Interconnected smoke alarm - troubleshooting

Neptune · Jul 26, 2021

Hi,

I have an aico alarm system which was mains powered and interconnected when installed 3 years ago. It's not been maintained and when I took a look recently, a couple of the detectors are missing. Only the ceiling plate is on the ceiling. Also, the interconnect isn't working. When I test any smoke detector, only that beeps and - none of the others.

I need to ensure that they are all still mains powered and restore the interconnection between them. They have a 3 core and earth cable for the interconnect.

I am pretty handy with electrics and own various tools including a fluke 2 pole tester.

I have 8 detectors. Can you please suggest a logical approach for this. Does the indicator on the detectors have any significance?

Look forward to receiving your advice. Thanks in advance.

littlespark · Oct 19, 2021

I think the Aico call points look like 3 switches??. Like a remote test button?. Never wired one, so i dont know.

quick google: Is this it?

[ElectriciansForums.net] Interconnected smoke alarm - troubleshooting

Mike Johnson · Oct 19, 2021

Or this one, no can't be its a wireless link one, jumped the gun a bit there.

littlespark · Oct 19, 2021

The one pictured in #73 has an Aico badge on the pic... maybe an older style?

westward10 · Oct 19, 2021

That isn't a call point it is just a controller to hush and test them.

Mike Johnson · Oct 19, 2021

If you push the centre button towards memory it will activate the last alarm triggered.

Simon47 · Oct 23, 2021

In terms of testing the cabling there are two separate tests that need doing :

1) Check that (with all the heads removed) there is no connection between any of the four wires (including earth). If (say) the interconnect was shorted to the neutral then the interconnect wouldn't work and you'll get the symptoms described (only the one unit will sound).

2) Check that there's a complete link along each - i.e. L, N, and interconnect is connected between all the bases. As already said, if there's a break in the interconnect then the units will work in separate groups - those one side of the break, and separately the ones the other side of the break.

And for this size on installation, there really should be a test/isolate switch which for a hardwires system would be the one littlespark posted a photo of in post #76.

HappyHippyDad · Oct 24, 2021

Neptune said:
It's not the exact one but i will post a picture of the one that I have. Thanks again.

It would be good to have an update @Neptune

Neptune · Oct 27, 2021

HappyHippyDad said:
It would be good to have an update @Neptune

Sorry pal. I am planning to head over to the property in the next couple of weeks and will provide a full update.
In the meantime, I’ve purchased two new Aico devices to undertake the suggested tests

newfutile · Oct 27, 2021

As an observation rental properties should not have battery backed ionisation alarms fitted , should be optical with built in rechargable battery ie:3016 from AICO , this applies in hallways and general living spaces , heat alarm in the kitchen , ionisation are acceptable in bedrooms.

Neptune · Oct 27, 2021

newfutile said:
As an observation rental properties should not have battery backed ionisation alarms fitted , should be optical with built in rechargable battery ie:3016 from AICO , this applies in hallways and general living spaces , heat alarm in the kitchen , ionisation are acceptable in bedrooms.

Where does it state this? I was advised by the local authority to fit a mains powered interconnected system. There was no additional stipulation.
Can you clarify please.

Mikegh · Oct 27, 2021

Neptune said:
Where does it state this? I was advised by the local authority to fit a mains powered interconnected system. There was no additional stipulation.
Can you clarify please.

Not sure on the requirement for mains +rechargeable ?

He's right on the heat/optical / ionisation mix anyhow

Mikegh · Oct 27, 2021

Wouldn't surprise me if he's also right on the requirement for mains +rechargeable

That's the way it should be for rented accommodation, as near as possible to a maintenance free system

So what the council are now requiring here(Eire) when leasing property for rental is a fire panel fitted , seems like overkill but...

newfutile · Oct 28, 2021

I believe its in BS5839-6 i was taught it on an Aico expert installer course

newfutile · Oct 28, 2021

This is from the Aico electrical contractors handbook

Simon47 · Oct 28, 2021

So "recommended", not "mandatory". But I'd not user user-replacable batteries anyhow - to tenants they are either a nuisance that can be silenced by removing the battery, or a handy spare battery for something else ?

Interconnected smoke alarm - troubleshooting

Neptune

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Mike Johnson

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Mike Johnson

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