A commonly asked question is whether Grade D1/D2 mains powered alarms can be connected to Grade F1 battery alarms via radio frequency; the answer is a simple yes. With Aicoโsย RadioLINK+ย technology, expanding existing RadioLINK systems is easier than ever. It can be done by opening house code mode on one of the existing alarms and adding the new device.
Inside this property is a Category LD1, Grade D1 system covering all rooms and escape routes. This is the highest level of protection within a domestic property, in line withย BS 5839-6. In the garden, approximately 4 metres away from the external wall, is a wooden gazebo and a shed.
The homeowner, having already fitted the Grade D1ย 3000 Seriesย alarms inside the property, wanted additional alarms covering both structures, and to interlink them to the internal alarms for maximum audibility during an activation.
There is an armoured cable feeding the sockets in the gazebo, but no electrical supply in the shed. So, the simplest way to achieve this was by fitting the radio frequency (RF) capableย Ei660iRF RadioLINK+ Multi-Sensor Fire Alarmย in the gazebo and theย Ei650iRF RadioLINK+ Battery Optical Alarmย in the shed. These alarms are solely powered by a 10-year lithium battery, meaning there is no need to change the battery at any point throughout the alarmโs life. Replacing these alarms would also be hassle-free, as the existing unit only needs to be taken from the ceiling and the replacement mounted back up.
Both of these alarms were interlinked by RF into the LD1 system in the main property, by connecting to the 3000 Series alarm with theย Ei3000MRF SmartLINK Module installed.
Additionally, theย Ei450 RadioLINK Alarm Controllerย has been added, as there are multiple alarms present both internally and externally. The controller can test and silence all the alarms in this hybrid system, as well as locate the alarm which initially triggered the system during an activation. Furthermore, its memory function can be used to identify any alarms that may have triggered while nobody was in the property.
By interlinking with radio frequency, there is less disruption to the property and the residents. Using the Ei3000MRF module within this process not only enables wireless interconnection, but also opens up the possibility of implementing theย HomeLINK Gatewayย in the future. The modules in each alarm connect to the Gateway to provide data and statistics about the homeโs fire and carbon monoxide alarm system, including activations, alarm head removals, testing, faults, mains absences and low batteries.
Furthermore, the homeowner has the option to installย HomeLINK Environmental Sensorsย in the future. These sensors monitor temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide to gain insight into issues such as damp and mould, energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
To find more about interconnecting alarms with radio frequency, visitย www.aico.co.uk/technical-support.
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