Hochiki Ekho Hybrid Wireless Multi-Sensor, Smoke and A1R Heat Detector EK-WL8-OH

Overview

Running fire alarm cable through a finished building can mean chasing walls and lifting floors. This Hochiki Ekho detector talks to the system by radio instead, so the job stays cleaner and quicker.

It suits installers adding detection to occupied buildings, and owners who want less disruption on site.

How it works

• Two sensors: it combines smoke detection with A1R heat detection. Using both can help reduce unwanted alarms.
• A1R heat: a heat detector class that responds to a fast rise in temperature as well as a fixed temperature. In most cases it suits rooms with a normal working temperature.
• Two-way radio: the link is bi-directional, and the detector self optimises its wireless amplitude and frequency to keep the signal steady.
• Fully intelligent: each detector is an intelligent device that reports through Ekho Translator and Expander modules.

Where to use it

It works from - 10 °C to + 55 °C with humidity up to 95% RH, non-condensing. That covers most indoor rooms and corridors.

Where steam or fumes are normal, such as kitchens, the A1R heat only mode can be the better choice. Settle the mode with whoever designs the fire alarm system.

What the figures mean in practice

• 1200 m range: the open air figure. Inside, walls, floors and metalwork shorten it, so plan positions with a survey.
• 10 years battery life: the primary battery figure, and it depends on operational usage. The secondary cell lasts up to 3 months.
• ≤ 25 mW: the maximum radiated power, a low output typical of short range radio devices.

Installing it

Fit the CR123A primary cell and the CR2032A secondary cell, then enrol the detector to an Ekho module. The in-built magnet test then gives a quick check that the detector responds.

The tamper switch helps show if the detector is removed. As a rule, record each device's position as it is enrolled.

Planning your system

The radio devices work with Ekho Translator and Expander modules.

Other heads in the range include the EK-WL8-O optical smoke detector and the EK-WL8-H wireless heat detector.

For the rest of the system, browse Hochiki fire equipment and the wider wireless fire alarm range. The guide to heat detectors explains when heat sensing beats smoke.

Standards and ratings explained

• BS EN 54-5 and BS EN 54-7: the standards for heat point detectors and smoke detectors.
• BS EN54-25: the standard for fire alarm components that use radio links.
• BS EN54-29: the standard for multi-sensor fire detectors.