Introduction to the Hochiki CHQ-WPK Weatherproof Kit and its key features
The Hochiki Weatherproof Kit CHQ-WPK is a purpose-built back box and gasket kit designed to convert compatible Hochiki CHQ series wall sounders and sounder/beacons for reliable outdoor use. When installed according to the manufacturer's instructions the kit upgrades the external ingress protection of CHQ‑WS2 and CHQ‑WSB2 devices to IP65, providing protection against dust ingress and low-pressure water jets from any direction.
This accessory is aimed at installers, facilities managers and specifiers who need to protect addressable wall sounders in exposed or harsh environments without replacing the entire device. Supplied in red (with a white variant available from some resellers), the kit typically includes a watertight back box, gasket set and mounting fixings, making it a compact and cost-effective weatherproofing solution.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The CHQ-WPK is straightforward in design but offers several practical benefits that make it valuable on many job sites. Key specifications and attributes include:
- Function:Weatherproof back box and gasket kit specifically for Hochiki CHQ‑WS2 and CHQ‑WSB2 wall sounders/sounder-beacons.
- Resulting IP rating:Upgrades external protection to IP65 when fitted per the manufacturers instructions.
- Compatibility:Designed to fit the CHQ‑WS2 and CHQ‑WSB2 units and to work with both standard and isolator bases.
- Package contents:Typically supplied with the watertight back box, one or more gaskets and mounting screws/installation fixings. Pack contents can vary by distributor.
- Colours:Supplied in red. A white variant (CHQ-WPK(WHT)) may be available from some resellers.
- Manufacturer & part number:Hochiki, part no. CHQ‑WPK (sometimes referenced as WS2‑WPK in listings).
- Intended use:Retrofit weatherproofing for compatible CHQ wall sounders, allowing their use in external or harsh indoor/outdoor environments.
- Material/Dimensions/Weight/Compliance markings:Insufficient data provided in the listing. Always consult the manufacturers datasheet for detailed mechanical, material and conformity information.
Benefits at a glance:
- Cost-effective:Upgrading a sounders weather resistance with a kit is typically cheaper than replacing the entire unit with a purpose-built outdoor model.
- Fast installation:The kit is designed to integrate with the existing CHQ product family, helping reduce on-site labour and complexity.
- Maintains compatibility:It supports both standard and isolator bases, reducing the need for base changes or rewiring.
- IP65 protection:When correctly installed, the kit prevents dust ingress and resists water jets, which is suitable for many external environments like covered facades, canopies and loading bays.
Use cases and scenarios where the CHQ-WPK excels
The CHQ-WPK kit is particularly useful wherever an existing CHQ‑WS2 or CHQ‑WSB2 needs protection from the elements without switching to an entirely new device. Typical scenarios include:
- External building facades:Sounders mounted beneath eaves, on walls or on covered external walkways can be upgraded to IP65 protection while preserving the existing fire alarm loop wiring.
- Parking structures and loading bays:Areas with exposure to spray, dirt and condensation benefit from the additional ingress protection to maintain reliable alarm operation.
- Temporary or semi-permanent outdoor installations:Events, site offices and temporary structures that require compliant alarm signaling can use retrofit kits to make standard sounders usable outdoors.
- Agricultural, marine-adjacent or industrial sites:Environments with airborne dust, splashes or routine wash-downs (subject to IP65 limits) are better served when devices are protected to an appropriate ingress rating.
- Refurbishment and retrofit projects:When upgrading or maintaining existing systems, the kit allows the continued use of CHQ series devices without wholesale replacement, lowering cost and downtime.
It is important to remember that the IP65 rating applies only when the kit is fitted correctly to a compatible sounder and base. Installation should follow the manufacturers instructions and be carried out by a qualified fire alarm engineer or competent person. The kit is not a substitute for devices rated for full immersion or for environments requiring higher ingress protection (e.g., IP66/IP67) unless the manufacturer confirms suitability.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
There are a few approaches to making indoor sounders suitable for outdoor use, and the CHQ-WPK should be considered in context:
- Retrofit back box kits (like CHQ-WPK):These are typically the most cost-effective and fastest to install when you already have compatible devices. They preserve the existing device and often simplify procurement and stocking of spares.
- Fully weatherproof sounders/beacons:Some manufacturers supply sounders that are intrinsically rated for outdoor use without additional enclosures. These provide higher assurance in exposed locations but usually cost more and may require replacement of the installed device rather than a simple retrofit.
- Generic weatherproof enclosures:Off-the-shelf junction boxes or universal enclosures can sometimes be adapted for sounders; however, these may not be optimised for cable entry, mounting, or acoustic performance and can void device approvals if not approved by the manufacturer.
- Sealing compounds and grommets:Silicone sealants and specialised grommets can be used to reduce ingress but rarely provide a clearly defined IP rating the way a manufacturer-engineered kit does.
Compared with replacing a sounder with a dedicated outdoor model, the CHQ-WPK offers a balance of cost savings and practical performance when the constraints of the site mean IP65 is sufficient. When specifying for very exposed coastal, high-pressure wash-down or submerged environments, seek devices or solutions with higher ingress protection or consult the manufacturer directly.
Customer feedback and testimonials
There are no verified public customer testimonials included with the manufacturers product listing provided here. However, common feedback themes reported by installers and systems integrators when using similar retrofit weatherproof kits typically include:
- Ease of installation:Installers often note that purpose-made kits fit the existing product family well and reduce installation time compared with fabricating bespoke solutions.
- Value for money:Many users appreciate the lower cost of retrofitting existing sounders instead of buying new outdoor-rated units.
- Improved longevity:In suitable environments the additional seal and back box reduce maintenance visits caused by ingress-related faults.
If objective, site-specific performance feedback is needed, request demonstration samples from your supplier or ask for case studies and references from installers who have used the CHQ-WPK on comparable sites. Always check distributor listings or independent reseller reviews for more detailed user comments where available.
Conclusion: Why the CHQ-WPK is a strong choice
For projects that use Hochiki CHQ‑WS2 or CHQ‑WSB2 devices and require reliable protection against dust and water jets, the CHQ-WPK weatherproof kit represents a straightforward, cost-effective retrofit option. It upgrades the device to IP65 when correctly installed, maintains compatibility with standard and isolator bases, and reduces the need for device replacement in many common outdoor and semi-exposed installations.
Key reasons to consider the CHQ-WPK include its cost-effectiveness compared with full device replacement, reduced installation time and the security of using a kit designed specifically for the CHQ product family. As with all weatherproofing solutions, confirm the kit meets the environmental demands of your site and consult the Hochiki datasheet and installation guide for the definitive technical and compliance details.
For pricing context, the kit is positioned as an economical accessory in the fire alarm accessories category. Suggested retail pricing may vary, so obtain current distributor quotes, and always ensure installation is performed by a qualified professional to preserve warranty and safety compliance.
