Ei Electronics Ei141 Ionisation User manual

IDEALLY INSTALL IN THE CENTRE OF CEILING
AT LEAST 300mm FROM LIGHT FITTINGS
LOCATE IONISATION ALARMS AWAY FROM
KITCHENS TO PREVENT NUISANCE ALARMS
ENSURE LIVE MAINS IS CORRECTLY
CONNECTED TO L TERMINALS ON ALL
INTERCONNECTED ALARMS - OTHERWISE
UNITS WILL BE DAMAGED
DO NOT FIT ACTUAL ALARM UNTIL ALL
BUILDING WORK IS COMPLETED TO AVOID
CONTAMINATION. AFTER CHECKING
OPERATION, COVER SMOKE ALARM WITH
DUST COVER UNTIL REQUIRED FOR USE
DISCONNECT THE ALARM BEFORE APPLYING
HIGH VOLTAGE INSULATION TESTS TO WIRING
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE ALARM AS
IT IS PERMANENTLY SEALED FOR SAFETY
DO NOT CONNECT ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
SOURCES e.g. WIND, SOLAR, UPS WITH
NON-SINUSOIDAL OUTPUTS
(see INSTALLATION section on page 10)
INTERCONNECT ALL ALARMS
230V~ SMOKE & HEAT ALARMS
INSTALLER INSTRUCTIONS
Ei141 - Ionisation Ei144 - Heat Ei146 - Optical
RECHARGEABLE LITHIUM CELL BACK-UP
Ei161RC - Ionisation Ei166RC - OpticalEi164RC - Heat
ALKALINE PRIMARY BATTERY BACK-UP
© Ei Electronics 2012P/N B16008 Rev3

1.1 Installation Guide
2

2. ALARM REMOVAL
SLIDE ALARM OFF BASE
WITH THE SCREWDRIVER STILL INSERTED, PUSH THE LOWER
HALF OF THE ALARM AWAY FROM THE SCREWDRIVER, IN THE
DIRECTION OF THE ARROW ON THE COVER
HOLD THE LOWER HALF OF THE ALARM AND REMOVE FROM
THE BASE PLATE BY MOVING IT VERTICALLY DOWNWARDS,
T
O
WARD
S
THE FL
OO
R.
REMOVE ALARM
LOCATE REMOVAL SLOT
LOCATE THE ARROW ON THE FRONT FACE OF THE ALARM.
THE SLOT IS LOCATED DIRECTLY ABOVE THE ARROW.
INSERT SCREWDRIVER
INSERT A FLAT-BLADED SCREWDRIVER HORIZONTALLY
APPROX. 1cm INTO THE CENTRE OF THE REMOVAL SLOT
T
O
R
E
M
O
V
E
P
U
S
H
&
P
U
S
H
C
O
V
E
R
A
W
A
Y
S
C
R
E
W
D
R
I
V
E
R
I
N
T
O
S
L
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3

2. HOW MANY ALARMS TO INSTALL
- CATEGORIES & GRADES -
The advice here follows the guidance in British Standard
BS 5839-Part 6: 2004 in general (for further information
see the BS standard itself).
The main reason for fitting Smoke & Heat Alarms in
dwellings is to ensure that when there is a fire, sufficient
early warning is given so that everybody can escape
safely.
This means that the fire alarms should ideally be located
near all potential sources of fires and that the alarm
should be heard throughout the house – particularly in
the bedrooms.
It is also important that nuisance/false alarms are
minimised to ensure the units are not disabled or
ignored.
The BS standard gives guidance on:
- how many alarms to install
- what type of alarm to use
- where to position alarms
The above points will depend on the type of dwelling to
be protected and the level of fire risk.
Fire Risk Assessment
The ‘Grade’ and ‘Category’ of system that should be
installed depends on the fire risk. The risk assessment
is based on a combination of probabilities:
- fire occurring
- injury or death to occupant
- system operating correctly with a fire
- early detection and warning to occupants in the event
of a fire.
The greater the risks, the more comprehensive and
reliable systems are needed.
2.1 Categories of System
There are three Categories of LD systems for Life
protection in Dwellings that can be installed, depending
on the fire risk and regulations.
Please see following pages for detailed information.
4

for dwellings where occupants may be at high risk (e.g. elderly)
OPTIMUM PROTECTION
LD1
Optimum Protection LD1: As LD2, but in addition
Smoke or Heat Alarms should be located in all rooms
and other areas of the dwelling.
(apart from toilets or bathroom)
Multi Storey Dwelling LD1
Heat Alarms located in:
(Heat Alarms must be within 5.3m of potential fire
sources)
each Kitchen
garages
Living
Room
Bedroom Bathroom
Kitchen
Bedroom Shower
Garage
Smoke or Heat Alarms located in:
each Living room (i.e. most frequently used
daytime room)
Smoke Alarms located:
on each storey
every 7.5 m of hallways and escape routes
within 3m of all bedroom doors
in all other rooms & areas other than listed below
(apart from toilets & bathrooms )
Additional Protection LD2: As LD3, but in addition
Smoke or Heat Alarms in all rooms or areas that
present a high fire risk to occupants.
Heat Alarms located in:
(Heat Alarms must be within 5.3m of potential fire
sources)
each Kitchen
Smoke or Heat Alarms located in:
each Living room (i.e. most frequently used
daytime room)
Smoke Alarms located:
on each storey
every 7.5 m of hallways and escape routes
within 3m of all bedroom doors
(apart from toilets & bathrooms )
Bedroom
Bedroom Bedroom
Kitchen / Dining Room
Living Room
Bathroom
Single Storey Dwelling LD1
Heat Alarm do not fit alarm
Ionisation or Optical
Smoke Alarm Optical Smoke Alarm
for existing dwellings
MINIMUM PROTECTION
LD3
Minimum Protection LD3:
Smoke Alarms in all
hallways, stairways and circulation areas that form
part of the escape routes from the dwelling.
Multi Storey Dwelling LD3
Living
Room
Bedroom Bathroom
Kitchen
Bedroom Shower
Garage
Smoke Alarms located:
on each storey
every 7.5 m of hallways and escape routes
within 3m of all bedroom doors
(apart from toilets & bathrooms )
Bedroom
Bedroom Bedroom
Kitchen / Dining Room
Living Room
Bathroom
Single Storey Dwelling LD3
do not fit alarm
Ionisation or Optical
Smoke Alarm Optical Smoke Alarm
for new or materially altered dwellings or existing dwellings
with poor structural fire precautions
ADDITIONAL PROTECTION
LD2
Multi Storey Dwelling LD2
Living
Room
Bedroom Bathroom
Kitchen
Bedroom Shower
Garage
Bedroom
Bedroom Bedroom
Kitchen / Dining Room
Living Room
Bathroom
Single Storey Dwelling LD2
Heat Alarm do not fit alarm
Ionisation or Optical
Smoke Alarm Optical Smoke Alarm
5

for dwellings where occupants may be at high risk (e.g. elderly)
OPTIMUM PROTECTION
LD1
Optimum Protection LD1: As LD2, but in addition
Smoke or Heat Alarms should be located in all rooms
and other areas of the dwelling.
(apart from toilets or bathroom)
Multi Storey Dwelling LD1
Heat Alarms located in:
(Heat Alarms must be within 5.3m of potential fire
sources)
each Kitchen
garages
Living
Room
Bedroom Bathroom
Kitchen
Bedroom Shower
Garage
Smoke or Heat Alarms located in:
each Living room (i.e. most frequently used
daytime room)
Smoke Alarms located:
on each storey
every 7.5 m of hallways and escape routes
within 3m of all bedroom doors
in all other rooms & areas other than listed below
(apart from toilets & bathrooms )
Additional Protection LD2: As LD3, but in addition
Smoke or Heat Alarms in all rooms or areas that
present a high fire risk to occupants.
Heat Alarms located in:
(Heat Alarms must be within 5.3m of potential fire
sources)
each Kitchen
Smoke or Heat Alarms located in:
each Living room (i.e. most frequently used
daytime room)
Smoke Alarms located:
on each storey
every 7.5 m of hallways and escape routes
within 3m of all bedroom doors
(apart from toilets & bathrooms )
Bedroom
Bedroom Bedroom
Kitchen / Dining Room
Living Room
Bathroom
Single Storey Dwelling LD1
Heat Alarm do not fit alarm
Ionisation or Optical
Smoke Alarm Optical Smoke Alarm
for existing dwellings
MINIMUM PROTECTION
LD3
Minimum Protection LD3: Smoke Alarms in all
hallways, stairways and circulation areas that form
part of the escape routes from the dwelling.
Multi Storey Dwelling LD3
Living
Room
Bedroom Bathroom
Kitchen
Bedroom Shower
Garage
Smoke Alarms located:
on each storey
every 7.5 m of hallways and escape routes
within 3m of all bedroom doors
(apart from toilets & bathrooms )
Bedroom
Bedroom Bedroom
Kitchen / Dining Room
Living Room
Bathroom
Single Storey Dwelling LD3
do not fit alarm
Ionisation or Optical
Smoke Alarm Optical Smoke Alarm
for new or materially altered dwellings or existing dwellings
with poor structural fire precautions
ADDITIONAL PROTECTION
LD2
Multi Storey Dwelling LD2
Living
Room
Bedroom Bathroom
Kitchen
Bedroom Shower
Garage
Bedroom
Bedroom Bedroom
Kitchen / Dining Room
Living Room
Bathroom
Single Storey Dwelling LD2
Heat Alarm do not fit alarm
Ionisation or Optical
Smoke Alarm Optical Smoke Alarm
6

for dwellings where occupants may be at high risk (e.g. elderly)
OPTIMUM PROTECTION
LD1
Optimum Protection LD1: As LD2, but in addition
Smoke or Heat Alarms should be located in all rooms
and other areas of the dwelling.
(apart from toilets or bathroom)
Multi Storey Dwelling LD1
Heat Alarms located in:
(Heat Alarms must be within 5.3m of potential fire
sources)
each Kitchen
garages
Living
Room
Bedroom Bathroom
Kitchen
Bedroom Shower
Garage
Smoke or Heat Alarms located in:
each Living room (i.e. most frequently used
daytime room)
Smoke Alarms located:
on each storey
every 7.5 m of hallways and escape routes
within 3m of all bedroom doors
in all other rooms & areas other than listed below
(apart from toilets & bathrooms )
Additional Protection LD2: As LD3, but in addition
Smoke or Heat Alarms in all rooms or areas that
present a high fire risk to occupants.
Heat Alarms located in:
(Heat Alarms must be within 5.3m of potential fire
sources)
each Kitchen
Smoke or Heat Alarms located in:
each Living room (i.e. most frequently used
daytime room)
Smoke Alarms located:
on each storey
every 7.5 m of hallways and escape routes
within 3m of all bedroom doors
(apart from toilets & bathrooms )
Bedroom
Bedroom Bedroom
Kitchen / Dining Room
Living Room
Bathroom
Single Storey Dwelling LD1
Heat Alarm do not fit alarm
Ionisation or Optical
Smoke Alarm Optical Smoke Alarm
for existing dwellings
MINIMUM PROTECTION
LD3
Minimum Protection LD3: Smoke Alarms in all
hallways, stairways and circulation areas that form
part of the escape routes from the dwelling.
Multi Storey Dwelling LD3
Living
Room
Bedroom Bathroom
Kitchen
Bedroom Shower
Garage
Smoke Alarms located:
on each storey
every 7.5 m of hallways and escape routes
within 3m of all bedroom doors
(apart from toilets & bathrooms )
Bedroom
Bedroom Bedroom
Kitchen / Dining Room
Living Room
Bathroom
Single Storey Dwelling LD3
do not fit alarm
Ionisation or Optical
Smoke Alarm Optical Smoke Alarm
for new or materially altered dwellings or existing dwellings
with poor structural fire precautions
ADDITIONAL PROTECTION
LD2
Multi Storey Dwelling LD2
Living
Room
Bedroom Bathroom
Kitchen
Bedroom Shower
Garage
Bedroom
Bedroom Bedroom
Kitchen / Dining Room
Living Room
Bathroom
Single Storey Dwelling LD2
Heat Alarm do not fit alarm
Ionisation or Optical
Smoke Alarm Optical Smoke Alarm
7

2.2 Selecting Alarm Type
1Optical Smoke Alarms are recommended due to their
excellent response to smouldering fires. If there is likely to be
problems with steam, contamination or dust build-up, or if there
is significant risk of a fast burning clean fire an Ionisation Smoke
Alarm should be fitted.
2Some Fire Authorities recommend that both Ionisation and
Optical Smoke Alarms should be fitted for the fastest response
to all types of fires.
3Some Fire authorities (concerned with the slow response of
Heat Alarms) advise that Smoke Alarms should be fitted. This
is acceptable according to BS 5839-6 provided there are clearly
not going to be problems with nuisance alarms. Fit Heat Alarms
only if nuisance alarms are very likely and it is acceptable that
a warning will only be given by the Heat Alarm when there
is a very significant flaming fire in the room. If the door(s)
and windows are not closed to contain the fire and heat, it is
extremely unlikely that the Heat Alarm would respond before a
Smoke Alarm sited outside in the corridor.
4In enclosed kitchens with doors closed.
5Greatly depends on ventilation and distance from source of
fumes.
8
Locations
Hall, Corridors, Escape Routes
Alarm Type
Optical Ionisation Heat
Bedrooms
Shower / Bathroom
Kitchens
Living Rooms
Fire Response
Slow Smouldering Fires
(polyurethane foam, ignited bedding etc.)
Nuisance Alarm Immunity
Cooking Fumes
Steam, Condensation &
Dust Build-up
Fast Flaming Fires
(chip pans, flaming wood/plastic, oil,
solvents etc.)
- Best - Good - Acceptable - Not Suitable
Temperature >58
0
C
(only in areas with cooking fumes, steam,
very dirty/dusty)
Optical/Ionisation/Heat Alarm Selection
Locations & Performance
1 2
3
4
5

Improved Audibility
The effectiveness of Category LD2 and LD3 systems can
be significantly enhanced if an additional Smoke Alarm
(interconnected) is installed in the master bedroom. This will
help ensure that a responsible person will quickly be alerted
to a fire and can arrange for an orderly evacuation of children
and other vulnerable occupants.
2.3 Grade D, E & F Systems
The mains powered Smoke and Heat Alarms with battery
back-up covered by these instructions are suitable for Grade
D, E & F Systems.
A Grade D system is needed for:
- new or materially altered dwellings, up to three-storeys,
with no floor over 200m2
- existing dwellings with poor structural fire precautions, up
to three storeys, with no floor over 200m2
- Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) of one or
two-storeys, with no floor over 200m2
- Individual dwellings units of two or more rooms in HMOs
Check that a Grade D system is adequate for the dwelling
into which the system is being installed.
3. POSITIONING 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 0.3m away from walls. See Figure 1.
- At least 0.3m from any light fitting or decorative object
which might obstruct smoke / heat entering the Alarm.
(Smoke Alarms should be located directly on the ceiling or,
if not possible, up to 575mm below it. Heat Alarms should
be located directly on the ceiling or, if not possible, up to
125mm below it).
Sloping Ceiling
With a sloping or peaked ceiling install a Smoke Alarm
within 600mm of the peak or a Heat Alarm within
150mm of the peak (measured vertically). If this height
0
.
3m
S
M
O
KE ALARM
S
<600
m
m
HEAT ALARM
S
<
15
0
m
m
APEX
x
x
Figure 1 Figure 2
9

is less than 600mm for Smoke Alarms or 150mm for
Heat Alarms it is regarded as being flat (see Figure 2).
3.1 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 away from sources of normal smoke/
fumes.
DON’T place Heat Alarms in any of the following
areas:
• Bathrooms, shower rooms or other rooms 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 or
be below 4°C (e.g. attics, furnace rooms, directly above
ovens or kettles etc.) 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 (e.g. attic hatches). 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 (e.g. 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 1m from dimmer controlled lights
and wiring as some dimmers can cause interference.
• Locate unit at least 1.5m and route wiring at least 1m
away from fluorescent light fittings as electrical “noise”
and/or flickering may affect the unit. Do not wire into the
same circuit as fluorescent lights or dimmers.
• 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.
4. INSTALLATION
The Alarm is designed to be permanently mounted ,
using it’s own built-in terminal block to connect it to the
mains. The mounting plate can be screwed directly to
the ceiling. Alternatively it can be screwed to a standard
junction box. It requires a current of 40mA. The Alarm
10

must not be exposed to dripping or splashing. There
are important markings on the underside of the alarm.
Caution
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, the Total Harmonic Distortion
(THD) must be less than 5%. If in doubt please check
with the manufacturer of the inverter.
This also applies to battery powered UPS (Uninterruptible
Power Supply) inverters.
Light Dimmer Circuits – The Alarms must not be
powered from a light dimmer circuit.
IMPORTANT PRECAUTION: Do not install the
Alarms 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, first 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.
The Alarm 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
alarm.
WARNING: Mains operated Alarms should be
installed and interconnected by a qualified electrician
in accordance with the Regulations for Electrical
Installations published by the Institution of Electrical
Engineers (BS7671). Failure to install this Alarm
correctly may expose the user to shock or fire hazards.
WARNING: The Alarm must be continuously powered
24 hours a day so it is important that it is not on a circuit
that can be turned off by a switch.
Note: BS 5839-6 2004 gives the folowing recommendations
regarding the mains supply to be used in a Grade D system (The
Ei141/146 /161RC/166RC Smoke Alarms and Ei144/164RC
Heat Alarms can be used in a Grade D system). The power
supply for the Alarms should be derived from the public
electricity supply to the dwelling. The mains supply to the
Alarms should take the form of either:
(a) an independent circuit at the dwelling’s main distribution
board, in which case no other electrical equipment should be
connected to this circuit (other than a dedicated monitoring
device installed to indicate failure of the mains supply to the
Alarms); or
11

(b) a separately electrically protected, regularly used local lighting
circuit.
Alarms should be connected on a single final circuit, unless the
means of interconnection is by radio signals (e.g. RadioLINK).
(See BS 5839-6: 2004 for further information)
Note: The Ei Electronics RadioLINK Base Ei168RC (for use
with Ei161RC/164RC/166RC models only) can be used to
eliminate interconnect wiring, make system extensions and
provide simple and cost effective compliance with BS 5839-6:
2004.
4.1 Mounting & Wiring Alarms
1. Select a location complying with the advice in
previous sections (see pages 4-10).
2. Disconnect the AC mains supply from the circuit that
is going to be used.
3. Lift off the wiring cover as shown in Figure 3.
The house wiring must be connected to the terminal
block on the mounting plate as follows:
L: Live - connect to the house wires coloured brown
or marked L.
N: Neutral - connect to the house wires coloured blue
or marked N.
See page 14 for information on interconnection.
Note: Wiring must be installed in compliance with local
regulations.
Warning: Mixing the Live and Neutral connections
when interconnecting alarms will damage all the
alarms - ensure that the same colours are used
throughout the premises for Live, Neutral and
Interconnect wires.
We strongly recommend that you check for the following
before connecting the alarm:
• check for Live and Neutral using a two probe tester.
• check for Live using a neon tester.
• check that the Interconnect wire is NOT connected to
Live, Neutral or Earth. Do not use an Earth wire for
the Interconnect line.
12
FOAM CEILING GASKET
INSERT SCREWDRIVER
T
O
LIFT AND REM
O
VE
WIRING COVER
Figure 3

N.B. The alarm does not need to be earthed. However the
terminal marked is provided for the convenience of the
installer so that any copper Earth wire or cable coloured
green & yellow, can be safely terminated.
To interconnect the Alarms connect all the IC terminals
together as shown in Figure 4 (see “Interconnecting
Alarms” section on page 14).
4. If the mains wires are recessed, bring the wires
through the rear hole in the mounting plate as shown
in Figure 4.
If the mains wires are being brought along the surface:
(a) position the mounting plate so the cable trunking is
as shown in Figure 4.
(b) the mounting plate has a removable section, take it
out to interface directly with 25 mm conduit as shown in
Figure 5. If interfacing to 16 mm conduit carefully cut
around the marked section, leaving the top intact and
replace the section. (If you are not using surface wiring,
the removable section must be left in place for electrical
safety reasons).
There are two other positions which are also suitable for
the surface wiring to enter (and exit) the alarm, one next
to the removable section and another directly opposite.
5. Carefully align the mounting plate and screw into
place. Connect the wires to the terminal block. With
recessed wiring, ensure the rear gasket seals around
the edge of the hole in the ceiling or wall. This is to
prevent air draughts affecting the smoke/heat entering
the alarm. If the hole is too large or the alarm does
not seal it, it should be sealed with silicone rubber or
equivalent.
6. Replace the wiring cover. Check the alarm battery is
connected (Ei141/144/146 only).
13
REMOVEABLE
TRUNKING DOOR FOR
Figure 4
Figure 5

7. Carefully line up the unit on the base and slide on.
8. Press and hold the test/hush button for 10 seconds.
The horn will sound. Check that any interconnected
alarms also sound within this period.
9. Connect the mains power to the alarm circuit. Check
the green light is on.
10. Attach the ‘Smoke Alarm’ identification label
provided to the distribution board to identify the alarm
circuit.
11. Attach the ‘Mains Smoke / Heat Alarms’ label
provided on or near the distribution board and write in
date installed and the number of alarms on the circuit.
Ensure the alarm operates correctly - see “TESTING &
MAINTAINING YOUR ALARM” section on page 4 of
the USER INSTRUCTIONS.
4.2 Interconnecting Alarms
Note: A maximum of twelve Ei141/144/146/161RC
/164RC/166RC Smoke or Heat Alarms may be
interconnected along with an Ei128R pattress with relay
(see “ACCESSORIES” section on page 16).
If you wish to connect more than twelve alarms contact
your local distributor (see page 16 for details).
Systems using more than 3 or 4 alarms must be very
carefully planned to ensure nuisance alarms are not
excessive. e.g. from cooking fumes or steam. The
following is suggested:
• A Smoke Alarm Locator Switch (model Ei159 for use
with Ei141/144/146) or a Smoke Alarm Control Switch
(model Ei1529RC for use with Ei161RC/164RC/
166RC) should be incorporated into the system and
be readily accessible to all occupants so that the
source of an alarm can be quickly identified.
• All alarms must be cleaned and maintained regularly.
• A qualified person must be on call to quickly remove
any nuisance units (i.e. units with red light flashing
rapidly) which are causing all the other alarms to
sound.
WARNING: Do not connect these Alarms to any
other type of Ei Alarm (apart from those listed
above) or to any other model produced by another
manufacturer. Doing so may damage the Alarms
and could result in a shock or fire hazard.
Wiring must be installed in compliance with local
regulations.
In the UK it is recommended that the following
coloured cores are used (for example with triple flat
6243Y cable).
230V supply Brown
Neutral Grey - sleeved blue at terminations
Interconnect Black
14

The interconnect wire (minimum 0.75mm2cable) must
be treated as if it was Live. It should be insulated and
sheathed.
A maximum of 250 metres of wire can be used (maximum
resistance between detectors 50 Ohms).
These Smoke/Heat Alarms should be interconnected
only within the confines of a single family living unit. If
they are connected 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.
Ensure the alarms operate correctly - see “TESTING &
MAINTAINING YOUR ALARM” section on page 4 of
the USER INSTRUCTIONS.
Smoke Alarm - Optical or Ionisation?
Both types respond in all standard fires but each type
may respond faster to particular fires as shown. Ei
Electronics manufactures Optical Smoke Alarms Ei146
& Ei166RC which compliment the Ionisation Smoke
Alarms described in this leaflet. For dual protection
install each type.
Fire Authorities states:
“If your home has more than one floor, at least
one alarm should be fitted on each level”. In this
case a combination of Optical and Ionisation alarms,
preferably interconnected, will give the best protection.
15
Figure 6
Ion Sensor
Best for fast flaming fires
- small smoke particles
Optical Sensor
Best for slow smouldering fires
- large smoke particles

5. ACCESSORIES
Relay Module Ei128R:
The Ei128R module has a relay rated at 250V AC / 5
Amps. This is useful for remote signalling and turning on
lights etc. Also available is the Ei128RBU Relay Module
which has battery back-up.
Alarm Locator Ei159:
(for use with models Ei141/144/146 only)
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 Neutral terminals.
Alarm System Control Switch Ei1529RC:
(for use with models Ei161RC/164RC/166RC only)
The System Control Switch is recommended for systems
with three or more Smoke / Heat Alarms. It allows the
user to perform the following functions from a remote
location:
LOCATE - If alarms sound press Locate to allow source of
alarm to be identified.
HUSH - Press Hush to silence nuisance alarms.
TEST - Operate weekly to Test the alarms.
MAINS CHECK - Test will not work with mains absent.
Radiolink Ei168RC
The Ei168RC RadioLINK Base provides wireless
interconnection when used with either the Ei140 or
Ei160RC Series alarms. The base is used to eliminate
interconnect wiring making system extensions simple,
cost effective and compliant with BS 5839-6: 2004.
RadioLINK Remote System Control Ei411H3
This wall mounted device allows you to Locate (identify
the unit in alarm audibly), Hush and Test an Ei161RC,
Ei164RC, Ei166RC & Ei2110 Smoke/Heat/Fire Alarms
mounted on an Ei168RC Base. It also has a Locate
Memory function that allows the alarm that had
previously triggered the system to be identified – a useful
troubleshooting feature.
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
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