Ei Electronics Ei160e Series Instruction Manual

© Ei Electronics 2015

P/N B18148 Rev1

230V~ SMOKE & HEAT ALARMS

Ei160e Series

Instruction Manual

with Rechargeable Battery Backup

The Ei160e series is supplied with an Easi-Fit base that
allows very quick and simple installation of the Smoke
Alarm, combined with simple detector head removal
and replacement. The Easi-Fit base automatically
connects both mains power and battery as the detector
head slides on to the Easi-Fit base.

Up to 12 Smoke/Heat Alarms can be interconnected so
that when one senses fire all the units alarm.

Interconnection can be achieved by hardwire or through
a modular RF module, the Ei100MRF, which can be
inserted into the base of the Alarm.

A green LED indicates the presence of mains power. A
red LED will flash rapidly in an alarm scenario.

The Smoke Alarms feature a large combined test/hush
button. The Heat Alarm features a test button.

The “Test/Hush” button will either silence false alarms
or perform a unit self-test.

In “Test” mode the Alarm will perform a self-test and
sound the horn.

In “Hush” mode the Alarm will be silenced for a period
of approximately ten minutes to overcome false alarm
conditions. It will then automatically reset itself.

Introduction to Ei160e
Smoke/Heat Alarms

User Section

The 160e series may be interconnected with any
other Ei Electronics RadioLINK or RadioLINK

+

products

through inserting the Ei100MRF RadioLINK

+

Module.
This module will enable the Ei160e series alarms to
communicate RF messages to other Ei Electronics
products such as the Ei450 RadioLINK Alarm Controller
where you can remotely locate, test and hush your
Ei160e Series Alarms using this wireless controller.

For detailed user instructions on using the RF
interconnection module Ei100MRF with the Ei160e
series, please consult the Ei100MRF instruction manual.

Important Information

Check all Alarms weekly, especially after initial
installation or re-occupation (e.g. following a holiday)

1. Check that the green mains indicator light is on. (if

it is off check circuit breakers, fuses and wiring etc.)

2. Check that the red LED on the cover flashes once

every 40 seconds to indicate normal operation – If
the memory has been set indicating that the Alarm
has been activated in the last 24 hours, the red LED
will flash twice every 40 seconds. After 24 hours the
memory will be cleared.

3. 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 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.
This action will also clear the memory.

WARNING: 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.

4. Check for any sign of contamination such as

cobwebs or dust and clean the alarm as described in
the “cleaning” section if necessary.

2

Do’s Dont’s

Regularly check green mains
indicator is lit

Do not paint your Alarm. Do
not allow paint, water or dust
to contaminate the Alarm

Test Weekly – See testing
and maintenance

Your Alarm is powered by
230VAC. Do not open or
insert anything into the Alarm

If nuisance alarms occur –
press the test/hush button to
silence the Alarm for 10 mins

Remove or completely cover
your Alarm when decorating
to prevent dust or other
contamination damaging the
unit

Clean your Alarm regularly

RF Interconnection

Testing and Maintenance

5. Interconnected Alarms only - Test the first unit by
pressing the button for 10 seconds. All the units
should alarm within 10 seconds of the first horn
sounding. The red light on the first unit only will flash
about once a second. On releasing the button the
local Alarm will stop sounding immediately and the
remote Alarms will stop sounding approximately 3
seconds later (if testing using RF interconnection
this could take slightly longer). This will verify that
the interconnect is working. Check all the other units
similarly.

6. Check the functioning of the mains battery back-up
directly after installation and then at least yearly as
follows:

- Turn off the mains power at the distribution board and
check that the green indicator light is extinguished.

- Press the test button and ensure the horn sounds
loudly for 10 seconds.

Turn on the mains supply at the distribution board only if
the unit passes the above test.

Note: If the mains is disconnected and the battery is
almost depleted the unit will beep every 40 seconds for
at least 30 days.

7. Monitor the Alarm over a short period of time for any
beeps.

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 their mounting plates to prevent the batteries
becoming fully depleted. (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).

If the unit is beeping

Check that the green mains power light is on. If it is off
the Alarm is not receiving mains power and is being
powered from its internal back-up cells. The beeps
indicate that they are depleted. The cells are not
replaceable. Re-connect the mains, check fuse, circuit
breakers and wiring. If in doubt contact a qualified
electrician. The beeps should cease within 2 hours as
the cells charge up. Fully charged, the cells will provide
up to 3 months back-up without mains power.

On the Optical Smoke Alarm only (Ei166e) 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” section.

If all of the above possible causes of beeps have been
ruled out, but the beeping has still persisted for over 2
hours with the green light on - the rechargeable cells
may be defective. The Smoke / Heat Alarm must be
returned to the manufacturer for repair or replacement ­see “Service and Guarantee” section.

Cleaning

WARNING: Electrical shock hazard. Disconnect the AC

mains at the fuse box or circuit breaker powering the
Alarm before following the cleaning instructions.

Clean your Alarm regularly, particularly in dusty areas.

3

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 nuisance/false alarms or failure to alarm.

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 nuisance/false alarms it may
mean that the environment may not be suitable for your
particular Alarm type. If, for example it is due to dust
contamination or exposure to steam you should be using
an ionisation Alarm. If the false alarm is due to cooking
fumes an optical Alarm should be fitted.

When sure that it is just a nuisance/false alarm, simply
press the test/silence button briefly 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
smouldering 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 or replace an Ionisation Alarm with an
Optical Alarm. 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 mains
power and removing the unit - see “ALARM REMOVAL”
section - page 10 (Installer)

If cleaning the Alarm does not correct the problem
it can be returned to the manufacturer for repair or
replacement - see “Service and Guarantee” section.

Silence Feature

All the Smoke Alarms have a combined Test/Silence
Button to help you control nuisance/false alarms.

1. To silence a nuisance/false alarm, press the Test/

Silence Button located on the cover. The Alarm will
automatically switch to a reduced sensitivity condition
for a 10 minute period (very large levels of smoke
from a nearby fire will override the silence period).

4

Nuisance / False Alarms

The unit will flash the red light every 10 seconds (instead
of the normal 40 seconds) to indicate the sensitivity is
reduced.
On interconnected Alarms, pressing the Test/Silence
Button on the one sensing smoke (i.e. the one with the
red light flashing every second) will silence all alarms.
Pressing the Silence Button on any other Alarm will not
silence the alarm.

2. The unit will reset to normal sensitivity at the end of

the silenced period.

Use the Smoke / Heat Alarm Test Buttons to familiarise
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.

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

immediately on a mobile
phone or from a neighbour’s
house. Make sure to call
the Brigade for all fires no
matter how small - fires can
suddenly spread. Also call the
Brigade even if the alarm is
automatically transmitted to a
remote manned centre - the
link may have failed.

5. NEVER re-enter a burning house.

5

Planning Your Escape Route

NEVER

6

Limitations of Smoke / Heat Alarms

Service and Guarantee

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:

• NOTE: Constant exposure to high or low temperatures

or high humidity may reduce the life of the battery.

• 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 the ‘INSTALLER
INSTRUCTIONS’ section 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.

• 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.

It is recommended that the Smoke / Heat Alarms are
replaced after 10 years as a precaution.

If your Alarm fails to work after you have carefully read
all the instructions, checked the unit has been installed
correctly, and is receiving AC power (green light on)
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 to 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.

Ei Electronics guarantees this Alarm for five years from
date of purchase against any defects 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. 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. We shall at
our discretion repair or replace the faulty unit.

7

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.

1. 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. If an optional Ei1529RC
Control Switch or an Ei450 Alarm Controller is installed,
press Locate when the system is sounding to identify
source of alarm.

(2) Check for fumes, steam etc. from the kitchen or
bathroom. Paint and other fumes can cause nuisance/
false alarms.

(3) Press the test/silence button to silence the Smoke/
Heat Alarm for 10 minutes.

(4) If alarm does not stop, switch off mains and remove
unit - see “Important Information” section. (Only remove
the alarm with the red light flashing, the others are
probably satisfactory).

2. LOW BATTERY & OTHER BEEPS:

Check the green mains power light is on. If not, check
fuse, circuit breakers and wiring connections. If the
green light is off, the Lithium cells will deplete after some
months without mains and will need to be recharged. If
turning on the mains fails to stop the beeps, a fault may
exist. Switch off mains and remove the unit.

(1) If the green mains light is on and recharging the
Lithium cells or cleaning the unit has not stopped the
beeps, a fault may exist. Disconnect the mains first and
replace the unit - see “ALARM REMOVAL” diagrams in
the Installer Section.

(2) If the Ei166e beeps without the red light flashing
at the same time, the chamber is defective. Clean the
chamber.

3. INTERCONNECTED ALARMS DO NOT ALL

SOUND:

(1) Hold test button for 10 seconds after first alarm has
sounded to ensure signal is transmitted to all units.

(2) One or more of the connections may not be correctly
connected. We recommend you consult a qualified
electrician.

Troubleshooting

8

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

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. 15-0005 may be consulted
at www.eielectronics.com/compliance

Pass

15

DoP No.15-0005

EN14604:2005 + AC:2008

Smoke Alarm Devices:

Ei161e, Ei166e

Heat Alarm Devices:

Ei164e

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

Contact Us

9

Installer Section

Installation Guide

Alarm Removal

ALARM SHOULD BE CEILING MOUNTED AT LEAST 300mm FROM
WALLS & OBSTRUCTIONS, IDEALLY CENTRALLY IN ROOM/AREA

WIRE TO TERMINALS ON THE BASEPLATE AND FIX BASEPLATE

TO CEILING USING THE FIXINGS PROVIDED

LOCATE CORRECT SITING POINT

1

SLIDE ALARM ONTO BASEPLATE. A CLICK SHOULD BE HEARD

AS THE TAMPER-PROOF CATCH ENGAGES

SLIDE ON ALARM

3

LOCATE THE ARROW ON THE FRONT FACE OF THE ALARM

THE SLOT IS LOCATED DIRECTLY ABOVE THE ARROW

INSERT A FLAT-BLADED SCREWDRIVER HORIZONTALLY

APPROX. 1cm INTO THE CENTRE OF THE REMOVAL SLOT

LOCATE REMOVAL SLOT & INSERT SCREWDRIVER

1

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

SLIDE ALARM OFF BASE & REMOVE ALARM

2

PRESS AND HOLD THE TEST BUTTON ON THE ALARM. THE

ALARM AND ANY OTHER INTERCONNECTED UNITS SHOULD SOUND

TEST ALARMS

4

FIX & WIRE BASEPLATE

2

The advice here follows the guidance in British Standard
BS 5839-6: 2013 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 need to be.

Multi Storey Dwelling LD1

Living
Room

Bedroom Bathroom

Kitchen

Bedroom

Shower

Garage

Multi Storey Dwelling LD2

Living
Room

Bedroom Bathroom

Kitchen

Bedroom

Shower

Garage

How Many Alarms To Install

- Categories & Grades

10

Selecting Alarm Type

1

Optical 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.

2

Ionisation and Optical Smoke Alarms should be fitted for the

fastest response to all types of fires.

3

Some 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/false alarms. Fit Heat
Alarms only if nuisance/false 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.

4

In enclosed kitchens with doors closed.

5

Greatly depends on ventilation and distance from source of
fumes.

Grade D System

The mains powered Smoke and Heat Alarms with battery
back-up covered by these instructions are suitable for Grade
D System.

A Grade D system is needed for:

- new or materially altered dwellings, up to three-storeys,
with no floor over 200m

2

- existing dwellings with poor structural fire precautions, up
to three storeys, with no floor over 200m

2

- Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) of one or
two-storeys, with no floor over 200m

2

- 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.

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

12

3

4

5

11

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.

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 is less
than 600mm for Smoke Alarms or 150mm for Heat
Alarms it is regarded as being flat (see Figure 2).

Wall mounting of smoke alarms (only):

If ceiling mounting is impractical, smoke alarms may
be mounted on a wall, provided that:

a) the top of the detection element is between
150mm and 300mm below the ceiling;

b) the bottom of the detection element is above the
level of any door openings;

Wall mounting should only be considered where
close spaced beams or similar obstructions may
preclude ceiling mounting. It is considered to be the
responsibility of the installer/client to determine if the
presence of asbestos in the ceiling material would
make ceiling mounting ‘impractical’.

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/false alarms.

Positioning Alarms

0.3m

SMO

KE ALARM

S

<600mm

HEAT ALARM

S

<150mm

Figure 1

Figure 2

12

• 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.

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
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.

13

Installation

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: 2013 gives the folowing recommendations
regarding the mains supply to be used in a Grade D system (The
Ei161e, Ei166e Smoke Alarms and Ei164e 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

(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: 2013 for further information)

Note: The Ei100MRF RadioLINK

+

Module can be used to
eliminate interconnect wiring, make system extensions and
provide simple and cost effective compliance with BS 5839-6:

2013.

Mounting & Wiring Alarms

1. Select a location complying with the advice in the

(Positioning Alarms section).

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 16 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:

14

FOAM CEILING GASKET

INSERT SCREWDRIVER

TO LIFT AND REMOVE

WIRING COVER

Figure 3

• 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.

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 16).

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 25mm conduit as shown
in Figure 5. If interfacing to 16mm 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. Carefully line up the unit on the base and slide on.

7. Press and hold the test/hush button for 10 seconds. The

horn will sound. On release of the test button the local alarm
will stop sounding immediately and the interconnected
Alarms will stop sounding a few seconds later.

8. Connect the mains power to the alarm circuit. Check
the green light is on.

15

REMOVEABLE

TRUNKING DOOR FOR

Figure 4

Figure 5

9. Attach the ‘Smoke Alarm’ identification label provided
to the distribution board to identify the alarm circuit.

10. 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 &

MAINTENANCE” section on page 2.

Interconnecting Alarms

Note: A maximum of twelve Ei161e / Ei164e / Ei166e

Smoke or Heat Alarms may be interconnected. Up to 8
additional accessories may also be connected.

If you wish to connect more than 12 Alarms contact your
local distributor.

Systems using more than 3 or 4 Alarms must be very
carefully planned to ensure nuisance/false alarms are
not excessive. e.g. from cooking fumes or steam. The
following is suggested:

• An Alarm Control Switch (model Ei1529RC) or a

Fire/CO Alarm Controller (model Ei450) 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 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

The interconnect wire (minimum 0.75mm2 cable) 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/false alarms. Everybody may not be
aware that they are being tested or that it is a nuisance/
false alarm caused by cooking etc.

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