There are many options open to the specifier and installer. In properties where a simple system is required, this can be achieved using either RadioLINK RF or hardwired technology. Where there is a need for a more comprehensive system, just choose the particular control and/or signalling devices that you need and install the system that meets your requirements.

Below you can see a list of the 3 possible components of an Aico System – Hard wired devices(switches, call points, relay bases), Ancillary system devices(beacons, sounders, door holders), and RadioLINK system devices(bases, manual call points, remote control switch, repeater, etc).

Hard-Wired System Devices

MCP401RC Manual Call Point

• Mains powered with built-in 10 year+ rechargeable lithium cell back-up
• Non-breakable operating element with reset key
• For use with Ei2110 Multi-Sensor, Ei160RC and Ei140 Series alarms

Ei1529RC Remote Control Switch

• Allows the user to locate the source of an alarm when all units are sounding, hush any false alarms and also test the system
• Mains powered
• For use with Ei2110 Multi-Sensor, Ei160RC Series and Ei260RC Series alarms

Ei159 Alarm Locator Switch

• Allows the user to locate the source of an alarm when all units are sounding
• Pressing the locate switch silences all alarms apart from the one that is the source of the alarm
• Automatically resets after 10 minutes
• For use with Ei2110 Multi-Sensor, Ei160RC, Ei140 and Ei260RC Series alarms

Ei128R Relay Base

• Contains set of relay contacts that are switched on receipt of an alarm interconnect signal
• Volt-free relay contacts, rated at 240V 5A
• Pulse or Constant switching option
• Mains powered
• For use with Ei2110 Multi-Sensor, Ei160RC and Ei140 Series alarms

Ei128RBU Relay Base

• As Ei128R but with built-in 10 year+ rechargeable lithium cell back-up
• For use with Ei2110 Multi-Sensor, Ei160RC and Ei140 Series alarms

Ei128COV Cover

• Available separately for Ei128R and Ei128RBU

Ancillary System Devices

SAB300 Xenon Beacon/Strobe

• For switching via an Ei428/128R/128RBU relay
• Flash energy of 3 Watts and flash frequency of 0.9Hz
• For internal or external use (IP65)
• Clear(C) or Red(R) lens options

SABV4 High Intensity Xenon Beacon/Strobe

• For switching via an Ei428/128R/128RBU relay
• 5 Joule high intensity flash
• For internal or external use (IP65)
• Opal(O) or Red(R) lens options

Ei167RC Remote Sounder

• Interconnects with Ei2110 Multi-Sensor, Ei160RC and Ei140 Series alarms
• Also compatible with Ei168RC RadioLINK base
• Mains powered with 10 year+ rechargeable lithium cell back-up
• Minimum sound output of 85dB(A) at 3m Y03 Remote Sounder
• For switching via an Ei428/128R/128RBU relay
• Switchable sound output frequency 500-2900Hz
• Sound output level 97-100dB(A)
• For internal or external use (IP54)

MDH230 Magnetic Door Holder

• For switching via an Ei428/Ei128R/ Ei128RBU relay
• Supplied with metal door plate
• Magnet de-activates when relay switches and releases door plate

RadioLINK System Devices

Ei168RC Base

• Wireless (radio-frequency) communication
• For use with Ei2110 Multi-Sensor, Ei160RC and Ei140 Series alarms
• Mains powered with 10 year+ rechargeable lithium cell back-up
• Unique ‘House Coding’ feature prevents interference from neighbouring systems

Ei407 Manual Call Point

• Completely wire-free
• Powered by built-in 10 year lithium cells
• For use with Ei2110 Multi-Sensor, Ei160RC and Ei140 Series alarms on Ei168RC bases
• Non-breakable operating element with reset key

Ei408 Switched Input Module

• Triggers RadioLINK devices from a set of Volt-free closing contacts (e.g. sprinkler flow switch)
• Designed to be remotely sited
• Powered by built-in 10 year lithium cells

Ei411H Remote Control Switch

• Allows alarm Locate, Hush and Test functions to be performed
• Completely wire-free
• Powered by built-in 10 year lithium cells
• For use only with Ei2110 Multi-Sensor and Ei160RC Series alarms on Ei168RC bases

Ei420 Repeater & CO Alarm Interface

• Repeats RadioLINK signals to strengthen signal paths
• Allows Ei260RC Series Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms to be linked into a RadioLINK system
• Mains powered with 10 year+ rechargeable lithium cell back-up

Ei428 Remote Relay Module

• Contains set of relay contacts that are switched on receipt of a RadioLINK signal
• Volt-free relay contacts, rated at 240V 5A
• Mains powered with 10 year+ rechargeable lithium cell back-up
• Pulse or Constant switching option

To purchase Aico fire alarms, sounders, remote control switches, manual call points, bases, repeaters, CO alarms, remote sounders, relay bases, or covers – visit the Domestic Fire Alarms section under the Fire Alarms, Fire and security. Also, to help you in your choice of the domestic fire alarms, we also recommend the Domestic alarm selector, choosing what alarms to fit and where, based on BS 5839-6:2004.

Interconnecting mains powered smoke alarms is essential to provide the earliest possible warning of a fire. Fire statistics show that the quicker occupants are alerted to a fire, the less risk of death or injury there is. Furthermore, property damage is also reduced. With RadioLINK, mains powered smoke, heat and fire alarms are interconnected by wireless signals rather than cabling. It’s so much simpler, more convenient and easier to change or extend as and when required.

Save Both Time & Money

Because there’s no need to run interconnect wiring – and to make good the mess caused in the process – you can complete the installation in a fraction of the time which means major time savings for the contractor and significant cost savings for the specifier.

Minimum Disruptions

With RadioLINK there’s no need to hard wire interconnect so installing trunking, running cables under floor boards and carpets or even channelling out walls and redecorating is unnecessary thus ensuring houseowners and tenants suffer the minimum of disruption during installation.

Planning for the Future

With RadioLINK’s wireless technology, it’s exceptionally fast, simple and cost effective to change or add alarms or accessories when the system needs to be reconfigured! As standards change, a RadioLINK system can be adapted easily to meet the new requirements.

What’s more – it’s far quicker to install than a hard-wired interconnect system, saving time and money on every installation without compromising safety. Tenant compliance is increased too – because installing a RadioLINK system is far less intrusive, stressful and destructive to décor.

Installing the Most Appropriate System

RadioLINK offers you a choice of Optical, Ionisation, Heat and Multi-Sensor alarms, plus special remote control functions, relay signalling and even special needs equipment such as Deaf Alarms. With up to 12 alarms on one system you can build the right system for the job.

System Operation

1. A fire starts in one of the rooms. It is detected by the Alarm. The Alarm sounds.
2. The RadioLINK base sends out a radio frequency signal to set all the other units into alarm.
3. All other alarms sound giving warning of the fire throughout the property. Signal is received, transmitted and re-transmitted to achieve multiple paths to ensure secure communication

Features and benefits

• Best Practice for single family dwellings, apartments and HMOs;
• Easi-fit technology saves time and money on every installation;
• Fixed cost interconnection;
• Wire-free interconnection and zoning capability;
• Fully upgradeable system – future proof;
• Reliable interconnection;
• Minimises risk of accidental mis-wiring;
• No false alarms from normal electrical transients;
• Range of optional system control devices;
• RadioLINK uses tried, tested and proven radio transceiver technology;
• Use with Ei2110 Multi-Sensor, Ei160RC Series and Ei140 Series alarms.

Wireless Remote Control Switch Ei411H (not for use with Ei140 Series)

When used in conjunction with Ei2110 Multi-Sensor or Ei160RC Series alarms, with the Ei168RC RadioLINK base, the switch offers four vital remote control functions.

• TEST - Provides a full system test equivalent to pressing the Test button on all units simultaneously;
• HUSH - Allows the silencing of any possible nuisance alarms;
• LOCATE - Allows the source of the alarm to be identified;
• MEMORY LOCATE -Allows the previous source of the alarm to be identified when all the alarms have stopped sounding.

The Ei168RC RadioLINK Base Unit

At the heart of the RadioLINK system are the Ei168RC base units, which are fully compatible with Ei2110 Multi-Sensor and Ei160RC Series alarms. It is from these bases that radio signals are transmitted and received. An Ei168RC base is required for each of the alarms in the system.

• Mains powered with rechargeable 10 year+ lithium cell back-up;
• Radio transceiver – 868 MHz Band;
• Unique Easi-fit design with integral terminal block;
• Simple and secure House Coding system;
• Interference free.

The new Ei168RC RadioLINK base now has multiple repeater functionality as standard. This means it can now receive, transmit and re-transmit to achieve multiple signal paths. This multiple path capability allows the system to manage many RF impenetrable structures in the property, which may have previously blocked signals and also gives a more robust system.

Coding and commissioning has also been simplified and is now a faster operation. Both these upgrades make RadioLINK even better suited to more comprehensive alarm systems – offering greater coverage and protection.

Additional System Devices

Ei407 – Manual Call Point

• Completely wire-free
• Powered by built-in 10 year lithium cells
• For use with Ei2110 Multi-Sensor, Ei160RC or Ei140 Series alarms on Ei168RC bases
• Non-breakable operating element with reset key

Ei408 – Switched Input Module

• Triggers RadioLINK devices from a set of closing Volt-free contacts (e.g. sprinkler flow switch)
• Designed to be remotely sited
• Powered by built-in 10 year lithium cells

Ei420 – Repeater and CO Alarm Interface

• Repeats RadioLINK signals to strengthen signal paths
• Allows Ei260RC Series Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms to be linked into a RadioLINK system
• Mains powered with 10 year+ rechargeable lithium cell back-up

Ei428 – Remote Relay Module

• Contains set of relay contacts that are switched on receipt of a RadioLINK signal
• Volt-free relay contacts, rated at 240V 5A
• Mains powered with 10 year+ rechargeable lithium cell back-up
• Pulse or Constant switching option

This article is a continuation of the Aico smoke and fire alarms 160RC series and Aico 140 range presentation, and it is part of the Aico product guide – Fire, Smoke, Heat & CO alarms. To purchase any fire alarms for domestic use or conventional & analogic systems, visit the Fire & Security section on our website. To help you in your choice of the domestic fire alarms, we also recommend the Domestic alarm selector, choosing what alarms to fit and where, based on BS 5839-6:2004.

Fire Safety Design stage 5 – the choice and siting of alarm devices

For systems protecting property alarms must do no more than alert fire fighters, while those used for life protection it is essential that alarm signals are sufficient to warn all people that the systems is designed to protect, especially if you have to rouse those who are sleeping.

Annex B within the standard shows some typical ambient occupational noise levels, which may help in selection of quantity and siting of alarm devices. It is also generally accepted that a good fire door will attenuate sound by around 30dBA, while a typical office partition door will attenuate by approximately 20 dBA.

Alarm sounders

• General sound levels should be 65dBA or 5 dBA above ambient noise levels, although 60dBA is acceptable in:
  - specific areas where the rest of the area is 65dBA;
  - in stairwells;
  - in rooms of less than 60 sqm;
  - 75 dBA at the bedhead to wake sleeping persons;
• dBA levels should not be considered if taken closer than 0.5m of a wall or partition;
• Maximum sound level provided should not exceed 120 dBA;
• Frequency of sounder should range between 500 to 1000 Hertz;
• A common tone throughout a building;
• A minimum one sounder per fire compartment;
• For small systems, a minimum of two sounders are required (connected on separate circuits);
• If ambient sound levels exceed 90 dBA, then Visual Alarms must be provided;
• In premises used for entertainment, where music is greater than 80 dBA, the music should automatically be silenced.

Visual Alarm Devices

• Should be readily visible within the total area being protected;
• Preferably  coloured RED;
• Flash rate of between 30 to 130 flashes per minute;
• Should be mounted at minimum height 2.1m or within 150mm of ceiling;
• Recommended in areas where people have impaired hearing in order to comply with requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act.

Fire Safety design stage 6 – zoning of the building

The purpose of splitting a building into fire zones is to enable the safe and accurate identification of a fire condition within the protected premises. The general rules in determining the number of zones for a particular building is as follows:

• If the total floor area is greater than 300 sqm, the you must use more than one zone;
• A detection zone should not extend beyond a particular floor;
• If you have to walk more than 60m withing a zone before seeing the location of the fire, then you must create another zone;
• Automatic detectors within a stairwell or another vertical flue-like structure should be considered a separate zone;
• The total floor area should not exceed 2000 sqm unless using MCP’s only, then the zone can be extended up to 10.000 sqm.

Other points applicable to detection zones:

• Any call point mounted on the stairwell must be considered as part of the zone for the particular floor, and ideally the MCP should be mounted on the inside of the final exit door to that stairwell;
• For analogue/addressable systems, the control equipment may give specific text information; however, it is still necessary to provide simple LED indication of a particular zone;
• Remote indicators for particular detectors can be used to reduce the search distance, however they should be clearly labelled to which detector it is referring to.

Alarm zones

Alarm zones are required when parties have agreed to a “staged” evacuation whereby only parts of the building evacuate immediately. The general rules for alarm zones are as follows:

• An alarm zone should coincide with the fire compartments of the building;
• An alarm zone may cover more than one detection zone but not visa-versa;
• The extent of overlap between alarm zones should not confuse the occupants;
• An Alert signal must operate at a frequency of 1 second on 1 second off and the sounders should all be synchronized.;

Zone integrity

The integrity of Alarm and Detection zones is important. The decision to install a conventional or addressable system(see the previous diagrams) will determine which of the following points apply:

• A fault on one circuit albeit alarm or detection should not affect any other circuit;
• A cross connection between an alarm and detection circuit should not affect any other circuit other than those affected;
• A short circuit S/C or open circuit O/C on a detection circuit should not disable more than 2000 sqm nor a maximum of 5 devices on floors immediately above and below;
• Removal of a device should not affect operation of a MCP;
• In the event of a single O/C or S/C on an alarm circuit it should not prevent at least one sounder, normally mounted adjacent the CIE, from operating.

Design stage 7 – Selection of control and indication equipment

It is now possible to obtain both Conventional and Analogue/addressable control panels(CIE) to suit a wide variety of building sizes. The chart below is designed to help with the selection of a panel best suited to your needs.

These panels have “in built” power to maintain the system for 24h in the event of mains failure, with additional capacity to operate the alarms for 30 minutes. Should it be necessary to have a longer standby period, an additional remote power supply unit should be added.

Siting of the control and indicating equipment

Ideally, the control and indicating equipment should be sited:

• In an area of low risk;
• On the ground floor in the vicinity of the entrance used by the Fire Brigade;
• In an area common to all building users;
• Where automatic detectors are in use;
• Where ambient light levels are sufficient to clearly see the zonal information;
• Adjacent to an alarm sounder.

Thank you for consulting us in your fire design needs. Was this series of articles useful to you? Let us know. To purchase fire alarms, consult our online offer of:

• heat alarms, fire alarms, ionisation alarms, smoke alarms,
• domestic alarms,
  
• conventional or analogue alarms,
  
• disabled toilet alarms,
  
• any emergency lighting

and purchase online the preferred or needed alarm system for your home/office.

Fire Safety Design stage 2 – Siting of Manual Call Points

All manual call points, whatever the system, should be RED in colour and comply toBS EN 54-11Type A, and should be located as follows:

• Onall storey existsandall exitsto open air irrespective whether they are designated fire exits;
• So that nobody has to travel more than45 metresto reach one except if the exit routes are undefined, in which casethe direct line distance should not exceed 30 metres;
• The above distances need to bereducedto 25 and 16 metres respectively, if there are persons with limited mobility or there is a likelihood of rapid fire development;
• Onescape routes and exitsto the open air, so that no one has to travel more than 45 metres on a defined route and 30 metres on an undefined route;
• In all areas withpotential high fire risk, such as kitchens, etc;
• Wherephased evacuation is planned, call points will need siting on all exits from a particular zone;
• 1.4 metres + or – 200mm above the floor;
• Call pointsfitted with protective hinged covers for whatever reason should be listed as a Variation;

Fire Safety Design stage 3 – Select automatic detectors

In is very important to:

• Havean adequate number ofdetectorsto fully cover the area requiring protection;
• Selectthe correct type of detectorto match the potential fire type;
• Tosite the detectorsto give the best chance of detecting the fire quickly;
• To take into accountthe potential threat of false alarms.

We would strongly recommend that the designer reads Section 2&3 ofBS 5389-1:2002, for further advice on the selection and siting ofautomatic detectors.
Optical detectorsare generally used for detecting slow smouldering fires while ionisation detectors are better suited to free burning high energy fires.

How to avoid false alarms

Within the standard, a strong case is made to avoid false alarms. There are some areas where the placement of automatic smoke detectors should be avoided.

Irrespective of the type of smoke detector, the areas to be avoided are steamy, dusty or smoky enviroments such as kitchens, showers or bathrooms.

Other areas where care should be taken when using optical detectos are: enviroments with large amounts of dust, areas where steam occurs or where there are likely to be infestations of small insects such as grain thrip flies.

Other forms of detectors – some advices

• Fixed temperature heat detectors
  The fixed temperature heat detectors can be used in areas where smoke detectors are unsuitable; however, they are not advisable for use in corridors or where production of smoke may be a threat to people’s escape;
• Rate of rise heat detectors
  Rate of rise heat detectors, which have a combined fixed temperature and rate of rise sensing element, may offer improved reaction times. However, they should not be used within kitchens or where there is likely to be a rapid fluctuation in temperature, like the loading bays, boiler rooms, lantern lights, etc.
• Duct detectors
  This device incorporates anoptical smoke detectorwhich samples the air extracted from the duct via a sampling tube. While this may appear to be an ideal solution for a wide range of applications, it is strongly recommended that before its use, you consult a professional design team for further information. Air velocity and dilution of the air will greatly affect the expected sensitivity of such a device;
• Beam detectors
  Unlike a point type detector, beam detectors provide detection over a much greater area as well as being suitable for siting at much higher mounting heights. Generally, one beam detector can protect an area of up to 100m in length with a width dependant on the roof construction(flat or apex).
  Ideal for use in shopping malls, warehousing, aircraft hangers or buildings with high atria.

These are the 2nd and 3rd stages ofour recommendation of fire design/fire safety design(seestage 1). To be continued with the next steps.

Spacing of detectors in normal applications

Under flat horizontal ceilings – smoke and heat detectors:

• Area covered by one detector:
  - smoke detector – 100sqm;
  - heat detector – 50sqm;
• Distance between any part of the wall and the nearest detector:
  - smoke detector – 7.5m;
  - heat detector – 5.3m;
• Distance between detectors:
  - smoke detector – 10.6m;
  - heat detector – 7.5m;
• Ceiling heights – general:
  - smoke detector – 10.5m;
  - heat class 1 – 9.0m;
  - heat(other classes) – 7.5m;

Design stage 4.1: Detector spacing for pitched roofs

Generally mount the first row of detectors in apex except where woof rise is less than 150mm for heat or 600mm for smoke, in which case consider as flat ceiling. Coverage increases by 1% for every degree of angle of pitch to a maximum of 25%. If slope differs either side, so will coverage of detectors in apex.

Design stage 4.2: Siting detectors near obstructions or unusual ceilings

Detectors should be sited no nearer than twice the depth of the obstruction.

• If greater than 250mm, do not site the detector nearer than 500mm.
• If the obstruction is greater than 10% of floor to ceiling height, treat it as a wall.
• If the gap between partition or top of racking is less than 300mm, treat as wall.
• Remember to keep a clear space of greater than 500mm from any detector.
• Low beams or rafters – refer to table 2 of BS 5839-1:2002, detectors may not be required between each one depending on their construction.
• For ceiling of floor voids – mount detector in top 10% or 125mm, whichever is the greater.
• More info – consult section 22.3 of BS 5839-1:2002

Design stage 4.3: siting optical beam detectors

Like “Point Detectors” the furthest distance between the wall and line of detector should be more than 7.5m.

• If used under a pitched ceiling, you may increase coverage by 1% for every degree of angle of pitch up to 25%. If pitch varies either side, so will the coverage.
• If used below 600mm of ceiling height in order to provide supplementary detection of a rising smoke plume, for ex. the width of the area protected on each side of the beam should be regarded as 12.5% of the height of the beam, and the nearest likely seat of fire.

Notes:

• Transmitters and receivers should be mounted on a solid construction, not something that will move with temperature or wind;
• Avoid mounting beams where high probability of people or equipment may obstruct the beam;
• Do not hire beam less than 500mm from along side any wall/obstruction;
• Additional beam detectors can be sited at lower levels if smoke is unlikely to reach the apex due to a natural heat barrier.

Design stage 4.4: further considerations

• For a type P1 system, every part of the building should be suitably protected. For this purpose each enclosed space should be considered separately.
• Areas covered by a Type P2 system should be separated from unprotected areas by a fire resisting construction.
• Voids which are not more than 800mm deep need to be protected unless fire can spread through them from one to the other or it is identified in a Fire Risk Assessment, as a potential High Risk;
• Where rooms are divided by partitions or storage racks reaching to within 300mm of the ceiling each section should be protected separately.
• Shafts for elevators, lifts, hoists, escalators and enclosed chutes through floors and stairways should be protected by detectors at the top of the shaft and within 1.5m of openings of each floor.
• Enclosed staircases should be protected by detectors on each main landing within the staircase.
• Lantern lights should be protected by a detector unless they are less than 800mm in height above the ceiling and are not used as ventilation.
• Extra detectors may be needed to cope with structural features within a room.
• Consideration must be given to possible adverse air flows when air conditioning and ventilation systems are in use.
• If a detector is concealed, it may be desirable to provide a remote visible indication of its operation.
• Care should be taken when siting to ensure that adverse conditions such as high levels of shock or vibration are not encountered.

To be continued with the next steps in Fire Safety and Fire Design.