Aico Smoke Alarm Replacement Guide

If your Aico or Ei Electronics smoke alarm has reached the end of its service life, developed a fault or simply needs replacing, choosing the correct replacement is important.

This guide explains what to check on your existing alarm and how to identify the most suitable replacement.

1. Identify Your Existing Smoke Alarm

Start by checking the model number printed on your existing alarm.

Aico and Ei Electronics model numbers normally begin with Ei, followed by a series of numbers and sometimes additional letters.

Examples include:

  • Ei141RC
  • Ei146RC
  • Ei144e
  • Ei146e
  • Ei3014
  • Ei3016
  • Ei3018
  • Ei3024
  • Ei3028

The model number is one of the most important pieces of information when looking for a replacement.

If you are unsure of the model, remove the alarm from its base where safe to do so and check the label on the rear of the unit.

2. Check the Expiry or Replace-By Date

Smoke alarms have a limited service life and should not be used indefinitely.

Check the label on the alarm for its replacement or expiry information. If the alarm has reached the end of its recommended service life, replacing the alarm is normally preferable to trying to resolve age-related faults.

When purchasing a replacement, check the remaining service life of the replacement alarm as well.

At ReCircuit Resale, the expiry or replacement year is clearly stated on applicable used Aico alarms so you can see the remaining life before purchasing.

3. Check the Alarm Type

It is important not to choose a replacement based solely on how similar two alarms look.

Different Aico models use different sensing technologies and are designed for different locations.

Common types include:

Optical smoke alarms – commonly used in areas such as hallways, landings and living spaces.

Heat alarms – typically used in kitchens and other locations where a conventional smoke alarm may be prone to unwanted alarms.

Multi-sensor alarms – combine more than one sensing technology to provide enhanced fire detection.

Carbon monoxide alarms – designed to detect carbon monoxide rather than smoke or heat.

The replacement should be suitable for the location and application in which it is being installed.

4. Check Whether the Alarm Is Mains or Battery Powered

Aico manufactures both mains-powered and battery-powered alarms.

Many mains-powered Aico alarms are connected to a base plate and may also be interconnected with other alarms throughout the property.

Do not assume that a battery-powered alarm can directly replace a mains-powered alarm, or vice versa.

If your existing alarm is mains powered, check the model and installation requirements before selecting its replacement.

5. Check Interconnection and RadioLINK Compatibility

Some Aico systems have multiple alarms interconnected so that when one alarm activates, the other connected alarms also sound.

Depending on the installation, this can be achieved through hardwired interconnection or Aico's wireless RadioLINK technology.

Some alarms may also be fitted with compatible RadioLINK modules.

If your existing system uses interconnection, this needs to be considered when choosing replacement alarms. A replacement alarm may operate individually while not providing the same interconnection functionality as the alarm it replaces.

6. Older Aico Models May Have Newer Replacements

Aico has produced several generations of alarms, and some older models have been superseded by newer products.

This does not necessarily mean that any newer Aico alarm can be fitted as a direct replacement.

You should check:

  • Existing model number
  • Alarm type
  • Power supply
  • Base compatibility
  • Interconnection requirements
  • RadioLINK requirements
  • Intended installation location

This is particularly important when replacing alarms within an existing interconnected system.

Need Help Identifying an Aico Alarm?

If you are unsure which Aico alarm you currently have, send ReCircuit Resale a clear photograph of the alarm and, where possible, the model information from the label.

We can help identify the model and point you towards the relevant products we currently stock.

Shop Aico Smoke Alarms

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

Where applicable, listings clearly state the model, condition and expiry or replacement year so you can make an informed choice before ordering.

Important: Smoke alarms are life-safety devices. Replacement and installation should follow the manufacturer's instructions and applicable regulations. If you are unsure about compatibility or electrical installation, consult a suitably qualified electrician.