Smoke Alarms FAQ's

1. Why does my smoke alarm go into alarm when I can't see smoke?
Any of these situations can cause unwanted alarms:

• Smoke alarm may need to be relocated.
  Install smoke alarms at least 20 feet from appliances like furnaces and ovens, which produce combustion particles. Alarms should be at least 10 feet from high humidity areas like showers and laundry rooms, and at least 3 feet from heat/AC vents.
  
  
• Cover or sensor chamber is covered by dust or dirt.
  Alarms may look clean, but dust can accumulate inside the cover, even in newly built homes. Gently vacuum your smoke alarm regularly using the soft brush attachment.
  
  
• Insects covered or clogged the sensor chamber.
  Clean the smoke alarm with the soft brush attachemnt on your vacuum. To prevent repeat problems, clean and treat the surrounding area with insect repellent (DO NOT SPRAY THE SMOKE ALARM).
   
• Alarm was triggered from another part of the home.
  In a system of interconnected AC or AC/DC alarms, the unit triggering the alarm is in another part of the home - smoke may be present but you can't see it.
   
• Power interruptions to AC/CD smoke alarms.
  These smoke alarms may alarm briefly when power is interrupted, then restored. Power interruptions are common in areas where utility companies swithc grids in the early hours of the morning.
   
• A loose electrical connection on AC or AC/DC smoke alarms.
  In AC or AC/CD smoke alarms, loose connections can intermittently disconnect power to the smoke alarm. The effect is the same as a power failure. When power is restored, the units may alarm briefly.
  

2. Why does my smoke alarm chirp intermittently?
The same factors that cause unwanted alarms can cause intermittent alarms: dust, insects, and power interruptions. The "chirps" may also be caused by:

• A different device or appliance.
  Security systems, monitors, carbon monoxide alarms, and other devices have similar low battery or alert signals.
   
• Low Battery
  Many smoke alarms have a low battery chirp to alert you to change the battery when its power is running low.
   
• Improper wiring on AC or AC/DC smoke alarms.
  AC alarms will chirp every 5 seconds if the interconnect wire is grounded. The orange interconnect wire should NEVER be grounded; it should only be used to interconnect other smoke alarms or compatible devices

3. Why doesn't my smoke alarm sound when I push the test button?

• Hold the test button down longer.
  Try holding the test button down for up to 10 seconds (20 seconds on photoelectric models.)
   
• Check the power supply.
  Make sure the battery is installed properly and snapped all the way in place. Even if the alarm sounded briefly when the battery touched the terminals, you still need to make sure it is snapped securely in place. If the battery is loose, it cannot power the smoke alarm properly.
   
• Make sure the AC power is on.
  AC and AC/DC units will have a power indicator light (red or grean) that shines continuously when they are receiving electrical power.
  
  
• 10-Year Models ONLY(SA10YR or 4010YR):
  The smoke alarm may not have been properly activated. If the tab broke away before the alarm was activated, you can use a toothpick to move the switch over to activate the alarm.

4. Why does the alarm sound when I install a battery or turn on the AC power?
It is normal for the smoke alarms to sound briefly (up to 5 - 10 seconds) when they are powered up. If the alarm continues to sound and no smoke is present , the cause may be:

• Insufficient battery or AC power.
  Very low batteries or insufficient electrical power (brown out) may cause a continuous weak sounding alarm. For DC models, change the battery (DC). For AC or AC/DC models, temporarily disconnect power at the service panel until the brown out is over. If you do not restore the AC power, your smoke alarms cannot warn you fo a fire.
   
• Incompatible warning device.
  If an incompatible alarm or auxiliary device is linked into a series of AC or AC/DC smoke alarms it may cause the system to alarm.

• Does your smoke alarm have a silence button?
  If so, the button may have been pressed by mistake. The alarm will now "chirp" once a minute for up to 15 minutes.
   
• Are you sure it 's the smoke alarm?
  Other devices have similar low battery chirps or warning tones.
   
• Even "new" batteries may not be fresh.
  If batteries are stored, especially in cold areas like refrigerators, they lose their charge more quickly. Always check the freshness date on the package when buying new batteries.

6. What replacement batteries can I use?
Check your User's Manual or the nameplate on the back of the alarm. Never use rechargeable batteries because they do not always provide a consistent charge.

7. What is the difference between Photoelectric and Ionisation and Photoelectric smoke alarms?
Ionisation Smoke Alarms are generally more effective at detecting flaming fires, which consume combustibles quickly and spread rapidly. Sources of these fires include paper burning in a wastebasket, or grease firs on a stove. Photoelectric Smoke Alarms are generally more effective at detecting smouldering fires, which smoulder for hours before bursting into flame. Sources of the fires include cigarette smouldering in couches or bedding. For maximum protection, install both types of smoke alarms on every level of your home.

8. I lost my User's Manual. Can I get a new one?
Manuals are available online for download at no cost. We will also gladly send you a replacement User's Manual or equivalent instructions. Please have the model number handy when requesting a replacement manual.
Customer Service contact info:

Master Distributors Pty Ltd
11 Howleys Road Nottng Hill VIC 3168
+61 3 9538 9200
8:30am to 5:00pm EST

9. Why does the Fire Protection Association (FPA) recommend that home smoke alarms be replaced after 10 years?
As electronic devices, smoke alarms are subject to random failures. In 10 years there is roughly a 30% probability of failure before replacement. After 15 years, the chances are better than 50/50 that your alarm has failed. That is too big a risk to take. Replacing alarms after 10 years protects against the accumulated chance of failure, but monthly testing is still your first, best means of making sure your alarm will work.

10. I have a smoke alarm that states that you can use your TV remote control to silence or test this alarm, but it will not operate.
If the Alarm does not respond to your remote control, there may be an obstruction between you and the Alarm. You may be standing too far away, or your remote control may not be compatible.

11. How long will the battery last in the alarm?
Actual battery service life depends on a Smoke or CO Alarm and the environment in which it is installed. All the batteries specified in the users manual are acceptable replacement batteries. Regardless of the manufacturer's suggested battery life, you MUST replace the battery immediately once the unit starts "chirping" (the "low battery warning")