Ei Electronics Ei 181 Ionisation User manual

LOW VOLTAGE PANEL SMOKE & HEAT ALARMS
Ei181 Ei184 Ei186
© Ei Electronics 2014
P/N B14090 Rev4

READ THIS FIRST
CHECK OPERATION OF SYSTEM
TEST BUTTONS OPERATE ON ALL ALARMS.
ALL INTERCONNECTED ALARMS OPERATE
WHEN EACH TEST BUTTON IS PRESSED FOR
10 SECONDS.
IF THE UNIT BEEPS EVERY 40 SECONDS FOR
OVER 20 MINUTES THE BATTERY IS PROBABLY
DEPLETED. REMOVE UNIT FROM CEILING (SEE
FIG 1) AND REPLACE BATTERY.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE ALARM AS IT
IS PERMANENTLY SEALED FOR SAFETY.
IF A NUISANCE ALARM OCCURS PRESS THE
TEST/HUSH BUTTON TO SILENCE THE ALARM
FOR 10 MINUTES.
2

LOCATING ALARMS
SMOKE ALARMS
Sufficient smoke must enter the Smoke Alarm before it will
respond. The Smoke Alarm needs to be within 7.5 metres
(25 ft) of the fire to respond quickly. It also needs to be in a
position where its alarm can be heard throughout your
home, so it can wake the occupants in time for all to
escape. A single Smoke Alarm will give some protection if it
is properly installed, but most homes will require two or
more to ensure that a reliable early warning is given. For
maximum protection you should put individual Smoke
Alarms in all the rooms where fire is most likely to break out,
(apart from kitchens, bathrooms etc. see Locations to
Avoid).
A Smoke Alarm should be located between the sleeping
area and the most likely sources of fire (living room or
kitchen for example). It should not be more than 7.5 metres
(25 ft) from the door to any room where a fire might start on
the escape route from the house.
Important: These Smoke/Heat Alarms are designed for a
single occupancy in a residential type environment.
A Smoke Alarm should be sited within 3m of bedroom doors
for improved audibility.
HEAT ALARMS
The Heat Alarm gives a fire warning when the temperature
at the unit reaches 58°C. It is ideal for kitchens, garages,
boiler houses and other areas where there are normally
high levels of fumes, smoke or dust i.e. places where
Smoke Alarms cannot be installed without the risk of
excessive nuisance alarms.
A Heat Alarm should only be used in a room adjoining an
escape route, in conjunction with Smoke Alarms on the
escape routes.
All the Heat Alarms and Smoke Alarms should be
interconnected to ensure the early warning will be heard,
particularly by somebody sleeping. A properly designed
early warning fire system ensures the alarm is given before
the escape routes become blocked with smoke. Therefore,
there must be Smoke Alarms along the escape routes as
Heat Alarms would not give sufficient warning. However, a
fire in a closed room (e.g. kitchen) adjoining the escape
route, can eventually cause the corridor to become
smoke-logged due to smoke leaking out from around the
door before adequate warning can be given by detectors in
the corridor. (Smoke leaking out from a room is often cool
and slow moving so it can take a long time to rise to the
ceiling, and travel to a detector which could be some
distance away). A Heat Alarm in the closed room will give
early warning of fire in that room and help overcome this
problem.
3

RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS
Figure 2 illustrates where Smoke Alarms and Heat Alarms
should be located in a typical two storey house. Note the
spacings in “Recommended Protection” which help ensure
the early detection of fire and that the warning will be heard.
Locate Heat Alarms in rooms adjoining or on escape routes
- kitchens, garages, boiler houses etc. where Smoke
Alarms are unsuitable. Install within 5.3m (17 feet) of
potential sources of fire.
Single Storey Dwelling
If the Home is on one level (a bungalow or mobile home for
example) you should put the first Smoke Alarm in a corridor
or hallway between the sleeping and living areas. Place it
as near to the living area as possible, but make sure you
can hear it loudly enough to wake a person in the
bedrooms. (for example, see figure 3).
If the bungalow is very large and the corridor or hallway is
more than say 15 metres (50 ft) long, one Smoke Alarm will
not be sufficient. This is because no matter where it is
located it will be more than 7.5 metres from potential fires.
4

In houses with more than one sleeping area, Smoke Alarms
should be placed between each sleeping area and the living
area.
Multi Storey Dwellings
If the dwelling has more than one storey it must have an
interconnected alarm on each level for minimum protection.
Maximum Protection
For maximum protection you should put individual Smoke
Alarms in all the rooms where fire is most likely to break out
(apart from the locations to avoid, mentioned below).
Ensure that they are all interconnected. The living room is
the most likely place for a fire to start at night, followed by
the kitchen and then the dining room. You should also
consider putting Smoke Alarms in any bedrooms where
fires might occur, for instance, where there is an electrical
appliance such as an electric blanket or heater, or where
the occupant is a smoker. You could also consider putting
Smoke Alarms in any rooms where the occupant is unable
to respond very well to a fire starting in the room, such as
an elderly or sick person or a very young child.
Fire Authorities (including the Home Office, UK) recommend
that both Optical and Ionisation Smoke Alarms should be
fitted for the fastest response to all types of fires. An Optical
Alarm should be located downstairs to detect slow
smouldering fires (e.g. from a cigarette burning in a couch
or bedding, overheated PVC wiring etc). An Ionisation
Alarm should be located upstairs to detect fast flaming fires
(e.g. paper burning in a container or a grease fire in the
kitchen) which could rapidly block the main escape route.
Checking you can hear the Smoke & Heat Alarms
With the Alarm sounding in its intended location, check you
are able to hear it in each bedroom with the door closed,
above the sound of the radio. The radio should be set to a
reasonably loud conversation level. If you can’t hear it over
your radio the chances are that it wouldn’t wake a person.
If a Smoke Alarm is too far away for it to wake a person, it
is best to interconnect to another Smoke Alarm or Heat
Alarm near the bedroom, so when one alarm senses fire, all
interconnected alarms respond (see below for further
details).
5

LOCATIONS TO AVOID
Don’t place Smoke Alarms in any of the following areas:
• Bathrooms, kitchens, shower rooms, garages or other
rooms where the smoke alarm may be triggered by
steam, condensation, normal smoke or fumes. Keep at
least 6 metres (20 feet) away from sources of smoke.
Don’t place Heat Alarms in any of the following areas:
• Bathrooms, shower rooms or other room where the unit
may be triggered by steam or condensation.
Don’t place Smoke or Heat Alarms in any of the following
areas:
• Places where the normal temperature can exceed 40°C
(104°F) or be below 4°C (39°F) e.g. attics, furnace rooms
etc. directly above ovens or kettles, as the heat/steam
could cause nuisance alarms.
• Near a decorative object, door, light fitting, window
moulding etc., that may prevent smoke or heat from
entering the Alarm.
• Surfaces that are normally warmer or colder than the rest
of the room (for example attic hatches, uninsulated
exterior walls etc). Temperature differences might stop
smoke or heat from reaching the unit.
• Next to or directly above heaters or air conditioning
vents, windows, wall vents etc. that can change the
direction of airflow.
• In very high or awkward areas (eg. over stairwells) where
it may be difficult to reach the alarm (for testing, hushing
or battery replacement).
• Locate away from very dusty or dirty areas as dust
build-up in the chamber can impair performance. It can
also block the insect screen mesh and prevent smoke
from entering the smoke detector chamber.
• Locate the unit at least 1 metre (3 feet) from dimmer
controlled lights and wiring - some dimmers can cause
interference.
• Locate unit at least 1.5m (5 feet) and route wiring at least
1m (3 feet) away from fluorescent light fittings as
electrical “noise” and/or flickering may affect the unit.
• Do not locate in insect infested areas. Small insects
getting into the smoke detector chamber can cause
intermittent alarms. Insects and contamination on the
Heat Alarm sensor can increase its response time.
6

POSITIONING SMOKE/HEAT ALARMS
The locations must comply with applicable building
regulations.
Hot smoke rises and spreads out, so a central ceiling
position is the preferred location. The air is “dead” and does
not move in corners, therefore Smoke & Heat Alarms must
be mounted away from corners. Place the unit at least
300mm (12 inches) from any light fitting or decorative object
which might obstruct smoke / heat entering the Alarm.
Keep at least 300mm (12”) away from walls. See figure 4.
(Smoke Alarms should be located directly on the ceiling or
up to 570mm below it. Heat Alarms should be located
directly on the ceiling or up to 90mm below it).
Wall mounting is not recommended for these Alarms.
Sloping Ceiling
In areas with sloping or peaked ceilings install your Smoke/
Heat Alarm 90mm (3 feet) from the highest point measured
horizontally (see figure 5), because “dead air” at the apex
may prevent smoke from reaching the unit.
INTERCONNECTING SMOKE/HEAT
ALARMS
When a fire is sensed the alarm must be given throughout
the house. Up to twenty (20) Smoke Alarms (models Ei181,
& Ei186 only) and Heat Alarms (model Ei184) can be
interconnected so that when one senses fire all alarm.
Caution: Do not interconnect to any other type of alarm.
The unit initiating the alarm can be identified by the red LED
on the cover flashing every second. Figure 6 shows the
interconnect wiring.
Note: It is only necessary to wire one relay to the control
panel. If any alarm senses fire this relay will change state
due to the signal on the interconnect line.
These Alarms should be interconnected only within the
confines of a single family living unit. If they are
interconnected between different units there may be
excessive nuisance alarms. Everybody may not be aware
that they are being tested or that it is a nuisance alarm
caused by cooking etc. When one unit alarms all relays will
switch.
7

Systems using more than 3 or 4 alarms must be very
carefully planned to ensure nuisance alarms are not
excessive, e.g. from cooking or weekly testing.
Smoke Alarm Locator Switch (Ei159) should be incorporated
into the system and be readily accessible to all occupants
so that the source of an alarm can be quickly identified. (see
Accessory section).
All Alarms must be cleaned and maintained regularly.
A competent person must be on call to quickly remove any
faulty alarms (i.e. units with red light flashing), which are
causing all alarms to sound.
INSTALLING SMOKE/HEAT ALARMS
The Alarm is designed to be permanently mounted , using
it’s own built-in terminal blocks to connect it to the panel.
The mounting plate can be screwed directly to the ceiling
after connecting the wires.
IMPORTANT PRECAUTION: Do not install the actual
alarm head itself in new or renovated buildings until all
work is completed (including floor coverings) and the
building has been fully cleaned. The wiring can be
installed when appropriate. (Excessive dust and debris
from building work can contaminate the smoke
chamber or heat sensor and cause problems, it will
also invalidate the guarantee). If it must be installed,
8
Figure 6

cover it completely, particularly around the edges, with
a dust cover (eg. with the elasticated cover supplied or
a plastic bag), until all cleaning is finished.
Warning: Wiring should only be installed by an Electrician
in accordance with current IEE wiring regulations for
electrical installation. The installation must also be in
accordance with the control panel instructions and the
instructions in this leaflet.
Warning: The mains circuit used to power the control panel
must be a 24 hour voltage circuit and be wired on a
separate circuit (one with no other lights or applilances) to
ensure maximum reliability of the supply.
Warning: The Alarms must be connected to a panel that
supplies a permanent voltage that cannot be switched off.
Warning: For safety reasons the voltage supply from the
control panel must not be greater than 30V (peak or d.c.)
and must be either independent of the supply mains or
isolated from it by double or reinforced insulations.
Warning: If the control panel is not provided with an
ALL-POLE MAINS SWITCH (with a contact specification of
at least 3mm in each pole), then the electrical installation of
the building shall incorporate an ALL-POLE MAINS
SWITCH, (with a contact separation of at least 3mm in each
pole).
Installation
Select a location complying with the above advice.
1. Remove the mounting plate from the Smoke/Heat Alarm
by releasing the tamper-proof catch with a small screwdriver
as shown in figure 1a and sliding the alarm from the plate.
2. Lift the foam flap covering the circuit on the mounting
plate. If necessary move the jumpers on S1 and/or S2 (see
figure 7) by carefully lifting them and placing them over the
required pins.
3. If surface wiring the unit remove the required breakaways.
Low voltage signal cable is satisfactory (e.g. wire 0.22mm2)
provided the resistance between the units and the panel is
less than 20 ohms.
All wiring must comply with local codes. Connect the wires
to the terminals as shown in the wiring diagram (figure 6).
The gasket flap can be tucked behind the terminals while
this is being done. Place gasket flap back over circuit board
and terminals.
4. Carefully align the mounting plate and screw into place.
With recessed wiring, ensure the rear gasket seals around
the edge of the hole in the ceiling. This is to prevent air
draughts affecting the smoke / heat entering the alarm. If
the orifice is too large it should be sealed with silicone
rubber or equivalent.
Check the battery is connected in the back of the alarm.
Carefully line up the unit on the base and slide on.
9

Press the test/hush button for 10 seconds. The horn should
sound.
7. Connect the panel power to the alarm circuit. The green
light on the mounting plate should turn on.
Check the operation of the Alarm as outlined in the next
section.
CHECKING AND MOUNTING YOUR
ALARMS
INSPECTION & TESTING PROCEDURE
After installation, after re-occupation following a holiday,
and weekly, check all your Alarms as follows:
Check the green light is illuminated on the mounting plate.
This shows the panel is supplying power.
Press the test button for up to 10 seconds to ensure the
sensor chamber, electronics and sounder are working. A
red light on the cover will flash while horn is sounding. The
relay contacts change over when the horn sounds with the
Ei186 units. They change over 6 seconds after the horn
sounds with the Ei181 & Ei184 units. The alarm will stop
when the button is released. Pressing the test button
simulates the effect of smoke or heat during a real fire and
is the best way to ensure the Alarm is operating correctly.
WARNING: DO NOT TEST WITH FLAME.
10

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.
Check for any sign of contamination such as cobwebs or
dust and clean the alarm as described below if necessary.
Interconnected alarms
Test the first unit by pressing the button. All the detectors
should alarm within about 5 seconds of the first horn
sounding and the red light on the first unit only will flash
once a second. The relay contacts should change over
within 6 seconds after the horns sound. Check all the other
units similarly. (Note: Ionisation and Heat alarms signal to
other interconnected alarms, about 4 seconds after their
own horn sounds. Optical alarms signal within about a
second).
Checking Battery Back-up
The Alarm automatically monitors the battery every 40
seconds to ensure that it is satisfactory. If it is depleted it will
give a short beep every 40 seconds.
Before replacing the battery, check that the beeps are not
due to one of the following:
(i) Battery snaps not connected properly.
(ii) On the Optical Smoke Alarms only (Ei186) if the unit
beeps and the red light does not flash at the same time it
indicates a problem with the smoke chamber – see
Cleaning the Smoke Alarm section below:
If the beeps have continued for over 20 minutes (and the
other causes of beeps have been ruled out – see below) the
battery must be replaced.
(iii) Switch off the panel voltage supply and remove the unit
as shown in fig 1a. CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove
the Alarm without first releasing the tamper clip. Remove
depleted battery and replace with one of the specified 9V
alkaline batteries. The alarm cannot be replaced on the
mounting plate unless a battery is installed. After replacing
the battery, slide on to the mounting plate and then press
the test button and ensure horn sounds loudly before you
turn on the panel supply. Note: Only use the specified
Alkaline batteries shown on the base label (Duracell
MN1604, Eveready 522 or Energizer 6LR61). We
recommend that the “use by date” on the battery should still
have at least 2 years to go. Older batteries will give beeps
prematurely.
We recommend that the battery is replaced each year for
optimum performance.
Please note: The ionisation and heat alarms (Ei181 &
Ei184) give two short beeps about a second apart at the
end of the hush period (i.e. about 10 minutes after test/hush
button has been pressed). These two beeps should not be
confused with low battery beeps.
11

Manual Testing
We recommend that the functioning of the battery back-up
is checked after installation and then at least yearly as
follows:-
Turn off (or disconnect) the power at the panel (green light
on mounting plate should be off) press the test button and
ensure the horn sounds loudly for 10 seconds. (This checks
the battery back-up models Ei181, Ei184 and Ei186 only).
Note: A good battery can supply the unit for over a year in
standby (or 5 hours in alarm) without panel power.
In standby, with panel power, the battery can operate for up
to 4 years before the low battery beeps start – these will
normally last for over 30 days before the battery is fully
depleted.
CLEANING YOUR ALARM
Clean your Alarm regularly, particularly in dusty areas. Use
the narrow nozzle attachment of your vacuum cleaner to
remove dust, insects and cobwebs from the sides and
cover slots where the smoke or heat enters. To clean the
cover, wipe with a damp cloth. Dry cover thoroughly with a
lint free cloth.
WARNING: Do not paint your Alarm.
Other than the cleaning described above, no other customer
servicing of this product is required. Repairs, when needed,
must be performed by the manufacturer.
All Alarms are prone to dust and insect ingress which can
cause false alarms or failure to alarm.
The latest design, materials and manufacturing techniques
have been used in the construction of our Alarms to
minimize the effects of contamination. However it is
impossible to completely eliminate the effect of dust and
insect contamination, and therefore, to prolong the life of
the Alarm you must ensure that it is kept clean so that
excess dust does not build up. Any insects or cobwebs in
the vicinity of the Alarm should be promptly removed.
In certain circumstances even with regular cleaning,
contamination can build up in the smoke sensing chamber
causing the alarm to sound or fail. If this happens the alarm
must be returned to us for servicing or replacement.
Contamination is beyond our control, it is totally
unpredictable and is considered normal wear and tear. For
this reason, contamination is not covered by the guarantee
and a charge is made for servicing such units.
If you experience persistent false alarms, in particular
locations, due to contamination of the smoke chamber you
could consider replacing Optical Smoke Alarms (Ei186)
with Ionisation Smoke Alarms (Ei181). Ionisation type
alarms are less susceptible to dust than Optical type
alarms.
12

NUISANCE ALARMS
If there is a nuisance alarm simply press the test/hush
button on the Alarm to silence the unit for 10 minutes.
If, when the alarm goes off, there is no sign of smoke, heat
or noise to indicate that there is a fire, you should get your
family into a safe place, before you start investigating.
Check the house carefully in case there is a small fire
smould- ering somewhere.
Check whether there is some source of smoke or fumes, for
example cooking fumes being drawn past the Smoke Alarm
by an extractor.
If there are frequent nuisance/false alarms it may be
necessary to re-locate the device away from the source of
the fumes. If for some reason the alarm continues to sound
without smoke or heat being present (due to insect infestation
or contamination build-up for example) the units can be
silenced by disconnecting the panel power and removing the
unit (see figure 1). If cleaning the Alarm does not correct the
problem it can be returned to the manufacturer for repair or
replacement (see Getting Your Alarm Serviced below).
Hush Feature
All the Smoke / Heat Alarms have a combined Test/Hush
Button to help you control nuisance false alarms.
1. To cancel a false alarm, press the Test/Hush Button
located on the cover. The Alarm will automatically switch to
a reduced sensitivity condition (very large levels of smoke
from a nearby fire will override the Hush on the smoke
alarms). This condition allows unwanted alarms to be
silenced for a period of approximately 10 minutes.
The unit will flash the red light every 10 seconds
(instead of the normal 40 seconds) to indicate the
sensitivity is reduced. At the end of the hush period the
Ionisation Smoke Alarm (Ei181) and the Heat Alarms
(Ei184) will give two short beeps. The Optical Smoke
Alarm (Ei186) does not give these two beeps.
On interconnected Alarms, pressing the Test/Hush Button
on the one sensing smoke (i.e. the one with the red light
flashing every second) will silence all alarms. Pressing the
Hush Button on any other Alarm will not cancel the alarm.
2. The unit will reset to normal sensitivity at the end of the
silenced period. If additional silenced time is required,
simply push the Test/Hush Button again.
IMPORTANT SAFE GUARDS
• When using household protective devices, basic safety
precautions should always be followed, including those
listed below:
• Please read all instructions.
• Rehearse emergency escape plans so everyone at home
knows what to do in case the alarm sounds. Further
information can be obtained from the Home Office
Publication entitled “Smoke Detectors in the Home” (FB2)
or from your local fire prevention officer.
13

• NOTE: Constant exposure to high or freezing temperatures
or high humidity may reduce the life of the battery.
• To maintain sensitivity to smoke, do not paint or cover
smoke /heat alarms in any manner; do not permit any
accumulation of cobwebs, dust or grease.
• If a unit has been damaged in any way or does not
function properly,do not attempt a repair. Return Alarm
(see - Getting your Alarm Serviced).
• This appliance is only intended for premises having a
residential type environment.
• Smoke / Heat Alarms are not a substitute for insurance.
The supplier or manufacturer is not your insurer.
• The chamber inside the Ionisation Smoke Alarms (Ei181)
contains a small amount of radioactive material. Do not
tamper with the chamber. You may safely install and clean
the Smoke Alarm following this leaflet’s instructions.
Do not dispose of your Alarm in a fire.
Use the Smoke / Heat Alarm Test Buttons to familiarize your
family with the Alarm sound and to practice fire drills regularly
with all family members. Draw up a floor plan that will show
each member at least 2 escape routes from each room in the
house. Children tend to hide when they don’t know what to
do. Teach children how to escape, open windows, and use
roll up fire ladders and stools without adult help. Make sure
they know what to do if the alarm goes off.
PLANNING YOUR ESCAPE FOR WHEN
THE ALARM GOES OFF
1. Check room doors for heat or
smoke. Do not open a hot door.
Use an alternate escape route.
Close doors behind you as you
leave.
2. If smoke is heavy, crawl out,
staying close to floor. Take short
breaths, if possible, through a wet
cloth or hold your breath. More
people die from smoke inhalation
than from flames.
3. Get out as fast as you can. Do
not stop for packing. Have a
prearranged meeting place outside
for all family members. Check
everybody is there.
4. Call the Fire Brigade from a
neighb our’s house. Remember to
give your name and address.
5. NEVER re-enter a burning
house.
14
NEVER

LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE HEAT
ALARMS
Smoke/Heat Alarms have significantly helped to reduce the
number of fire fatalities in countries where they are widely
installed.
However independent authorities have stated that they may
be ineffective in some circumstances. There are a number
of reasons for this:
• The Alarms will not work if the mains power is off and the
back-up battery is depleted. On the Ei181/184/186 alarms
the batteries should be replaced annually and when the
unit gives low battery beeps.
• Smoke/Heat Alarms will not detect fire if sufficient smoke/
heat does not reach the alarm. Smoke/Heat may be
prevented from reaching the Alarm if the fire is too far
away, for example, if the fire is on another floor, behind a
closed door, in a chimney, in a wall cavity, or if the
prevailing air draughts carry the smoke/heat away.
Installing Smoke/Heat Alarms on both sides of closed
doors and installing more than one Smoke/Heat Alarm as
recommended in this leaflet very significantly improves
the probability of early detection.
• The Alarm may not be heard.
• A Smoke / Heat Alarm may not wake a person who has
taken drugs or alcohol.
• Smoke / Heat Alarms may not detect every type of fire to
give sufficient early warning. They are particularly
ineffective with: fires caused by smoking in bed, escaping
gas, violent explosions, poor storage of flammable rags
and/or liquids, (for example petrol, paint, spirits etc),
overloaded electrical circuits, arson and children playing
with matches.
• Fire Authorities (including the Home Office, UK)
recommend that both Optical and Ionisation Smoke
Alarms should be fitted for the fastest response to all
types of fires.
• Smoke / Heat Alarms don’t last indefinitely. For example if
there is a build up of contamination, performance will be
impaired.
The manufacturer recommends replacement of the Smoke/
Heat Alarms after 10 years as a precaution.
15

ACCESSORY
Smoke Alarm Locator Ei159:
The Smoke Alarm locator is recommended for systems with
three or more Smoke / Heat Alarms as it helps quickly
identify the unit in alarm and reduces the impact of
nuisance alarms.
Pressing the Smoke Alarm Locator button will silence all
interconnected alarms for 10 minutes, except those sensing
fire. It is easily installed between the interconnect and 0 volt
terminals.
GETTING YOUR ALARM SERVICED
If your Alarm fails to work after you have carefully read all the
instructions, checked the unit has been installed correctly, and
is receiving panel power contact Customer Assistance at the
address given at the end of this leaflet. If it needs to be
returned for repair or replacement put it in a padded box and
send it to “Customer Assistance and Information” at the
nearest address given on the Alarm or in this leaflet. Do not
snap on the mounting plate as this connects the battery and
the unit may beep or alarm in the post. State the nature of the
fault, where the Alarm was purchased and the date of
purchase.
FIVE YEAR PRODUCT GUARANTEE
Ei Electronics guarantees this Alarm (excluding the battery)
for five years from date of purchase against any defect s
that are due to faulty materials or workmanship. This
guarantee only applies to normal conditions of use and
service, and does not include damage resulting from
accident, neglect, misuse, unauthorised dismantling, or
contamination howsoever caused. This guarantee excludes
incidental and consequential damage. This guarantee does
not cover costs associated with the removal and/or
installation of alarms. If this Alarm should become defective
within the guarantee period, it must be returned to Ei
Electronics, with proof of purchase, carefully packaged,
with the problem clearly stated. (see “Getting Your Alarm
Serviced”) We shall at our discretion repair or replace the
faulty unit.
Do not interfere with the Alarm or attempt to tamper with it.
This will invalidate the guarantee, but more importantly may
expose the user to shock or fire hazards. This guarantee is
in addition to your statutory rights as a consumer.
16

SPECIFICATIONS
Supply Voltage: 10.5 to 30.0 Volts (DC Only).
Standby Current: 7.5mA (max) @ 12V; 10.0mA (max) @ 24V.
Alarm Current: 58.0mA (max) @ 12V; 60.0mA (max) @ 24V.
Relay Contacts: 30 volts/1 amp resistive (normally open
and normally closed supplied). The unit is supplied with the
relay operating in continuous mode (i.e. relay is on while
unit is sensing smoke). To select pulse mode (relay turns on
for 5 seconds only at start of smoke sensing), set jumper S1
to "P" position.
The unit is also supplied with the relay in conventional, i.e.
no contact resistance, mode. If required, 22K ohm can be
connected in series with the C terminal and relay contact
and 68K ohm between C and NC screw terminals by setting
jumper S2 to "R" position.
Wiring: Wiring may be surface or recessed.
Cable: 4 core max resistance 20 ohms, provided specified
supply voltage is maintained at unit.
Test Button: Simulates the effect of fire and checks
electronics and horn.
Power-on Indicators:
- Continuous green light on mounting plate for panel power.
- Red LED flashes every 40 seconds.
Alarm output: Piezo horn 85dB (A) @ 3m.
Standby Temp: 0oC - 40oC.
Humidity: 10 - 90 % Relative HumidityInterconnect: Up to
20 units in total (Ei181, Ei184, Ei186 units only) can be
interconnected so that when one senses fire all alarm.
Relays switch on all units.
Alarm Indicator: Red LED flashes rapidly only on units
sensing fire.
Battery Back-Up: 9 Volt Alkaline Primary Battery will power
the unit in standby for over 1 year without external power. Will
power the unit for over 2 hours in alarm. Battery is monitored
for open circuit, short circuit and high impedance. The unit
will beep once a minute when it is starting to be depleted.
Ionisation Ei181
Sensor: Dual Ionisation Chamber.
Sensitivity: Complies with BS5446-1: 2000.
Source: 0.9 microcurie of Am 241.
Combined Test/Hush Button: Tests and then hushes unit
for 10 minutes. Automatically resets. Red LED flashes
every 10 seconds while in hush. At the end of the hush
period unit gives a double beep.
Airspeed: No false alarms up to 10 m/s (22mph).
Insect Screen: Prevents insects or debris entering the
chamber.
Dimensions: 145mm (d) X 55mm (h). Weight: 380 grams.
17

Optical Ei186
Sensor: Detects light scattered by smoke.
Sensitivity: Complies with BS5446: Part 1: 2000.
Ambient Light: Chamber design and electronic compensation
overcomes problems with stray light.
Combined Test/Hush Button: Tests and then hushes unit
for 10 minutes. Automatically resets. Red LED flashes
every 10 seconds while in hush.
Airspeed: No effect.
Insect Screen: Prevents insects and debris entering the
chamber.
Automatic Self Test: Chamber is tested every 40 seconds
and unit beeps if it is degraded (without red light flashing at
same time).
Dimensions: 145mm (d) x 60mm (h). Weight: 380 grams.
Heat Ei184
Sensor: Fast response Thermistor.
Sensitivity: 58 +/- 4oC (Response grade 1 as defined in
EN54: Part5).
Combined Test/Hush Button: Tests and then hushes unit
for 10 minutes. Automatically resets. Red LED flashes
every 10 seconds while in hush. At the end of the hush
period unit gives a double beep.
Airspeed: No effect.
Contamination: Much less affected by insects and
contamination than Smoke Alarms.
Dimensions: 145mm (d) x 65mm (h). Weight: 380 grams.
TROUBLESHOOTING
1. FREQUENT NUISANCE ALARMS OCCUR:
(1) Close kitchen / bathroom door when in use.
(2) Ensure that the alarm is sited at least 6m away from
sources of fumes.
(3) Contamination from insects, paint or paint fumes may
have occurred. Clean the alarm as described in this
booklet.
(4) If the problem persists, resiting of the unit should be
considered. Alternatively, replace the unit with an Optical
unit (Ei186/185), assuming that the problem is with an
Ionisation type alarm (Ei181/180).
2. ALARM SOUNDS FOR NO APPARENT REASON:
(1) Identify the alarm source. On interconnected units, the
red light on the cover will flash rapidly only on the unit which
is the source of the alarm.
(2) Check for fumes, steam etc. from the kitchen or
bathroom. Paint and other fumes can cause nuisance
alarms.
18

(3) Press the test/hush button to silence the Smoke/Heat
Alarm for 10 minutes.
(4) If alarm does not stop, remove the unit (see figure 1).
(Only remove alarm with red light flashing, the others are
probably satisfactory).
3. LOW BATTERY BEEPS:
If the battery is correctly connected and the unit has beeped
for over 20 minutes the battery is probably depleted. Obtain
a new battery, remove the alarm and replace the depleted
battery. (see figure 1).
OTHER BEEPS:
(1) If the panel is providing power and replacing battery or
cleaning unit has not stopped beeps, a fault may exist.
Replace the unit (see figure 1).
(2) The Ionisation/Heat units (Ei181/180/184/183) give two
beeps 10 minutes after the test/hush button is pressed.
(3) If the Optical units (Ei186/185) beep without the red light
flashing at the same time, the chamber is defective. Clean
the chamber.
4. INTERCONNECTED ALARMS DO NOT ALL SOUND
AND THE RELAY DOES NOT SWITCH:
(1) Hold test button for 10 seconds after first alarm has
sounded to ensure signal is transmitted to all units. Relay
should switch.
(2) Check that the green power light on the mounting plate
is on.
(3) Check panel and wiring.
19

20
Ei Electronics, Shannon, Co. Clare, Ireland
Nominal activation conditions/ sensitivity,
response delay (response time) and
performance under fire condition
Pass
Operational reliability Pass
Tolerance to voltage supply Pass
Response delay and temperature resistance Pass
Vibration resistance Pass
Humidity resistance Pass
Corrosion resistance Pass
Electrical stability
The Declaration of Performance No. 13-0001 may be consulted
at www.eielectronics.com/compliance
Pass
08
DoP No.13-0001
EN14604:2005 + AC:2008
Smoke Alarm Devices:
Ei181, Ei186
Heat Alarm Devices:
Ei184
Fire Safety
0086
Aico Ltd. Mile End Business Park, Maesbury Rd,
Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 8NN, U.K.
Tel: [phone]
www.aico.co.uk
Ei Electronics. Shannon, Co Clare, Ireland.
Tel: [phone]
www.eielectronics.com
The crossed out wheelie bin symbol that is on your
product indicates that this product should not be disposed
of via the normal household waste stream. Proper
disposal will prevent possible harm to the environment or
to human health. When disposing of this product please
separate it from other waste streams to ensure that it can
be recycled in an environmentally sound manner. For
more details on collection and proper disposal, please
contact your local government office or the retailer where
you purchased this product.
Block E1