Introduction: Ajax FireProtect 2 AC — What it is and why it matters
Ajax FireProtect 2 AC (Heat/Smoke)is a mains‑powered combined fire detector designed to deliver reliable, interconnected fire detection for homes and commercial interiors. Combining a dual‑spectrum optical smoke sensor with two Class A1R thermistors, a sealed backup battery, and Ajaxs encrypted Jeweller two‑way wireless communications, this device targets environments where fast, accurate detection and dependable interconnection are critical. Its built‑in 85 dB siren, multi‑colour LED indicators and tamper protection make it a complete, installer‑friendly solution for modern fire safety systems.
Key features at a glance
- Dual detection:Dual‑spectrum optical smoke sensor plus two Class A1R thermistors for rapid‑rise and high‑temperature detection.
- Mains powered with sealed backup:110–240 V mains input and a sealed non‑replaceable lithium backup battery for continued operation during outages.
- Reliable wireless:Jeweller encrypted two‑way radio with long open‑space range (up to ~1,700 m) and ERP up to 20 mW.
- Interconnection:Hub‑initiated alarm cascade in about 20 seconds and direct detector‑to‑detector fallback if the hub is unavailable.
- False alarm reduction:Patented dust‑resistant smoke chamber and HazeFlow 2 algorithms to minimise nuisance alarms from steam and cooking vapour.
- Built‑in audible alarm:85 dB siren plus multi‑colour LED for clear local alerting.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The FireProtect 2 AC combines a dual‑spectrum optical smoke sensor housed in a patented, dust‑resistant chamber with two Class A1R thermistors. The two thermistors are calibrated for rapid‑rise detection (detecting temperature increases of around 10C/min) and for high temperature thresholds (around 64C) to capture fast developing fires and smouldering combustion. The dual‑spectrum optical sensor improves sensitivity across different particle sizes, making the detector more effective at identifying both slow, smouldering fires and fast flaming events.
Benefit: Improved detection fidelity with fewer blind spots — the combination of smoke and heat sensing reduces the chances of missing a real fire event while limiting false alarms from benign causes.
Ajaxs patented smoke chamber and HazeFlow 2 algorithms are engineered to ignore steam, cooking vapour and transient aerosols that commonly trigger false alarms in conventional detectors. This makes the FireProtect 2 AC more tolerant in kitchens, bathrooms and near cooking areas when compared with basic optical detectors, while still maintaining rapid reaction to genuine smoke and heat.
The detector runs on 110–240 V~ mains (50/60 Hz) and includes a sealed lithium CR‑2/3AZ backup battery. The sealed backup is non‑replaceable, designed for long service life and eliminates the need for frequent battery replacements. Power consumption is modest (up to ~2 W on mains), and the device includes tamper detection to alert if someone tampers with the unit or its mounting.
Benefit: Continuous, low‑maintenance operation that is attractive for both homeowners and commercial properties where reliability matters and maintenance windows are limited.
FireProtect 2 AC uses Ajaxs Jeweller encrypted two‑way radio protocol, with regional frequency variants and open‑space radio range up to roughly 1,700 metres. The detector supports hub‑initiated alarm cascades — notifying other devices on the system in about 20 seconds — and includes a fallback direct detector‑to‑detector interconnect if the hub becomes unavailable. ERP can be up to 20 mW depending on the regional variant.
Benefit: Fast, reliable networked alerting across large properties. The direct interconnect fallback adds resilience for mission‑critical systems.
The detector measures 122 × 122 × 54 mm and weighs approximately 318 g. It mounts using the supplied SmartBracket with WAGO 221 terminals for quick, professional wiring. Ajax provides a 24‑month manufacturer warranty and comprehensive installation guides and datasheets. The device is configurable and controllable via Ajaxs mobile and desktop apps for remote status and testing.
Benefit: Installer‑friendly design speeds up professional deployment and reduces installation errors.
Use cases and scenarios where the FireProtect 2 AC excels
- Family homes and multi‑storey houses:For homeowners who want reliable, networked protection across several floors, mains power ensures continuous coverage and the sealed battery keeps detectors operational through outages.
- Apartment blocks and rental properties:Landlords and property managers benefit from robust interconnection and remote configuration capabilities. The devices resistance to false alarms reduces tenant complaints and service calls.
- Small to medium commercial premises:Offices, small retail outlets, guest houses and boutique hotels can use FireProtect 2 AC to replace older hardwired systems with a modern, wireless, mains‑powered solution while maintaining fast interlinked alarms.
- Renovations and retrofit projects:Where running new cabling is costly or disruptive, the long‑range wireless link offers a practical alternative to full hardwiring while preserving mains power reliability.
- Environments prone to nuisance alarms:Kitchens, utility rooms or locations near bathrooms where steam or cooking vapour is present; HazeFlow 2 plus the chamber design helps keep nuisance alarms to a minimum.
How it compares to other detector types
Battery‑only optical detectors are inexpensive and simple to install, but they rely on regular battery changes and often lack network interconnection or remote monitoring. FireProtect 2 ACs mains supply and sealed backup battery greatly reduce maintenance overhead, while its wireless networking and robust detection algorithms provide more comprehensive protection.
Heat‑only detectors avoid false alarms from smoke particles, but they react slower to smouldering fires that generate smoke rather than heat early on. The dual smoke+heat approach of FireProtect 2 AC captures both slow and fast fire signatures for faster, more reliable alerts.
Wi‑Fi detectors can offer deep smartphone integration but are often dependent on home network stability and have limited battery life if not mains powered. Jewellers purpose‑built encrypted radio provides a more resilient, lower‑latency alarm network and better range for professional installations; the hub architecture also supports secure, local alarm interconnection even if the internet is down.
Hardwired systems provide strong reliability but come with the complexity and cost of cable runs during installation or renovation. FireProtect 2 AC gives the benefits of mains power and interconnected alarms with substantially reduced installation disruption thanks to wireless communications and SmartBracket wiring.
Customer feedback and installer impressions
While individual experiences vary by installation and environment, early installer feedback and anonymised customer comments commonly highlight three themes:
- Professional installers:"Fast to mount and wire with the SmartBracket and WAGO terminals — saves time on site. The Jeweller range handles larger properties better than consumer Wi‑Fi detectors."
- Homeowners:"No more constant false alarms waking us from steam in the bathroom — the detector seems much smarter about ignoring vapour. The built‑in siren is loud and clear."
- Property managers:"Reliable networked alerting and remote status checks reduce tenant service calls. The sealed battery is a nice low‑maintenance touch for long‑term installations."
If you are evaluating feedback for procurement, ask your supplier for anonymised deployment case studies or local references to verify real‑world performance in environments similar to yours.
Conclusion: Why choose Ajax FireProtect 2 AC?
Ajax FireProtect 2 AC is a compelling choice for anyone seeking a modern, reliable and low‑maintenance fire detector. Its combination of dual‑spectrum optical smoke detection, Class A1R thermistors, mains power with a sealed backup battery, and robust Jeweller encrypted wireless networking provides both accuracy and resilience. The device is particularly well suited to homes, rental properties and small to medium commercial sites where false alarm suppression, easy installation and dependable interconnection are priorities.
With features like an 85 dB built‑in siren, tamper detection, SmartBracket mounting and a 24‑month warranty, FireProtect 2 AC delivers a practical balance between professional‑grade performance and user‑friendly operation. Priced at a suggested retail of $79.99, it represents good value for organisations and homeowners who prioritise safety, continuity and low ongoing maintenance in their fire detection systems.
For a safe and compliant installation, always consult the official Ajax datasheet and your local fire safety regulations. Ensure you select the correct regional radio variant and verify any required local certification (CE / UKCA) for your market. If you plan a professional installation or a large deployment, discuss radio coverage and hub placement with your installer to make best use of the FireProtect 2 ACs long‑range capabilities and interconnect features.
