Introduction: Meet the Hochiki YBO-R/3(RED) Red Mounting Base
The Hochiki YBO-R/3(RED) is a purpose-built, non-electronic mounting base designed specifically for Hochiki ESP wall sounders (CHQ-WS2) and wall sounder-beacons (CHQ-WSB2). Built to provide a reliable mechanical and wiring interface, this red, gloss-finish base combines a slim profile with robust stainless-steel contacts and practical cable management. Whether you are specifying components for new alarm installations or carrying out maintenance and retrofits, the YBO-R/3(RED) offers a straightforward, colour-matched solution that keeps wiring neat and connections dependable.
Key Features at a Glance
- Compatibility with Hochiki CHQ-WS2 and CHQ-WSB2 wall sounders/sounder-beacons.
- Electronics-free design for simplicity and long-term reliability.
- Rugged stainless-steel contacts to ensure consistent electrical connections.
- Accepts up to 2.5 mm² conductors using supplied square cable clamps.
- Slim profile of approximately 13 mm for a low visual presence on walls.
- Red gloss finish to match red alarm devices, with flexible fixing centres (48–74 mm).
Detailed Specifications and Benefits
The technical specification of the YBO-R/3(RED) underscores its practical design. The model number YBO-R/3(RED) identifies a base intended specifically for Hochiki wall sounder products; it is not an electronic adapter or isolator but a mechanical and wiring interface. The base uses stainless-steel contacts to provide corrosion-resistant, durable connection points that maintain conductivity over time — an important advantage in environments where reliability is critical.
One of the most useful practical details is the cable capacity. The base accepts conductors up to 2.5 mm² and is supplied with square cable clamps to secure terminations. This size covers the majority of typical fire alarm and detection system wiring runs, while the supplied clamps simplify installation and reduce the need for additional small-parts purchases.
Another notable benefit is the slim profile. At approximately 13 mm thickness the YBO-R/3(RED) presents a low visual profile, which helps installations look tidy and minimally intrusive. The colour-matched red gloss finish also ensures that devices installed with this base look cohesive with red alarm devices — a helpful aesthetic and regulatory consideration for public spaces.
Fixing centres between 48 mm and 74 mm provide flexibility for mounting on different electrical back boxes or directly to walls, reducing the need for additional mounting accessories. The plastic body combined with stainless-steel contacts offers a balance of low weight, insulation, and durability.
Use Cases and Ideal Scenarios
The YBO-R/3(RED) is best suited to several common scenarios encountered by installers, facilities managers, and system designers:
- New fire alarm installations that use Hochiki CHQ-WS2 or CHQ-WSB2 wall sounders — the base provides a matched mechanical and wiring interface for a clean, professional installation.
- Retrofits and upgrades where existing sounder locations need a low-profile base to improve appearance or replace worn mounting hardware without changing the sounder electronics.
- Environments where cable runs use conductors up to 2.5 mm² — the supplied square cable clamps make secure terminations straightforward and quick.
- Public and commercial spaces where visual consistency is important — the red gloss finish aligns the base visually with red alarm devices for a cohesive look.
- Maintenance settings where simplicity matters: because the base is electronics-free, there are fewer failure modes and simpler fault diagnosis compared with electronic mounting bases.
Comparisons with Similar Products on the Market
When comparing the YBO-R/3(RED) to other mounting bases, several differentiators emerge. First, the electronics-free design contrasts with some bases on the market that include passive or active electronics such as built-in resistors, diodes, or monitoring components. Electronic bases can be useful where circuit supervision or polarity protection is required, but they add complexity and additional points of failure. The YBO-R/3(RED) opts for mechanical simplicity and rugged contacts, which appeals to installers who prefer minimal additional components between the device and the circuit.
In terms of physical profile, many generic or legacy bases are deeper and bulkier. The YBO-R/3(RED)'s slim ≈13 mm profile offers an aesthetic advantage and reduces protrusion from the wall — useful in corridors, offices, and areas where a discreet installation is preferred.
Cable capacity is another comparison point. The YBO-R/3(RED) accepts up to 2.5 mm² conductors, which is adequate for the vast majority of fire alarm applications. Some competitor bases may accept larger conductors or offer alternative clamp styles, but they may not be tailored to the specific mechanical interface of the CHQ-WS2/CHQ-WSB2 sounders. Where exact compatibility with Hochiki devices is required, the YBO-R/3(RED) is the safer choice.
Installation, Compliance and Practical Notes
Installation should be performed by a qualified installer and carried out in accordance with local regulations and the Hochiki datasheet and installation instructions. The manufacturer provides mechanical dimensions and wiring diagrams that should be referenced during planning and installation. For certification information such as CE/UKCA details, installers should consult the manufacturer or accompanying product documentation to confirm compliance with applicable standards.
Price guidance:the product is competitively priced for what it delivers. For reference, typical supply pricing is in the low single-digit range per unit, reflecting its role as a small but essential mechanical accessory in a larger system.
What Installers and Users Say (Customer Perspectives)
While there are no named customer testimonials included with the technical documentation, installer feedback and marketplace commentary commonly highlight a few recurring positives for this kind of base:
- Ease of installation: installers appreciate the supplied square clamps and the simple, reliable stainless contacts that reduce installation time and rework.
- Durability: the robust contact design and corrosion-resistant stainless steel are often mentioned as contributors to long service life in both commercial and light industrial settings.
- Aesthetics: the slim profile and colour-matching are praised when projects require a neat visual finish.
If you require direct customer reviews or case studies for procurement records, consider requesting references from your supplier or checking installer forums and industry review sites for project-specific feedback.
Conclusion: Why the YBO-R/3(RED) Is a Solid Choice
The Hochiki YBO-R/3(RED) Red Mounting Base is a practical, focused accessory designed to make installation and long-term deployment of CHQ-WS2 and CHQ-WSB2 wall sounders easier and more reliable. Its electronics-free construction, stainless-steel contacts, and supplied cable clamps make it a dependable choice for installers who value simplicity and robustness. The slim 13 mm profile and red gloss finish ensure devices look professional and unobtrusive once installed.
For new installs, retrofits, and maintenance work where compatibility with Hochiki wall sounders is required, the YBO-R/3(RED) removes guesswork and provides a secure, aesthetically consistent mounting solution. Always follow the relevant installation guidance and local regulations, and consult Hochiki documentation for certification details. Taken together, these attributes make the YBO-R/3(RED) a sensible, cost-effective choice for professional alarm installations.
- Model:YBO-R/3(RED)
- Compatible devices:Hochiki CHQ-WS2 & CHQ-WSB2
- Cable capacity:Up to 2.5 mm² (square clamps supplied)
- Profile thickness:≈13 mm
- Finish:Red, gloss plastic with stainless-steel contacts
