Aico Smoke Alarm Expiry Dates Explained

If you have an Aico or Ei Electronics smoke alarm installed in your property, you may have noticed a Replace By date printed on the alarm.

This date is important because smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms do not last indefinitely.

In this guide, we explain where to find the date, what it means and what to consider when buying a replacement Aico alarm.

Where Is the Expiry Date on an Aico Alarm?

Aico alarms have a date-code label on the unit.

Depending on the model, you should be able to find information including:

  • The model number
  • The manufacturing date code
  • The recommended Replace By date

The label can usually be found on the side or rear of the alarm.

For example, you may see:

Replace By: 03/2035

This means the manufacturer's recommended maximum replacement date is March 2035.

How Long Do Aico Smoke Alarms Last?

Many Aico alarms have a service life of approximately 10 years, but you should always use the Replace By date printed on the individual alarm rather than assuming its remaining life from the model alone.

There are also model-specific exceptions, so the label on the actual alarm is the important reference.

As an alarm approaches its Replace By date, it should be replaced to maintain continued protection.

What Does the Manufacturing Code Mean?

You may also find a four-digit manufacturing code on an Aico alarm.

For example:

24W13

This means that the alarm was manufactured during week 13 of 2024.

This is different from the Replace By date.

When checking how much usable life an alarm has remaining, look specifically for the Replace By information.

Can You Use an Aico Alarm Until Its Replace By Date?

The Replace By date represents the manufacturer's maximum recommended lifespan for the alarm.

It should not be interpreted as a guarantee that an alarm will remain fault-free until that exact date.

An alarm that develops a fault, fails testing or is damaged may require replacement earlier.

Aico recommends regular testing of alarms throughout their service life.

What Happens When an Aico Alarm Expires?

Once an alarm reaches the end of its recommended service life, the complete alarm should be replaced.

Changing a replaceable backup battery does not extend the service life of the alarm itself.

If your alarm is approaching or has passed its Replace By date, identify its model number before choosing a replacement.

Why Does ReCircuit Resale List the Expiry Year?

When purchasing an Aico alarm from ReCircuit Resale, you may see listings described as:

2032 Expiry
2033 Expiry
2034 Expiry
2035 Expiry
2036 Expiry

We provide this information so that customers can see the remaining service life of an alarm before purchasing.

This is particularly important when purchasing used or surplus Aico alarms, as two identical models can have different Replace By dates.

For example, two Ei3024 alarms may be the same model but have different remaining service lives depending on when they were manufactured.

Should I Buy an Older Aico Alarm?

This depends on the application and how much remaining service life you require.

An alarm with several years remaining before its Replace By date can provide a lower-cost option for replacing an existing alarm, particularly where a complete system upgrade is not currently required.

However, the expiry date isn't the only consideration.

You should also check:

  • Model compatibility
  • Alarm type
  • Power supply
  • Base compatibility
  • Interconnection requirements
  • Condition
  • Remaining service life

For longer-term installations, an alarm with a later Replace By date may be more appropriate.

How Do I Know Which Aico Alarm I Need?

First, find the model number and Replace By date on your existing alarm.

For example:

Model: Ei3024
Replace By: 05/2027

Knowing these two pieces of information makes identifying your existing alarm and finding an appropriate replacement considerably easier.

If you are unsure which alarm you have, you can send ReCircuit Resale a clear photograph of the alarm and its label and we can help identify the model.

Looking for a Replacement Aico Alarm?

ReCircuit Resale stocks a changing selection of new, new-other and used Aico smoke, heat and multi-sensor alarms.

Where applicable, we clearly state the model, condition and expiry/replacement year within our listings so you can compare the available options before ordering.

Before purchasing, make sure the replacement is appropriate for your existing installation and required application.

Important: Smoke and fire alarms are life-safety devices. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and applicable regulations. Mains electrical work should be carried out by a suitably competent person.