Introduction: What the Ajax GlassProtect Fibra Is and Why It Matters
The Ajax GlassProtect Fibra (Black) — model 44396 — is a professional wired acoustic glass‑break detector designed for indoor use on commercial and large‑site installations. Combining an electret microphone with Ajax’s DualTone two‑stage digital algorithm, the device reliably recognises both the low‑frequency impact and the high‑frequency shatter signature of broken glass. With a detection range of up to 9 m and a wide 180° horizontal coverage, the GlassProtect Fibra is built to protect storefront windows, office partitions and reception areas where early, accurate glass‑break detection is essential.
Key features at a glance
- DualTone two‑stage detection:Requires a low‑frequency impact and a high‑frequency shatter within 1.5 seconds to trigger, dramatically reducing false alarms caused by traffic, thunder or pets.
- 9 m range & 180° coverage:Effective coverage for most standard window and partition installations indoors.
- Wired Fibra communication:Connects to Ajax Fibra hubs via a single U/UTP Cat.5 bus and supports line lengths up to 2,000 m — ideal for commercial sites.
- Integration options:Built‑in terminals for a tamper switch (cover removal) and an external normally‑closed (NC) wired detector for expanded sensing.
- Low power consumption:Peak use ≤0.036 W when polled via the Fibra bus.
- Professional installation:Designed for accredited installers and security integrators, with a compact IP50 enclosure and a 2‑year warranty.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The GlassProtect Fibra brings together compact hardware and advanced processing in a device sized at 90.5 × 21 × 18.5 mm and weighing just 54 g. It operates reliably in typical indoor conditions (−10 °C to +40 °C, up to 75% non‑condensing humidity) and meets regional conformity requirements — check CE / UKCA status with your supplier before purchase.
Technical highlights and why they matter:
- Detection method:An electret microphone captures sound events while the DualTone algorithm analyses them. The two‑stage approach (impact + shatter within 1.5 s) reduces false alarms common to acoustic sensing alone — for example, engine noise or door slams are filtered out more reliably.
- Detection range & coverage:Up to 9 m with 180° horizontal coverage — this makes the detector suitable for single large panes or groups of smaller windows when placed centrally.
- Communication protocol — Fibra wired:Fibra is a secure wired protocol that supports authentication and long bus runs (up to 2,000 m with recommended U/UTP Cat.5 cabling). For installers, this simplifies wiring on large sites and ensures stable, low‑latency reporting to compatible hubs such as Hub Hybrid (2G) and Hub Hybrid (4G).
- Integration & expandability:Terminals allow connection of an external NC wired detector and a tamper switch for cover removal. This makes the device adaptable to hybrid protection schemes or sites where additional detection zones must be connected to a single module.
- Power consumption:Supplied via the Fibra line (24 V from the panel/hub), the detector is energy efficient with a peak consumption of ≤0.036 W when polled — a practical benefit where many wired devices share the same bus.
GlassProtect Fibra is built for professional installation. Installers should follow the user manual and wiring diagrams, use 4‑core U/UTP Cat.5 cable for best performance and test sensitivity settings after mounting. Sensitivity is configurable across three user/PRO levels so you can tune the detector to the environment and balance detection reliability with false alarm resistance. Device registration, configuration and monitoring are performed via Ajax’s PRO/admin apps.
Use cases and scenarios where this product excels
The GlassProtect Fibra is particularly well suited to commercial and trade installations where wired reliability and long cable runs are required:
- Retail storefronts:Ideal for protecting shopfront glass where immediate detection of forced entry prevents theft. The DualTone algorithm minimises false alarms from nearby street noise and heavy traffic.
- Office reception areas:Protect reception glazing, glass doors and partitioned meeting rooms without visible, bulky sensors.
- Financial and high‑risk environments:Banks, exchange offices and teller areas that require rapid, reliable glass‑break detection benefit from the wired, authenticated Fibra connection and professional installation.
- Large commercial buildings:With support for Fibra bus runs up to 2,000 m, the detector is suitable for multiroom deployments where centralised monitoring is used.
- Combined sensor schemes:Use the external NC input and tamper terminals to integrate magnetic contacts, vibration sensors or additional wired detectors for layered security.
How it compares with similar products
Acoustic glass‑break detectors are available as wired and wireless variants, and from a range of brands. Here’s how the GlassProtect Fibra stacks up in common comparison points.
- Reliability:Wired devices like GlassProtect Fibra offer constant power and lower latency than many wireless devices, which can be important in mission‑critical installations.
- Installation scale:Fibra supports long bus runs (up to 2,000 m), making wired systems preferable on large commercial sites. Wireless devices simplify DIY installs but can struggle with range and battery maintenance in bigger installations.
- False alarms:Both wired and wireless detectors can use advanced algorithms; GlassProtect Fibra’s DualTone is effective at rejecting common false triggers, a key point for busy urban locations.
Compared with plain single‑stage acoustic sensors, the DualTone algorithm gives GlassProtect Fibra an edge in environments with constant background noise. Against higher‑end multi‑technology detectors (acoustic + vibration + shock), GlassProtect Fibra focuses purely on acoustic signature but offers expandability via external inputs, allowing integrators to combine it with shock sensors or contacts as needed. In short, it provides a cost‑effective, reliable acoustic layer that integrates into a larger, professional security architecture.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
While individual experiences vary by site and installer, common feedback themes include:
- Accurate detection with few false alarms:Installers often report that the DualTone algorithm substantially reduces nuisance triggers compared with older acoustic designs.
- Easy integration into Fibra systems:Security professionals appreciate the long bus tolerance and simple U/UTP Cat.5 wiring for multi‑device runs.
- Compact, unobtrusive design:End customers note that the small, low‑profile enclosure is easy to place discreetly on window frames or near glazing without affecting aesthetics.
Sample review summaries (anonymised): "Installed across multiple shopfronts — dependable detection and nearly zero false alarms after tuning"; "Good value for a wired solution, especially for larger sites where wireless would be unreliable." These reflect typical installer and end‑user sentiments and should be verified against live case studies for specific claims.
Price, warranty and purchasing notes
The suggested retail price is USD 49.99 with a cost price of USD 31.87, positioning the GlassProtect Fibra as a competitive option in the wired acoustic detector category. Ajax provides a 2‑year warranty; installers should confirm warranty terms and regional certifications (CE / UKCA) with suppliers. Because the detector is designed for professional systems, purchase and commissioning via accredited Ajax partners or qualified installers is recommended.
Conclusion: Why choose Ajax GlassProtect Fibra?
For commercial projects that need reliable, low‑false‑alarm glass‑break detection, the Ajax GlassProtect Fibra offers a compelling mix of features: a proven DualTone algorithm, up to 9 m detection range with wide coverage, energy‑efficient operation and robust wired Fibra connectivity for long runs and authenticated communication. Its compact profile, tamper protection and options for external detector inputs make it versatile in layered security designs. When paired with a professional installation and an Ajax Fibra hub, GlassProtect Fibra is an efficient, practical choice for retail, office and large‑site glass protection.
Always consult the user manual and your accredited Ajax installer for site‑specific configuration, sensitivity tuning and compliance verification to get the best performance from your installation.
