Tackling the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide in the Home

How is carbon monoxide (CO) a danger in the home and how can we deal with it? We asked the experts from Aico for advice

How is CO a danger in the home?

CO, often referred to as the silent killer, is a poisonous gas that you can’t see, smell or taste, which can be emitted from appliances such as boilers and log burners when incomplete combustion occurs. This makes it more dangerous as you won’t know if your appliances are giving off the gas. CO poisoning is often mistaken for flu, this is because the symptoms are very similar in smaller doses. Symptoms include dizziness, headaches, breathlessness, nausea and as it worsens it could lead to collapse and unconsciousness. In worst cases, this can be fatal, this is why CO alarms are vital.

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How often should I replace my CO alarms?

Check the unit for a replace by date. All Aico CO alarms have a 10-year life, after which they should be replaced.

Can I use a CO alarm in conjunction with heat and smoke alarms?

Yes, interconnecting CO alarms with other alarms within the property provides the benefit of increasing audibility for occupants throughout the property. This can be achieved by either a hard wire interconnected or wirelessly interconnecting using RadioLINK/SmartLINK. When interconnecting Fire and CO alarms within the property we recommend the use of a low-level control switch so that the occupant can clearly differentiate between Fire and CO alarms as well as being able to test and locate alarms. BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020 also recommend that all fire alarms within the property are all interconnected with each other.

How do SmartLINK, RadioLINK and AudioLINK technologies work?

Both SmartLINK and RadioLINK are methods of wireless interconnection between alarms, reducing the need for cables and wires connecting the system. They use radio frequency signals to communicate, and they can also enable the interconnection of battery alarms with mains powered alarms. With RadioLINK providing the foundation of our wireless technologies, this allows simple communication between alarms, whereas SmartLINK is more advanced and has a host of other capabilities, including remote monitoring.

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AudioLINK is a diagnostic tool that is built into our intelligent alarms, enabling retrieval of data from an individual alarm on site, compiled into a user-friendly report. This can detail a range of status updates from the alarm including alarm power status, replace by date, number of button tests, number of activations, dust compensation levels (3000 Series Optical Sensors only) and CO levels, parts per million (CO alarms only). AudioLINK is a data extraction tool for use when physically in the property, with SmartLINK then offering remote data extraction via the Gateway.

Does Aico have safety systems aimed at social landlords?

Yes, stemming from our ethos of innovation, we launched the Ei1000G SmartLINK Gateway to provide a groundbreaking solution for landlords to have access to real time data insight into the status of the Smoke, Heat and Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm systems across their entire housing stock. Using its built-in GSM data connection, the Ei1000G reports events including fire/CO activations and alarm head removals as they happen to the SmartLINK cloud portal, for full visibility and remote monitoring. The Ei1000G SmartLINK Gateway utilises our next generation of wireless technology to enable real-time notifications via an online, cloud based SmartLINK portal system.

The development of the Ei1000G SmartLINK Gateway has been greatly influenced by landlords and their teams, through extensive feedback and rigorous trials that have significantly shaped the final product; we designed this alarm management system to assure tenant safety at any time. As the pinnacle of our technology, this pioneering product facilitates the safety of tenants at all times and aids with compliance across housing stock, ensuring ease of monitoring for landlords and clear, actionable intelligence.

Can I integrate my Aico alarms with other systems such as sprinklers and call devices?

Yes, our Ei414 Fire/Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm Interface connects Aico Smoke, Heat and CO alarms with a range of external devices. This means that lifesaving connections can be made quickly ensuring the safety of the occupants when faced with a fire or CO activation. The Ei414 Fire/CO Alarm Interface can connect with Telecare/Warden Call Systems, Fire Suppression Systems and gas shut down.

How has Aico innovated in alarm technology?

Part of our core ethos at Aico is innovation. We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of innovation, pioneering new products, technologies and solutions in home life safety. From the launch of our ‘easi fit’ base back in 1999 which provides a universal base for all of our round alarms, the revolutionary Radio Frequency (RF) technology to enable wireless interconnection between alarms, to our award-winning Multi-Sensor technology – offering a combination of Optical/Heat or Heat/CO sensors in one unit, providing ultimate protection with fewer alarms. More recently, we launched our Ei1000G SmartLINK Gateway, revolutionising RF technology once again.

How can I find an Expert Installer?

You can find an Expert Installer by heading to our website: www.aico.co.uk/find-an-installer

Simply enter your postcode and local installers will be displayed.

How can I get Technical Support for my Aico products?

We offer technical support and guidance via our website FAQ section, live chat, email and telephone calls, as well as via video call on Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

How can I find out more about Aico products and services?

To find out more about our products and services, head to our website www.aico.co.uk, call 01691 664100 or email enquiries@aico.co.uk.

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