Universal SS-770 User Manual

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
The smoke alarm has a recommended service life of at least 10 years under normal conditions.
The smoke alarm uses an extremely small amount of a radioactive element in the ionization
chamber. Do not tamper with radioactive sealed source or try to repair the smoke alarm
yourself. Refer to instructions for repairs.
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SMOKE & FIRE ALARM
MODEL SS-770/SS-771
SMOKE ALARM LIMITATIONS AND FUNCTIONS
• THERE ARE TWO BASIC SMOKE ALARM TYPES - IONIZATION AND PHOTOELECTRIC.
Ionization smoke alarms are your best overall choice for reliability and fast response time,
since they quickly sense small "invisible" smoke particles and will also sense larger "visible"
smoke particles. Photoelectric smoke alarms may respond more quickly in certain types of
fires, for example - slow smoldering fires with large "visible" smoke particles. ALL TYPES OF
SMOKE ALARMS HAVE LIMITATIONS. NO TYPE OF SMOKE ALARM CAN SENSE EVERY
KIND OF FIRE OR SMOKE EVERY TIME.
• WARNING - SMOKE ALARMS WILL NOT WORK DURING A LOSS OF POWER. SINCE A SMOKE
ALARM WILL NOT WORK WITHOUT POWER, having an alarm(s) that works from two completely
different power sources, such as an AC direct wire with battery backup smoke alarm, can give you an
extra measure of protection in case of an AC power failure or a dead battery.
• USING A SMOKE ALARM IN A SMOKY AREA LIKE A KITCHEN, OR IN A HIGH HUMIDITY
AREA NEAR A SHOWER, CAN CAUSE FALSE ALARMS. DO NOT TURN OFF THE AC
POWER TO QUIET THE ALARM. A SMOKE ALARM WILL NOT HELP PROTECT YOU IF IT
IS NOT POWERED. Properly locate your alarm to avoid nuisance alarms.
• A SMOKE ALARM MAY NOT ALWAYS WARN YOU ABOUT FIRES CAUSED BY CARELESSNESS
AND SAFETY HAZARDS LIKE SMOKING IN BED, VIOLENT EXPLOSIONS, ESCAPING GAS,
IMPROPER STORAGE OF FLAMMABLE MATERIALS, OVERLOADED ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS,
CHILDREN PLAYING WITH MATCHES, NATURAL CAUSES SUCH AS LIGHTNING, OR ARSON.
FIRE PREVENTION IS YOUR BEST SAFEGUARD.
• INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMS MAY MAKE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR LOWER INSURANCE
RATES, but SMOKE ALARMS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR INSURANCE. Homeowners
and renters alike should continue to insure their lives and properties.
• SMOKE ALARMS CANNOT WORK WITHOUT POWER. Battery operated units cannot work if the
batteries are missing, disconnected or dead, if the wrong type of batteries are used or if the batteries
are not installed correctly. AC (only) powered units cannot work if the AC power is cut off for any
reason. If you are concerned about the limitations of battery or AC power, install both types of units.
• SMOKE ALARMS CANNOT DETECT FIRES IF THE SMOKE DOES NOT REACH THEM.
Smoke from fires may not reach the sensing chamber and set off the alarm. One unit should
be installed inside each bedroom or sleeping area.
• SMOKE ALARMS MAY NOT DETECT FIRE ON ANOTHER FLOOR OR AREA OF THE
HOME. Recommended minimum protection is at least one unit in every sleeping area and
every bedroom on every level of your home. Interconnected units may provide earlier warning
than stand-alone units since all units alarm when one detects smoke.
• SMOKE ALARMS MAY NOT BE HEARD. The alarm horn in this unit meets or exceeds current
standards, but it may not be heard if: (1) the unit is located outside a closed or partially closed
door; (2) residents recently consumed alcohol or drugs; (3) the alarm is drowned out by noise
from stereos, TV's, air conditioners or other appliances or (4) if residents are hearing impaired
or sound sleepers.
• SMOKE ALARMS ARE NOT FOOLPROOF. You must test the unit
weekly to ensure your
continued protection. Smoke alarms cannot prevent or extinguish fires.
• SMOKE ALARMS HAVE A LIMITED LIFE. The unit should be replaced immediately if it is not
operating properly. You should always replace a smoke alarm after 10 years.
• SMOKE ALARMS ARE NOT TO BE USED WITH DETECTOR GUARDS UNLESS THE
COMBINATION HAS BEEN EVALUATED AND FOUND SUITABLE FOR THAT PURPOSE.
• CURRENT STUDIES HAVE SHOWN SMOKE ALARMS MAY NOT AWAKEN ALL SLEEPING
INDIVIDUALS AND THAT IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF INDIVIDUALS IN THE
HOUSEHOLD WHO ARE CAPABLE OF ASSISTING OTHERS TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE
TO THOSE WHO MAY NOT BE AWAKENED BY THE ALARM SOUND OR TO THOSE
WHO MAY BE INCAPABLE OF SAFELY EVACUATING THE AREA UNASSISTED.

Universal SS-770 Specifications

General

Brand	Universal
Model	SS-770
Category	Smoke Alarm
Language	English

Summary

Read All Instructions

Smoke Alarm Limitations and Functions

Ionization vs. Photoelectric Alarms

Compares ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms, noting ionization is generally better for fast response.

Power Dependency

Smoke alarms need power; AC-powered units fail on power loss. Dual power sources are recommended.

Nuisance Alarms

High humidity or smoky areas can cause false alarms. Do not disable the alarm.

Fire Types Not Detected

Alarms may not detect fires from carelessness, explosions, gas, or arson. Fire prevention is key.

Insurance and Protection

Smoke alarms may lower insurance rates but are not a substitute for insurance.

Alarm Failure and Power

Alarms won't work without power. Battery units fail if batteries are missing or dead.

Detection Range Limitations

Alarms cannot detect fires if smoke doesn't reach them. Place alarms in every sleeping area.

Audibility Limitations

Alarms may not be heard if doors are closed, or due to noise, drugs, or hearing impairment.

Limited Lifespan and Testing

Alarms have a limited life and should be replaced after 10 years. Test weekly.

Awakening Sleeping Individuals

Alarms may not awaken all sleepers; others must assist those unable to evacuate.

Recommended Location of Alarms

General Placement Guidelines

Locate alarms near bedrooms, protect exits, and place on every floor and near sleeping smokers.

Specific Dwelling Types

Guidelines for existing homes, new construction, mobile homes, and sloped ceilings.

Avoid These Locations

Problematic Areas for Placement

Avoid garages, kitchens, bathrooms, dusty areas, vents, and extreme temperatures.

Electrical Interference

Keep alarms at least 1 foot from fluorescent lights and electrical noise sources.

Air Movement Interference

Keep alarms at least 3 feet from ceiling fans to avoid airflow disruption.

Installation and Operation

Installation Process

Mount the bracket, then push and turn the alarm clockwise onto the bracket.

Optimal Household Protection

Install alarms in sleeping areas, hallways, kitchens, and basements for best early warning.

Testing the Smoke Alarm

Test weekly using the built-in test button to ensure all components are working.

Testing and Maintenance

Testing Warnings

Never use open flame for testing. Use aerosol products carefully if Listed.

RV Specific Testing

Test RV alarms after storage, before trips, and weekly during use.

Maintenance

Smoke alarms are virtually maintenance-free; use vacuum hose for dust.

Battery Replacement

Use 9 Volt batteries (carbon-zinc or alkaline). Low battery indicator is audible.

Repairs and Services

Radioactive Material

Contains Americium 241. Distribution is licensed; consumer exempt from licensing.

Service and Warranty

Do not tamper if defective. Return for servicing; service charge may apply.

Develop and Practice a Plan of Escape

Basics of Escape Plan

Make a floor plan, discuss with family, determine a meeting place, and practice drills.

Actions When Alarm Sounds

Leave immediately, check doors, stay low, go to meeting place, call fire dept. from neighbor's.

NFPA Required Protection

Details National Fire Protection Association standards for smoke alarm installation.

Universal Five Year Limited Warranty

Warranty Coverage

Covers defects in material/workmanship for 5 years for original consumer.

Exclusions

Excludes damage from misuse, abuse, accident, improper installation, or batteries.

Repair and Replacement Process

Send defective product with proof of purchase and fee for return postage/handling.

Disclaimer and Limitations

Disclaims implied warranties of fitness; limits liability for consequential damages.