Aico Ei144e Heat Alarm Mains Powered with a 9V Alkaline Battery Back-up and Easi-fit Base (and RadioLINK option)

As with most technology, you may experience technical faults with Aico’s range of alarms. Aico has a helpful page for basic fire alarm and cleaning maintenance advice. This Sparks guide goes into more depth concerning Aico alarms fault-finding. We will advise you on how to resolve various issues that may arise, and ten of these questions we try to answer are: Why is my smoke or heat alarm sounding for no reason? Why is there a regular single beep coming from my smoke or heat alarm? Why is there an irregular beep coming from my smoke or heat alarm? Why aren’t my alarms interconnecting via RadioLink+ interconnect? Why aren’t my alarms interconnecting via hard-wired interconnect? How do I fix the test button, if it isn’t working? Why aren’t alarm accessories working with all or some alarms? Why is my Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm sounding? Why is my Carbon monoxide alarm giving a regular single beep? Why is my CO alarm beeping irregularly? Why is my smoke or heat alarm sounding for no reason? Identify the alarm with the flashing red light. Press the ‘Hush’ button to silence it. If this doesn’t work, clean the alarm using a vacuum. Wait for 10 minutes and the problem should be resolved. After dealing with the errant alarm, take the following steps: If using RadioLINK+, ensure that the alarms have been properly House-Coded. Reset and House-Code the RadioLINK+ system. Check that any old hard-wire interconnection wires have been disposed of. See if there are any cooking fumes or steam around the alarm in question. If this is the case, it may be situated incorrectly for the alarm type. Look into where your alarm should be placed. Sparks sells Aico’s Ei3014 heat alarm, Ei3016 optical smoke alarm, as well as other heat and smoke alarms. We also suggest you read more about the recommended sites for locating these alarms. Why is there a regular single beep coming from my smoke or heat alarm? If the green power light is off, check your fuses and wiring. If the alarm is a 140RC Series, detach the alarm from its base and change the battery. Why is there an irregular beep coming from my smoke or heat alarm? Check the wiring (and connection) of the alarm. Find any gaps where cables enter the base of the alarm. Fill in these gaps so that cold air is unable to enter. Look to see if there is anything on the same circuit that could be causing electrical interference. For instance, a central heating pump on the same circuit may be creating problems. Clean the alarms thoroughly. Why aren’t my alarms interconnecting via RadioLink+ interconnect? Press and hold the ‘Test’ button for 10 seconds. Ensure that your alarms have been House-Coded. See that the earth cable hasn’t been wired into the ‘IC’ terminal. If the wires insulation has been tested with high voltage, replace the alarms and bases. Face the bases of the replacement alarms in the same direction, to maximise signal strength. Why aren’t my alarms interconnecting via hard-wired interconnect? Press and hold the ‘Test’ button for 10 seconds. Examine interconnecting wires to ensure they are wired properly. Check for short circuits. This is a circuit that is allowing current to pass along an unintended path. If the Live and Neutral wires have become entangled, the alarm will be impaired. See the wiring guide for advice on how to fix the wire and replace the alarm. How do I fix the test button, if it isn’t working? Press and hold the ‘Test’ button for 10 seconds. Establish that the alarm is connected to the base. Why aren’t alarm accessories working with all or some alarms? Ensure the alarms and their accessories are compatible. On a RadioLINK+ system, make sure they are House-Coded. If the hard-wired system is interconnected, make sure all the connections and wiring are correctly positioned for alarms and their accessories. See that the units are receiving power and all switches are turned on. Check if the alarms themselves are operational. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHPrviAre_A Why is my Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm sounding? Be very careful; there are likely to be dangerous levels of carbon monoxide present. Turn off the appliance and open all windows and doors. Then leave your home. Call the emergency number for the gas or fuel supplier. Do not re-enter the property until the alarm has stopped. Use an AudioLINK report to extract details about the incident (if applicable for the alarm). Note: Sparks sells Aico’s Ei3018 CO alarm, along with many other CO alarms. We’d suggest you read over the recommended sites for alarm placement. Why is my Carbon monoxide alarm giving a regular single beep? If the green light is off, examine the fuses and wiring. Use an AudioLINK report to extract details about the incident (if applicable for the alarm). Why is my CO alarm beeping irregularly? Examine the wiring and connections. If the green light has gone out, check the fuses. Check to see if there is any other appliance on the same circuit which could be creating electrical interference. Use an AudioLINK report to extract details about the incident (if applicable for the alarm). We hope this article has given you answers to any questions you may have regarding faults with Aico alarms. As you can gather from this guide, most problems are easy to address and solve in a few steps. Aico’s site has fantastic technical support if you find yourself in need of it.

With the advent of wireless technology, Aico saw a way to fundamentally change and improve the way home domestic heat alarms, fire alarms, smoke alarms, and CO alarms systems operate, especially via their RadioLINK+ and AudioLINK technologies. How Aico sees IoT as an opportunity to improve the fire alarm systems via wireless communication The Internet Of Things (IoT) radicalised the market, with devices transferring information over wireless networks with no need for human-to-computer interaction. Aico saw this as a golden opportunity to bring forth advanced wireless-interconnected fire protection systems. They are committed to the highest possible standards in terms of quality and responsiveness in their products, retaining the status as the market leader in fire and CO protection. Revolutionary RadioLINK and RadioLINK+ allows for easy wireless communication between alarms In the late 2000's Aico delved into the world of IoT, and this led to the interconnection of their fire alarm systems. They first began by connecting their heat and smoke alarms via radio frequency (RF), meaning that when one alarm in the system was alerted, they all sounded off. All this took was fitting a base or module directly onto the alarm, such as the RadioLINK base EI168RC, which complies with all alarms in the 140RC Series.  Once you have fitted all your bases and alarms you will need to connect them via ‘House-Coding’ upon install, to confirm they are communicating properly. If you already have an existing hard-wired system, RadioLINK alarms can be added in via what's called 'a hybrid system'. The advantages of a wirelessly connected network for alarms is obvious. RadioLINK integration uses a wireless connection that eliminates the need for burdensome wiring runs, salvages time at installation, reduces disruption time at installation, saves you money and makes it more straightforward to add new alarms and accessories. Next up would be RadioLINK+ -  a step up in alarm interconnection evolution. Setting up a RadioLink+ system requires control from a desktop appliance, which is demonstrated in the video below. Introduction to Aico RadioLink+ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7K-I0wqZff4&feature=youtu.be With the introduction of RadioLink+ and its module for connection, the slot for House Coding was shifted onto the actual alarm, allowing for far easier access without having to detach the alarm. The Aico Ei100MRF module connected a comprehensive number of newer Aico alarms - any number of the alarms - in the Ei160e Series system.  The Remote Alarm Interconnection meant only a single alarm in the RadioLINK+ system would need the Remote House Code inputting. From here, the RadioLINK+ just needed the new alarm or accessory to be added to allow for remote control, test and asset management. The RadioLINK+ data extraction system allows for entire system reports: this can help prevent instances of alarm tampering, and give you information about all your alarms activities. This information includes the RF signal strength between alarms, the age of alarms and CO levels (if there is a CO alarm in the system). AudioLink: extra convenience and analytical feedback straight to your mobile device Aico is serious about supplying the users of its alarms with up-to-date feedback, also offering AudioLINK functionality into many of its alarms, including all of their CO alarms. AudioLINK can be added as an App on your smartphone or tablet and will offer you a wide variety of useful functions including: Alarm activations Sensor status Record of testing Battery and backup cell status Carbon Monoxide (CO) levels recorded – in CO alarms only Background levels of CO – in CO alarms only Advice on dust contamination levels – Ei2110e only AudioLINK is available on all Aico CO alarms, including the Ei208 and Ei262, as well as other fire alarm types such as the Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm Ei2110e.  The remote nature of the data extraction technology granted by AudioLINK is that the extraction itself can be done without any need for removal of the alarm. This ensures the alarm will continue to detect even as you analyse your report. The report generated is easy to read and gives details of any incident immediately, meaning the feedback is instant. Data recorded by the AudioLINK technology can be extracted an infinite number of times and is also historic, meaning that all information is stored for life. Any information from the Alarm Status Report can be emailed directly from your device to multiple addresses, in the form of a PDF report. It is highly useful for easy integration with a housing management or maintenance system. For instance, Adactus Housing, who own and manage over 13,000 properties across England have fitted all their houses with Aico Ei208 due to the convenient and practical features that AudioLINK affords them. Ivan Meredith, Group Gas Compliance Manager at Adactus Housing, explained that: The added ability to provide us with historic data regarding the presence of CO is a fantastic benefit, helping us to take the right action when ensuring the safety of our tenants AudioLINK is also a godsend for Landlords, as it provides all the evidence necessary for the maintenance of a complete record that private Landlords need to retain by law. Aico's forward-thinking philosophy has resulted in a comprehensive fire alarm protection system that is completely wireless; RadioLINK+ and AudioLINK have both been embraced by housing management, landlords and members of the public alike.

Every Tuesday there's a great reminder hashtag via Twitter, which is #TestitTuesday. From the different local fire departments to the responsible electricians and the Electrical Safety First, everyone reminds you: test your fire alarm, smoke alarm, or Carbon Monoxide alarm! We all follow quite a wide range of people on twitter or on Facebook, but what is warmly recommended is to follow your local police department, your local fire department, and the Electrical Safety First, all of which inform you of emergency and useful information you need to know. A regular testing of your alarm or those of family and friends will provide you with the peace of mind that, should a fire start, you will be warned ahead of time and you can escape. This is the basic idea behind the #TestitTuesday, and every Tuesday we test the alarms and we spread the word! Test-it Tuesday - It's time to Check your Smoke Alarms! It only takes a minute (or less) to test your smoke alarm, fire alarm, or carbon monoxide alarm: you simply have to press the button on the surface of the alarm for peace of mind! Most smoke alarms and CO alarms come with a 10 year battery back-up, and it will take quite a while until these need to be changed; what is needed, though is the periodical testing of the alarm to make sure it works. It is good to test your Carbon Monoxide alarm and Smoke alarm today, for the working alarms can save lives - and the life they could save can be your own! Simply by pushing the button on the smoke alarm could double your chances of survival, and it is recommended to do it every week. Since today is Tuesday - why not make it #TestitTuesday and test your alarm today! If the smoke alarm works, it saves lives; but if it doesn't work, lives may be in danger. How do I Test my Alarms? Advice from Aico A very frequently asked question is, I want to test my alarm, but how do I do it? Aico has a very helpful video explaining what needs to be done when you test your smoke alarm or CO alarm. Simply put, you can press the button in the middle for 10 seconds with your finger, or if you have an alarm controller, you can press the Test button. Similarly, you can test your alarms via the Aico Ei529RC/Ei410 fire alarm control switch by pressing the appropriate button. Tips for Testing the Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Every smoke alarm, fire alarm, and CO alarm has to be tested regularly to make sure they work properly. There has to be a working smoke alarm on every level in the house. Don't put it off: why not setting up a reminder on your phone that, when you know you're home, you test your alarm - and do it #TestitTuesday Be safe when you test the alarm: make sure you use a solid ladder or chair to reach the smoke alarm or CO alarm and test it. A smoke alarm will alert you at the earliest stage of a fire, giving you vital extra time to escape. Make sure you have one fitted on every floor of your home and test it every Tuesday! A carbon monoxide alarm will detect the colorless, odorless, and tasteless CO which may leak, and it will let you know when there's a risk. Test your CO alarm weekly! Clean the CO alarm / smoke alarm by gently wiping them with a cloth or with a soft vacuum brush, as dust can clog the alarms. Better safe than sorry! TestitTuesday for your elderly relatives or friends: why not make sure that they are safe too? If you don't have a smoke alarm, we recommend the RadioLINK enabled Aico smoke alarms which can wirelessly interconnect with similar alarms around the house. Find them here. What is a Carbon Monoxide alarm, what is Carbon Monoxide, and how can we get one? - read here more. Photo credit: ElecSafetyFirst here.