Edwards Signaling 517TCSB Series - User Manual

P/N 550-0174-002 © 2001
CHESHIRE, CT 203-699-3300 FAX 203-699-3365
517TCSB Series Photoelectric Type Residential Smoke
Alarms with Strobe for the Hearing Impaired,
AC Powered, 120V 60 Hz, with 9V Battery Backup
INTRODUCTION
The 517TCSB smoke alarms are photoelectric type alarms for use as evacu-
ation devices. Each alarm has a solid state piezo that emits a temporal 3
signal and a strobe to warn and alert the household to the presence of threat-
ening smoke.
Your photoelectric alarm is designed to detect the smoke that results from
an actual fire. Consequently, it is uncommon for household smoke such as
cigarette smoke or normal cooking smoke to cause an alarm.
HOW YOUR SMOKE ALARM WORKS
The 517TCSB Series Smoke Alarm operates on the photoelectric light scatter
principle. The units sensing chamber houses a light source and a light sen-
sor.
The darkened sensing chamber is exposed to the atmosphere and designed
to permit optimum smoke entry from any direction while rejecting light from
outside the alarm.
The light source is an infrared (invisible) LED which pulses every 8 sec-
onds. The light sensor is a photodiode matched to the light frequency of the
LED light source.
Under normal conditions, the light generated by the pulsing infrared LED is
not seen by the light sensor, as it is positioned out of the direct path of the light
beam. When smoke enters the sensing chamber, light from the pulsing LED
light source is reflected by the smoke particles onto the photodiode light sen-
sor. At the first sighting of smoke, the alarm is put into a pre-alarm mode. This
is indicated by a rapidly flashing LED on the face of the alarm. Once the light
sensor confirms smoke for 2 consecutive pulses inside the chamber, the light
sensor produces the signal necessary to trigger the alarm.
This technique of verifying the smoke condition, combined with a 5-to-1
signal-to-noise ratio, substantially reduces the possibility of nuisance alarms.
Installation Instructions - Owner's/User's Information Manual
READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE
· If the battery is low, a chirp will be sounded when the red LED flashes. If the
alarm is malfunctioning, or if the battery is missing, the chirp is sounded
without the red LED flashing. If AC power fails, the green LED will turn off.
· The test knob of your alarm simulates actual smoke conditions.
NOTE: Tandem Interconnect Models.
· When testing one alarm, the alarm that is activated will flash the red indica-
tor light emitting diode and sound its alarm horn, all other units will sound the
alarm horn with red indicator light emitting diodes remaining off.
FIRE PROTECTION PLAN
This Smoke Alarm can quickly alert you to the presence of smokeit can-
not prevent fire. Please note that there are hazards against which smoke
detection may not be effective, such as smoking in bed, explosions, when a
closed door separates the alarm from the source of the smoke, etc. The ulti-
mate responsibility for fire protection rests solely on you.
1. To minimize fire hazardsavoid improper storage of flammable liquids
and dont leave small children home alone.
2. Bedroom doors should be closed while sleeping if a smoke alarm is in-
stalled in the bedroom. They act as a barrier against heat and smoke.
3. Establish an escape plan:
(a) Post a detailed floor plan depicting the chosen escape routes.
(b) Each bedroom should have at least two escape routes.
(c) Make sure your children know what to do in case of fire and teach
them to follow the escape plan you have posted.
(d) Agree on an outside meeting place.
(e) Conduct fire drills at least twice a year.
(f) Be sure each member of the family is familiar with the smoke alarm so
they can react properly.
If the alarm should sound:
1. Never waste time dressing or gathering valuables. Follow the escape
route and leave the house immediately.
2. Check bedroom doors before opening. If the door is hot or smoke is leak-
ing in around the edgesDO NOT OPENuse the alternate escape route.
3. If there is smoke in the escape routekeep close to the floor and take
short breaths. If possible, cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth.
4. Do not use your own telephonecall the Fire Department from your
neighbors house.
5. Once out, do not re-enter your house, but proceed to your prearranged
meeting place.
WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO TO MAKE YOUR
FAMILY SAFE FROM FIRES
Putting up smoke alarms is just the first step in protecting your family from
fires. You also must reduce the chances that fires will start in your home and
increase your chances of safely escaping if one does start. To have an effec-
tive fire safety program:
a. Install smoke alarms properly following the instructions in this
manual. Keep your smoke alarms clean. Test your alarm weekly
and repair or replace it when it no longer functions. As with any
electronic product, alarms have a limited life, and alarms that dont work
cannot protect you.
b. Follow safety rules and prevent hazardous situations:
· Use smoking materials properly; never smoke in bed.
· Keep matches and cigarette lighters away from children.
· Store flammable materials in proper containers and never use them near
open flames or sparks.
HOW TO TELL IF YOUR SMOKE ALARM IS
WORKING PROPERLY
· Your alarm is provided with an alarm horn and pulsating Light Emitting (indi-
cator) Diode, which pulses every 15-30 seconds, and a green AC power on
LED.
· When turning the test knob on the alarm to test 1, the red light will flash
rapidly, the horn will sound and the strobe will flash. Strobe will not oper-
ate without AC power.

Summary

Introduction to Smoke Alarms

How Your Smoke Alarm Works

Explains the photoelectric light scatter principle and how smoke triggers the alarm.

Testing Your Smoke Alarm

Describes how to test the alarm's horn, LED, and strobe functions.

Fire Protection Planning and Family Safety

Additional Family Fire Safety Measures

Outlines additional fire safety measures beyond smoke alarms, including prevention.

Smoke Alarm Capabilities and Limitations

What Smoke Alarms Cannot Detect

Details what smoke alarms cannot detect, such as gas, heat, or fires behind closed doors.

Smoke Alarm Placement Guidelines

Smoke Detector Placement in Existing Homes

Provides guidance on smoke detector placement in existing residential buildings based on NFPA 72.

Smoke Detector Placement in New Construction

Outlines smoke detector placement requirements for new residential construction, including in bedrooms.

Desirability of Additional Smoke Detectors

Recommends additional smoke detector locations for enhanced early warning protection.

Mounting Location and Mobile Home Placement

Recommended Ceiling and Wall Mounting

Illustrates correct ceiling and wall mounting positions for optimal smoke detection.

Placement in Sloped or Peaked Ceilings

Provides placement guidance for rooms with non-flat ceilings to ensure effective smoke detection.

Mobile Home Smoke Alarm Placement

Specific placement advice for smoke alarms in mobile homes, considering insulation levels.

Locations to Avoid for Smoke Alarms

Wiring and Installation Procedures

Mounting Outlet Box

Specifies the types of outlet boxes suitable for mounting the smoke alarm.

Wiring a Single Alarm

Step-by-step instructions for wiring a single smoke alarm unit.

Wiring Two or More Alarms (Tandem)

Instructions for interconnecting multiple smoke alarms for simultaneous alarming.

Checkout and Troubleshooting

Alarm Testing Procedure

Details the steps for testing the alarm's functions using the test knob and checking indicators.

Smoke Alarm Maintenance and Cleaning

Cleaning Instructions

Provides detailed instructions for washing and drying the smoke alarm to restore sensitivity.

Limited Warranty Information

Overview

The Edwards 517TCSB Series Photoelectric Type Residential Smoke Alarm with Strobe is an AC-powered device with a 9V battery backup, designed to provide early warning of developing fires for the hearing impaired. Its primary function is to detect smoke and alert occupants through both an audible temporal 3 signal and a visual strobe light. This dual alert system is particularly beneficial for individuals with hearing impairments, ensuring they are notified in the event of a fire.

The alarm operates on the photoelectric light scatter principle. Within its sensing chamber, an infrared (invisible) LED pulses every 8 seconds. A photodiode light sensor, matched to the LED's frequency, is positioned out of the direct path of the light beam under normal conditions. When smoke particles enter the chamber, they reflect light from the pulsing LED onto the photodiode sensor. Upon the first detection of smoke, the alarm enters a pre-alarm mode, indicated by a rapidly flashing red LED. If the light sensor confirms smoke for two consecutive pulses, the alarm triggers, sounding the horn and activating the strobe. This verification technique, combined with a 5-to-1 signal-to-noise ratio, significantly reduces the likelihood of nuisance alarms caused by common household smoke from cooking or cigarettes.

For proper usage, the alarm features an alarm horn, a pulsating red Light Emitting Diode (LED) that flashes every 15-30 seconds, and a green AC power-on LED. When the test knob is turned to "test 1," the red light flashes rapidly, the horn sounds, and the strobe activates. It's important to note that the strobe will not operate without AC power. A low battery is indicated by a chirp that sounds concurrently with the red LED flash. If the alarm malfunctions or the battery is missing, a chirp will sound without the red LED flashing. An AC power failure is indicated by the green LED turning off. The test knob simulates actual smoke conditions, allowing users to verify the alarm's functionality. In tandem interconnect models, activating the test on one alarm will cause its red indicator light to flash and its horn to sound, while other interconnected units will sound their horns with their red indicator lights remaining off.

The smoke alarm is a crucial component of a comprehensive fire protection plan. While it provides quick alerts, it cannot prevent fires. Users are advised to minimize fire hazards by avoiding improper storage of flammable liquids and not leaving small children unattended. Closing bedroom doors at night can act as a barrier against heat and smoke. Establishing and practicing an escape plan is vital, including posting a detailed floor plan with chosen escape routes, ensuring children know what to do, agreeing on an outside meeting place, and conducting fire drills at least twice a year. In the event of an alarm, occupants should prioritize immediate evacuation, check doors for heat before opening, stay low to the floor if smoke is present, cover their nose and mouth, and call the fire department from a neighbor's house after safely exiting.

Placement of the smoke alarm is critical for optimal fire detection. It can be mounted on a ceiling or wall. For ceiling mounting, it should be as close to the center of the room or hallway as possible, with the edge at least 4 inches from any wall. For wall mounting, the top of the alarm should be between 4 and 12 inches from the ceiling. In rooms with sloped, gabled, or peaked ceilings, the alarm should be placed at the center of the ceiling for maximum speed of fire detection.

Smoke alarms should be installed in accordance with NFPA 72 standards. In existing construction, alarms should be outside each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, and on each additional story, including basements. In new construction, a smoke detector is required in each sleeping room. For mobile homes, especially older ones with poor insulation, alarms should be placed on inside walls, between 4 and 12 inches from the ceiling, to avoid temperature variations near uninsulated exterior surfaces that can impede smoke detection.

Certain locations should be avoided to prevent nuisance alarms and ensure proper operation. These include areas with combustion particles, such as kitchens, garages, near furnaces, hot water heaters, or gas space heaters; alarms should be at least 20 feet away from such areas. They should also be kept away from air streams passing by kitchens, damp or humid areas (at least 10 feet from bathrooms), very cold or hot environments (outside the operating range of 40° to 100°F), dusty or dirty areas, fresh air inlets or returns, dead air spaces (at the top of peaked roofs or corners between ceilings and walls), insect-infested areas, and near fluorescent light fixtures (at least 5 feet away).

Maintenance is crucial for the alarm's longevity and reliability. Edwards recommends replacing alarms every ten years, as dust, dirt, and environmental contaminants can affect performance over time. Regular cleaning is necessary, especially if the alarm becomes overly sensitive or triggers false alarms due to dirt buildup in the optic sensing chamber. To clean, first turn off electrical power, twist the alarm counter-clockwise to remove it from its mounting plate, unplug the connector, and remove the battery. Prepare three buckets: one with a mixture of normal tap water and 1/8 cup of Ivory dishwashing liquid, and two with clear water (distilled or de-ionized treated water is recommended for final rinse in hard water areas). Submerge the dirty alarm in the soap water for about 10 minutes, then agitate for 5-10 seconds. Transfer it to the first clear water bucket, submerge, and agitate again. Repeat this process in the second clear water bucket. Finally, remove the alarm and allow it to air dry thoroughly for 48 hours in a clean, dry area. Do not use ovens, microwaves, or hot air blowers to accelerate drying, as this can damage the alarm. It is recommended to change the wash and rinse water after cleaning five alarms, or more frequently if they are exceptionally dirty.

Regular testing is also essential. The alarm should be tested weekly by turning the test knob to the "NORMAL" position and ensuring the red indicator light flashes every 15-30 seconds, and the green LED is on. If not, check the battery and AC connection. For a full test, rotate the knob counter-clockwise to "TEST 1" and wait up to 20 seconds for the alarm to sound. To test for high sensitivity, turn the knob clockwise to "TEST 2"; the alarm should remain silent in this position. If it sounds, the alarm may be too sensitive due to dirt and requires cleaning. Edwards recommends using Home Safeguard Smoke Alarm spray once a year to check for proper smoke entry, spraying from a distance no closer than 12 inches. Never use an open flame to test the alarm, as this can damage it or your home. Do not cover, tape, or block the alarm's openings, as these are designed for air sampling. Failure to regularly clean the alarm can lead to false alarms due to dust buildup simulating smoke.

Edwards Signaling 517TCSB Series Specifications