Aico smokies

The carbon monoxide detectors are a little harder to wire as the space is more enclosed. Just ordered about 9 alarms to replace in a property as the ones fitted have now expired. Adding an extra in the loft and basement. And fitting a new CO alarm in the kitchen 9gas appliances) to comply with new regs to come into force in October for landlords.

 

Great product, Used lots of them recently. Can recommend the wireless bases if you need to install a grade D interlinked system
and don't want to tear up the house running 3 core between each alarm.

 

Ei Electronics/Aico are great for a domestic job (and in fact are all I use for domestic jobs), but as said they can be very tight for 1.5mm^2 conductors. Unfortunately many national standards do not permit the use of 1mm^2 conductors - and indeed even BS 7671 only permits it where it is connected to a lighting circuit.

Thankfully smokes are often connected to lighting circuits - and COs can be linked to the smokes, but it still seems poor design to me that there isn't more space for making connections.

 

I presume you are referring to radio frequency bases. They are not wireless - you still need a mains supply to them. It is simply the interlink which is wireless.

 

Agreed Risteard, it's only the interlinking that's wireless, they all still need a power supply.

 

The mains supply is not a signal though. And power does not have to have a socket.

 

Yes, that's what I said, no need for interlinking cable.

 

The wireless bases are great for linking two sets of wired alarms. If you have a home with 6 detectors and can wire three one end and three the other, you can link these two sets or three with two bases. Using a radio base on all 6 is expensive. I prefer wired, using wireless bases when you want to bridge between areas you cannot cable.

 

There is no definition of a lighting circuit either, so it would be fair to assume that what is not a lighting circuit is a power circuit.

I was hardly going to mention volt drop on a smoke alarm circuit! But unfortunately we can't pick and choose which Regulations we obey. So unless connected to a lighting circuit (which it very often will be) then 1mm^2 cable is not permitted.

What other parts of BS7671 do you choose to ignore?

 

I already told you connecting ancillary equipment to a lighting circuit should not by any sensible definition cause it to cease to be a lighting circuit. Nor did I ignore your point - in fact I clearly stated that a lighting circuit is also undefined. (So how does that ignore that power circuit is undefined? It's very straightforward English.)

 

I wouldn't code the smoke circuit because there is no real safety issue. However I would demand that it was rewired if it was an initial verification, as the Declaration states that it complies with the Wiring Regulations (which it doesn't).

Combustible distribution boards in a domestic premises is a completely different kettle of fish, given that there is plenty of evidence that these have been the source of ignition for many house fires.

During a periodic inspection you are only asked to code non-compliances which give rise to safety concerns - a firestarter in the house simply could not be ignored.

 

Risteard are you aka ban-all-sheds? I have to side with Coloumb when it comes to arguing a point with you. There is nothing wrong with wiring smoke detectors, fans, lighting circuits, shaver points, in fact anything else on a 6A circuit in 6242Y 1.0mm2.

Aico are a joy to fit and wire. The trick with the Aico is to wire the cpc first then push the cpc in to the base of the wiring pocket then do the same with the neutral and the interlink followed by the live. The cap then clips neatly in to place.

 

There is something wrong with it if they do not form part of a lighting circuit. The problem being that this is explicitly prohibited by BS7671. You're either working to that Standard or you are not. It's not a pick and choose bag.

And don't ever compare me with Ban All Sheds again. Unlike him, I am actually a Qualified Electrician.

 

Calm down fgs. Please quote me the Reg that doesn't allow the use of 1.0mm2 for smokes. If I am wrong then I will hold my hands up. You quote the Reg, I will read it, then we will meet up again. Okay! I just don't like the lecturing unless you can prove it. I am willing to learn and admit I'm wrong. You prove it that's all I ask.

 

I'm quite happy to wire non lighting circuits in 1mm, I do it with cooker hoods fed from a fused spur with a 3 or 5A fuse in them. I've got more important things to worry about than desk wallers dreaming up more pointless ****.