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AicoEI3016

Smoke alarm
Mains only
Optical smoke alarm

£45.50View retailers

Test score

Lowest available price

£45.50Amazon Marketplace UK

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The Aico Ei3016 mains-powered smoke alarm is designed to last for 10 years. It has an inbuilt rechargeable lithium battery which acts as a back-up power supply, so it will still operate during a power cut. It detects smoke using an optical sensor, which the manufacturer says is best for detecting slow, smouldering fires in the home. If you buy the separate Ei3000MRF wireless module, you can link the Ei3016 with other connected EI alarms in your home, such as the Aico EI3014 heat alarm, so that when one sounds, they all sound. That means this alarm will be suitable for homes in Scotland when the smoke alarm law changes in February 2022. But is it any good at raising the alarm when smoke is in the air? To find out, we tested it. Read the full review for our verdict.

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KEY TEST RESULTS
Wood fires
Cotton fires
Sound output

Nov 2021Last checked by Which?
Nov 2021First reviewed by Which?
Jun 2020Released

The overall Which? test score is made up of the following star ratings, all determined by our rigorous lab tests.

How we test smoke alarms and heat alarms

27 Feb 2024

Wood fires

How we test wood fires

We measure the amount and thickness of wood smoke from a smouldering fire that is required to trigger the alarm. This test isn't carried out for heat alarms, which are tested to a different programme. Only applicable to smoke alarms.

Wood fires

How we test wood fires

Cotton fires

How we test cotton fires

We measure the amount and thickness of cotton smoke from a smouldering fire that is required to trigger the alarm. This test isn't carried out for heat alarms, which are tested to a different programme. Only applicable to smoke alarms.

Cotton fires

How we test cotton fires

Plastics fires

How we test plastics fires

We measure the amount and thickness of smoke from a plastics fire that is required to trigger the alarm. This test isn't carried out for heat alarms, which are tested to a different programme. Only applicable to smoke alarms.

Plastics fires

How we test plastics fires

Solvent fires

How we test solvent fires

We measure the amount and thickness of smoke from a solvents fire that's required to trigger the alarm. This test isn't carried out for heat alarms, which are tested to a different programme. Only applicable to smoke alarms.

Solvent fires

How we test solvent fires

Sound output

How we test sound output

Sound output is based on decibel levels, measured in a fully soundproofed chamber. Three stars or above are louder than 85dB – the equivalent of a lawn mower. Ones rated two stars or below should probably be avoided by those with poor hearing. This test isn't carried out for heat alarms, which are tested to a different programme. Only applicable to smoke alarms.

Ease of use

How we test ease of use

Ease of use includes clarity of instructions including installation and maintenance, how simple it is to insert and replace the battery, use the hush button and any interconnectivity features. This test isn't carried out for heat alarms, which are tested to a different programme. Only applicable to smoke alarms.

General
Type	Smoke alarm
Power source	Mains only
Technology	Optical smoke alarm
Wood fire response time (Smoke alarms only)
Cotton fire response time (Smoke alarms only)
Plastics fire response time (Smoke alarms only)
Solvent fire response time (Smoke alarms only)

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In Stock£45.50

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Buying a smoke alarm isn't enough when it comes to fire safety – you need to buy the right one for your home and position it correctly. Find out how.
How we test smoke alarms and heat alarms
To uncover the Best Buy smoke alarms that you can trust, we put every smoke alarm we review to the test against four different types of fire. And for heat alarms - which detect rapid temperature rises - we run five heat detection tests to check how well they work.
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Which smoke alarm should you buy - ionisation, optical or heat alarm? Find out how to choose the best smoke alarm for your home.

All smoke alarm advice

AicoEI3016

Lowest available price

Sign up to unlock the full expert review

pros

cons

How we test smoke alarms and heat alarms

Wood fires

Wood fires

Cotton fires

Cotton fires

Plastics fires

Plastics fires

Solvent fires

Solvent fires

Sound output

Ease of use

Compare retailers

How this product's score compares with other smoke alarms we've tested

Suggested Alternatives

Aico

Nest

FireAngel

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AicoEI3016

Lowest available price

pros

cons

Test results

Specifications

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Suggested Alternatives

Aico

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FireAngel

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