Q: How is the Silhouette Low-Profile Smoke Alarm different from other smoke alarms?
A: Silhouette is an innovative, low-profile smoke alarm from Kidde with a sleek, new design. Its unique, square shape protrudes half an inch from the ceiling, allowing it to effortlessly blend in with its surroundings. Silhouette marks the first dramatic evolution of smoke alarm design since their creation in 1967.
Q. Besides aesthetics, what other features set this alarm apart?
A. A big differentiation beyond the unique design is that the Silhouette Low-Profile Smoke Alarm contains a rechargeable lithium battery sealed inside the unit. The battery will recharge automatically via the home’s electricity, which may cut down on callbacks, and will last for the lifetime of the alarm. This alarm is warranted for ten years.
INSTALLATION
Q: Is the Silhouette Low-Profile Smoke Alarm easy to install?
A: Yes. The pre-stripped wiring harness with easy off cap does not require a stripper tool, while tinned strands increase conductivity and wire nut grip. Once the smoke alarm is installed, be sure that the unit receives AC power for a full 24 hours. This will fully charge the battery. If the battery is not fully charged, it may experience a low battery chirp, which can be rectified by restoring AC power.
Q: Will the Silhouette Low-Profile Smoke Alarm fit in a standard electrical box?
A: Silhouette’s Low-Profile smoke alarm fits in most common round, square and octagon electrical boxes with a 3 ½” hole spacing, and a depth in excess of 2 1/8”. It will also fit in a double gang electrical box. The alarm’s unique design enables the encasement containing the sensor and other components to fit into the electrical box, and will displace 7.5 cubic inches. Only the alarm’s face plate protrudes from the ceiling.
Q: Does the Silhouette Low-Profile Smoke Alarm need to be wired differently than other alarms?
A: No. As with most smoke alarms, the multiple station interconnect wiring must be in the same raceway as the AC power wiring. In addition, the resistance of the interconnect wiring should be a maximum of 10 ohms. Make sure all alarms are wired to a single, continuous (non-switched) power line, which is not protected by a ground fault interrupter. A maximum of 1000 ft. of wire can be used in the interconnect system. Use standard UL listed household wire as required by code.
Q: Is the Silhouette Low-Profile Smoke Alarm UL-Listed?
A: Yes, the alarm is listed to the UL217 smoke alarm standard.
Q: How often will the battery need to be replaced?
A: Never. The battery is sealed inside the alarm, and will last the life of the alarm. Fire experts recommend replacing smoke alarms every 10 years.
Q. How will the alarm alert the user that is has reached the end of its life?
A: At the end of the unit’s life, it will chirp every 30 seconds.
Q: Will the Silhouette Low-Profile Smoke Alarm interconnect with other alarms?
A: Silhouette’s Low-Profile Smoke Alarm will interconnect to a system containing a maximum of 18 Kidde devices, 12 of which can be smoke alarms.
FEATURES & TECHNOLOGY
Q. What type of sensor technology does this unit contain?
A. The Silhouette Low-Profile smoke alarm currently contains an ionization smoke sensor. Ionization smoke alarms work by detecting changes in voltage that are caused when small particles enter the sensing chamber. These small particles are plentiful in flame producing fires, such as those started in the kitchen. Most home fires in America begin in the kitchen, and cooking fires are the leading cause of home fire injuries.
Q: If the alarm sounds, how do I know which unit initiated the alarm?
A: Silhouette Low-Profile smoke alarms are equipped with an initiating alarm memory. The smoke alarm that detects the hazard and initiates the response will have a flashing green LED. The other smoke alarms triggered by the initiating alarm will also sound, but will not have a flashing LED.
Q: What other key features does this alarm have?
A: The Silhouette Low-Profile smoke alarm has a Smart Hush™ button that will handle several key activities. One touch will test the operation of the alarm and interconnected system, or quickly silence nuisance alarms by the initiating alarm for seven minutes.
Q: What is the lifespan of the Silhouette Low-Profile Smoke Alarm?
A: The product is warranted for 10 years.
AVAILABILITY
Q: When will the Silhouette Low-Profile Smoke Alarm be available? A: It will be available for sale at your local electrical distributor in spring 2008. For information, visit www.kidde.com.
Q: Are there plans for any other products in the Silhouette line?
A: Yes. The Silhouette Low-Profile Carbon Monoxide alarm is slated to be available in fall 2008. If you are interested in becoming a distributor Contact us For more information, download the Data Sheet.