26 feet (8 meters)  
from the next alarm.  
• In the center of a room or hallway: As it is impossible to  
predict the source of a fire. If it is necessary to place the  
alarm on a wall, always locate the top of the smoke alarm  
4–6 inches (10–15 cm) from the ceiling.  
MODELS SA308, SA310,  
SA318, SA320  
If these procedures do not correct the problem, do NOT  
attempt repairs. If the smoke alarm is within warranty period  
and terms, indicate the nature of the problem and return the  
unit with proof of purchase to the point of purchase, distributor  
or manufacturer. See below for instructions. Units beyond  
warranty cannot be economically repaired.  
Check the operating light. It should flash approximately  
SA500, SA900 Long Life  
every 45 seconds.  
MODELS SA308/SA310: Press and hold the cover/test  
button until alarm sounds. Note: It may be necessary to  
press the cover for up to 20 seconds for alarm to sound. An  
alarm is indicated by a loud continuous pattern sound. Alarm  
may continue to sound for up to 10 seconds after cover is  
released.  
Smoke alarms are not substitutes for property,  
disability, life or other insurance of any kind. Home  
owners and renters should continue to insure their lives and  
property. Consult your insurance agent.  
Smoke alarms have limited lives. Your smoke alarm  
should be replaced if it is 10 years old. One or more of the  
many components could fail at any time. Therefore, test your  
smoke alarm weekly. Clean and take care of it as described in  
this manual. Repair or replace the smoke alarm when it fails to  
test properly.  
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY  
AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE.  
This manual contains important information.  
FALSE ALARMS:  
Abnormal air conditions may cause the highly sensitive  
smoke alarm to give a “false” alarm. If no fire is apparent,  
ventilate the room and/or blow fresh air into the unit until the  
alarm stops. Once cleared, the smoke alarm will automatically  
reset.  
A copy of this manual must be left with the end user.  
MODELS SA318/SA320/SA500/SA900, Alarm-Pause  
Models: Press the cover for a minimum of 5 seconds, until  
the horn sounds, then release. The horn will stop sounding.  
The alarm will be in Alarm-Pause mode. In this mode, the  
alarm should be silenced for approximately 8 to 10 minutes  
• As needed: To compensate for closed doors and other  
obstacles that may interfere with the path of smoke to an  
alarm. They may also prevent occupants on one side of a  
closed door from hearing an alarm on the other side of the  
door.  
DO NOT DISCONNECT THE BATTERY.  
Dust can lead to excess sensitivity. Vacuum as recommended  
above.  
unless there is a very heavy build-up approaching 4% per  
 
2502-2521REVA  

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