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4. Testing and Maintaining your System
We recommend regular testing of your RF system (at least monthly).
Frequent testing of the system is advised to ensure its continued and safe operation.
Guidelines and best practices for testing are as follows:
1. After the system is installed.
2. Once monthly thereafter.
3. After prolonged absence from the dwelling (e.g. after holiday period).
4. After repair or servicing of any of the systems elements or electrical works being carried out.
4.1 With regards to the Ei170RF / Ei171RF:
4.1.1 Check that the mains indicator on the strobe is on continuously (green light).
4.1.2 Check also that the fault indicator is not flashing amber.
4.1.3 Press and hold the Test button on one of the Alarms. The RF indicator will illuminate on the
Alarm. Continue to hold the test button until all the Alarms in the system are sounding, the strobe
flashes and the vibration pad pulses. Release the test button when the test is completed.
4.2 Testing the rechargeable battery
The rechargeable battery can take up to 20 hours to charge when the unit is first powered up. It is then
maintained in a fully charged state by continuous trickle charge.
In the event of a mains failure the battery will power the system in standby for a week and then be
capable of at least 4 minutes of alarm. The mains indicator on the Strobe Module will then flash amber
every 4 seconds to indicate it is on battery power. The fault indicator will also flash amber every 4
seconds if the battery is almost depleted. Both indicators will go off to indicate the battery is depleted
and the unit is totally unpowered.
The battery will last 5 years in normal use provided it is not exposed to extremes of temperature for
prolonged periods, or fully discharged & charged a large number of times.
We recommend that the functioning of the rechargeable battery is checked at least yearly as follows:-
4.2.1 Ensure the Strobe Module has been mains powered for at least the previous 20 hours for the
battery to charge.
4.2.2 Turn off the mains power to the unit by unplugging it or switching off the circuit at the distribution
board. Check that the mains indicator starts flashing amber.
4.2.3 Press the Strobe Module test button for 20 seconds and check the strobe flashes brightly, the
pad vibrates strongly and that all the RF Alarms sound. Check that the Alarm indicator flashes
red while the test button is pressed. (Cover the strobe light to stop this dazzling you while looking
at the red flashes).
If the red light flashes, the strobe light or the vibrations of the pad are weak, the battery will need to be
replaced. The battery also needs to be replaced if it is over 5 years old (see “replace battery by” date
on side panel). To remove the battery reverse the instructions in the first part of section 2 Contact the
nearest address in this leaflet for advice about getting a replacement.
Replace the entire Strobe Module after 10 years operation. (see “replace unit by” date on side panel).
Switching off Mains for long periods
If the premises are regularly being left without mains power for long periods the battery should be
disconnected to prevent it from becoming fully depleted.
