2
Ei ELECTRONICS -
THE MANUFACTURER
Ei Electronics is Europe’s largest and most
experienced manufacturer of residential
smoke and heat alarms. The company
has built up a wealth of experience over
more than 30 years and is now by far the
UK’s leading supplier of smoke alarms for
residential use, as well as the first choice
supplier for local authorities and housing
associations throughout the UK.
Ongoing commitment to research and
development has enabled Ei Electronics to
achieve many significant industry firsts: it was
first to obtain the BSI Kitemark on the entire
range of harmonised 9 Volt and mains
powered smoke alarms; first to offer
rechargeable back-up power; and first to
develop a fully compatible mains powered
heat alarm, as well as a range of ancillary
products. The company also became the
first to offer ‘hush’ button technology - as
recommended by BS 5839: Pt.6 - across the
full spectrum of alarm types; the first to offer
uniquely simplified installation and
maintenance through its patented ‘Easi-fit’
designs; and the first to offer private
landlords and local authorities a low cost
alternative to panel systems in some HMO
applications through its innovative ‘Modifire’
modular system. Most recently, Ei has
become the first company to introduce
mains powered wireless interconnect bases
for smoke alarms through its innovative
RadioLINK range, offering major savings on
time and installation costs.
Furthermore, Ei Electronics is the only
manufacturer to have responded positively
to the need to protect more vulnerable
members of the community - again, as
raised in BS 5839: Pt.6 - by manufacturing a
range of harmonised products for the deaf
and hearing impaired.
Ei Electronics continues to launch new
products utilising the latest technology and
bringing other significant innovations into the
market place and currently offers the largest
range of residential mains powered fire
detection products in the UK.
AICO -
THE SPECIALIST SUPPLIER
Many years of experience in both its
professional management and technical
sales support teams, coupled with a high
standard of service and back-up, have
enabled Aico to firmly establish the Ei
Professional range of fire detection products
as the first choice for specifiers, installers,
housing associations, local authorities and
builders throughout the UK.
In-house technical support continues to play
a very vital role, together with a dedicated
ongoing education process for wholesalers,
specifiers and installers. Aico is also fully
committed to an ongoing programme of
total product awareness, demonstrating the
need for effective fire detection and
providing guidance on all aspects of system
design, installation and maintenance through
seminars, professional videos, CD-ROMs and
support literature.
High quality products demand a high
standard of service and support. Making it as
easy as possible for customers to buy “what
they want - when they want” is another
priority, and high levels of stock (plus a rapid
delivery service to wholesale distributors) is a
further demonstration of Aico’s total
commitment to the fire safety industry.
Aico Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ei
Electronics, Europe's leading manufacturer of
residential smoke alarms and accessories.
Contents
Company Profiles
2
Introduction
3
Fire Safety - Statistics
4
The Essential Changes to
BS 5839: Pt.6: 2004
5
BS 5839: Pt.6 - An Introduction
7
The Scope of BS 5839: Pt.6
7
System Design - Risk Analysis
8
Fire Risk - Where Do Fires Start?
9
Who is most at risk?
9
Property Protection
10
Types of Alarm Technology
10
System Planning
11
Silencing and Disablement
11
Quality and Compatibility
12
The Grade System
12
Levels of Protection
12
Selecting the Right System
13
Choosing Which Alarms To Use
14
Siting of Smoke Alarms
15
Audibility
16
Special Needs Provision
16
Installation of Grade D & E Systems
16
Power Source
16
Wiring Smoke Alarms
17
Certification
17
Testing and Maintenance
17
Negligence
17
Rapid Reference Guide
18
Disposal
21
RadioLINK RF Interconnection
22
Ancillary Fire Detection Products
23
Technical Support
27
Trouble Shooting
27
