Introduction: What the Ajax 6V PSU Is and Why It Matters
The Ajax 6V PSU (type A) is a compact internal power‑supply board designed specifically as a replacement for the factory mains PSU inside Ajax Hub 2, Hub 2 Plus and ReX 2. It converts a low‑voltage DC source into the ≈4.8 V rail required by these Ajax devices, enabling them to run from portable or vehicle batteries when mains power is unstable or unavailable. Lightweight and small enough to fit inside the hub enclosure, this internal PSU offers a practical, low‑cost option for keeping security systems online in challenging environments.
Key features at a glance:
- Compatibilitywith Hub 2 (2G/4G), Hub 2 Plus and ReX 2.
- Operates from a wide range of external DC inputs:4.2–10 V DC.
- Produces an output of approximately4.8 V DCwith up to1.5 Aoutput current.
- Compact dimensions (98 × 70 × 17 mm) and light weight (~26 g) to fit inside enclosures.
- Comes with a terminal adapter, quick‑start guide and a24‑month warranty.
Detailed Specifications and Their Practical Benefits
The Ajax 6V PSU is small but engineered for purpose. Understanding the technical specifications helps you decide whether it suits your installation and operational needs.
- Input voltage:4.2–10 V DC — this range lets you use common battery types and portable power sources without additional converters.
- Input current:Up to 2.2 A at 4.2 V; approximately 0.8 A at 10 V — consumption varies depending on input voltage and load.
- Output voltage:≈4.8 V DC — the voltage expected by Hub 2, Hub 2 Plus and ReX 2 internal electronics.
- Output current:Up to 1.5 A (maximum) — sufficient for standard operation and many typical accessory loads.
- Switch thresholds:Switch‑on voltage ≈4.2 V; switch‑off 3–3.4 V depending on load — helps protect the battery from deep discharge.
Benefit: The wide input range and relatively high input current capability mean the PSU works with a variety of battery chemistries (alkaline, zinc‑air, portable power packs or vehicle batteries) while providing stable power to the hub and attached peripherals.
- Dimensions:98 × 70 × 17 mm — compact for internal installation.
- Weight:≈26 g — minimal added mass inside the hub.
- Operating temperature:−10 °C to +40 °C.
- Operating humidity:Up to 75% RH.
- Package contents:6V PSU board, terminal adapter, quick‑start guide.
- Warranty:24 months.
Benefit: The small footprint and light weight make the board unobtrusive when retrofitting existing hubs. The environmental ratings cover most typical indoor and sheltered outdoor installations where Ajax devices are deployed.
Use Cases: Where the 6V PSU Excels
This PSU was designed for scenarios where mains power is unreliable, unavailable or unsuitable. Typical use cases include:
- Vacant properties and remote sites:Real‑estate left unoccupied, seasonal premises or rural installations often lack stable mains power. Using an external battery lets the hub stay online for monitoring and alerts.
- Construction and temporary sites:On building sites and temporary events, a battery or portable power pack is often the only practical power source during setup and throughout the project.
- Mobile units and vehicles:For installations in vans, trailers or other mobile platforms, the ability to run from a vehicle battery is essential.
- Field service and testing:Installers and technicians can power hubs and extenders from portable batteries during setup, diagnostics and demonstrations without waiting for mains access.
- Backup and resilience:Use the board as part of a layered backup strategy, where the hub continues operation from a secondary battery when mains fails.
These use cases leverage the unit’s portability and compatibility to provide continuous security coverage in environments where sticking to the factory mains PSU would limit deployment options.
Comparisons with Similar Products on the Market
When evaluating the Ajax 6V PSU against alternatives, consider three common approaches to powering hubs without mains:
- External DC‑DC converters or adapters:Off‑the‑shelf DC‑DC converters can step voltages up or down to match hub requirements. They may offer higher efficiency or power handling but often require additional wiring, mounting, and enclosure modifications. The Ajax 6V PSU is designed to plug into the hub form factor and wiring layout, reducing installation complexity.
- Dedicated OEM mains replacement boards:Some manufacturers produce their own internal battery boards for their devices. The Ajax 6V PSU is tailored for Hub 2, Hub 2 Plus, and ReX 2 specifically, meaning fewer compatibility issues and a smaller footprint than many generic boards.
- External uninterruptible power supply (UPS) boxes:External UPS units preserve mains functionality for extended periods but are bulkier and more expensive. The Ajax 6V PSU is a low‑cost, compact choice for situations where a full UPS is unnecessary or impractical.
Price and convenience are major differentiators: the Ajax 6V PSU is affordably priced (suggested retail around $20.99) and designed to integrate neatly inside compatible Ajax enclosures. For installers who value plug‑and‑play internal replacement and a manufacturer‑backed solution, it’s a strong option compared with generic converters requiring custom installation.
Customer Experiences and Installer Feedback
While product‑specific public reviews may vary by region and reseller, common themes reported by installers and system integrators include:
- Ease of installation:Installers appreciate the compact size and included terminal adapter and quick‑start guide. When performed by qualified personnel, the swap is straightforward and reduces installation time compared with building a custom external solution.
- Reliability in the field:Users deploying hubs to sites without reliable mains note the benefit of continued connectivity for alarm events and system health reporting.
- Value for money:At a relatively low cost, the board provides a purpose‑built option that avoids the time and expense of designing a custom power solution.
Note: Installing the PSU requires opening the hub enclosure and replacing the internal mains PSU. This should only be done by qualified personnel or competent installers following the Ajax quick‑start guide and official manuals. Proper installation and adherence to safety standards are crucial for reliable operation and warranty coverage.
Conclusion: Why the Ajax 6V PSU Is a Great Choice
The Ajax 6V Internal PSU (type A) is a targeted, cost‑effective solution for powering Hub 2, Hub 2 Plus and ReX 2 from low‑voltage battery sources. Its compact size, appropriate electrical characteristics (4.2–10 V input range, ≈4.8 V output, up to 1.5 A output current), and manufacturer warranty make it especially well suited for vacant properties, construction sites, mobile installations and any scenario where mains power is unreliable or unavailable.
Compared with generic DC‑DC converters and bulky external UPS systems, the Ajax board offers a clean, manufacturer‑direct integration that reduces installation complexity and overall cost. For installers and end users seeking a simple, reliable way to extend the operational flexibility of their Ajax hubs and extenders, this PSU is an efficient and practical choice.
Before purchase and installation, always verify compatibility with your specific Ajax model, follow safety guidance and local regulations, and engage qualified personnel for internal replacement to ensure safe, long‑term operation. With the Ajax 6V PSU installed, your security system will have an adaptable power option that keeps monitoring and alerts running when mains power simply can’t be relied upon.
