Aico 3000 Series Guide

The Aico 3000 Series is a range of mains-powered fire and carbon monoxide alarms designed for use in residential properties.

Although the alarms have a similar appearance, the different models perform different functions. Choosing the correct model therefore depends on the type of detection required and where the alarm is being installed.

This guide explains the main differences between the Ei3014, Ei3016, Ei3018, Ei3024, Ei3028 and Ei3030.

Aico 3000 Series Comparison

Model Alarm Type Detection
Ei3014 Heat Alarm Heat
Ei3016 Optical Smoke Alarm Smoke
Ei3018 Carbon Monoxide Alarm Carbon Monoxide
Ei3024 Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm Optical Smoke + Heat
Ei3028 Multi-Sensor Heat & CO Alarm Heat + Carbon Monoxide
Ei3030 Multi-Sensor Fire & CO Alarm Smoke + Heat + Carbon Monoxide

While some of these alarms may physically look very similar, their sensing technology and intended applications are different.

Aico Ei3014 – Heat Alarm

The Ei3014 is the dedicated heat alarm within the 3000 Series.

Rather than detecting smoke, it responds to changes in temperature.

Heat alarms are particularly useful in locations where normal cooking fumes, steam or airborne particles could cause unwanted alarms from a conventional smoke detector.

A common application for the Ei3014 is a kitchen.

Ei3014 at a glance

Detection: Heat
Power: Mains powered with rechargeable backup
Series: Aico 3000 Series
Typical application: Kitchens and suitable areas requiring heat detection

Aico Ei3016 – Optical Smoke Alarm

The Ei3016 is an optical smoke alarm.

Optical smoke detection is particularly effective at detecting slow, smouldering fires that can produce significant amounts of visible smoke.

The Ei3016 is commonly used in locations such as hallways, landings and living areas, subject to the requirements of the individual installation.

Ei3016 at a glance

Detection: Optical smoke
Power: Mains powered with rechargeable backup
Series: Aico 3000 Series
Typical application: Hallways, landings and living areas

Aico Ei3018 – Carbon Monoxide Alarm

The Ei3018 is different from the smoke and heat alarms in the range because it is designed specifically to detect carbon monoxide (CO).

Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless gas that can be produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels.

The Ei3018 uses an electrochemical CO sensor to detect carbon monoxide.

Ei3018 at a glance

Detection: Carbon monoxide
Power: Mains powered with rechargeable backup
Series: Aico 3000 Series
Alarm type: Carbon monoxide alarm

It is important to remember that a dedicated CO alarm does not replace the need for appropriate smoke and heat detection.

Aico Ei3024 – Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm

The Ei3024 combines optical smoke detection and heat sensing within a single alarm.

Its intelligent multi-sensor design allows information from both sensors to be used when monitoring for a potential fire.

This makes the Ei3024 one of the most versatile and commonly encountered alarms within the 3000 Series.

Ei3024 at a glance

Detection: Optical smoke + heat
Power: Mains powered with rechargeable backup
Series: Aico 3000 Series
Alarm type: Multi-sensor fire alarm

Aico Ei3028 – Multi-Sensor Heat & Carbon Monoxide Alarm

The Ei3028 combines heat detection and carbon monoxide detection in a single unit.

This allows one alarm to monitor for both excessive heat and dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

This combination can be particularly useful in appropriate locations where both heat and CO detection are required.

Ei3028 at a glance

Detection: Heat + carbon monoxide
Power: Mains powered with rechargeable backup
Series: Aico 3000 Series
Alarm type: Multi-sensor heat and CO alarm

Aico Ei3030 – Multi-Sensor Fire & Carbon Monoxide Alarm

The Ei3030 combines optical smoke, heat and carbon monoxide sensing within one alarm.

This gives it the broadest combination of sensing technologies among the models covered in this guide.

Ei3030 at a glance

Detection: Optical smoke + heat + carbon monoxide
Power: Mains powered with rechargeable backup
Series: Aico 3000 Series
Alarm type: Multi-sensor fire and CO alarm

Ei3016 vs Ei3024 – What's the Difference?

This is an important distinction because both models can be used for fire detection but they do not use exactly the same sensing technology.

The Ei3016 is an optical smoke alarm.

The Ei3024 is a multi-sensor fire alarm that combines optical smoke and heat sensing.

Therefore, an Ei3024 should not simply be viewed as another version of an Ei3016. The appropriate alarm depends on the requirements of the installation.

Ei3014 vs Ei3028 – What's the Difference?

Both models incorporate heat detection, but the Ei3028 provides an additional function.

Ei3014: Heat detection

Ei3028: Heat + carbon monoxide detection

If carbon monoxide detection is also required in the location, the Ei3028 provides both functions within one unit.

Ei3018 vs Ei3028 – What's the Difference?

Both models can detect carbon monoxide.

The difference is that:

Ei3018: Carbon monoxide detection

Ei3028: Heat + carbon monoxide detection

The Ei3028 therefore adds heat detection alongside its CO sensing capability.

Ei3028 vs Ei3030 – What's the Difference?

The Ei3028 combines heat and carbon monoxide detection.

The Ei3030 combines smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detection.

The Ei3030 therefore incorporates an additional optical smoke sensor.

Can Aico 3000 Series Alarms Be Interconnected?

Yes. Aico 3000 Series alarms can form part of an interconnected alarm system.

Depending on the installation, interconnection can be achieved through a wired connection or compatible Aico wireless technology.

One of the key accessories used with the range is the Ei3000MRF SmartLINK module.

The module fits into compatible 3000 Series alarms and enables wireless interconnection and SmartLINK functionality.

If an existing system already uses wireless interconnection, compatibility should be checked before replacing individual alarms.

Do 3000 Series Alarms Use the Aico easi-fit Base?

The 3000 Series uses Aico's easi-fit mounting system.

This is particularly useful when replacing certain existing Aico alarms because compatible ranges can share the same easi-fit mounting arrangement.

However, physical base compatibility does not automatically mean that one model is an appropriate functional replacement for another.

The alarm type, interconnection and requirements of the installation must also be considered.

Which Aico 3000 Series Alarm Do I Need?

The simplest way to understand the range is:

Need heat detection?
Look at the Ei3014.

Need optical smoke detection?
Look at the Ei3016.

Need carbon monoxide detection?
Look at the Ei3018.

Need combined smoke and heat sensing?
Look at the Ei3024.

Need combined heat and carbon monoxide detection?
Look at the Ei3028.

Need combined smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detection?
Look at the Ei3030.

The final choice should always be based on the requirements of the property and the location in which the alarm will be installed.

Buying Aico 3000 Series Alarms

ReCircuit Resale stocks a changing selection of new, new-other and used Aico 3000 Series alarms, including:

  • Ei3014
  • Ei3016
  • Ei3018
  • Ei3024
  • Ei3028
  • Ei3030
  • Ei3000MRF SmartLINK modules

Where applicable, our listings clearly state the condition and expiry/Replace By year of the alarm.

This allows you to compare both the model and remaining service life before purchasing.

If you are unsure which model you currently have, send us a clear photograph of your existing alarm and its label and we can help identify it.

Important: Fire and carbon monoxide alarms are life-safety devices. The correct alarm type and positioning depend on the individual property and applicable requirements. Always follow Aico's installation instructions and relevant regulations. Mains electrical work should be carried out by a suitably competent person.