MasterGuard 380 User Manual

PHOTOELECTRIC
RESIDENTIAL SMOKE
ALARM, BATTERY POWERED
RESIDENTIAL
FIRE PROTECTION PRODUCTS
380 SERIES
Installation Instructions - Owner's Information READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE
INTRODUCTION 380 SERIES
The 380 Series smoke alarm is a photoelectric type alarm for use
as a life saving device in residential applications. Each smoke alarm
has a solid state piezo signal to warn and alert the household to the
presence of threatening smoke.
Your photoelectric smoke 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.
MODELS
MODEL NO. DESCRIPTION
380................................. 9 Volt DC Battery Smoke Alarm, Wall
or Ceiling Mount with Pulsating Piezo
Horn plus a visual Power-On/Alarm
Indicator LED
380T............................... Model 380 with Integral 135°F.
Thermal Sensor
HOW YOUR SMOKE ALARM WORKS
The 380 Series smoke alarm operates on the photoelectric light
scatter principle. The unit's sensing chamber houses a light source
and a light sensor.
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 smoke alarm.
The light source is an infrared (invisible) LED which pulses every
8 seconds. The light sensor is a photodiode matched to the light
frequency of the LED light source.
FIRE PROTECTION PLAN: WHAT YOU
CAN DO TO MAKE YOUR FAMILY SAFE
FROM FIRES
This smoke alarm can quickly alert you to the presence of
smoke-it cannot prevent fire. The ultimate responsibility for fire
protection rests solely on you.
Installing 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 effective fire safety program:
a. Install smoke alarms properly following the instructions in
this manual. Keep your smoke alarms clean. Test your
device weekly and have it repaired or replaced when it no
longer functions. As with any electronic product, smoke alarms
have a limited life, and devices 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.
• Keep electrical appliances and cords in good working order and
do not overload electrical circuits.
• Keep stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, and barbecue grills grease-
free and make sure they are properly installed away from
combustible materials.
• Keep portable heaters and open flames such as candles away
from combustible materials.
• Do not allow rubbish to accumulate.
• Do not leave small children home alone.
c. Develop a family escape plan and practice it with your entire
family, especially small children.
• Draw and post a floor plan of your home and find two ways to
exit from each room. There should be one way to get out of
each bedroom without opening the door.
• Teach children what the smoke alarm signal means, and that
they must be prepared to leave the residence by themselves
if necessary. Show them how to check to see if doors are hot
before opening them, how to stay close to the floor and crawl if
necessary, and how to use the alternate exit if the door is hot
and should not be opened.
• Decide on a meeting place a safe distance from your house and
make sure that all your children understand that they should go
and wait for you if there is a fire.
• Hold fire drills at least every 6 months to make sure that
everyone, even small children, know what to do to escape
safely.
• Know where to go to call the fire department from outside your
residence.
• Provide emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers and
teach your family to use this equipment properly.
d. Bedroom doors should be closed while sleeping if a smoke
alarm is installed in the bedroom. They act as a barrier against
heat and smoke.
Pg. 3-1
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 sensor. At the first sighting
of smoke, the smoke alarm is put into a pre-alarm mode. This is
indicated by a rapidly flashing LED on the face of the smoke 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 substantially
reduces the possibility of nuisance alarms.

MasterGuard 380 Specifications

General

Brand	MasterGuard
Model	380
Category	Smoke Alarm
Language	English

Summary

Installation Instructions - Owner's Information

Introduction 380 Series

Overview of the 380 Series photoelectric smoke alarm for residential use as a life-saving device.

Models

Lists available models, including the 380 and 380T, with their descriptions.

How Your Smoke Alarm Works

Explains the photoelectric light scatter principle used by the smoke alarm.

Fire Protection Plan: What You Can Do to Make Your Family Safe from Fires

Install Smoke Alarms Properly

Emphasizes correct installation, regular testing, cleaning, and timely replacement of smoke alarms.

Follow Safety Rules and Prevent Hazardous Situations

Lists safety rules including proper use of smoking materials, matches, lighters, and electrical appliances.

Develop a Family Escape Plan

Guides on creating and practicing a family escape plan, including exit routes and meeting places.

Close Bedroom Doors While Sleeping

Recommends closing bedroom doors at night to act as a barrier against heat and smoke.

What to Do If There Is a Fire in Your Home

Stay Calm and Follow Escape Plan

Advises staying calm and quickly exiting the house using a planned escape route.

Escape Procedures

Details on checking doors for heat, staying low, covering mouth/nose, and keeping doors closed.

Post-Escape Actions

Instructions to meet at a safe place, call the fire department, and never re-enter a burning building.

What This Smoke Alarm Can Do

Sensing Capabilities

Explains the alarm senses smoke via a photoelectric principle, not gas or heat (except 380T).

Importance of Proper Setup

Highlights that early warning relies on correct location, installation, and maintenance.

Important Note: What Smoke Alarms Cannot Do

Power and Battery Dependency

States alarms require power; battery models need properly installed, charged batteries.

Fire Detection Limitations

Discusses limitations like fires in inaccessible areas, closed doors, or different levels.

Audibility and Waking Effectiveness

Notes that alarms may not wake sound sleepers, especially with closed doors or on different levels.

General Sensor Limitations

Explains no sensor can detect every fire type, including those from explosions or gas.

Non-Residential Use Exclusion

Clarifies the alarm is not designed for commercial or special-purpose fire detection systems.

Placement of Smoke Alarms

NFPA 72 Installation Standards

Mandates installation per National Fire Protection Association Standard 72.

NFPA 72 Requirements Summary

Lists NFPA 72 requirements for sleeping areas, hallways, and dwelling levels.

Where to Locate the Required Smoke Alarms

Bedroom and Sleeping Area Placement

Recommends placing alarms in bedrooms and between sleeping areas and the unit.

Multi-Bedroom or Multi-Level Units

Requires alarms in each sleeping area and on every level, including basements.

Are More Smoke Alarms Desirable?

Important Consideration: Replacement Recommendation

Highlights the NFPA recommendation to replace smoke alarms every ten (10) years.

Reasons for Replacement

Explains reasons for replacement: dust, changing standards, technology upgrades, and cost-effectiveness.

Mounting Location

Ceiling Mounting

Instructions for mounting on a ceiling, ideally at the center, at least 4 inches from walls.

Wall Mounting

Instructions for mounting on a wall, with the top 4-12 inches from the ceiling.

Where Smoke Alarms Should Be Put in Mobile Homes

Placement in Modern Mobile Homes

Placement guidelines for mobile homes built after 1978, similar to standard homes.

Placement in Older Mobile Homes

Specific placement for older, less insulated mobile homes to avoid thermal barriers.

Locations to Avoid

General Nuisance Alarm Avoidance

Guidance on avoiding locations that cause nuisance alarms due to improper operation.

Avoid Combustion Particle Areas

Do not place near kitchens, garages, furnaces, or hot water heaters (at least 20 ft away).

Avoid Kitchen Air Streams

Keep away from normal air movement paths from kitchens.

Avoid Humid or Damp Areas

Do not place near bathrooms or areas with high moisture.

Avoid Extreme Temperature Areas

Do not place in very cold, very hot, or unheated environments.

Avoid Dusty or Dirty Areas

Keep away from dusty locations where dirt can affect the sensor.

Avoid Air Drafts and Dead Air Spaces

Keep away from fresh air inlets, returns, peaked ceilings, and corners.

Avoid Insect-Infested Areas

Do not install where insects may enter the sensing chamber.

Avoid Fluorescent Light Fixtures

Keep away from electrical noise generated by fluorescent lights.

Installation 380 Series

Caution for New Construction

Wait until after sanding, insulation, and painting are finished before attaching alarm.

Mounting: Plate & Smoke Alarm

Step-by-step instructions for attaching the mounting plate and alarm unit.

Battery Installation

Opening the Cover

Instructions on how to open the smoke alarm cover using the pull tab.

Connecting the Battery

Guidance on connecting a fresh 9-volt battery to the terminals.

Closing the Cover and Testing

Steps for re-closing the alarm and performing an initial test after battery installation.

Checkout & Troubleshooting

Testing with the Test Knob

Procedures for testing the smoke alarm's sensitivity and functionality.

Understanding the Test Knob Function

Explains that the test knob simulates smoke and tests the photodiode and circuit.

Checking the Power-On/Alarm Light

How to verify power by checking the red indicator light's flashing.

Maintenance

Weak Battery Indication

Describes the audible beep signal indicating a low battery.

Nuisance Alarm Cause and Cleaning

Explains dirt build-up can cause nuisance alarms and provides a cleaning procedure.

Cleaning Procedure

Detailed steps for washing and rinsing the smoke alarm to restore sensitivity.

Important Cleaning Warnings

Warns against opening the unit, using incorrect detergents, or accelerating drying with heat.

To Return a Smoke Alarm

Return Procedure

Steps for removing the alarm, packing it, and returning it to the manufacturer for service.

Contact Information for Returns

Provides the address for returning smoke alarms for warranty service.

Electrical Specifications

Model 380 Series Specifications

Lists technical specifications including voltage, current, and temperature ratings.

Battery Recommendation

Recommends using Duracell MN 1604 batteries for battery-operated models.

Limited Warranty

24-Month Limited Warranty

Covers defects in workmanship/materials, excluding abuse or improper installation.

Warranty Exclusions and Limitations

Details conditions voiding the warranty and limitations on implied warranties and damages.

25-Year Product Replacement Warranty

Offers repair/replacement at a discounted price after the initial warranty expires.

Lifetime Fire Replacement Warranty

Provides free replacement for units damaged or destroyed by accidental fire.