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Yes. They're the one and the same.For example, I'm seeing an Ei168RC base but also an Ei168RC "easi-fit". Is it the same thing?
The Ei168RC RadioLINK base is compatible with all of the 140RC series alarms: Ei141 and Ei146 smoke alarms plus the Ei144 heat alarm.If different, will all the detectors fit either base or do I need to get an easi-fit detector for an easi-fit base?
The Ei168RC is a mains-operated unit that comes with a rechargeable lithium cell back-up. The lithium battery provides the base with a supply in the event of mains failure. Each alarm also has its own separate back-up battery. The Ei141 utilises an alkaline battery and the Ei146 a lithium battery. The main advantage of choosing lithium batteries over alkaline is that the latter will need to be replaced at some future point whereas the former are charged by the mains supply and don't require replacement.I also don't quite get which bit has/needs the battery back-up. Do both the Ei168RC base and the detector both have/need battery backup for their respective functionality? Or does the battery back-up in the base also back up the detector?
In rented properties, lithium would be the better option as in this scenario a second advantage is that the tenant can't remove the batteries as they often do when the battery needs to be replaced and begins to 'chirp'.
You can buy the Ei168RC cheaper than £50.00!For example, Amazon has both:
Aico Ei168RC Easi-fit RadioLINK Base 230V + Lithium Battery Back-up
Aico SEI166 EI166RC 160 Series Optical Smoke Alarm c/w Surface Mounting Kit & Lithium Battery
So do those two go together to make one detector, each part with its own battery back-up and wirelessly communicating with others, at about 2x£50 per location?
Ionisation smoke alarms are recommended for stairwells and landings, optical alarms for bedrooms, lounges, and hallways. As optical smoke alarms are less prone to false alarms than ionisation, they are the better option.Which kind of smoke detector is recommended, ionisation or optical?
I would suggest that you consider using mains-operated alarms where possible and utilise the Ei168RC RadioLINK base in conjunction with the AICO EI650RF RadioLink battery-powered, wireless optical smoke and EI603RF heat alarms where required. This arrangement will provide you with a hybrid of mains and battery-operated alarms that are all interlinked.I think that smoke detectors are needed for hall, landing and utility (which has the boiler but also the tumble drier); and heat detector for the kitchen (e.g. Ei164). Also there is an option to link the CO detector into the same system, but only if I can find a source of mains power for it. Can this also go in the middle of a ceiling near the smoke/heat detector?
Regarding the CO alarm, you could consider using the AICO EI208DW or EI208W, both of which are powered by a lithium battery. If you would like to interlink the CO alarm with the rest of the system, the Ei208WRF is the one to select.
I've uploaded the Aico Expert Installer guide for you read through. Everything you'll need to know can be found in there.