Universal Security Instruments SS-770 9-Volt Battery Micro Profile Design Ionization Smoke and Fire Alarm

by Universal Security Instruments

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Universal Security Instruments SS-770 ionization smoke and fire alarm with micro profile design is a compact 9-Volt battery-operated alarm. Features include an audible 30-day low battery warning, alarm power and test button and a loud, 85-decibel horn. Ideal for replacement of most existing smoke alarms, offering fast and easy installation--no wiring required.

Product Description

Smoke & Fire AlarmGeneral purpose smoke and fire alarm for boats and RV'sMeets the requirement of NFPA 302 stating that "All vessels 26 feet or more in length with accommodation spaces intended for sleeping shall be equipped with a single station smoke alarm that is listed to UL217 for recreational vehicles..."Dimensions: 4.25" Diameter, 1.75" heightAlarm 85dbListing: UL 217 for RV'sComplies with U.S. Coast Guard Section 28.325(b) and Section 181.450 inclusiveUses the ionization principle of detection for detecting fast-flaming fires which consume combustible materials rapidly and spread quickly9v battery operated (battery included); no wiring required for easy installationLow battery alarm features audible beeps to indicate a battery replacement is requiredIncorporates an internationally recognized horn signal for evacuation. During the alarm mode, the horn produces three short beeps followed by a two second pause and then repeats.Features a test button that is easily accessible on the cover of the alarmRecommended installation is to install one unit in each sleeping accommodation, salon, galley, engine/generator room, and electrical control roomSuitable for marine and recreational vehicle use

Product Details

• Item Weight: 5.3 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B001AMML0E
• Item model number: SS-770
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,713 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #41 in Home Improvement > Safety & Security > Fire Safety > Smoke Alarms

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars SS-770 Acceptable very Economical Smoke Alarm, long battery life, June 23, 2010

By 

kd - See all my reviews

This review is from: Universal Security Instruments SS-770 9-Volt Battery Micro Profile Design Ionization Smoke and Fire Alarm (Tools & Home Improvement)

SS-770 Acceptable very Economical Smoke Alarm, long battery life

The Universal SS-770 Ionization Smoke and Fire Alarm is ordinary but unusually small: 4-inch diameter, 1-inch thick, white plastic. Extremely economical $4.45 from HmDpt 6/16/10. Manufacturer generic six page insert: [...]

This smoke alarm works but is as basic as possible: 9V battery only, ionization detector only, no LED at all, no hush button. Just a weekly test button and the alarm beeper. It comes with a basic non-alkaline 9V carbon-zinc battery that should last for about 4 years. A higher-quality battery would last longer. The alarm itself is supposed to be replaced ten years after the date of manufacture. It comes with a worthless 5 year warranty which requires a payment of $4. Made in China.

The missing hush button is the worst feature of this alarm. You are supposed to mount it on the ceiling, or within 12 inches of the ceiling. But if it goes off because you burned the toast, it could be hard to reach! Even after you have figured out how to rip it off the wall (twist and pull), the irritating alarm cannot be silenced until you figure out how to disconnect the battery, which is not easy to do if you are in a bad mood.

The smoke alarm mounts on a round white plastic base plate, which is screwed to the wall or ceiling with two long skinny screws that are only partly threaded. The screws work OK on walls but would not securely mount in to ceiling sheet-rock. Secure mounting would require larger screws and/or plastic sheet-rock inserts.

A battery-operated smoke alarm like this is a great life-saving tool for people who sincerely want to have this kind of protection. But if you are a landlord dealing with tenants who may not properly replace batteries as needed, or someone who just never wants to be bothered with taking care of equipment, you need alarms that are wired into the AC power.

Because this is an ionization (radioactive) type of smoke alarm, it uses very little battery power. There is no need to replace the battery twice a year; that would be wasteful. The 9V battery should typically last much longer than one year. If you are comfortable using a volt meter, measure the battery twice a year and replace it when it gets much below 9.0V. The SS-770 should go on working until the battery gets down to about 7.5V, at which point it will start chirping about every 40 seconds.

Based on current measurements, an ordinary "heavy duty" 9V battery should last about 4 years, a good alkaline battery should last about 6 years, and a super-duper Lithium battery should last over 10 years.

These are actual power measurements:

9.5V 6microAmps + current spikes

Low-power measurements:

3.2-3.6V (3.2-3.8V) quiet fast chirp

3.6-5.2V (3.8-6.2V) 3 beeps, pause; repeat

5.2-7.3V (6.2-7.7V) quick chirp every 41 seconds - time to replace the battery!

^volt range going down^ (^volt range going up^)

non-techical translation: don't let the battery voltage get below 8 volts

5.0 out of 5 stars Universal Security Instruments SS-770 9-Vo..., February 17, 2012

By 

Mick McClure "Mick" (Monroe, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Universal Security Instruments SS-770 9-Volt Battery Micro Profile Design Ionization Smoke and Fire Alarm (Tools & Home Improvement)

Excellent value and fast shipping...not fancy but do work very well with very little fasle alarms except when you smoke the oven. Be sure to purchase photoelectric for the kitchen.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good product, good price, November 2, 2011

By 

bjtao - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Universal Security Instruments SS-770 9-Volt Battery Micro Profile Design Ionization Smoke and Fire Alarm (Tools & Home Improvement)

I like the low price and the alarms are basic and do what they are supposed to. I would order more of this type for my home in the future.