Introduction: Ajax ManualCallPoint (Red) — Key features at a glance
Ajax ManualCallPoint (Red)is a wireless, resettable manual call point designed for indoor emergency activation. Combining a compact footprint (102 × 104 × 39 mm) with two‑way Jeweller radio communications, encrypted transmissions, and a resettable frangible element, this unit is aimed at installers and building managers who need a low‑maintenance, reliable way to trigger alarms and automation in fire and other emergency scenarios. The unit ships with batteries pre‑installed (2 × CR123A), a mounting plate and a reset key, and is declared compatible with Ajax Hubs and ReX extenders.
Detailed description: specifications and benefits
The ManualCallPoint (Red) is built around a handful of practical design choices that prioritize safety, ease of installation and ongoing operation. Key specifications and the benefits they deliver include:
- Wireless Jeweller radio (GFSK) with encrypted, frequency‑hopping transmission— offers robust two‑way communication between the call point and the Ajax Hub. Frequency‑hopping and encryption reduce the risk of interference and unauthorized activation while delivering low latency for rapid alarm signalling.
- Long open‑space range— up to 1,700 m in open space. While actual in‑building range depends on construction and interference, this capability makes the unit suitable for medium and large sites when paired with appropriate hubs or ReX range extenders.
- Resettable frangible element and hinged lid— the transparent hinged lid and frangible activation element reduce accidental activations while allowing quick reset with the supplied key. Unlike single‑use glass or break‑glass devices, this resettable design lowers lifecycle costs and simplifies post‑alarm recovery.
- Programmable activation modes— the call point can be set to trigger Fire Alarm by default (red) or reconfigured for Panic, Help, Gas Leak, or custom scenario triggers. This makes it flexible for multisite deployments where a single manual call point might need to serve different functions.
- Tamper detection and LED status— an anti‑tamper alarm triggers if the unit is removed from its mounting plate, and integrated LEDs provide visual status cues for installers and maintenance staff.
- Low‑maintenance power— powered by 2 × CR123A batteries pre‑installed, with a typical life of up to 7 years under light use (assumed 1 press of 1 minute per week). Long battery life reduces routine maintenance visits and total cost of ownership.
- Standards and compatibility— the device is declared compliant with EN 54‑11 (per the manufacturer datasheet) and is compatible with Ajax Hub models (Hub Plus, Hub 2, Hub 2 Plus, Hub Hybrid) and ReX extenders. Installers should confirm regional approvals (CE/UKCA) and configure the regional frequency band during commissioning.
Physically the ManualCallPoint is compact and lightweight (214 g), making it easy to place in corridors, lobbies, stairwells and other strategic locations without bulky enclosures. Operating temperature range and humidity tolerance are typical for indoor fire safety equipment (0 °C to +50 °C; up to 80% non‑condensing humidity).
- Faster installation:wireless connectivity eliminates the need for cabling back to a control panel, reducing labor and disruption during retrofits and upgrades.
- Lower ongoing costs:resettable operation and long battery life reduce replacement parts and service calls compared with break‑glass units or devices with frequent battery replacements.
- Flexible integration:programmable modes and automation triggers allow the device to act beyond simple alarm activation — it can initiate building automation responses like unlocking doors or activating emergency lighting.
- Secure signalling:encryption and frequency‑hopping protect against interference and tampering attempts, giving greater confidence in alarm transmission integrity.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The Ajax ManualCallPoint (Red) is well suited to a variety of environments where a wireless, reliable manual alarm activation point is preferred.
Offices, retail centres and municipal buildings frequently need alarm points in corridors, near stairwells and at exits. Wireless call points simplify deployment across multi‑storey buildings and open plan floors where running cables would be costly or disruptive. Programmable modes allow a single device to be used for different responses depending on the site’s operational protocols.
In residential blocks, particularly where retrofitting wired systems is challenging, a wireless resettable call point provides occupants and staff a robust way to raise the alarm. The resettable element and long battery life reduce the chance of out‑of‑service devices due to accidental activations or frequent battery changes.
Schools and clinics often require multiple discreet activation points. The LED status indicator and tamper detection help maintenance teams keep devices operational, while wireless integration reduces downtime during upgrades. Programmable modes support different campus‑wide scenarios such as evacuation or lockdown alerts.
For construction sites, event spaces or temporary installations where a permanent wired solution is impractical, the ManualCallPoint offers a code‑compliant way to provide manual activation points that can be moved or reconfigured with minimal effort.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When evaluating manual call points, it helps to compare three broad categories: traditional wired break‑glass units, wireless non‑resettable units, and wireless resettable units such as the Ajax ManualCallPoint.
- Wired break‑glass units:Wired devices connected to a fire panel are time‑tested and often required in new builds by regulations. They offer direct panel connectivity and do not depend on batteries, but installation cost (cabling, trunking and disruption) can be high. Resetting often requires part replacement (broken glass), increasing lifecycle cost.
- Wireless non‑resettable units:Some wireless manual call points use a one‑time break element similar to wired glass units. These are simple and inexpensive but require replacement parts after activation and can be prone to accidental damage.
- Wireless resettable units (Ajax ManualCallPoint):combine the convenience of wireless installation with the cost‑savings of resettable operation. Compared with other wireless resettable models, Ajax’s use of the Jeweller protocol with encrypted, frequency‑hopping transmission and long reported range (up to 1,700 m open space) positions it strongly for reliability and flexibility. Battery life (typical up to 7 years) is also competitive, lowering maintenance overhead.
Trade‑offs to consider: while wireless devices reduce cabling costs, they require careful planning for radio coverage, regional frequency settings and compliance with local fire codes. For life‑safety systems, many projects still require a wired backbone or certified interface between wireless subsystems and the primary fire alarm control panel.
Customer impressions and installer feedback
There are limited public reviews tied to specific large‑scale deployments, but common themes reported by installers and facilities managers when evaluating wireless resettable call points include:
- Ease of installation:installers appreciate the time saved without running cables and the simple mounting plate design. Commissioning via Ajax Hubs streamlines adding devices to a monitored system.
- Maintenance advantages:the resettable frangible element and long battery life are frequently cited as clear benefits—fewer site visits and lower spare‑parts inventory.
- Reliability considerations:professionals stress the importance of site surveys to validate radio coverage and recommend using ReX extenders where signal strength is marginal.
- Regulatory checks:buyers are reminded to confirm EN 54‑11 compliance and local approvals for use in primary life‑safety installations—wireless devices are often best used as part of an approved system architecture.
Where independent user reviews are not available, prospective purchasers should ask vendors for case studies or references from similar installations and, where required, request performance data from system acceptance tests.
Conclusion: why the Ajax ManualCallPoint (Red) is a strong choice
For installers, facility managers and business owners seeking a modern manual call point, the Ajax ManualCallPoint (Red) offers a compelling mix of features: wireless two‑way encrypted communications, a resettable activation element, long battery life and flexible programming. These features translate into lower installation and maintenance costs, rapid deployment in retrofit and temporary scenarios, and versatile integration with building automation and alarm systems.
While designers must still consider local fire codes and ensure suitable radio coverage, the unit’s compliance with EN 54‑11 (per datasheet), compatibility with Ajax hubs and ReX extenders, and practical design details make it a practical, future‑focused option for many indoor environments. Priced competitively relative to typical system components (listed suggested price: 119.99), and with a focus on reduced lifetime servicing, the Ajax ManualCallPoint represents a good balance of reliability, functionality and total cost of ownership for commercial, residential and institutional projects.
Note:Always verify regional approvals (CE / UKCA where applicable), frequency settings and installation requirements with the manufacturer and your local authority having jurisdiction before committing a device to a life‑safety installation.
