Introduction to the Ajax FireProtect 2 AC and its key features
Ajax FireProtect 2 AC (Heat / Smoke / CO)is a mains‑powered combined fire and carbon monoxide detector designed for modern homes and light commercial environments. Built to work as part of an Ajax Jeweller security system or as a standalone audible detector, the FireProtect 2 AC blends multiple sensing technologies—dual‑spectrum optical smoke detection, two Class A1R thermistors for heat and rapid‑rise detection, and a chemical CO sensor—into a single, compact unit. The device is powered from 110–240 V AC and includes an internal sealed backup battery, plus a built‑in piezo siren rated at approximately 85 dB at 3 meters. Suggested retail price is approximately $95.80, reflecting its multi‑sensor capabilities and wireless interconnect features.
- Combined detection: smoke (dual‑spectrum), heat (static and rapid‑rise) and carbon monoxide.
- Mains powered with sealed internal backup battery for continuous operation.
- Fast interconnection: hub‑initiated network alarms in about 20 seconds; detector fallback interconnect around 1 minute.
- Wireless, encrypted Jeweller two‑way communication with long open‑space range (up to ~1,700 m, region dependent).
- False‑alarm reduction: protected smoke chamber and HazeFlow‑2 algorithm to minimise steam and nuisance activations.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The FireProtect 2 AC is engineered to deliver reliable detection and fast notification. Its multi‑sensor architecture gives broader threat coverage than single‑sensor alarms and reduces the likelihood of missed events. Below is a breakdown of its technical highlights and how they translate into practical benefits.
- Smoke sensor:A dual‑spectrum (bispectral) optical chamber detects a wide range of smoke particle sizes. This improves detection of both smouldering and flaming fires while the dust‑ and insect‑protected chamber reduces false activations from contaminants.
- Heat detection:Two Class A1R thermistors monitor absolute temperature (high alarm >64 °C) and detect rapid temperature rises (>10 °C within 1 minute). This helps catch fast‑developing fires that may not yet produce visible smoke.
- Carbon monoxide sensing:A chemical CO sensor monitors toxic CO concentrations with thresholds consistent with common safety guidance (e.g. warnings that relate to 50, 100 and 300 ppm exposures). The CO sensor has a service life around 10 years, after which replacement of the detector is recommended.
- Alarm output:Built‑in piezo siren at roughly 85 dB measured at 3 m—loud enough for most homes and small commercial spaces to awaken occupants and prompt evacuation.
- Primary power:Universal mains input (110–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz) ensures continuous operation without relying on user‑changed batteries.
- Backup battery:Internal sealed CR‑2/3AZ lithium battery provides autonomy during power outages. Note the AC variant’s backup battery is sealed/non‑replaceable—this reduces maintenance but means end‑of‑life replacement requires servicing or unit swap.
- Interconnect and redundancy:When paired with an Ajax hub, the detector participates in a fast hub‑initiated interconnect (about 20 seconds). If the hub is unreachable, detector‑to‑detector fallback interconnect still allows networked alarm propagation (≈1 minute). This layered interconnect model increases resilience in real‑world installations.
- Protocol:Jeweller encrypted two‑way communication provides secure device reporting and control. Region‑specific frequency bands and GFSK modulation are used to meet local regulations.
- Range:Up to approximately 1,700 meters in open space (actual range depends on building materials and local radio environment), enabling flexible placement across larger properties when paired with a suitable Ajax hub.
- The device documentation references safety and performance standards such as EN 14604 (smoke alarms), EN 50291 (CO alarms) and EN 54‑5 / BS 5446‑2 (heat and smoke), but installers should verify the specific model certifications for their region.
- Operating temperature range is 0 °C to +50 °C with up to 80% non‑condensing humidity—appropriate for typical indoor spaces.
- Routine testing and occasional cleaning of the exterior and sensing openings are recommended to maintain performance. Follow the manufacturer manual for service intervals and end‑of‑life guidance (CO sensor ≈10 years).
Use cases and scenarios where the FireProtect 2 AC excels
The multi‑sensor design and flexible installation options make the FireProtect 2 AC suitable for several scenarios:
- Homes that require mains‑powered protection with reduced maintenance (no frequent battery swaps) benefit from the AC supply plus sealed backup battery.
- Sleeping areas and living spaces gain from the combined smoke, heat and CO coverage—detecting smouldering fires, fast‑developing flames and dangerous CO buildup.
- Small offices, guest houses and rental properties can use FireProtect 2 AC for centralised alarm management via an Ajax hub, with wireless interconnectivity and encrypted communications for security.
- Interconnect behaviour (hub‑initiated and detector fallback) ensures alarm propagation even during partial system outages.
- Security integrators can include the detector in broader Ajax systems to combine intrusion, fire and environmental monitoring. The Jeweller link allows remote status monitoring, event logging and centralised alerts.
- The long radio range and encryption make it suitable for larger domestic properties and smaller commercial sites where wired interconnect would be impractical or costly.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating the FireProtect 2 AC against other detectors, consider three main axes: sensing capabilities, power and maintenance, and connectivity/interconnect features.
Many standard smoke alarms use a single optical chamber or ionisation technology; others add heat detection. The FireProtect 2 AC’s combination of dual‑spectrum smoke, Class A1R heat and a chemical CO sensor provides broader coverage than single‑ or dual‑sensor units. This reduces the chance that a particular fire or CO scenario is missed.
Mains‑powered detectors with sealed backups—like the FireProtect 2 AC—minimise the need for user battery changes compared with mains‑less battery alarms. Some competing models (including smart consumer units) provide replaceable batteries or rechargeable modules; the sealed battery approach trades user maintenance for servicing considerations at end of life.
Standalone audible alarms lack the remote monitoring and secure communications that Ajax’s Jeweller protocol provides. Compared with consumer smart detectors that use Wi‑Fi or proprietary hubs, the FireProtect 2 AC emphasises secure, long‑range two‑way radio and professional integration with Ajax hubs—an advantage for installers and users who prioritise resilience and encrypted signaling over direct cloud connectivity.
Customer testimonials and reviews
Below are representative pieces of feedback commonly reported by professional installers and end users. These are illustrative summaries based on typical field impressions.
- Residential owner:“Installed in the kitchen and bedrooms—very reassuring. The combined smoke/CO coverage and loud siren give peace of mind. Installation with the Ajax hub was straightforward.”
- Security installer:“Reliable radio performance and the fallback interconnect are real advantages. The sealed backup battery reduces call‑outs for low battery notifications, though clients should be aware of service replacement when the CO sensor reaches its end of life.”
- Small business manager:“We use these in a guesthouse—central monitoring through the Ajax hub means staff get immediate alerts. The 85 dB siren is effective for waking guests in an emergency.”
Public review volumes may vary by region and reseller; prospective buyers should consult local installation partners and aggregated reviews for region‑specific experiences.
Conclusion: Why FireProtect 2 AC is a compelling choice
The Ajax FireProtect 2 AC combines extensive sensing capability, mains‑powered reliability and encrypted wireless connectivity into a single device suited for modern homes, rental properties and light commercial settings. Its triple‑sensor approach—dual‑spectrum smoke, Class A1R heat and chemical CO—delivers comprehensive hazard detection that typical single‑sensor alarms cannot match. Mains power with a sealed backup battery reduces routine maintenance, while the hub and detector interconnect logic provides robust alarm propagation under a variety of failure scenarios.
For users and installers seeking a professional, integrated solution with secure communications and wide coverage, the FireProtect 2 AC is a strong option. As with any safety device, ensure the model you purchase has the required regional certifications, follow local siting and installation guidance, and schedule regular testing and servicing as recommended by the manufacturer to maintain optimal performance over the device lifetime.
