The Ei2110 Multi-Sensor mains powered fire alarm from Aico Ltd. has been voted the Best New Product at this year’s SELECT Electrotechnical Awards, writes Neil Perdell.

SELECT is the trade association for the electrical contracting industry in Scotland and the Awards, which are in their fifth year, have been established by SELECT to identify and highlight examples of best-practice and excellence within the electrical industry. As the very first Multi-Sensor alarm for domestic properties, Aico’s Ei2110 certainly fits that description.

Aico's award winning multi-sensor fire alarm

Until the Aico Multi-Sensor became available there were three main alarm types to chose from: optical, ionisation and heat alarms. These are designed to be very good at picking up one particular kind of fire. Unfortunately, there is more than one type of fire and this is where the problem starts, and where the Aico Multi-Sensor comes into its own.

Fire can smoulder away and build up slowly, or it can flare up suddenly and violently. Some fires produce a lot of heat very quickly, while others produce little heat but lots of smoke particles in the early stages.

When deciding which alarm type to use, specifiers and installers have tended to go for the ‘best guess’. That is, they look at the type of fire most likely to break out in an area and choose the alarm type most applicable. This is a logical way to approach it but may not fully cover all risks. In a downstairs area covered by a single optical alarm in the hall, for example, the threat might come from a slow smouldering fire from electrics or furnishings – but it also may come from a fast, violent fire out of the kitchen. Here, an optical alarm may take longer to respond.

The Solution
Simply, Aico’s Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm! It has been designed to address this issue and cover multiple fire types and risks.

The Multi-Sensor combines two separate sensing elements – Optical and Heat – in a single alarm. As such, the unit is capable of monitoring two very different by-products of a fire – smoke and heat. In practice, this means that the use of a Multi-Sensor offers an improved response to all fire types – and better early warning. For an application where a specifier or installer cannot be completely sure of the fire type that could occur, it provides a simple and very effective solution. It is also ideal for areas where the highest level of protection is desirable.

The Ei2110 being installed by Neath Port Talbot Council to solve a false alarm problem in one of its sheltered accommodation sites

Additionally, because the alarm monitors through two separate sensors it offers improved resistance to false alarms. This is further enhanced by a unique dust compensation feature that automatically adjusts for contamination within the sensor whilst still retaining sensitivity to an actual fire.

The Multi-Sensor alarm runs on 230V AC mains power, but also features built-in, tamper-proof rechargeable Lithium cells as back-up, so there’s no danger of batteries being removed. These cells are designed to have a life of over ten years and to outlast the unit itself.

The Ei2110 features Aico’s unique Easi-Fit technology, allowing quick and simple alarm installation with no separate bases or connectors required. The Easi-Fit base automatically connects both mains power and activates the rechargeable Lithium cells as the alarm head slides on.

The Aico Multi-Sensor alarm can be connected with up to eleven other Ei2110, 160RC and 140 Series alarms. It comes complete with a comprehensive five year guarantee and is Kitemarked to BS EN14604:2005.

No wonder then that it has won a very prestigious award!

Remote control means householders can test and silence their alarms from a convenient wall switch

Remote Control
The Multi-Sensor also has Remote Control functionality, which allows it to be controlled using a Remote Control Switch. This technology means that householders can test and silence their alarms from a conveniently sited wall mounted switch, similar to a light switch. This means that they do not have to reach up to the ceiling and manually operate the alarm. The safety benefits, especially for the elderly or infirm, are obvious. What’s more, because it’s so simple and convenient, people are more likely to test their alarms regularly.

Remote Control has had further implications too. On larger systems, it was difficult (and potentially confusing) to identify precisely which alarm had triggered. Remote Control eliminates this problem by incorporating a ‘Locate’ function which identifies the triggered alarm by silencing all the other alarms in the system.

Wire Free Interconnection
For greater flexibility when installing, the Aico Multi-Sensor is fully compatible with its ground breaking RadioLINK Professional wireless interconnect technology.

RadioLINK allows smoke, heat and Multi-Sensor alarms to be wirelessly interconnected

RadioLINK works by allowing mains powered smoke, heat and Multi-Sensor alarms to be wirelessly interconnected. If one alarm on the system is triggered, radio frequency signals are sent to cause every other alarm in the property to sound.

The RadioLINK base, on to which the alarm is attached is a multi-level repeater as standard, being capable of receiving, transmitting and re-transmitting to achieve multiple signal paths. This means that it is possible to achieve wide coverage in domestic properties with a large floor area and confidently integrate a larger number of alarms into the system. The multiple path capability allows the system to avoid most RF-impenetrable structures within the property that may have previously blocked signals.

Aico’s James Cavan and Neil Perdell with the SELECT Award

Conclusion
It was this combination of features and functionality that impressed the SELECT judges, who thought the Ei2110 Multi-Sensor was an excellent product that makes systems easy to install, use and provides a range of functions. Newell McGuiness, Managing Director at SELECT said: “In today’s market it is important to be in tune with legislative changes. Aico have proved it is possible to do this while also providing versatility. This is a great product.”

Over the next few years, expect the Multi-Sensor to set the ‘Best Practice’ standard for specifiers wishing to provide the fastest warning and best protection.

About Aico
A wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics, Aico Ltd. is firmly established as the first name in residential fire protection in the UK. Aico outsells every comparable product on the market.

Aico offers high quality, high reliability mains-powered optical, ionisation, heat and Multi-Sensor alarms. All Aico alarms are designed and built in Ireland – specifically to meet UK standards and regulations.

Aico has a record of industry firsts, including the first BSI Kitemarked range, the first re-chargeable back-up power supply in a smoke alarm, the first mains powered heat alarm, the first silence technology, the only Easi-fit design, the first wireless interconnect system and, most recently, the first domestic Multi-Sensor alarm.

As well as being the UK’s leading residential fire detection company, Aico is also a market leader in providing the very best battery and mains powered Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms and the extensive Firecap range of intumescent fire and sound protection covers, fire protection sleeves for electrical services and vapour and thermal seals for loft voids.

But it’s not all about product. Aico believes the very best alarm technology should be accompanied by the best support possible, which includes extensive literature, an experienced technical sales team, knowledgeable technical department and a responsive sales office.

Neil Perdell is national technical manager at Aico. For more information please go to www.aico.co.uk or contact Aico on 0870 758 4000 or at sales@aico.co.uk