Introduction: HAK/1 Hush‑ActiV Grade C Domestic Fire Alarm Kit — Key features at a glance
The HAK/1 Hush‑ActiV Grade C Domestic Fire Alarm Kit is a pre‑packaged conventional alarm solution designed for a single flat, house or apartment that needs a monitored, standards‑compliant upgrade from basic mains/battery alarms. Built around the low‑level Hush‑ActiV controller, the kit includes EN54‑certified ActiV detectors (multi‑sensor, optical smoke and 60°C heat), a 230 V → 24 V DC 250 mA power supply, a replaceable 72‑hour Li‑Ion standby battery and a compact controller that fits a standard UK double‑gang back box.
Key features include BS 5839‑6:2019 Grade C compliance when installed correctly, monitored wiring (open/short/detector removal), TEST and HUSH controls, LED indicators for Supply / Fault / Alarm / Hushed, and an on‑board feedback sounder. The kit is intended to give homeowners and installers a straightforward route to a monitored domestic alarm without the complexity of full commercial panels.
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Model: HAK/1 (ITM002044)
- Product type: Grade C conventional domestic alarm kit
- Standards: Designed to meet BS 5839‑6:2019 (Grade C); ActiV detectors are EN54‑certified
- Supply: 230 V AC → 24 V DC via included 250 mA PSU
- Battery: Replaceable 2 Ah Li‑Ion providing up to 72 hours standby (quoted >10 years expected battery life in normal use)
- Total output current limit: 100 mA (quiescent ≈ 5 mA)
- Zones & sounders: Single conventional detector zone, one conventional sounder circuit, onboard feedback sounder
- Controls & indicators: TEST and HUSH push buttons; LEDs for Supply / Fault / Alarm / Hushed; monitored for open/short, PSU status and detector removal
- Controller size & environmental: 146 × 85 × 25 mm (fits UK double‑gang), IP40, operating −5°C to +40°C, Max RH 95%
- Standards assurance: Using EN54 ActiV detectors and a kit designed for BS 5839‑6:2019 Grade C gives installers a clear route to compliance for single dwellings where a monitored Grade C system is specified.
- Simple, accessible control: The low‑level double‑gang Hush controller is designed to be mounted at light‑switch height for easy user access. TEST and HUSH push buttons, plus clear LEDs, simplify everyday operation for occupants.
- 72‑hour standby battery: A replaceable Li‑Ion battery provides extended autonomy during power loss — useful in rural areas or where longer outage resilience is desired. The quoted long battery life (>10 years in normal use) reduces ongoing maintenance frequency.
- Monitored wiring: The controller actively monitors for open/short circuits, PSU faults and detector removal. This level of supervision significantly improves system reliability compared with unmonitored mains/battery alarms.
- Compact and tidy installation: The controller’s small footprint (double‑gang) keeps the installation neat and minimally invasive in a domestic setting.
- Expandable platform: Although aimed at single‑dwelling Grade C installations, the kit forms part of the ActiV family and can be expanded into larger LD2/LD1 designs if requirements change.
Use cases and scenarios where the HAK/1 excels
The HAK/1 is aimed squarely at single dwellings and apartments where a monitored domestic solution is required without the complexity of full addressable systems. Typical use cases include:
- Upgrading an older property from a basic interconnected mains/battery alarm to a monitored Grade C system that meets BS 5839‑6:2019.
- Rental flats and HMO units where landlords or managing agents want a recognised Grade C solution to increase occupant safety and demonstrate compliance.
- Retrofitting in homes where minimal visual intrusion is desired — the compact controller fits behind a conventional double‑gang faceplate and detectors are standard ActiV devices that sit unobtrusively on ceilings.
- Properties with intermittent power supply or those in rural areas: the 72‑hour battery provides resilience during outages and ensures alarm availability for longer periods than common short‑duration batteries.
- Installations where a straightforward, easy‑to‑use hush/test interface is important for occupants — the HUSH function reduces nuisance alarms (e.g., from cooking) while maintaining system integrity.
How it compares with similar products on the market
When comparing the HAK/1 to other domestic alarm solutions, consider three broad categories: basic mains/battery alarms, wireless domestic kits, and more sophisticated addressable or multi‑zone systems.
Standard consumer detectors often interconnect but lack supervised wiring, monitored power supplies and standards‑based documentation. The HAK/1’s monitored circuitry (open/short/detector removal) and dedicated PSU plus standby battery provide a higher level of reliability and traceability. For landlords or homeowners targeting BS 5839‑6 compliance, the HAK/1 is a clear step up.
Wireless kits offer flexible installation and often faster deployment where wiring is difficult. However, wireless links introduce battery maintenance and potential RF reliability concerns. The HAK/1’s wired, monitored approach removes RF as a failure mode and delivers predictable behaviour and easier ongoing supervision. That said, if re‑wiring cavities or access is impractical, a wireless option may still be preferable.
Addressable panels and multi‑zone systems deliver finer‑grained detection, sophisticated reporting and are suited to larger or multi‑occupancy buildings. For a single flat or small house, they are often over‑specified and costlier. The HAK/1 targets the middle ground: significantly better than consumer alarms in terms of monitoring and standards compliance, but simpler and lower cost than full commercial systems.
- Total output current is limited to 100 mA, which constrains the number and type of additional devices you can add to the controller.
- As a Grade C conventional kit, it offers one zone only — suitable for single dwellings but not for larger properties requiring zoned detection coverage.
- Installation must be carried out by a competent person following current regulations and the product manual to achieve the claimed Grade C compliance.
Customer feedback and installer observations
At the time of writing, no formal public customer testimonials were provided with the product brief. Installers and specifiers evaluating devices like the HAK/1 typically comment positively on the balance between simplicity and standards compliance. Common installer observations for kits in this class include:
- Ease of installation — the compact double‑gang controller and standard detector bases simplify retrofit jobs.
- Reduced call‑backs — supervised wiring and a reliable PSU reduce false faults and unexpected failures compared with unsupervised consumer alarms.
- User acceptance — the low‑level HUSH/TEST interface is familiar to occupants and helps reduce nuisance alarm complaints.
If you are considering the HAK/1 for a project, ask your supplier for sample installations or local installer feedback, and confirm whether they can provide any customer references or case studies specific to your use case.
Pricing, support and buying considerations
The suggested retail price is listed at £269.99 (check supplier pricing and whether VAT should be included in consumer quotes). The kit’s supplied components — EN54 ActiV detectors, diode bases, base sounder and PSU — represent a packaged solution that can reduce parts sourcing time. Warranty details were not provided in the supplied brief; always verify warranty and aftercare support with your vendor before purchase.
Conclusion: Why choose the HAK/1 Hush‑ActiV Grade C kit?
The HAK/1 Hush‑ActiV kit occupies a practical and well‑defined niche: homeowners, landlords and installers who need a monitored Grade C domestic alarm that is simple to install, easy for occupants to use, and based on EN54‑certified detectors. Its combination of a low‑level Hush controller, 24 V PSU, a long‑standby replaceable battery and monitored circuitry gives you a reliable, standards‑aligned upgrade from basic consumer alarms without the cost and complexity of full‑scale addressable systems.
For single flats, small houses or rental units where BS 5839‑6:2019 Grade C is required or recommended, the HAK/1 offers a compact, cost effective and practical solution. Before purchase, confirm the detector mix for your specific installation, check warranty and aftercare from the supplier, and ensure a competent person installs the kit to achieve the intended compliance and performance.
In short: if you want a monitored, standards‑based domestic alarm that is straightforward to install and operate, the HAK/1 Hush‑ActiV Grade C kit is a strong choice that balances safety, usability and value.
