Ei Electronics Ei650: smoke alarm with sealed 10-year battery

The Ei650 is a battery-powered smoke alarm from Irish manufacturer Ei Electronics for living spaces, hallways and bedrooms. It uses a photoelectric sensor that detects smoke particles in its chamber by the light they scatter. According to the manufacturer, one alarm covers an area of up to 60 m².

Power comes from a sealed 3 V lithium battery that Ei Electronics rates for at least ten years. There's no battery to change: at the end of its life you replace the whole unit. The alarm tests itself every 16 seconds and compensates for dust building up in the chamber. Because the Ei650 doesn't flash routinely in normal operation, it won't disturb you at night in the bedroom.

When it goes off, the siren reaches 85 dB(A) at three metres according to the data sheet. The large button works as a test and hush button, and the manufacturer says you can operate it from the floor. The alarm is tested to EN 14604 and carries the Q-Label, which stands for longer service life and better resistance to false alarms. A mounting plate, screws and wall plugs are included.

Worth knowing: the Ei650 is a standalone alarm without wireless interconnection; if you want linked alarms, look at the radio-linked Ei650RF. The battery can't be replaced. Smoke alarms aren't suitable for kitchens and bathrooms because of steam. How many alarms you need and where they must go is set by the building regulations of your German state.