Ei Electronics RadioLink Ei420 Instruction Manual

Repeater and CO Alarm Interface

FOR USE WITH Ei261ENRC, 261DENRC, 151TL, 154TL AND 156TLH

COMMUNICATES WITH ALL OTHER RadioLINK DEVICES

Instruction Manual

Contains vital information on the product’s operation and
installation. Read and retain carefully. If you are just installing
this product the manual MUST be given to the householder.

1. Introduction

The Ei420 can be used for two purposes:
(1) It connects the Ei261ENRC and Ei261DENRC Carbon
Monoxide Alarms with RadioLINK Smoke Alarms and
accessories. When the CO Alarm detects CO it will trigger all
the other RadioLINK units and vice versa. It can also be used
to connect Ei151TL, 154TL and 156TLH smoke/heat alarms
to other RadioLINK units.
Note: Where the CO alarm is mentioned in these instructions it
also applies to the Ei150 Series of smoke/heat alarms.
(2) The Ei420 can be used as a stand-alone RadioLINK
Repeater unit in installations that require additional signal
coverage but where the installation of an additional alarm may
not be suitable. Installing an Ei420 in an intermediate position
will improve RF signal reliability.
It is powered by 230V AC mains power and has built in
rechargeable Lithium cells. It is a stand-alone model with its
own cover plate.
The Ei420 uses advanced transceiver and signal coding
technology to ensure robust and reliable RF signalling.

2. Installation

2.1 RadioLINK Interface to an Ei261ENRC/Ei261DENRC
CO Alarm

If using the Ei420 as a RadioLINK interface with a CO alarm
then it should be mounted close to the alarm. It can be
mounted a short distance away as shown in Figure 1 or it can
be mounted directly above the alarm as shown in Figure 3a.

Choose a suitable mounting position near the mains supply
but keep the Ei420 away from metal surfaces or large metal
objects (e.g. water cylinder, fuse boards) which can reduce
the RF signal range.

2.2 As a Repeater

The function of a Repeater is to receive and then re-transmit
the RF signals. This shortens signal paths throughout the
installation to give improved RF signal reliability. If using the
Ei420 for use as a Repeater it should be mounted in an
intermediate position where the RadioLINK signal needs to be
strengthened (for example see Figures 2a and 2b). The
Repeater function is not operational until all units have been
House Coded (see individual instruction lealets). The operation
of the Repeater can be observed as the Ei420 turns on its red
light as a RadioLINK message is being repeated. A maximum
of 10 RadioLINK units (e.g. Ei168RC and Ei420 units) can be
set as Repeaters in any one system. If using more than 10
units within a system see Section 8 (Technical Specification).

2.3 Mounting and Wiring
WARNING: Mains powered modules should be installed by a

qualified electrician in accordance with the Requirements for
Electrical Installations, BS7671. Failure to install the unit
correctly may expose the user to shock or fire hazards. This
unit is not waterproof and must not be exposed to dripping or
splashing.

1. Disconnect the AC mains supply from the circuit that is
going to be used.

2. Where the incoming wiring is on the surface of the wall/
ceiling, the appropriately sized trunking / conduit must be
chosen to mate with the unit. There is only one suitable
surface cabling knockout as shown in Figure 3a (the other two
surface entries are not recommended as the wiring may affect
the antenna signal). Leave at least 20mm gap to allow the CO
Alarm to be slid on to the mounting plate. There is also one
rear entry knockout (see Figure 3a). Unscrew the cover
attachment (see Figure 3b). Use a sharp knife to remove the
material from the knockout, making sure that there is no gap
when mated with trunking/conduit.

3. Screw the Ei420 to the wall or ceiling after first removing
the required knockout and bringing the house wires through it
(see Figure 3a).

4. Connect the house wires to the terminal block as follows:
L-Live to wires coloured brown or marked L,
N-Neutral to wires coloured blue or marked N
IC- Hardwire Interconnect to an Ei Electronics mains powered
alarm as shown in Figure 4(a) and Figure 4(b). Note: when
the Ei420 is being used as a stand alone repeater, do not
connect anything to the Interconnect terminal (see Figure 5.)

NB: The unit must not be earthed so do not connect a green
/ yellow or copper earth wire to any terminal.

5. Activate the rechargeable cells by carefully and gently
sliding the switch to the “on” position (see Figure 3a). This
switch must be in the ‘on’ position to ensure correct operation.

6. Fit and screw the cover to the Ei420 using the two screws
supplied.

7. Connect the mains power to the Ei420 module. Check the
green light is on. If the green light changes to red every 10
seconds then switch off the mains power, remove the cover
and check that the battery slide switch is in the “on” position
(see Figure 3a). Replace the cover and turn the mains power
back on. If there is still a problem the rechargeable cells may
be depleted. Leave the unit on mains power for 2 hours to
charge and check that the green light is now on continuously.

8. Press and hold the House Code switch through the hole in
the cover using a small screwdriver, (see Figure 3b) until the
green light changes to red. Immediately release the switch
and the light will flash red quickly. The green light will then
flash red every 5 seconds (this is a dual colour light so the
green light remains on when the red light is off and vice
versa). Similarly, put all the other RadioLINK units in the
property into House Code Mode (see relevant user
instructions) within 15 minutes (before the House Code
timeout period expires).

9. Check that all the RadioLINK units communicate with each
other by counting the number of times the light flashes on each
unit in turn. The light will flash red on the Ei420. For example,
3 units in the system should result in 3 flashes every 5
seconds, 4 units should result in 4 flashes and so on (if there
is a problem see Section 4 on Troubleshooting RF Link).

10. All the units will automatically exit the House Code Mode
after 30 minutes. However, we recommend that you manually
exit the House Code Mode by pressing and holding the House
Code switch on the Ei420 or on an Ei168RC until the House
Code light turns on solidly. Immediately release the House
Code switch. The light should stop flashing and an “Exit House
Code” signal will be sent to all other Ei168RC and Ei420 units
in the system. (With other RadioLINK units such as the Ei407,
Ei411H etc., the units can be taken out of House Code Mode
by pressing their House Code switch - see their instructions for
details). This reduces the risk of accidentally House Coding
your alarms with other RadioLINK systems.

(Note: To clear House Codes see Section 8 - Technical
Specification).

2

4 5

CO AlarmEi420

approx
1 to 2m

Figure 1

Weak RF signal

Weak RF signal

Ei420 installed in an

intermediate position
to strengthen the RF
signal

Figure 2a

Figure 2b

RECHARGEABLE

C

ELL

S

ON/OFF

S

LIDE SWITCH

H

OUSE CO

DE

S

WITCH

(KEEP CABLES

AWAY)

KNOCK

OUT

INDICATOR

LI

GHT

SU

RFACE

CONDUIT

C

ABLE

20m

m

(min)

Ei261ENRC /
Ei261DENRC
CO ALARM

SCREW

MOUNTIN

G

HOLE

S

MAIN

S

WIRIN

G

O

N

OFF

WIRING T

O

C

ARBON MOOIDE

ALARM

I

C

IC

CO

NNECT MAIN

S

TO TERMINAL BL

OCK

H

OUS

E

CO

DE

S

WITCH

Ei42

0 CO

VER

INDI

CATO

R LIGH

T

G

REEN - MAIN

S

RED - RF TRANSMISSION

,

HOUSE CODING

,

O

R LOW BATTER

Y

CO

VER

ATTA

C

HMEN

T

SCREWS

Figure 3a - Connecting an Ei420 to an Ei261ENRC or

an Ei261DENRC CO Alarm

Figure 3b

3

LIVE

INTERCONNECT

NEUTRAL

Ei151TL, Ei154TL,

Ei156TLH Smoke/Heat

Alarm

E

i42

0

I

C

LICN

LIVE

INTERCONNECT

NEUTRAL

Ei260ENRC Series

CO Alarm

E

i42

0

I

C

LICN

Figure 4b - The Ei420 used as an interface with an

Ei150 Series Smoke/Heat Alarm

E

i42

0

LIVE NEUTRAL

Figure 5 - The Ei420 used as a stand alone

RadioLINK Repeater

Model: Ei420

LIVE

INTERCONNECT

NEUTRAL

Ei260ENRC Series

CO Alarm

E

i42

0

I

C

LICN

Figure 4a - The Ei420 used as an interface with an

Ei261ENRC or an Ei261DENRC Carbon Monoxide Alarm

1

3. Checking and Maintenance

We recommend that your alarm system is checked directly
after installation and then weekly.
Check that the green mains power indicator is on (if this is off,
check circuit breaker, fuses and wiring etc).

3.1 Ei420 connected to an Ei261ENRC / Ei261DENRC CO
Alarm

Check the RadioLINK communications by pressing the test/
hush button on the CO alarm for up to 20 seconds. The horn
will sound and the indicator light on the Ei420 should change
to red continuously for about 3.5 seconds. This indicates that
a RadioLINK message has been sent. All other RadioLINK
alarms should now sound. Release the test button. The CO
alarm should cease and you should then be able to hear the
other alarms sounding in the distance before they also cease.
(If any of the other alarms do not sound, see Section 4 ­Troubleshooting RF Link)

3.2 Ei420 used as a Repeater

If the Ei420 was installed to strengthen the signal to an alarm
(that was previously not receiving a signal), then check the
RadioLINK communications, by pressing and holding the
test/hush button on this alarm for up to 20 seconds. All other
RadioLINK alarms should now sound. This check should be
repeated on all RadioLINK units within the system.

3.3 Checking rechargeable back-up cells

It is important to check that the rechargeable back-up cells in
the Ei420 are switched on, charged and capable of powering
the unit. We therefore recommend that the rechargeable
back-up cells are checked directly after installation and then
at least yearly as follows.
(i) Disconnect the mains power supply from the Ei420.
(ii)The green light will turn off. Check that the red light is not
flashing once every 10 seconds. (If it is, this indicates that the
rechargeable cells are depleted. Remove the cover and
check that the rechargeable cell ‘on/off’ switch is in the “ON”
position - see Figure 3a. Re-fit the cover and reconnect the
mains. If it is still flashing red, leave it for 2 hours to charge
and then re-check. If it continues to flash red every 10
seconds then it may be defective and must be replaced - see
Section 6 - “Getting Your Ei420 Serviced”).
(iii) Now check the operation as outlined in 3.1 and 3.2 above.
(iv) Re-connect the mains and check the green light comes on.

End of Life

After 10 years the Ei420 must be replaced (see “Replace By’
date on the side of the Ei420).

4. Troubleshooting RF Link

If, when checking the RadioLINK interconnection, some of
the units do not respond

If using the Ei420 as an interface to an Ei261ENRC /

Ei261DENRC CO Alarm - Ensure you have held the CO alarm

test button down until the green light on the Ei420 has illuminated
red for 3.5 seconds (this could take up to 20 seconds).

If using the Ei420 as a Repeater

Check all Alarms and accessories respond correctly when
button tested. Check that the green light on the Ei420 turns
red for a few seconds when RF messages are being relayed.

Additionally:
(i) Add another Ei420 as a Repeater.
(ii) Disconnect mains and remove cover then change the
position of the flexible antenna (see Figure 6) by moving it
outside the housing and changing it to a horizontal or vertical
position. To do this, use a sharp knife and carefully add a notch
in the side to allow the antenna to be brought out.
(iii) Re-locate/rotate the units. There are a number of reasons
why the RadioLINK signals may not reach all the RadioLINK
units in your system (see Section 5 - Limitations of Radio
Communications). Try rotating the unit or re-locating the unit
(e.g. move it away from metal surfaces or wiring) as this can
significantly improve signal reception.
Rotating and/or relocating the unit may move it out of the range
of existing units even though it may have already been House
Coded correctly in the system. It is therefore important to check
that all alarms are communicating in their final installed positions.
If units are rotated and/or resited, we recommend that all units
are returned to the factory settings (press and hold the House
Code switch on for about 6 seconds until the relevant light
comes on and then flashes slowly). Immediately release the
switch and the light should stop flashing. Then House Code all
units again in their final positions as indicated above. The
RadioLINK interconnection should then be re-checked.
Check all Alarms and accessories respond correctly when
button tested. Check that the green light on the Ei420 turns
red for a few seconds when RF messages are being relayed.

5. Limitations of Radio Communications

Ei Electronics radio communication systems are very reliable
and are tested to high standards. However, due to their low
transmitting power and limited range (required by regulatory
bodies) there are some limitations to be considered.

(i) Radio equipment, such as the Ei420, should be tested
regularly - at least weekly. This is to determine whether there are
sources of interference preventing communication. The radio
paths may be disrupted by moving furniture or renovations, and
so regular testing protects against these and other faults.
(ii) Receivers may be blocked by radio signals occurring on or
near their operating frequencies, regardless of the House
Coding.
The Ei420 has been tested to EN 300 220-1 in accordance with
the requirements of EN 300 220-2. These tests are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in
residential installations. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio and television reception. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this device does cause such interference, which
can be verified by turning the device on and off (remove the
mains supply and turn off back up power supply), the user is
encouraged to eliminate the interference by one or more of the
following:
(i) Re-orientate or re-locate the unit
(ii) Increase the distance between the Ei420 and the device
being affected.
(iii) Connect the device being affected to a mains outlet on a
circuit different from the one that supplies the Ei420.
(iv) Consult the supplier or an experienced radio/television
technician.

6. Getting Your Ei420 Serviced

If your Ei420 fails to work after your have carefully read all the
instructions, checked that the unit has been installed correctly,
and is receiving AC power (green light on) contact Customer
Assistance at the nearest address given at the end of this
leaflet. If it needs to be returned for repair or replacement,
open the cover and turn off the rechargeable cells slide switch
(see Figure 3a). Put the unit in a padded box and send it to
“Customer Assistance and Information” at the nearest address
given on the unit or in this leaflet. State the nature of the fault,
where the unit was purchased and the date of purchase.

7. Five Year Guarantee

Ei Electronics, guarantees this unit 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 does not cover costs associated with the removal
and/or installation of units. If this unit should become defective
within the guarantee period, it must be returned to Aico or Ei
Electronics, with proof of purchase, carefully packaged, and

with the problem clearly stated. (see “Getting Your Ei420
Serviced”). We shall at our discretion repair or replace the
faulty unit.

8. Technical Specification

• A dual-purpose module: (1) It can be used to interface an

Ei261ENRC / Ei261DENRC Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms
or smoke/heat alarms Ei151TL, Ei154TL, Ei156TLH and
communicates with all other RadioLINK devices. It must not
be wired to any other Ei Alarm products (2) It can be used
as a RadioLINK Repeater module. The unit will receive
RadioLINK signals and re-transmit them. This can be useful
as it shortens and provides multiple RF signal paths to
strengthen the RadioLINK system in difficult installations.
Note: the Repeater function only operates after the units are
House Coded.

• It is supplied with its own cover.

• Requires 230V AC Mains Power Supply – constant green

LED indicates mains power is present.

• Features built-in tamper proof Rechargeable Lithium back-up

cells, capable of lasting at least 10 years and powering the unit
initially for at least 2 months in the event of mains power
failure. The cell manufacturer endorses a minimum 10-year
life expectation for the rechargeable cells. The cells are
activated by operating the battery switch inside the unit.

• Low back-up warning signal – LED indicator flashes red every

10 seconds to indicate that the lithium cells are depleted or not
connected.

• Radio frequency: 868MHz band in accordance with R&TTE
Directive 1999/5/EC – this band has been designated for use

with security products and only allows a 1% duty cycle, so
continuous transmission and interference from external
sources is extremely remote, and would be illegal.

• Up to 12 RadioLINK units can be used in one system. For
larger systems contact our Technical Service Department for
guidance.

• Units are in Factory Code when shipped (they will all

communicate with each other). They must be ‘House Coded’
to eliminate the risk of adjacent properties communicating with
each other. After House Coding they will only communicate
with other RadioLINK units coded at the same time.

• House Code: operate the ‘House Code’ switch on all

RadioLINK units in the system – see the instructions

supplied with the other RadioLINK units being used. On the
Ei420, the green LED on the cover will change to red and
flash rapidly for 1 second. This indicates that it will receive the
unique serial numbers being sent by all other RadioLINK
units in ‘House Code’. The number of red flashes of the LED
(every 5 seconds) indicates the number of units in the
system. The Ei420 will return to normal standby mode
automatically after 30 minutes. Pressing the ‘House Code’
switch again will return it to normal standby mode immediately.

• Clearing House Codes: The House Codes memorised can be

cleared by pressing and holding the House Code switch on
for about 6 seconds. The red light will come on solidly, then
flash rapidly. Immediately release the House Code switch.
The Ei420 will now be in the default Factory Code.

• To de-activate the Repeater function: The Repeater function

of the Ei420 can only be de-activated if it is wired to one of
the recommended alarm models. To de-activate, press and
hold the test button on the alarm until it sounds and the
indicator light on the Ei420 illuminates red. Immediately
(while the red light is still on) press and hold the House Code
switch with a small screwdriver until the red light starts to

flash slowly. Immediately release the switch.
The red light will flash slowly a total of four times and then
stop. This indicates that the Repeater function has been
de-activated on this unit.
If it is necessary to re-activate the Repeater function, simply
follow the same steps for de-activating. The red light will flash
slowly a total of sixteen times (instead of four) after the last
step is completed.

• Can be surface wired with 25mm trunking. It has a flush

centre knockout for recess wiring.

• Ambient Temperature Range: 4°C to 40°C. Humidity Range:

0 to 90 % relative humidity.

• Dimensions: 140 diameter x 27mm depth. Weight inclusive

of packaging: 220g.

• 5 year guarantee.

6 7

Change the position of
the flexible Antenna

Notch for Antenna

Figure 6 - Shows the Antenna moved to the

outside of the Ei420 housing

8 9 10

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

P/N A16261 Rev 1

© Ei Electronics 2014

Aico Ltd.,

Mile End Business Park, Maesbury Road, Oswestry,

Shropshire SY10 8NN, U.K.

Telephone: [phone] www.aico.co.uk

Ei Electronics,

Shannon Industrial Estate, Shannon, Co. Clare, Ireland.

Telephone: [phone]

www.eielectronics.com

Hereby, Ei Electronics declares that this Ei420 RadioLINK Repeater and CO Alarm
Interface is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions
of Directive 1999/5/EC. The Declaration of Conformity may be consulted
at www.eielectronics.com/compliance