Aico’s SmartLINK Radio Frequency (RF) technology has played a pivotal role in delivering a flexible and innovative fire detection solution for a housing development in Galston, Scotland, led by East Ayrshire Council.
Aico’s SmartLINK Radio Frequency Technology
Building on the success of Aico’s established RadioLINK technology, which wirelessly interconnects alarms to ensure clear audibility throughout a property, SmartLINK is the next innovation.
By incorporating data monitoring capabilities, SmartLINK enables a more intelligent approach to fire safety. When an Ei3000MRF SmartLINK module is added to any alarm in the 3000 Series, it allows for remote access to system data, enabling monitoring and extraction without the need to enter the property. This not only improves efficiency but also enhances ongoing maintenance and compliance.
James Frew Ltd
The project was delivered by James Frew Ltd, a highly respected electrical contractor with over a century of experience in building services. Established in 1911, the company is one of Scotland’s largest privately owned providers in the sector.
With extensive expertise in housing, compliance, and maintenance, James Frew Ltd works closely with local authorities and housing providers to deliver safe, high-quality electrical installations. The company is also recognised as an Aico Gold Standard Installer, an accreditation awarded to contractors who demonstrate best practice, ongoing professional development, and exceptional workmanship in the installation of domestic Fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detection systems.
This recognition requires completion of Aico’s Expert Installer training and their City & Guilds assured course in domestic Fire and CO alarm systems, and registration with governing bodies such as NICEIC, NAPIT, SELECT, or FIA.
Aico’s Bespoke Support
The project began when David Martin, Electrical Manager at James Frew Ltd, consulted with Aico’s Relationship Manager, Russell Virtue, after reviewing East Ayrshire Council’s fire detection specification.
The brief called for a bespoke system capable of managing both individual dwelling protection and communal fire detection, while ensuring residents would only be alerted when appropriate, depending on the location of a fire event. This presented several technical challenges, particularly around how alarms in private dwellings and communal areas could interact without causing unnecessary disruption.
Working collaboratively, Aico and James Frew Ltd designed a solution using SmartLINK RF technology. By leveraging wireless interconnection, the system could support complex communication scenarios without the need for extensive additional wiring, saving time on installation while maintaining flexibility.
Flexible Installation for Complex Environments
A key advantage of SmartLINK RF technology is its ability to support multiple alarm configurations within a single building. For this development, several tailored solutions were implemented:
- Interlinked dwellings across the block
Fire detection systems within individual flats can be linked across the building, enabling a coordinated response where required while maintaining clear communication between properties. - Integration of communal and domestic systems
Communal areas, such as corridors and stairwells, are connected to individual dwellings without interfering with each property’s internal alarm network. This ensures residents receive early warning of incidents in shared spaces. - Minimised disruption between properties
When an alarm is triggered within a single dwelling, the alert remains contained within that property. This prevents unnecessary disturbance to neighbouring residents while ensuring immediate warning for those affected.
Collaborative Installation and Commissioning
After confirming that Aico’s RF technology could meet the council’s specification, the project progressed to installation by the James Frew Ltd electrical team. Throughout the process, Aico provided technical support and worked alongside the contractor to ensure the system was configured correctly.
Aico specialists also assisted with on-site commissioning, helping to verify that the RF communication and alarm linking solutions operated as required. This collaborative approach ensured the final installation met both the technical specification and the practical safety needs of the building’s residents.
Supporting Safer, Smarter Housing
The successful implementation of this system in Galston demonstrates how Aico’s unique RF fire detection technology can provide adaptable solutions for complex residential environments. By combining flexible alarm linking with clear communication between communal and private spaces, the system delivers a balanced approach to fire safety while minimising unnecessary disturbance for residents.
Through close collaboration between East Ayrshire Council, James Frew Ltd and Aico, the project highlights how innovative technology and strong partnership working can deliver effective fire safety solutions in social housing developments.
To find out more about Aico’s SmartLINK technology, click here.
