Introduction to the Ajax MultiRelay Fibra (127496.183.NC1) and Its Key Features
TheAjax MultiRelay Fibra (127496.183.NC1)is a professional-grade, four-channel wired relay module designed to bring reliable, secure remote switching and automation to commercial and high-end residential installations. Built for the Ajax Fibra wired and hybrid ecosystems, this module provides potential-free (dry) relay contacts, configurable NO/NC per channel, and flexible switching modes — making it suitable for a wide variety of third-party devices such as lighting, pumps, HVAC interlocks, gates, and more. With Fibra two-way encrypted communication, low power consumption and a compact indoor form factor, the MultiRelay Fibra is aimed at certified installers and integrators seeking a robust solution for automated control and alarm-linked switching.
Detailed Description of Specifications and Benefits
The MultiRelay Fibra pairs practical electrical performance with advanced control logic. Key specifications and benefits include:
- Four independent potential-free relays:Each relay offers dry contacts, allowing safe interfacing with external circuits without introducing direct mains connection inside the module. Relays are configurable as NO (normally open) or NC (normally closed) per channel, enabling flexible wiring to match existing control circuits.
- Relay ratings and limitations:Contacts are rated up to 5 A at 30 V DC (resistive) and up to 10 A at 110–230 V AC. These ratings make the device ideal for switching control circuits, low-voltage loads, and many AC loads within the specified limits. For inductive or motor loads, installers should check device inrush and follow manufacturer guidelines.
- Operation modes — bistable and pulse:Each relay can operate in bistable (toggle) mode or pulse mode, with pulse durations configurable from 1 second up to 2 hours. Pulse mode is especially useful for gate or door control where momentary activation is required, while bistable is suited to lighting or persistent state control.
- Powered by Fibra line (8.5–30 V DC):The module draws power from the Fibra line provided by compatible Ajax hubs (Hub Hybrid 2G / 4G), with device consumption around 185 mW. This centralized power model simplifies cabling and backup arrangements within professional systems.
- Reliable wired communication — Fibra protocol:Two-way encrypted communication over the Fibra wired bus offers high reliability, low latency and secure reporting to the hub or CMS. The Fibra line reach can extend up to 2,000 m when using recommended U/UTP Cat.5 cable, allowing flexible placement in large buildings or multi-zone installations.
- Installation and safety features:Intended for indoor installation, the MultiRelay Fibra is designed to be housed in Ajax Case enclosures; an optional tamper board can detect enclosure opening. The module also includes temperature protection that opens contacts and sends notifications on overheat, and configurable behaviors for power loss to maintain a chosen safe contact state.
- Integration and monitoring:Device events and state changes are reported to the hub and onward to CMS or apps, enabling instant alerts, automation scenarios, and remote diagnostics. Compatibility with Hub Hybrid devices and the Ajax management ecosystem simplifies scenario creation (e.g., alarm-triggered switching, timed events, or interlocks).
- Professional support and warranty:Designed for certified installers, the product comes with a 24-month warranty and is part of Ajax Fibra’s Grade 3 professional line.
Use Cases and Scenarios Where the MultiRelay Fibra Excels
The MultiRelay Fibra is versatile and particularly strong in scenarios that require reliable, deterministic switching under a security or automation umbrella. Typical installations include:
- Alarm-driven device control:Use the relays to cut power to non-essential circuits during an alarm, to trigger doors or locks, or to control sirens and strobe devices. Because the module reports states to the hub, central monitoring sees relay activations as part of event logs.
- Lighting control in commercial spaces:Switch emergency lighting circuits, stairwell timers or zone lighting from central logic or scheduled scenarios. Pulse and bistable modes allow momentary triggers (e.g., push-button activation) or sustained on/off control.
- Pumps and HVAC interlocks:Manage pump starters or integrate relay controls into HVAC safety interlocks — for instance, stopping a pump when specific alarm conditions are met or enabling sequential equipment start-up.
- Gates and barrier control:Provide the pulse durations required by automatic gate controllers or latching relays, with secure wiring and power sourced from the Fibra line.
- Third-party device integration:Interface legacy systems or external controllers with Ajax automation scenarios without exposing the hub to direct mains switching. The potential-free contacts make it safer to integrate across differing voltage domains.
- Distributed installations:Large estates, campuses or multi-room commercial sites benefit from Fibra’s long cable reach and centralized management. Run long Fibra lines with Cat5 for expansive control coverage.
Comparisons with Similar Products on the Market
When comparing the MultiRelay Fibra to other relay modules, it is helpful to consider three broad families: wired professional relays, consumer smart relays (Wi‑Fi/Z‑Wave/Zigbee), and other Ajax devices (radio modules).
- Wired professional relay modules:Compared with standard DIN-rail or industrial relay modules, the MultiRelay Fibra brings the advantage of native integration into a security/automation ecosystem. While some industrial relays can handle higher currents or provide more ruggedized protection, they often lack the encrypted two-way reporting and scenario linkage that Ajax provides out of the box.
- Consumer smart relays (Wi‑Fi/Z‑Wave/Zigbee):Consumer smart relays are easy to install and inexpensive but typically rely on wireless networks that can suffer interference, limited range, or lack enterprise-grade encryption. The MultiRelay Fibra’s wired Fibra connection offers higher reliability and predictable latency, crucial for safety and alarm-related switching. Also, the potential-free contacts and professional installation requirement align the MultiRelay Fibra with regulated commercial use rather than DIY home tinkering.
- Ajax radio relay alternatives:Ajax offers radio-based relays for wireless applications; those are excellent where cabling is impractical. However, for installations where wiring is preferred (e.g., new builds, retrofits with structured cabling, long inter-device distances), the Fibra wired module avoids RF constraints and offers extended reach and robustness.
Customer Testimonials and Installer Feedback
While specific customer reviews vary by installation type, consistent themes emerge in professional feedback:
- Reliability:Installers appreciate the predictable behavior of wired Fibra connections compared with wireless alternatives, especially in commercial projects where uptime is critical.
- Flexibility:The NO/NC configurability and pulse timing range are often highlighted as practical for integrating with different third-party controllers and access systems.
- Integration:Security integrators value the module’s seamless reporting to Ajax hubs and compatibility with automation scenarios, which reduces configuration time and simplifies client training.
- Value for money:With a suggested retail price around $99 and a cost price of $40.73, many integrators see the MultiRelay Fibra as a competitively priced professional component given its features and warranty backing.
Conclusion — Why the MultiRelay Fibra Is a Great Choice
The Ajax MultiRelay Fibra (127496.183.NC1) is a solid choice for installers and system designers who need dependable, secure, and flexible switching inside a professional security or automation system. Its four potential-free relays, configurable modes, encrypted Fibra communication, and long-line reach make it particularly well suited to commercial environments, multi-site estates, and any application where reliability and integration matter more than consumer convenience.
Key strengths include its safe potential-free outputs, versatile pulse and bistable modes, low power draw, and deep integration into Ajax hub-led automation scenarios. While it requires professional installation and has defined current limits (5 A DC / 10 A AC), those constraints align with its intended use as a control module rather than a direct high-current mains switch. For projects that demand security-grade wired communication and seamless alarm/automation interplay, the MultiRelay Fibra offers a balanced, cost-effective solution backed by a 24-month warranty and Ajax’s professional ecosystem.
For installers and specifiers, consider the MultiRelay Fibra when planning alarm-linked controls, lighting and HVAC interlocks, gate and barrier activation, or any scenario requiring secure, auditable remote switching across long cable runs. Its feature set and professional focus make it a dependable building block for modern integrated systems.
