Direct answer

An EK-WL8-OUT that does not operate during testing is usually a monitored-circuit or settings problem rather than a failed module. The output and the external fault input are monitored and each needs a 5.6 kOhm end-of-line resistor, and the load has to be between 40 Ohm and 25 kOhm, with a 22 kOhm 2 W resistor fitted for a load above 25 kOhm. Then check the device settings at the EK-WL8-TRH menu, where Output type must be Standard and FLT input must be On, and confirm that the address, zone and cause and effect programming actually drive that output for the event you are testing.

Applies to

Products / Models: EK-WL8-OUT (Ekho hybrid wireless single output module); EK-WL8-TRH (Ekho translator, used to change the module settings)
Firmware / Version: All versions (procedure verified against EK-WL8-OUT installation manual STFV.425419.005-E-UM rev. 25)
Region: Not applicable
Standards: BS EN 54-18 (input/output devices), BS EN 54-25 (components using radio links)

Symptoms

The load connected to the module does not operate when the panel signals the condition that should drive it.
The LED on the module flashes yellow, which indicates a fault on the battery, the FLT input or the LINE input, instead of the red flashes synchronised with relay switching that show the device is activated.
A fault is reported for the module at the translator or at the panel.

Likely causes

A missing or wrong-value 5.6 kOhm end-of-line resistor on the monitored output or on the external fault input.
A load outside the specified range, or wiring to the wrong terminals.
Output type or FLT input set to something other than Standard and On. FLT input is Off by default, so a module that has never been configured will have the external fault input unmonitored.
Addressing, zoning or cause and effect programming that does not drive this output for the event being tested.
The enclosure left open or not fully closed, which raises a tamper fault (Tamper is enabled by default).
A marginal radio link or a battery fault on the module.
A hardware failure of the module itself.

Resolution

Agree the test with the people responsible for the building. An EK-WL8-OUT switches dampers, plant shutdown or other equipment, so every test that drives the output operates that equipment for real, and a test that generates a fire condition at the panel can send a signal to an alarm receiving centre. Before you start, confirm that the plant the module controls can be operated safely, and agree whether any monitoring connection should be disabled for the duration of the work and reinstated afterwards.
Check the end-of-line resistors. High voltage can be applied to the terminals of an EK-WL8-OUT, so disconnect the mains input before you change any connection or open the enclosure, and make sure that any power supply connected to the POWER terminals has an output current limit of 8 A. The EK-WL8-OUT monitors its output and its external fault input, and both need a 5.6 kOhm end-of-line resistor fitted as shown in the connection diagrams in STFV.425419.005-E-UM. A missing or wrong-value resistor is reported as a fault.
Check the terminals and the load. The module has DMP, FLT, POWER, LINE, com, 2+ and 1+ terminals. In switched-voltage mode the supply is transferred to the com and 1+ terminals, and a connection from there to a third-party relay is required; in contact mode a normally open contact is provided, which closes on a fire condition. Use the connection diagrams in STFV.425419.005-E-UM to identify the exact terminals for the mode you are using. The module has no normally closed output, so a fail-safe function has to be built with an external relay. Load resistance must be between 40 Ohm and 25 kOhm; for a load above 25 kOhm fit a 22 kOhm 2 W resistor as shown in the manual. The FLT input and its circuit should be accessible to users after installation and should not be connected to any other low-voltage circuit.
Check the module settings at the EK-WL8-TRH menu. Output type must be Standard and FLT input must be set to On; other modes should not be used. Output type is already Standard when the module leaves the factory, but FLT input is Off, so check it on every module rather than assuming the default is correct. Leave POWER monitoring disabled unless the POWER input condition genuinely needs to be monitored.
Check the address, zone and cause and effect programming. Confirm the address and zone of the EK-WL8-OUT, review which events are meant to trigger the output, confirm that the output is in the correct group and that the group is being triggered by your test, and make sure the test event you generate matches the condition the output is programmed to respond to.
Check the radio link and the device status. Read the RF link quality and the battery status for the module in the Ekho Configuration software. If the signal is marginal, move the device, change the location of the translator or expander (EK-WL8-EXP). Confirm that the device is paired with the correct translator and that no communication faults are reported.
Swap test. Temporarily move the same wiring and load to a known good output module. If the load operates there, the wiring and load are sound and the problem is the original module or its configuration; if it still does not operate, suspect the load or the wiring.
Address swap test. Give a known good module the address and cause and effect role of the faulty one. If the known good device now operates on that address, the original module has probably failed; if neither device operates on that address, the addressing or the cause and effect programming is at fault.

When to contact technical support

Contact Hochiki Europe technical support if the output still does not operate after the end-of-line resistors, the load, the module settings and the cause and effect programming have been checked, if the address swap test points to a hardware failure, or if you have not completed Ekho training. Formal training is required to design, install and commission Ekho systems. For warranty terms and the returns procedure, see Warranty, Returns & Support.

Safety note

This article is general guidance for Hochiki Europe products. Design, installation, commissioning, maintenance and modification of fire detection and alarm systems should be carried out by, or under the responsibility of, a competent person in accordance with the applicable standards (for example BS 5839-1 in the UK). Statutory requirements imposed by the relevant enforcing authority also apply. Always refer to the current product manual and data sheet for the exact model before carrying out any work.

References

The installation manuals listed above are not published documents.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-12 — Reviewed by: Hochiki Europe Technical Support

Why is my Ekho EK-WL8-OUT output module in fault or not operate during testing?

Check the 5.6 kOhm end-of-line resistors and the load first, then the module settings at the EK-WL8-TRH menu, then the addressing and cause and effect programming.