Introduction: Meet the HAY-FIRE-DO Detector Operated Indicator
HAY-FIRE-DOis a compact detector operated indicator designed to provide immediate, local visual confirmation when a connected fire detector operates. Intended for situations where the detector itself is not visible—such as above ceilings, inside voids or ductwork—or where a control panel may not provide a clear local readout, this simple LED indicator gives maintenance teams and building users an unmistakable visual cue that a detector has been triggered. With compatibility for both 3 VDC and 24 VDC systems and an exceptionally low nominal current draw (approximately 5 mA), the HAY-FIRE-DO is a practical, low-cost ancillary for commercial and light industrial fire alarm installations.
Key features at a glance
- Bright LED visual indication:Immediate, unmistakable local indication when a detector operates.
- Dual-voltage compatibility:Accepts either 3 VDC or 24 VDC inputs, making it versatile across common fire alarm system architectures.
- Low power consumption:Nominal current ≈5 mA, minimising load on signalling circuits.
- Compact mounting:Surface- or flush-mounts over a standard single-gang plastic back box (back box not supplied).
- Installer-friendly:Supplied in a plastic housing with simple wiring terminals and straightforward polarity/voltage selection guidance.
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Operating voltage:3 VDC or 24 VDC. This flexibility allows the unit to be used with low-voltage detector heads and many conventional fire system outputs.
- Nominal current:Approximately 5 mA, meaning the indicator draws minimal power when active. Low current consumption reduces the impact on auxiliary supplies and simplifies wiring considerations in larger systems.
- Indicator:Bright LED ensures a clear, quick visual response even in low-light maintenance spaces.
- Enclosure material:Durable plastic housing that resists corrosion and is lightweight for easy handling.
- Mounting:Designed to surface- or flush-mount over a standard single-gang box (note: deep back box not supplied). This makes it compatible with widely used electrical boxes and means installers rarely need special accessories.
- Size and weight:Approx. 86 × 86 × 15 mm (W × H × D), weight about 0.1 kg — compact and unobtrusive on walls or near ceiling access points.
- Warranty:Typically 3 years (varies by supplier). Check supplier terms for exact coverage.
- Datasheet:Full electrical and wiring details are available from the manufacturer or distributor. Installers should reference the official datasheet before commissioning.
Benefits — why this small device matters
- Fills visibility gaps:In many installations detectors are hidden or placed where line-of-sight is blocked. A local LED indicator immediately directs attention to the triggered detector location.
- Speeds maintenance:Technicians can quickly locate operated detectors without relying solely on panel readouts or time-consuming tracing procedures.
- Cost-effective ancillary:With a suggested price around 4.29 and a cost price of 3.60, the HAY-FIRE-DO is an economical way to add clarity to a fire alarm system where additional local indication is needed.
- Flexible deployment:Dual-voltage compatibility and simple mounting make it suitable for retrofit and new-install scenarios across a variety of buildings.
Use cases and scenarios where the HAY-FIRE-DO excels
Detectors mounted in ceiling voids, sprinkler riser cupboards or within ductwork are often inaccessible or not visible during normal occupancy. The HAY-FIRE-DO provides a local, visible signal on the accessible side of the ceiling or wall, allowing occupants and technicians to see at a glance which area the alarm relates to.
In warehouses, industrial units and complex office layouts, the control panel might indicate an activated zone but not the precise location. Installing a detector operated indicator near the nearest access point or zone boundary helps teams rapidly pinpoint the detector that has operated.
During phased construction or temporary installations where full panel readouts are not yet commissioned, LED indicators can provide interim local feedback for testing and commissioning activities without requiring the final control equipment to be online.
For routine testing or training exercises, visible indicators let trainees and maintenance staff verify detector operation without repeatedly accessing detector heads or toggling panel functions, reducing wear-and-tear on detectors.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
Detector-operated indicators are a small but diverse category. The HAY-FIRE-DO stands out for a few reasons:
- Voltage flexibility:Some indicators are fixed to a single voltage (often 24 VDC). The HAY-FIRE-DO’s support for both 3 VDC and 24 VDC increases compatibility with low-voltage detector outputs and common alarm circuits.
- Low current draw:Competing models sometimes draw higher currents which can matter in large panels or battery-backed zones. At ≈5 mA, the HAY-FIRE-DO keeps auxiliary load low.
- Size and fit:The compact, single-gang form factor makes it an easy drop-in solution for standard site back boxes. Other indicators may require bespoke mounting plates or larger enclosures.
- Price point:With a suggested retail price of 4.29 the HAY-FIRE-DO is priced competitively — especially for installers fitting multiple indicators across a site.
That said, higher-end alternatives may offer additional features such as audible alerts, multi-colour LEDs, or integration with remote monitoring modules. Those features increase capability but also cost and installation complexity. The HAY-FIRE-DO is positioned as a straightforward, reliable visual-only indicator where simplicity and low cost are priorities.
Customer feedback and typical installer impressions
While individual experiences vary by site, common feedback themes reported by installers and maintenance teams include:
- "Quick to fit and wire":Installers appreciate the straightforward terminal connections and compatibility with standard single-gang boxes, which speeds up installs.
- "Saves time during fault finding":Maintenance teams often highlight the time savings when locating an operated detector, especially in complex buildings.
- "Good value for money":At a low unit cost, many facilities opt to deploy multiple indicators across a site to improve clarity during incidents.
Note: The above points represent commonly reported, typical feedback from technicians and are not verbatim endorsements from named individuals. Project-specific results will differ based on system design and application.
Installation and safety notes
Proper installation matters. The HAY-FIRE-DO should be fitted by a qualified installer in accordance with applicable UK regulations and the fire system manufacturers instructions. Ensure correct polarity and voltage selection for the system in use and verify compatibility with the control equipment before connection. This indicator is an ancillary visual aid and does not replace primary detection or the obligations of the fire alarm system.
Conclusion: Why HAY-FIRE-DO is a great choice
The HAY-FIRE-DO detector operated indicator is an effective, low-cost accessory that addresses a common practical problem: how to show locally and immediately when a hidden or out-of-sight detector has operated. With dual-voltage compatibility (3 VDC or 24 VDC), a bright LED indicator, very low nominal current draw and a compact, single-gang footprint, it suits a wide range of commercial and light industrial applications. Its particularly valuable for installers and maintenance teams who need to reduce troubleshooting time and provide clear visual confirmation of detector operation. Backed by a typical three-year warranty and available datasheet documentation, the HAY-FIRE-DO offers a pragmatic balance of performance, simplicity and cost-effectiveness for any site that needs reliable local detector indication.