Ei Electronics Ei Ei168RC User manual

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Ei168RC
Installation Manual
RadioLINK Alarm Base
Read and retain carefully for as long as the product is being used. It contains vital
information on the operation and installation. This manual should be regarded as part
of the product.
If you are just installing the Alarm, this manual must be given to the householder. This
manual is to be given to any subsequent user.

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Contents
1. Overview ........................................................................................................
2. Quick install guide .....................................................................................
3. Installation ...................................................................................................
4. Troubleshooting the RF link ....................................................................
5. Checking and maintaining the alarm system .....................................
6. Technical specification .............................................................................
7. Guarantee ....................................................................................................
8. Limitations of radio communications ...................................................
9. Getting the RadioLINK Base serviced ....................................................
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17
19
22
23
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25
Page

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1. Overview
This version of the Ei168RC retains all the functionality of previous generations but has
some additional features. It can be easily distinguished from previous versions by the blue
LED on the side which replaces the amber LED.
The primary function of the RadioLINK base is to interconnect all Alarms in the system, i.e.
when one Alarm senses fire, the Ei168RC base attached to that Alarm will transmit an RF
signal that will activate the sounders in all the other Alarms.
The Ei168RC also supports Remote Control (RC) functionality. If the system has been fitted
with one or more Remote Controllers or switches.

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Function
Remote Testing
Description
All the Alarms can be tested from a centralised location
Warning: We strongly recommend that a RadioLINK Controller be fitted in systems
with five or more RF Alarms. This will avoid issues with controlling and silencing
systems that have been activated by nuisance (unwanted) alarms
Remote Locating This will silence all the Alarms in the system except
the one sensing the fire
Remote Silencing This will silence all the Alarms in the system
Remote Control Functions

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2. Quick Install Guide
The Ei168RC RadioLINK Base must be installed by a qualified electrician.
The maximum number of RF Alarms in each system is 12. If your system has more than
12 Alarms please consult your supplier or contact tech support (see back page).
Install each RadioLINK Base in the centre of the
ceiling at least 0.30m from light fittings as per
the Smoke/Heat Alarm instructions and connect
to nearest mains circuit.
Slide Alarm on to the Ei168RC RadioLINK Base.
This will automatically activate the rechargeable
back-up cells in the base.
Repeat this procedure for all Alarms in the system.

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To House Code, insert a small screwdriver into the
House Code switch slot and remove immediately
when blue light comes on. Repeat this for all
alarms in the system. This must be completed as
quickly as possible to activate the House Code
mode and ensure the system only communicates
with itself and not neighbouring systems.
It is essential that the RadioLINK Bases are House
Coded.
Press and hold the Button to test each Alarm.
Check that the red light is flashing, the horn is
sounding. To ensure the Alarm is communicating
with others check that the blue light comes on for
approx 3 seconds.
Before testing the next alarm allow a minimum
of one minute after the last alarm has stopped
sounding from the previous test.
This guide is for quick referencing only. You must read the user manual thoroughly
before installation and use.
INSERT SCREWDRIVER TO
TURN ON HOUSE CODE SWITCH
BLUE LIGHT

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3. Installation
Mains operated products should be installed by a qualified electrician
as per the requirements for Electrical Installations published as IEE
Wiring Regulations – BS7671 current edition.
Failure to install this unit correctly may expose the user to shock or fire
hazards.
This unit is not waterproof and must not be exposed to dripping or
splashing liquids.
Mixing the Live and Neutral connections will damage the alarm. Ensure
that the same colours are used throughout the premises for Live,
Neutral and Interconnect wires (if used).
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
The Ei168RC must NOT be connected when the house wiring
insulation is being checked with high voltages. i.e. Do NOT use a high
voltage insulation tester on the Ei168RC.
WARNING
Alternative Energy Sources (Wind, Solar, UPS, etc.).
This product is designed to be connected to a Pure or True Sine Wave
230 Vac supply. If connecting to a power source that utilises an inverter,
e.g. PV solar panel or UPS, the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) must
be less than 5%. If in doubt check with manufacturer of the inverter.
Light Dimmer Circuits
This product must not be powered from a light dimmer circuit.

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Orientation of RadioLINK bases
It is best practice to align all the RadioLINK bases in the same direction as shown in the
diagram above. This will ensure that all the antennas are in parallel which will maximise
the RF signal strength.
Orientate
Latch to
point to
front wall
Orientate all RadioLINK bases in the same direction
Front Wall Front Wall
RadioLINK Base
LED Antenna
RadioLINK Base
LED Antenna

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Fixing and Wiring
Select a location complying with the advice in the
Smoke/Heat Alarm instruction leaflet.
Disconnect the AC mains supply from the circuit
that is going to be used.
Remove the cover from the terminal block as
shown here.
Bring the mains wires through the ceiling and
thread them through the hole in the rear of the
base.
If the mains wires are being brought along
the surface, break the knockout and trim to
accommodate the conduit.

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To prevent air draughts affecting smoke or heat
entering the alarm it is important to seal the area
around the hole in the ceiling with foam or silicon
rubber.
Screw the base to the ceiling using a single screw
for now. The second screw should be inserted
at the end of this procedure to secure the base
permanently.
Connect the wiring to the terminal block as shown
here.
L: Live - connect to the house wires coloured
brown, or marked L.
N: Neutral - connect to the house wires coloured
blue, or marked N.
IC: (Hardwire Interconnect- Only used to bridge a
mixed wired and wireless system)
Insert second screw and tighten both screws on the base and replace the terminal cover.
REMOVEABLE
TRUNKING DOOR FOR

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Slide the Alarm head onto the base. Connect the mains
power to the alarm circuit.
Wait 10 seconds and check that the green led on the
Alarm cover is on indicating that mains power is present.
If the blue light flashes every 10
seconds, remove the alarm and
manually depress the rechargeable
cell “on” switch as shown and refit
the alarm. If there is still a problem
the cells may be depleted so leave
the unit on mains power for 2 hours
to charge and test again.
Press and hold the test button. The red led will flash and
the horn will sound.
Repeat this installation procedure for all RadioLINK
bases in the system.

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A maximum of 12 RadioLink bases may be used in any one system. If your system has
more than 12 Alarms please consult your supplier or contact tech support (see back page).
House Coding
When all the RadioLINK bases have been installed and fitted with Alarms, you are now
ready to house code the system.
It is essential to House Code the RadioLINK bases to ensure they will not
accidently communicate with nearby systems. Failure to house code the
system may also result in a system malfunction.
Press and hold the House Code switch on the
side of any one of the RadioLINK Bases with a
small screwdriver until the blue light illuminates.
Immediately release the switch and the blue light
will flash quickly and then stop. The flashing will
repeat every 5 to 10 seconds thereafter.
Repeat this procedure for all Alarms in the system.
Any additional RF devices being used in the system,
e.g. Ei450 remote controller must also be included in
the house coding. For house coding instructions of
RF devices consult their manuals.
WARNING
BLUE LIGHT
HOUSE CODE SWITCH
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Check that all the devices have been successfully
house coded.
This can be done by counting the amount of blue
flashes on each RadioLINK base. The number of
flashes should correspond to the number of devices
in the system. e.g. if the system has 4 Alarms and a
remote controller (e.g. Ei450) the blue light on each
base will flash 5 times and repeat this pattern every
5 to 10 seconds.
To complete the commissioning, the system must
exit house code mode.
The units will automatically exit house code after
30 minutes. Once the house coding is completed
the system will not communicate with any other RF
devices.
The house code procedure can also be terminated
on demand. To do this, press the house code button
on one of the bases. When the blue light comes on
solid release the button. This unit will then send a
signal to all the other RF devices instructing them
to exit the house code mode.

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Note: Some RF devices do not support the on
demand exit house code feature. You may allow
them to automatically exit house code after the
time period or if you wish, you can do it manually.
Consult the individual RF device manual for
further instructions.
Check the communication by pressing the test/
hush button for up to 20 seconds on each unit in
turn. The red light will flash, the Alarm will sound
and blue light on the RadioLINK Base sidewall will
illuminate continuously for around 3.5 seconds.
All other Alarms should sound (this may take up
to 20 seconds).
Before testing the next alarm allow a minimum
of one minute after the last alarm has stopped
sounding from the previous test.
If all the units are not communicating consult
the “Troubleshooting the RF link” section for
information on how to resolve the problem.
BLUE LIGHT
HOUSE CODE SWITCH

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Factory reset the house code
Sometimes in order to resolve an RF communication
issue, it may be necessary to reset (factory reset)
and house code the system again.
To reset each RadioLINK base insert and hold a
screwdriver into the house code slot on the base
as shown here. The blue light will come on solid.
Hold the screwdriver in position until the blue
light starts to flash (6 seconds approx.) and then
release the screwdriver. When all devices have been
factory reset you can then start a new house code
procedure. To factory reset other RF devices consult
their manuals.
CAUTION: This is not the same procedure as entering and exiting house code.
BLUE LIGHT
HOUSE CODE SWITCH

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If when checking the RF interconnection some of the alarms do not respond to the button
test, then:
(i) Ensure you have held the test button down for up to 20 seconds and the blue light has
come on continuously for 3.5 seconds. Before testing the next alarm allow a minimum of
one minute after the last alarm has stopped sounding from the previous test.
(ii) Ensure all bases are orientated the same way with respect to the front wall of the
dwelling (to have the antennas parallel - see below).
4. Troubleshooting the RF link
Orientate
Latch to
point to
front wall
Orientate all RadioLINK bases in the same direction
Front Wall Front Wall
RadioLINK Base
LED Antenna
RadioLINK Base
LED Antenna

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(iii) Extend the flexible antenna from the base housing. To do this, the antenna should first
be removed from its groove in the base of the unit. Remove the breakaway section in
the outer rim and push the antenna in to this groove. For improved signal strength the
antenna can be pushed flat or vertical with respect to the ceiling.
(iv) Re-locate/rotate the units. There are a number of reasons why the radio signals may
not reach all the smoke alarms in your system (see Section on “Limitations of Radio
Communications”). Try rotating the units or re-locating the units (e.g. move them away
from metal surfaces or wiring) as this can significantly improve signal reception.
Rotating and/or relocating the units may move them out of the range of existing units
even though they may have already been House Coded correctly in the system. It is
important therefore to check that all detectors are communicating in their final installed
positions. If units are rotated and/or resited, we recommend that all units are returned to
the factory settings (press and hold the House Code switch on for around 6 seconds until
the blue light comes on solidly and then flashes rapidly and stops. Release the House Code
switch). Then House Code all units again in their final positions as per Section “Installation”.
The RF interconnection should then be checked by counting the number of flashes and
button testing all units.
Note: The RadioLINK Base will only transmit and repeat alarm RF messages as long as the
Smoke Alarm is detecting fire.

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Switching off Mains for long periods
If the premises are regularly being left without mains power for long periods the
Smoke/Heat Alarms should be removed from the Ei168RC Bases. In addition to this the
rechargeable backup batteries in the Ei168RC must also be switched off in order for them
not to become depleted - see page 25. (This is sometimes done with holiday homes which
are only occupied in the Summer).
The Alarms must be re-attached to the mounting plates when the premises are re-occupied.
(Long term storage (over 1 year) can damage the batteries such that they will not recharge
when the units are re-connected to the mains supply).
Check that the green light is on continuously to indicate
that mains power is present and that the red light flashes
every 40 seconds.
Frequent testing of the system is a requirement to ensure
its continued and safe operation. Guidelines and best
practices for testing are as follows:
1. After the system is installed
2. Once monthly thereafter
3. After prolonged absence from the
dwelling (e.g. after holiday period)
4. After repair or servicing of any of the systems
elements or household electrical works.
5. Checking and Maintaining the Alarm System

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To test an individual Alarm press and hold the test button until he horn sounds and
the red light flashes. This will ensure that the sensor, electronics and sounder are
working.
To test the RF system, press and hold the test button
on one of the Alarms. The blue light on the side of the
Ei168RC base will come on solid for around 3.5 seconds.
Continue to hold the test button until all the Alarms
in the system are sounding. This will take between 20
to 45 seconds depending on the number of Alarms in
the system, e.g. a system with 12 Alarms will need a 45
second test. Release the test button when the test is
completed. The local Alarm will stop sounding but you
will hear the other Alarms sounding in the distance and
then die out.
DO NOT TEST WITH FLAME (this can set fire to the Alarm and
damage the house).
We do not recommend testing with smoke or heat as the results can
be misleading unless special apparatus is used.
WARNING