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Aico expands training facilities

Aico Ltd., the market leader in residential Fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms in the UK, has expanded and enhanced its training and support services for customers. This includes two new Mobile Training & Demonstration Units plus an extended Centre of Excellence at Aico’s premises in Oswestry, Shropshire.

Aico’s new fully fitted Mobile Training & Demonstration vehicles enable the company to deliver detailed product and alarm technology information, plus its CPD accredited Expert Installer training, right to customers’ very doors.

Information boards on all Aico technologies, such as RadioLINK+ and AudioLINK, and alarm ranges – with fully functional product attached – are installed within the units, along with a virtual tour of the company’s manufacturing process in Shannon, Ireland.

The internal layout is highly flexible and can be configured to meet different requirements, be it a hands on training session with Aico alarms and technologies, a product demonstration, or working on bespoke specification projects.

In addition to the new Mobile Training & Demonstration Units, Aico also provides training, product demonstrations and much more at its Centre of Excellence, in Oswestry, Shropshire. Opened to great acclaim in 2015 as part of Aico’s 25th anniversary celebrations, the Centre has been expanded to twice its size to meet the demand for its use.

The new extension, officially opened at a launch Event in January, houses a dedicated training facility, with a large Conference Room which seats up to 150 people and is kitted out with the latest Audio Visual facilities. The Workshop allows for 20 people to comfortably attend a hands on training session and view alarms in action with the use of a smoke chamber. A new wholesaler area, with its imitation trade counter, has been set up to look familiar to wholesalers whilst showing the latest product and merchandise available to them.

The existing facilities at the Centre of Excellence remain, including ‘Ember Place’, which emulates a furnished home with typical room layouts including a lounge, kitchen and bedroom, with suitable Aico alarms and accessories fitted. In addition, there is a large modern meeting room which can accommodate up to 40 people; break out areas with seating and desks; and a Heritage and Manufacturing Area featuring a virtual tour of the Ei factory in Ireland.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics, Aico is the market leader in residential Fire and CO protection in the UK. All alarms are designed and built in Ireland specifically to meet the UK standards and regulations. With more mains powered domestic smoke alarms installed in UK social housing than any other manufacturer, Aico is tried, tested and trusted.

For more information please go to www.aico.co.uk or contact Aico on 01691 664100 or enquiries@aico.co.uk.
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Aico releases new features for AudioLINK data extraction technology app

Aico is pleased to announce the arrival of new features to the multiple award-winning app, AudioLINK. The data extraction technology is integrated into all Aico Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms and the Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm Ei2110e.

AudioLINK is a revolutionary alarm technology that allows for invaluable real time data to be extracted directly from the Alarm – all you need is an AudioLINK enabled Aico Alarm, a tablet or smartphone and the free AudioLINK App which converts the data into an Alarm Status Report. The Report displays useful information about the Alarm, such as battery life and details of any activations.

The AudioLINK App update is now available on Android, iOS (iphones and ipads) and Windows devices. The update brings in a number of key enhancements to the Alarm Status Report functionality, following excellent customer engagement and feedback.

Entering data has been made easier through the new App’s ability to scan alarms’ barcodes, automatically adding the alarm serial number to the report. Additional fields have been incorporated into the report to record more information about the alarms and the property including the Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN) and contractor notes. A ‘Use Previous Address’ prompt has also been added to save time when producing reports for multiple alarms in the same property, as is the ability to group these reports by address. Multiple reports can now be emailed to multiple email addresses. The reports can be exported as .csv files as well as pdfs, for easier integration with other software.

AudioLINK is proving extremely popular with landlords and their contractors as it improves the level of protection tenants will receive whilst being more time, budget and resource efficient. It can be used as part of the annual Gas Safety Checks (CP12) and property checks prior to changing over to new tenants. It provides a quick and simple way to test and record the Alarm is working prior to tenants moving in.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics, Aico is the market leader in residential Fire and Carbon Monoxide detection in the UK. All Alarms are designed and built in Ireland specifically to meet the UK standards and regulations. With more mains powered domestic Smoke Alarms installed in the UK’s social housing than any other manufacturer, Aico is tried, tested and trusted.

For more information please go to www.aico.co.uk/audiolink or contact Aico on 01691 664100 or email enquiries@aico.co.uk.
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Aico’s new website delivers essential information & support

Aico Ltd., the market leader in residential Fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms in the UK, has launched a new responsive website providing customers with detailed product and alarm technology information along with an extensive selection of support tools and information.

www.aico.co.uk has been completely redesigned, with a clean, modern look and intuitive navigation. The new website is content focussed, delivering information and support in formats required by a wide range of visitors.

The home page of the new Aico website provides instant clear links to the most visited pages of the previous website and links to four key areas – Products, Support, Expert Installer and a new Where to Buy feature. The intuitive navigation is also enhanced by the reactive search bar, helping to find all the relevant information needed in the quickest time.

Clicking through to the Product section allows you to filter by category (e.g. Optical Smoke Alarm), product series (e.g. 160e Series) and/or technology, such as AudioLINK data extraction. Products are automatically loaded to the page that meets the search criteria entered and can be clicked on for detailed information. Each Aico product page has everything you need on one page including product images, product description, technical specification, instructions and datasheets.

Aico has created an Innovation & Technology section of the website which explains the new technologies, such as AudioLINK data and RadioLINK+ wireless interconnection with remote data extraction functionality, that are used across different alarms Series. As alarm technology becomes more sophisticated a dedicated zone was considered a useful addition to the website to explain the technology and applications.

A new dedicated Support section has been designed in the website to house the wealth of information Aico has created and accumulated on all matters relating to Smoke and CO Alarms. This includes technical support, advice on choosing the correct alarm sensor type, alarm testing and commissioning; frequently asked questions courtesy of Aico’s technical team; standards and regulations, including BS 5839-6:2013 which covers fire alarm systems in domestic dwellings; plus a full list of Aico publications which are available to download or order hard copies.

The Expert Installer section enables customers to find their nearest Aico trained installer without even leaving the site’s home page. For more information on the scheme a link takes you to a dedicated Expert Installer page with an overview of the training scheme and a form for interested installers to apply. Created by Aico and highly regarded in the industry, Expert Installer is a training scheme that ensures electrical contractors have all the information they need to successfully install domestic Fire and CO Alarm systems.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics, Aico is the market leader in residential Fire and CO protection in the UK. All alarms are designed and built in Ireland specifically to meet the UK standards and regulations. With more mains powered domestic smoke alarms installed in the UK’s social housing than any other manufacturer, Aico is tried, tested and trusted.

For more information please go to www.aico.co.uk or contact Aico on 01691 664100 or enquiries@aico.co.uk.
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Quality alarms & service make Aico no. 1 choice for housing group

Aldwyck Housing Group in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire has announced its decision to standardise on Aico Ei208 Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms, based on its positive experience of working with Aico over many years. Aldwyck will be installing Aico AudioLINK™ Ei208 Lithium battery powered CO alarms into 5,200 properties.

Darren Corsby, Asset Manager at Aldwyck, explains the decision “Rather than use multiple different alarms, we wanted to standardise on one alarm type for uniformity across our housing stock. Aico has been a long standing supplier and Aldwyck has always received very good service. We have been more than satisfied with the alarms we have installed in the past; they work well. I have used Aico product for many years, both here and in previous jobs.”

Aldwyck Housing Group will be fitting one Ei208 CO alarm per property where there is a gas supply fitted. This will be done at the same time a new boiler is installed or when an existing boiler is serviced.

The Ei208 is a quality, cost-effective Lithium battery powered CO alarm designed to encourage widespread adoption of this life saving technology. The use of sealed in Lithium batteries largely overcomes the problem of battery removal by tenants as not only are they difficult to remove, but cannot be used to replace batteries in other household devices.

The Ei208 alarms benefit from a highly sophisticated electrochemical CO sensor and rigorous testing for the utmost reliability; each alarm is tested multiple times during manufacture, which includes a test in real CO gas to ensure accuracy.

The Ei208 features Aico’s multiple award winning AudioLINK technology which allows for invaluable real time data to be extracted via the alarm’s sounder to a smart phone or tablet using the free AudioLINK App. The data is displayed in a simple colour coded Alarm Status Report, providing useful information such as any alarm activations – with details of when it occurred, if any background CO has been detected, battery life, alarm sensors status, number of times tested and removed. As the information is generated in real time, should there be an issue then it can be dealt with there and then.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics, Aico are market leaders in residential fire and CO protection in the UK. All alarms are designed and built in Ireland specifically to meet the UK standards and regulations. With more mains powered domestic smoke alarms installed in the UK’s social housing than any other manufacturer, Aico are tried, tested and trusted.

For more information please visit www.aico.co.uk.
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Social housing provider upgrades smoke alarms to Aico Multi-Sensors

Northwards Housing in Manchester is undertaking a major smoke alarm upgrade programme across its entire housing stock of 13,500 properties, using Aico’s Multi-Sensor Fire Alarms.

Northwards Housing is a not-for-profit ALMO (arms length management organisation) that manages City Council homes across north Manchester. It has been a long standing Aico customer of more than 15 years, fitting Aico’s Ei150 series mains powered optical smoke alarms for most of that time.

An innovator in the industry, Aico continuously develops its alarm technology, including the 150 Series which was originally launched 22 years ago. It has also introduced a number of new alarms and ranges during that time which, with their easier installation, improved aesthetics and increased performance, have superseded the 150, resulting in its discontinuation earlier this year.

Keen to benefit from the latest alarm technologies, Northwards Housing has been replacing its 150 alarms with Aico’s Multi-Sensor over the past few years. With the launch of Aico’s new Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm, Ei2110e in 2015, Northwards Housing changed the specification immediately to this latest model.

Alan White, Mechanical & Electrical Manager for Responsive Repairs & Servicing at Northwards Housing, explains the move: “We changed to the Multi-Sensor to give better fire detection and also reduce false alarms such as those caused by burning toast, which can be a nuisance to residents”.

The new Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm, Ei2110e will be fitted across 13,500 properties over the next ten years as part of a rolling replacement programme to replace existing 150 Series alarms reaching the end of their lives. Transition from the rectangular 150 series alarms to the circular Ei2110e has been made simple through the use of Ei1516 masking plates which cover any marks left by the previous unit and maintain the aesthetics of a room, as Alan explains: “the installation is uncomplicated and we use the masking plates to cover the difference in design shape”.

Aico’s mains powered Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm, Ei2110e, contains two sensor types, optical and heat, to constantly monitor smoke and heat levels, sending and receiving information via its intelligent detection software. This sensor information alters the alarm’s sensitivity and trigger points, automatically providing the best response to all fire types and reduces potential false alarms.

This alarm comes with a host of sophisticated features, including data extraction technology AudioLINK. AudioLINK is an award winning technology that enables real time data to be extracted from each alarm using its sounder directly to a smartphone or tablet via an App to create an Alarm Status Report. The Report displays useful information about the alarm, such as battery life, alarm sensors status, number of times tested and removed; and any alarm activation, with details of when it occurred – all in a simple format.

Northwards Housing specified the new Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm, Ei2110e after attending the launch event in 2015. “The ease of fit, the ease of connectivity with other sensors or devices and the data extraction technology are all added benefits of the new Multi-Sensor” explains Alan. “Going forward the data extraction function will allow us to monitor the status of the detector and regularity of testing”.

Northwards Housing will be installing two Ei2110e Multi-Sensors into houses and one into flats, but each property will be risk assessed according to Building Regulations and BS 5839-6:2013 (the standard for domestic smoke alarm installations). Alarms will be hardwired together in each property, but where this is not practical or would result in unsightly mini trunking runs, RadioLINK+ wireless alarm interconnection will be used. RadioLINK+ allows alarms and accessories on the system to communicate with each other using Radio Frequency (RF) signals rather than hard wiring. It comes as a plug in module, which has the added benefit of negating the need for a separate RadioLINK base.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics, Aico are market leaders in residential fire and CO protection in the UK. All alarms are designed and built in Ireland specifically to meet the UK standards and regulations. With more mains powered domestic smoke alarms installed in the UK’s social housing than any other manufacturer, Aico is tried, tested and trusted.

For more information please go to www.aico.co.uk or contact Aico on 01691 664100 or email enquiries@aico.co.uk.
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Aico data extraction technologies demo at ‘Homes 2016’ stand H141

Following on from its success at both CIH Housing 2016 and FIREX exhibitions this year, Aico will be exhibiting at Homes 2016, Stand H141, 16-17th November at London’s Olympia. There visitors can see Aico’s market leading smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms, along with working demonstrations of their latest data extraction technologies.

Homes 2016 is the only large-scale housing event in London to bring together local authority, housing association and housebuilder professionals, across residential development, asset management and procurement.

Highly regarded in the social housing sector, Aico specialise in smoke and CO alarms that are built under exceptionally stringent quality controls, for maximum reliability and safety. Aico is also an innovator in the field, having launched a number of unique new technologies of benefit to housing providers including, most recently, data extraction and alarm monitoring. Visitors to Homes 2016 will be able to witness Aico’s data extraction technologies – multi award winning AudioLINK and RadioLINK+ first hand through on stand live demonstrations.

Alarms on display will include the Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm, Ei2110e with dual sensors and intelligent software, the new Ei160e Series of smoke alarms and the range of AudioLINK enabled CO alarms.

AudioLINK technology provides individual alarm data in real time which is easily extracted via the Alarm’s sounder – all you need is an AudioLINK enabled Alarm, a tablet/smartphone and the free AudioLINK App. This data is converted into an Alarm Status Report, colour coded to identify the urgency of any issue, enabling contractors on site to take appropriate action. AudioLINK, has been incorporated in to all of Aico’s CO alarms and the new Ei2110e Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm.

Whilst AudioLINK works with individual alarms, RadioLINK+ is a wireless interconnection technology which also enables quick and simple whole system data to be extracted. Data such as the number and location of alarms, details of any alarm activations, notification of alarm removal and information on how long the alarms have been powered is readily available and can be accessed securely from inside or outside a property if access is an issue. RadioLINK+ technology can help with maintenance of asset management records as details are recorded for each individual alarm system.

In addition to alarms, a range of Aico’s best selling alarm accessories will be displayed at Homes 2016, including the Ei450 Alarm Controller and the innovative Ei414 Fire/CO Alarm Interface that provides a dedicated connection between Aico alarms with third party systems and devices such as sprinkler systems, warden call, panel systems and community alarms.

Aico works in partnership with hundreds of local authorities, housing associations, developers, specifiers, contractors and wholesalers, bringing its unrivalled products, experience and expertise to help customers ensure they get the very best fire and CO detection possible. Visit Aico at Homes 2016, Stand H141 to find out more about creating a bespoke alarm system, individual project support and training for installation teams.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics, all Aico alarms are designed and built in Europe, specifically to meet UK standards and regulations, under the strictest of quality controls.

For more information please visit Aico at the show or go to www.aico.co.uk.
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Cannock Chase Council maximises tenant safety with Aico CO alarms

Long standing Aico customer Cannock Chase District Council in Staffordshire is in the process of replacing existing Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms across its 5500 properties as they reach their end of life. For speed and efficiency the Council is using Aico’s AudioLINK™ mains powered, battery back-up CO alarm (Ei261ENRC) and the standalone lithium battery powered CO alarm (Ei208), enabling both electricians and gas service engineers to fit the alarms during their planned visits.

Steve Taylor, Electrical Manager at Cannock Chase District Council, comments on this use of mixed powered alarms: “We have used Aico mains powered CO alarms for many years and we will continue to fit these as standard in our properties every time we do an electrical upgrade. However, properties that are not due for an electrical upgrade will not be ignored as our gas service engineers will fit the Ei208 battery alarms where appropriate when they service equipment. The Ei208 is ideal in this instance as it doesn’t require an electrician to fit it, making it a quick fix, plus with a ten year life we know our tenants are well protected.”

Aico’s AudioLINK CO alarms are being used in properties containing gas and solid fuel appliances and open fireplaces.

In bungalows, which are home to older and vulnerable people, the CO alarms are being interconnected with the existing Aico smoke and Multi-Sensor alarms and a wall-mounted Alarm Control Switch, the Ei1529RC. Interconnecting the alarms means that if one alarm on the system is triggered, all other alarms in the same property sound. This ensures the alarm is heard throughout the property, providing the earliest warning – particularly important for older and less mobile occupants.

Interconnection is achieved through Aico’s award winning RadioLINK technology, which allows alarms on the system to communicate with each other using RF signals rather than hard wiring. “RadioLINK is a great, easy fix” states Steve. “We used to experience friction with tenants as they understandably didn’t want us lifting up their carpets and floorboards and disrupting them in order to lay interconnecting cables. With RadioLINK we don’t need to do any of that. It’s also convenient for contractors; they are in and out of a property much quicker.”

The Alarm Control Switch plays an important role here as it allows residents to quickly locate the exact alarm which has detected the fire or CO leak and take appropriate action. The wall mounted Switch is also used to test and silence all the alarms on the system from one safe, convenient location. As Steve Taylor remarks: “We don’t want an 80 year old resident standing on a chair to test their alarm! Being able to access the key features of alarms from a safe height is very important.”

All Aico CO alarms now come with a 10 year life and are fitted with a highly sophisticated electrochemical CO sensor. Each alarm is tested multiple times during manufacture, which includes a test in real CO gas to ensure accuracy. They also come with Aico’s award winning AudioLINK technology. AudioLINK allows for invaluable real time data to be extracted via the alarm’s sounder – all you need is an AudioLINK enabled CO alarm, a tablet or smartphone and the free AudioLINK App. This data is converted into a simple to review and store Alarm Status Report, providing useful information such as any alarm activations – with details of when it occurred, if any background CO has been detected, battery life, alarm sensors status, number of times tested and removed.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics, Aico are market leaders in residential fire and CO protection in the UK. All alarms are designed and built in Ireland specifically to meet the UK standards and regulations. With more mains powered domestic smoke alarms installed in the UK’s social housing than any other manufacturer, Aico are tried, tested and trusted.

For more information please visit www.aico.co.uk.
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New Aico AudioLINK technology helps Adactus Housing with CO investigations

Adactus Housing, which owns and manages over 13,000 properties across the North West of England, has announced it will be fitting Aico Ei208 Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms featuring new AudioLINK data retrieval technology.

A long standing Aico customer, Adactus Housing has been protecting tenants with Aico smoke and CO alarms for eight years and was keen to take advantage of the new AudioLINK technology to help them with their investigations into CO alarm activation investigations.

AudioLINK allows for invaluable real time data to be extracted via the alarm’s sounder – all you need is an AudioLINK enabled CO alarm, a tablet or smartphone and the free AudioLINK App. This data is converted into an Alarm Status Report, which is simple to review and store. The Report displays useful information about the alarm and detection levels of CO, and can be emailed or stored in a key location for future reference.

Ivan Meredith, Group Gas Compliance Manager at Adactus Housing, explains why he considers AudioLINK to be invaluable: “The added ability to provide us with historic data regarding the presence of CO is a fantastic benefit, helping us to take the right action when ensuring the safety of our tenants. Investigations into CO alarm activations can be lengthy and therefore costly. The ability to extract this data straight from the alarm will give us guidance that we can rely on. It should point us in the right direction right from the offset of every investigation.”

Aico has incorporated AudioLINK technology in to all of its CO alarms, with no additional cost, including the highly popular Ei208 Lithium battery powered CO alarms which is the model Adactus Housing will be installing. These alarms will be fitted in to all Adactus Housing properties with fossil fuel appliances on a phased approach. This approach will be a risk based assessment ultimately giving vulnerable tenants first priority. The aim is to install one CO alarm per property but, once the initial programme is completed, this may evolve to adding a second or even third alarm to properties that would benefit from the extra protection.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics, Aico are market leaders in residential fire and CO protection in the UK. All alarms are designed and built in Ireland specifically to meet the UK standards and regulations. 2015 sees Aico’s 25th anniversary. With more mains powered domestic smoke alarms installed in the UK’s social housing than any other manufacturer, Aico are tried, tested and trusted. Aico have a dedicated team of Regional Managers to support specifications and supply of products. Aico also offer technical support over the phone and an internal sales team to help with any enquiries.

For more information please visit www.aico.co.uk.

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