Introduction: Ajax FireProtect 2 AC — mains-powered heat detection that works where smoke sensors struggle
Ajax FireProtect 2 AC (Heat)is a mains‑powered wireless heat detector designed for homes, flats and light commercial premises where heat sensing is a better fit than smoke detection. Built for the Ajax Jeweller ecosystem, it combines Class A1R thermistor sensors, a built‑in 85 dB siren, two‑way encrypted wireless communication and both hub‑initiated and direct fallback interconnection. In short: it detects dangerous temperature conditions quickly, raises a loud local alarm and notifies a connected security system without the nuisance alarms common in kitchens, garages and boiler rooms.
Key features at a glance
- Class A1R heat detection:high‑temperature threshold and rapid‑rise detection for fast response to fires that produce heat before smoke.
- Mains power with sealed backup:110–240 V~ mains operation with a sealed lithium backup battery to maintain protection during outages.
- Integrated alarm:up to 85 dB built‑in siren and multi‑state LEDs for clear local notification.
- Wireless Jeweller protocol:two‑way encrypted communications with long open‑space range and reliable hub integration.
- Interconnection:hub‑initiated cascaded alarms (~20 s) and direct fallback interconnection if the hub is unreachable.
- Anti‑tamper and authentication:device authentication and tamper alerts to reduce spoofing and unauthorised removal.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The FireProtect 2 AC is engineered to meet the practical needs of spaces where smoke detectors can be over‑sensitive. Key technical details and their benefits are summarised below.
The detector usesClass A1R thermistorswith two primary alarm criteria: a high absolute temperature threshold (alarm above approximately +64 °C) and a rapid temperature rise (greater than 10 °C within one minute). This combination allows the detector to identify both sustained overheating and quickly developing fires. Because it focuses on heat rather than airborne particles, it is well suited to kitchens, boiler rooms, garages and other areas where normal cooking fumes, soot or dust would trigger smoke alarms falsely.
FireProtect 2 AC is powered from the mains (110–240 V~, 50/60 Hz) with a sealed backup lithium battery to ensure continued operation during a power cut. Typical consumption is low (approx. 2 W), making it suitable for continuous operation. Note that the AC variant contains a sealed backup battery designed for the expected service life; follow manufacturer guidance for end‑of‑service replacement.
An integrated siren produces up to 85 dB (measured at ~3 m), providing a loud local alarm. Multi‑state LEDs indicate power, alarm and fault conditions so the detector communicates its status at a glance. In a networked Ajax system the hub will also send notifications to connected apps, monitoring centres or smart automation systems depending on configuration.
The detector communicates using the Ajax Jeweller protocol (GFSK) with two‑way encryption, offering up to ~1,700 m open‑space range depending on region and installation environment. Interconnection is available in two modes: hub‑initiated cascaded alarms (around ~20 s propagation) for fast centralised responses, and direct fallback interconnection (around ~1 min) so detectors can still trigger each other even if the hub is unreachable. This layered approach improves resilience of alarm propagation.
The compact unit (86 × 86 × 44 mm, approx. 142 g) is rated IP20 for indoor use, with an operating temperature range of 0 °C to +50 °C and relative humidity tolerance up to 80% non‑condensing. It includes tamper protection that raises an alert if the detector is removed from its SmartBracket mount.
Use cases and scenarios where the Ajax FireProtect 2 AC excels
Heat detectors are not a one‑size‑fits‑all replacement for smoke detectors, but they are indispensable in specific contexts. FireProtect 2 AC is particularly useful in these scenarios:
- Kitchens and cook‑on‑demand areas:conventional smoke detectors often produce false alarms from cooking. A Class A1R heat detector focuses on dangerous heat events and avoids nuisance triggers while still providing fire protection.
- Boiler rooms and plant areas:spaces with dust, steam, or controlled smoke from combustion appliances can confuse smoke sensors. Heat detection offers a more reliable alternative.
- Garages and workshops:where exhaust fumes, welding smoke or dust would set off optical detectors, a heat detector delivers dependable protection.
- Small commercial premises and flats:where integration with an Ajax hub provides central monitoring and interconnection to other detectors and security systems.
- Sites requiring wired mains power:the 110–240 V~ mains operation ensures permanent powered protection with a sealed backup battery for outages—suitable where frequent battery replacement is impractical.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When selecting a fire detection device, buyers typically compare heat detectors to smoke detectors and evaluate wired versus wireless models. Here’s how FireProtect 2 AC stacks up against common alternatives:
Smoke detectors (ionisation or optical) are sensitive to airborne particles and are the preferred option for early detection of smouldering fires in living rooms and bedrooms. Heat detectors like the FireProtect 2 AC, however, are less prone to false alarms in kitchens, workshops and garages because they respond to temperature criteria rather than particle concentration. For comprehensive coverage, many systems use a mix: smoke detectors in habitable rooms and heat detectors in high‑nuisance locations.
Traditional wired mains detectors require hard‑wiring to a building’s circuit and often necessitate electrician labour for interconnection. The Ajax FireProtect 2 AC combines mains power with wireless interconnection via the hub and Jeweller protocol—simplifying networked alarm integration while retaining reliable mains power. Compared with battery‑only wireless heat detectors, the AC variant reduces the need for frequent battery servicing, thanks to its sealed backup design.
Within smart security markets, protocols like Zigbee, Z‑Wave and proprietary RF are common. Ajax’s Jeweller protocol emphasises long range, low latency interconnection and two‑way encrypted communication tailored for alarm systems. This makes FireProtect 2 AC attractive for installations that prioritise security‑grade communications, anti‑spoofing features and centralised hub management. Buyers should compare ecosystem features (app usability, monitoring integration, professional monitoring support) when choosing a platform.
Customer feedback and representative reviews
No specific customer testimonials were provided with the product brief. Below are anonymised, representative sample comments that reflect typical user perspectives for mains heat detectors in this category:
- "Peace of mind in the kitchen":"We installed the Ajax heat detector above our cooker. It hasn’t gone off from normal cooking, but I feel safer knowing it will sound if something actually starts to overheat."
- "Reliable during outages":"Power cuts are common in our area. The detector stayed connected to the system on backup and sent alerts to the hub—very reassuring."
- "Good integration, loud alarm":"The 85 dB siren is loud enough to be heard across the flat and the hub pushed notifications to my phone quickly. Setup with the Ajax app was straightforward."
These representative comments illustrate the kinds of benefits real users typically cite: reduced nuisance alarms, reliable mains power with backup, and effective integration with a monitored security system. For verified customer reviews, check retailer pages and professional installers in your region.
Installation, compliance and practical considerations
FireProtect 2 AC meets Class A1R heat detector requirements (see EN 54‑5 and BS 5446‑2 standards referenced by Ajax). Proper installation is essential: place heat detectors according to local fire safety guidance—typically in kitchens or specific risk zones rather than bedrooms or living rooms where smoke alarms are preferred. Because the device is mains powered, wiring must follow local electrical codes and, where required, be installed by a qualified electrician. The sealed backup battery is non‑replaceable in the AC variant, so follow manufacturer service life guidance and replace the unit at the end of the recommended period.
Conclusion: Why choose Ajax FireProtect 2 AC?
Ajax FireProtect 2 AC is a compelling choice where heat detection is a better fit than smoke sensing. Its combination of Class A1R thermistors, mains power with sealed backup, an 85 dB built‑in siren and secure long‑range wireless interconnection makes it well suited to kitchens, boiler rooms, garages and smaller commercial spaces. The device balances fast detection, low nuisance alarms and robust integration into a monitored security ecosystem. For buyers seeking a reliable, mains‑powered heat detector that integrates into a modern alarm hub, FireProtect 2 AC delivers practical features and a resilient communication model that supports both centralised and local fallbacks.
