Posts Tagged aico heat alarms

Aico RadioLINK Relays and Repeater Modules: House-coding and testing done right

Posted by the electrician in ask Mr Sparks, customer service, fire alarms, guest expert, in-house announcements, new technologies, security systems, technical data on February 21, 2012

This article is part of the guide offered by Aico concerning, How do I test / commission my fire alarms? Yesterday we were talking about the RadioLINK Alarms and bases – doing the house-coding right, previously we were speaking about the Switches and Call Points, and now it’s all about the RadioLINK relays and repeater modules.

When it comes to the Aico RadioLINK connected relays and repeater modules, you need to know how to do the house-coding and how to do the testing (after the coding has been done).

RadioLINK relays / repeater modules – House-Coding

Take off the cover and slide the yellow battery switch ‘ON’
Refit the cover and use a screwdriver to press the House-Code button
The green light will change to red. As soon as it does, remove the screwdriver. Put all other RadioLINK units from House-Code
The green light will start to flash red to show it’s looking for other units on the system. Check the number of flashes equals the number of RadioLINK units. For example, 3 units = 3 flashes, 4 units = 4 flashes etc.
If the number of flashes is ok it shows they have all House-Coded together. Complete the coding by using a screwdriver to press the House-Code button on the front. As soon as the red light comes on solidly, remove the screwdriver.

RadioLINK relays / repeater modules – Testing the relays

Make sure the mains power to the circuit is on. Check that the green power lights on the alarms and relay are on (if they are off, check circuit breakers, fuses, wiring etc.)
Press and hold the test button on the alarm for around 10 seconds
Check the relay switches and the devices connected to it are activated (e.g. strobe flashes)

Read more on this topic at, How do I test / Commission my Aico RadioLINK alarms? – via the Aico website, or purchase the Aico Domestic Fire / Smoke / Heat alarms at Sparks Electrical.

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How do I test / commission my Smoke and Heat Alarms? Aico advice on testing fire alarms

Posted by the electrician in customer service, electrical safety tips, fire alarms, guest expert, standards and regulations, technical data on July 6, 2011

Via Aico’s new website you can find a lot of useful information! We are weekly discovering new interesting and helpful tips concerning the Aico Fire Alarms, the maintenance and testing of the alarms, and even the installing / wiring of the heat or smoke alarms. Below we have compiled the information they presented at How do I test/commission? via, Tips for the Electrical Contractor. Find the answer below to questions like,

How do I test my hard wired Alarms?
How do I test my Hard Wired Relays?
How do I test my Hard Wired Switches and Call Points?
How do I test my RadioLINK Alarms and Bases?

How do I test my hard wired Alarms?
[Aico Smoke and CO Alarms]

Step 1: Checking the battery back-up
# Turn off the mains power to the alarm circuit and check that the green light is off
# Listen for a couple of minutes. Check that the alarm does not beep (if it does beep, go to the troubleshooting section)
# Press and hold the test button for up to 10 seconds and check that the alarm sounds. Also check that this triggers all interconnected alarms
Step 2: Checking on mains power
# Turn the mains power to the alarm circuit back on. Check that the green power light is on (if it is off, check circuit breakers, fuses, wiring etc.)
# Press and hold the test button for up to 10 seconds and check that the alarm sounds. Also check that this triggers any other interconnected alarms

How do I test my Hard Wired Relays?
[Aico Hard Wired Relays]

Make sure the mains power to the circuit is on. Check the green light on the alarms is on (if it is off, check circuit breakers, fuses, wiring etc.)
Press and hold the test button on the alarm for around 10 seconds
Check the relay switches and the devices connected to it are activated (e.g. strobe flashes)

How do I test my Hard Wired Switches and Call Points?

The Remote Control Switch
# Make sure the mains power to the circuit is on. Check the green light on the alarms is on (if it is off, check circuit breakers, fuses, wiring etc.)
# Flick the white test switch on the Remote Control Switch to ‘ON’
# Check all the alarms on the system sound
# Flick the white test switch to ‘OFF’
The Manual Call Point
# Make sure the mains power to the circuit is on. Check that the green light on the alarms is on (if it is off, check circuit breakers, fuses, wiring etc.)
# Press the black dot on the Manual Call Point until it clicks in
# Check that the alarms sound
# Reset the Manual Call Point by inserting the key into the hole in the bottom and twisting it anti-clockwise until the cover clicks back out

How do I test my RadioLINK Alarms and Bases?
[Aico RadioLINK Alarms/Bases]

Step 1: Checking the battery Back-up
# Turn off the mains power to the alarm circuit and check that the green light is off
# Listen for a couple of minutes. Check that the alarm does not beep (if it does beep, go to the troubleshooting section)
# Press and hold the test button for up to 10 seconds and check that the alarm sounds. Also check that this triggers all interconnected alarms
Step 2: Checking on Mains Power
# Turn off the mains power to the alarm circuit back on. Check that the green power light is on (if it is off, check circuit breakers, fuses, wiring etc.)
# Press and hold the test button for up to 10 seconds and check that the alarm sounds. Also check that this triggers any other interconnected alarms

For more details and tips on how to test your fire alarms, components of the system, bases, relays, etc – via the How Do I Test my Aico Fire / Smoke / CO / Heat alarms?

Remember: the Aico Ei141 Ionisation Smoke Alarm With Hush & Mounting Plate is now on OFFER at Sparks!

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What other Alarms does the Aico Ei2110 Multi-Sensor Alarm with RadioLINK work with?

Posted by sparksdirect in ask Mr Sparks, customer service, electrical safety tips, fire alarms, guest expert, new technologies, security systems, technical data on March 9, 2011

The Aico Ei2110 Multi-Sensor alarm is the best solution for the Ultimate Protection! Coupled with the Aico Ei168RC RadioLINK, this Aico Ei2110 with RadioLINK has multiple uses and can be fitted to work together with multiple other devices! New from Aico is the Multi-Sensor Ei2110 fire alarm. Up to now there have only been three types of alarm available – optical, heat and ionisation. Each one is best suited to a different fire type (e.g. flaming, smouldering etc). The Aico Ei2110 Multi-Sensor changes all that. It has two sensors in it – optical and heat – so it gives the best response to all different fire types. The information below can also be found via Aico Electrical Wholesaler Tips – What Works with What?

Main features of Aico Ei2110 plus the Aico Ei168RC Base - Responds to both slow smouldering fires (Sofas, TVs) and fast flaming fires (Papers, Clothing), Ideal for: Hallway, Landing, Living Room, and Bedroom(Guidance only. See BS 5839-6:2004 for full info)

Main features of Aico Ei2110 plus the Aico Ei168RC Base

Two sensors – optical & heat;
Responds to both slow smouldering fires (Sofas, TVs) and fast flaming fires (Papers, Clothing);
Mains powered with rechargeable Lithium back-up;
Unique automatic ‘Dust Compensation’ reduces false alarms;
3rd party accredited by BSI to BS EN 14604:2005;
Ideal for: Hallway, Landing, Living Room, and Bedroom(Guidance only. See BS 5839-6:2004 for full info);
Aico Ei2110 Multi-Sensor alarm for the Ultimate Home Protection;
fire alarms – system solution devices, RadioLINK;
Frequently Asked Questions – the RadioLINK technology for Aico heat/smoke alarms;
Alarm sensor types and their positioning, wiring and interconnection;

What other Aico Alarms does the Aico 2100 Multi-Sensor Alarm with RadioLINK work with?

Aico Ei2110 Multi-Sensor Alarm – working with a Relay Module, the Aico Ei428
# Mains with rechargeable back-up
# Volt-free relay contacts
# Ei428SK available pre-wired for Warden Call
Aico Ei2110 Multi-Sensor Alarm – working with a Remote Control Switch, the Aico Ei411H
# Test and Silence alarms
# Identify triggered alarm
# Battery powered (10 year life)
# Ei412 available with CO indicator light
Aico Ei2110 Multi-Sensor Alarm – working with a Switched Input Module, the Aico Ei408
# Connect to switched contacts (e.g. sprinkler flow switch)
# Triggers alarms when contacts close
Aico Ei2110 Multi-Sensor Alarm – working with a Alarm for Hearing Impaired, the Aico Ei170RF
# Mains with battery back-up
# Strobe and vibrating pad for pillows
# Ei171RF strobe only also available
Aico Ei2110 Multi-Sensor Alarm – working with a Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm, the Aico Ei262
# Mains with rechargeable back-up
# Wireless interconnection with smoke alarms (must use Ei412 Switch)
Aico Ei2110 Multi-Sensor Alarm – working with a Call Point, the Aico Ei407
# No replacing glass
# Reset with key
# Completely wireless
# Battery powered (10 year life)
Aico Ei2110 Multi-Sensor Alarm – working with a Repeater Module, the Aico Ei420
# Mains powered
# Repeats RF signals
# Extends range

Buy online this innovative multi-sensor alarm – the Aico Ei2110 Alarm – via the Domestic Fire Alarms, and read more about the Aico Fire Alarms – articles about the Fire Detection Systems.

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Where do I site the Aico Smoke Alarms and the Aico Carbon Monoxide Alarms?

Posted by the electrician in ask Mr Sparks, electrical safety tips, fire alarms, guest expert, standards and regulations, technical data on February 28, 2011

Aico is very helpful in giving not only comprehensive guide to the range they manufacture and sell, but also in helping both installers, contractors, and home owners in siting the purchased Aico Fire Alarms! The guide below – also found on the, “Where do I Site?” page on Aico website, is actually true not only for the Aico Smoke alarms or the Aico CO alarms, but also for all kinds of smoke or CO alarms. There are some minimal distances that need to be kept between the wall and the smoke alarm, between the appliances and the smoke alarms, etc. Also, there are certain Do’s and Dont’s that will definitely aid you in finding the perfect spot for installing the smoke or carbon monoxide alarm.

Where do I site the Aico Smoke Alarm?

Left: Mount centrally on the ceiling. Keep at least 300mm (12″) from walls.
Right: Keep at least 300mm (12″) from light fittings.

Left: There must be an alarm within 3m (10ft) of all bedroom doors.
Right: On peaked ceilings, mount 900mm (36″) horizontally from the peak.

Left: Keep at least twice the depth away from any small obstructions, such as beams.
Right: Any obstruction greater than 10% of the room height should be treated as a wall. Extra alarms may be needed.

Aico Smoke Alarms Siting – Do’s and Dont’s

Simple do’s and dont’s that go along with the above advice regarding the Aico Smoke Alarms Siting.

DO – Fit the alarm on the ceiling;
DO – fit the alarm centrally within the room / area it covers;
DO – fit the alarm where it can be accessed(not directly above the stairs);
DON’T – Fit the alarm directly next to or above heaters or vents.

Where do I site the Aico Carbon Monoxide Alarms?

Left: In the Same Room as the Appliance – Ceiling mounted. Between 1m and 3m horizontally from the appliance.
Right: In the Same Room as the Appliance – Keep at least 300mm (12″) from walls.

Left: In the Same Room as the Appliance – Keep at least 300mm (12″) from light fittings
Right: In rooms with no appliance – Wall mounted, Fit at breathing height.

Aico Carbon Monoxide Alarms Siting – Do’s and Dont’s

Simple do’s and dont’s that go along with the above advice regarding the Aico CO(Carbon Monoxide) Alarms Siting.

DON’T – Fit in an enclosed space(like a cupboard, etc);
DON’T – fit where it can be obstructed by somethingput on/around it;
DON’T – fit directly above a sink;
DON’T – fit next to a door or window;
DON’T – fit next to an extractor fan or vent;
DON’T – fit where it is damp or humid.

If you are an Electrical Contractor, check out the Aico Domestic Alarms section on our website and the Aico Fire Alarms Tips and advice via the Articles about Fire Alarms on our blog. Another good resource for installing the Aico Domestic Smoke/Heat Alarms is the Electrical Contractor Advice section on the Aico website.

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What Aico Fire Alarms works where? Aico Advice: Make Sure You Fit the Right Alarm!

Posted by sparksdirect in ask Mr Sparks, fire alarms, guest expert, technical data, website update on February 10, 2011

We have previously introduced the Aico Product Selector guide, especially the Domestic alarm selector, choosing what alarms to fit and where, based on BS 5839-6:2004. Recently, they put more information on their website regarding the Aico Fire Alarms – and today we would like to inform all our customers and visitors about What Aico Fire Alarm Works Where? Make Sure You Fit The Right Fire Alarm! Check out below the simple tips and the places where you can site the domestic fire alarms from Aico. You can read this article in its entirety on the What Works Where? page at Aico.co.uk.

There are all different types of smoke/heat alarm available. Each alarm type responds to different types of smoke or levels of heat, so each is better suited to different areas of the home. Have a look at the diagram below to see what type of alarm to fit in the different areas:

The Aico Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm

The Multi-Sensor contains two sensors – Optical and Heat. It responds to both slow smouldering fires (Sofas, TVs) and fast flaming fires (Papers, Clothing). More about the Aico Multi-Sensor alarms.

Ask for the Aico Ei2110 – Mains powered with rechargeable Lithium back-up

The Aico Optical Smoke Alarm

Proven Optical Sensor. It is more responsive to smouldering fires (Sofas, TVs). More about the Aico Optical Smoke Alarms.

Ask for the Aico Ei166RC – Mains powered with rechargeable Lithium back-up
Ask for the Aico Ei146 – Mains powered with Alkaline battery back-up

The Aico Heat Alarm

Heat Sensor (triggers at 58°C). It responds to heat build-up from large flaming fires. More about the Aico Heat Alarms.

Ask for the Aico Ei164RC – Mains powered with rechargeable Lithium back-up
Ask for the Aico Ei144 – Mains powered with Alkaline battery back-up

The Aico Ionisation Smoke Alarm

Proven long-life ionisation sensor. It is more responsive to flaming fires (Papers, Clothing). More about the Aico Ionisation Smoke Alarms.

Ask for the Aico Ei161RC – Mains powered with rechargeable Lithium back-up
Ask for the Aico Ei141 – Mains powered with Alkaline battery back-up

Read more about the Aico Fire Alarms – Tips for the Aico Domestic fire alarms, smoke alarms, and heat alarms:

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