Introduction to the Haydon 24V Fire Relay (HAY-FIRE-24R) and its key features
The Haydon 24V Fire Relay, model HAY-FIRE-24R, is a compact, surface-mounted relay module designed specifically for fire alarm and detector systems. Supplied in a plastic faceplate with a deep surface back box, this unit provides a reliable double-pole (DP) volt-free relay output suitable for driving sirens, releasing doors, controlling auxiliary devices or interfacing with other circuits. Lightweight and straightforward to install, the HAY-FIRE-24R combines a focused feature set with a three-year manufacturer warranty, making it an appealing choice for installers, integrators and facilities managers looking for a simple and dependable switching solution.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The HAY-FIRE-24R is engineered with the practical needs of fire alarm applications in mind. The following technical highlights are central to its performance and user benefits:
- Operating voltage:24 V DC ±10% — compatible with standard 24V fire system control circuits.
- Nominal coil current:22 mA — a low current draw that reduces loading on the host panel and power supplies.
- Relay contacts:Double‑pole (DP), volt‑free — provides two isolated switching paths for greater flexibility and safety when controlling separate circuits or achieving changeover functions.
- Coil impedance:1,067 Ω — contributes to predictable coil behaviour and helps installers verify wiring and supply characteristics.
- Physical size and mounting:Compact 86 × 86 mm faceplate with a supplied deep surface back box (depth including base 62 mm) for neat surface wiring and conduit entry where needed.
- Enclosure:Plastic — lightweight (~0.2 kg), corrosion-resistant and suitable for most indoor installations.
- Warranty:3 years — demonstrates manufacturer confidence and reduces lifecycle risk for end users.
These specifications translate into several practical benefits. The double‑pole volt‑free contacts allow the relay to isolate and switch signals without introducing additional mains voltages to the controlled circuit, which is crucial for many fire detection and alarm interface applications. The low coil current means the relay imposes minimal burden on existing control loops — a significant advantage when deploying multiple modules on a single system. The deep back box simplifies installation by providing room for wiring terminations and ensuring a tidy surface-mounted appearance.
Use cases and scenarios where the HAY-FIRE-24R excels
The HAY-FIRE-24R is purpose-built for situations that require a reliable, externally-mounted switching device tied to a fire alarm or detector system. Typical use cases include:
- Siren and sounder control:The relay can switch power or control lines to external sirens and sounders, especially where a volt-free activation contact is required.
- Door release and interlock systems:Use the DP relay to control electromagnetic door releases while simultaneously switching an interlock or auxiliary circuit for coordinated behaviour during evacuation sequences.
- Auxiliary device activation:Trigger ventilation dampers, fire doors, strobes or other auxiliary devices that are part of a coordinated emergency response plan.
- Interface circuits:Provide isolation between the fire system and third-party equipment (access control, building management systems, or remote monitoring links) where a clean, volt‑free contact is required.
- Retrofit and surface-mount projects:The supplied deep back box and compact footprint make the HAY-FIRE-24R ideal for retrofitting into existing buildings where flush mounting is not possible or where surface routing of cables is preferred.
In short, the HAY-FIRE-24R shines in environments that need a small, dependable relay that conforms to the expectations of modern fire alarm integration without adding unnecessary complexity.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating a fire relay module, customers typically compare options across several axes: contact configuration, mounting style, monitoring features, power consumption, enclosure type and price. Here’s how the HAY-FIRE-24R stacks up in common comparison scenarios:
- Double‑pole vs single‑pole relays:Single‑pole relays provide one switching path and may suffice for simple applications. The HAY-FIRE-24R’s double‑pole contacts offer extra flexibility and safety by allowing simultaneous switching of two isolated circuits — useful when separating signalling and power lines or when implementing redundant operations.
- Mechanical relays vs solid‑state relays (SSRs):Mechanical relays like the HAY-FIRE-24R provide true galvanic isolation (volt-free contacts) and are straightforward to wire and troubleshoot. SSRs can offer faster switching and longer mechanical life in some uses but often don’t provide the same clear isolation behaviour and may present leakage current considerations that are undesirable in fire applications.
- Surface back box vs flush or DIN rail modules:DIN rail or PCB-mounted relays can be ideal in control panels, but surface-mounted modules such as the HAY-FIRE-24R are advantageous for distributed installations where a local switching point is required near devices like sirens or door strikes. The deep back box reduces installation time by accommodating wiring and connectors without the need for additional junction boxes.
- Monitoring and supervised relays:Some market alternatives include supervised relay modules that report status back to the fire panel. The HAY-FIRE-24R focuses on compact, cost-effective switching; if supervised feedback is required, integrators may pair it with monitored modules or choose a supervised variant — but for many installations the simplicity of a volt‑free DP relay is preferable.
- Price and value:With a suggested price around 14.42 (supplier pricing subject to change), the HAY-FIRE-24R occupies an entry-to-mid-tier cost position. Its combination of DP contacts, low current consumption and included deep back box delivers strong value for common fire system interfacing tasks.
Customer impressions and reviews
While specific user reviews vary by installation and application, typical feedback themes for a product like the HAY-FIRE-24R tend to focus on reliability, ease of installation and value:
- "Easy to mount and wire — the deep back box made the retrofit job much cleaner than I expected. The relay does exactly what we needed for the siren circuit." — Installer-style feedback.
- "Low coil current is a real benefit when adding multiple relays to a panel. It reduced my worries about overloading the auxiliary supply." — Systems integrator-style feedback.
- "Good value for a compact DP relay with a three-year warranty. Lightweight and unobtrusive on the wall." — Facilities manager-style feedback.
These example comments reflect common practical advantages reported by users: straightforward installation, predictable electrical behaviour and a cost-effective feature set. For mission‑critical systems, purchasing through an authorised supplier and verifying compatibility with the host fire panel remain important steps.
Conclusion: why the Haydon HAY-FIRE-24R is a great choice
The Haydon 24V Fire Relay (HAY-FIRE-24R) offers a balanced mix of functionality, simplicity and value for anyone looking to add a reliable volt‑free switching point to a fire alarm or detector system. Its double‑pole contacts provide switching flexibility and safety, the low nominal coil current minimizes impact on control circuits, and the included deep surface back box simplifies installation in surface-mount or retrofit scenarios. Coupled with a three-year warranty, compact footprint and a price point that represents good value for the feature set, the HAY-FIRE-24R is well suited to installers, system designers and facilities teams who need a practical, robust relay module without unnecessary complexity.
As always, ensure installation is performed by a qualified person and that the relay is used in accordance with local regulations and the fire system manufacturer’s instructions. With correct application and installation, the HAY-FIRE-24R serves as a dependable building block in effective life-safety and building control systems.
