We have a number of the Ei141 alarms around the house. All are interconnected. All seem to need replacement batteries at least as often as our old battery only units. What does the mains actually do? I has assumed that the battery was only to cover a power outage, but with most lasting less than a year, that is clearly not the case. The units are probably about 4 years old, so still relatively new.
Currently, one of the units is causing similar problems to everyone else... it is complaining of an expired battery but is continuing even after a new one is installed. I have tried several new batteries with no success. The mains light is fine so I do not think there is a problem with the wiring.
If (as this forums posts suggest) the batteries are so unreliable, is it possible to replace the 141 model with the 161 model which has a built in battery? Is it more reliable? Safety equipment which is not reliable is clearly an anachronism... and it worries me!
Thanks.