Aico 140e Series Hybrid Alarm System – Extending Existing Installations with RadioLINK Technology

Aico 140e Series Hybrid Alarm System – Extending Existing Installations with RadioLINK Technology

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Fire and Safety
AICO · Heat Alarms · Smoke Alarm
Posted by: electrical4less_mirek electrical4less_mirek

The Aico 140e Series hybrid alarm system remains one of the most practical solutions for homes that already have wired smoke and heat alarms installed. While newer alarm platforms are now available, the reality is that the 140e Series is still the most common domestic alarm system found in UK properties today.

Recognising this, Aico developed RadioLINK wireless interconnection technology, allowing existing 140e Series alarms to be extended and upgraded without full replacement or disruptive rewiring. This creates what is known as a hybrid alarm system, combining traditional hard-wired interconnection with secure wireless RF communication.

What Is an Aico 140e Series Hybrid Alarm System?

An Aico 140e Series hybrid alarm system combines:

  • Existing hard-wired interlinked alarms
  • New alarms connected using RadioLINK wireless interconnection

The system operates as one unified network, meaning when any alarm activates, all alarms sound throughout the property, providing early warning and supporting compliance with BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020.

Hybrid systems are ideal where alarms are already installed but additional protection is needed due to extensions, layout changes, or updated safety expectations.

Overview of the Aico 140e Series

The Aico 140e Series is a mains-powered alarm range with battery backup, designed for long-term domestic use. It has been widely specified for houses, flats, and rental properties for many years.

Two alarms dominate existing installations.

Ei146e Optical Smoke Alarm

The Ei146e optical smoke alarm is the most common smoke alarm found in 140e Series systems. Optical sensing technology is particularly effective at detecting slow-burning and smouldering fires, such as those caused by electrical faults or furniture.

Typical installation areas include:

  • Hallways
  • Landings
  • Living rooms

Because of its reliability and reduced nuisance alarms, the Ei146e often forms the backbone of an Aico 140e Series hybrid alarm system.

Ei144e Heat Alarm

The Ei144e heat alarm is designed for areas where smoke detection would be unsuitable.

Common locations include:

  • Kitchens
  • Garages
  • Utility rooms

Instead of responding to smoke, the Ei144e activates when there is a rapid rise in temperature, avoiding false alarms from cooking fumes or steam. In many homes, Ei144e heat alarms are already hard-wired alongside Ei146e smoke alarms.

Why Existing 140e Series Systems Need Hybrid Upgrades

While the 140e Series remains reliable, many properties now require:

  • Additional alarms after loft conversions or extensions
  • Improved audibility in larger or multi-storey homes
  • Safer coverage for landlords and rental properties

Running new interlink cables between alarms can be disruptive, costly, and impractical in occupied homes. This is exactly the problem the Aico 140e Series hybrid alarm system is designed to solve.

Shop Smoke Alarms

RadioLINK is Aico’s proprietary wireless interconnection technology, developed specifically for life safety systems. It uses secure Radio Frequency (RF) signals rather than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

According to Aico:

  • Alarms communicate using a mesh network
  • Multiple signal paths ensure reliable activation
  • Signals are not affected by household wireless devices

This makes RadioLINK suitable for retrofit upgrades and hybrid systems.

The Ei168RC RadioLINK base is what enables an Aico 140e Series hybrid alarm system.

Key features:

  • Direct replacement for the standard easi-fit base
  • Installed and wired exactly the same way
  • Contains built-in RadioLINK RF technology
  • Maintains the compact size of the alarm

From an installer’s perspective, nothing changes electrically—the RadioLINK functionality is already integrated into the base.

How Hybrid Interconnection Works in Practice

To create a hybrid system:

  1. Replace one existing easi-fit base with an Ei168RC RadioLINK base
  2. Refit the alarm onto the new base
  3. Install additional 140e Series alarms with RadioLINK bases where required
  4. Carry out House Coding to securely link all alarms

That single RadioLINK-enabled alarm acts as a bridge, connecting the wired interlink circuit with the wireless RF network.

House Coding – Aico’s Secure Linking Process

House Coding is a critical part of any Aico 140e Series hybrid alarm system.

It ensures:

  • Alarms only communicate with others in the same property
  • No interference from neighbouring systems
  • Reliable long-term operation

Once House Coding is complete, the system is sealed to prevent accidental changes.

Based on Aico’s published technology information:

  • Up to 100 metres line of sight
  • Around 30 metres in typical domestic properties
  • Dedicated RF frequency
  • No reliance on internet or Wi-Fi

This makes RadioLINK suitable for most houses, including multi-storey homes and extensions.

Typical Use Cases for Aico 140e Series Hybrid Alarm Systems

Hybrid systems are commonly used when:

  • Adding alarms to loft conversions
  • Extending coverage into new rooms
  • Upgrading landlord properties with minimal disruption
  • Improving audibility across large homes

Instead of replacing a working system, a hybrid upgrade improves safety while keeping costs and disruption low.

A Practical Upgrade Path Before Full Replacement

Although newer alarm platforms will eventually replace the 140e Series, millions of homes still rely on it today. The Aico 140e Series hybrid alarm system provides:

  • Extended system life
  • Improved protection
  • A compliant interim upgrade solution

For many properties, this is the most sensible approach before planning a full system upgrade in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions – Aico 140e Series Hybrid Alarm System

Can I add alarms to an existing 140e Series system?

Yes. By introducing RadioLINK using an Ei168RC base, additional alarms can be added wirelessly without running new interlink cables.

Do I need to replace every alarm base?

No. Only one alarm in the wired circuit needs a RadioLINK base to bridge wired and wireless alarms.

Are Ei144e and Ei146e compatible with RadioLINK?

Yes. Both alarms are compatible when fitted with the Ei168RC RadioLINK base.

Will RadioLINK interfere with Wi-Fi?

No. RadioLINK uses its own RF frequency and is not affected by Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile signals.

Is a hybrid system compliant?

When correctly installed, an Aico 140e Series hybrid alarm system supports compliance with BS 5839-6 requirements for interlinked domestic alarms.

Standards, Design & Data (SDD) Reference

This article references manufacturer guidance and technology data provided by Aico, specifically relating to RadioLINK wireless interconnection, hybrid alarm systems, RF mesh communication, House Coding, and supported upgrade methods for existing hard-wired installations.

Further technical details on RadioLINK technology, including operating principles, signal reliability, and hybrid system design, can be found directly from Aico at:

Aico – Why Aico? RadioLINK Technology

This information supports the use of Aico 140e Series hybrid alarm systems in domestic properties where existing wired alarms are being extended or upgraded using RadioLINK wireless interconnection.

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