Introduction: What is the Ajax FireProtect 2 RB?
Ajax FireProtect 2 RBis a wireless combined smoke and temperature detector designed for indoor use in homes, apartments and light commercial spaces. Combining a dual‑spectrum optical smoke sensor (visible + IR) with thermistor‑based temperature detection, the device is built to identify both smouldering and fast‑flame fires while reducing false alarms. The RB variant runs on two replaceable CR123A batteries and features a built‑in piezo siren, tamper detection and the ability to operate either as a standalone audible alarm or as part of an Ajax security network using the Jeweller encrypted radio protocol.
Key features at a glance
- Dual‑spectrum smoke detection(visible + IR) for improved sensitivity and false‑alarm rejection.
- Temperature-based alarms: high‑temperature trigger (>64 °C) and fast‑rise detection (Δ > 10 °C in 1 minute).
- Built‑in sirenof approximately 85 dB at 3 m to alert occupants immediately.
- Wireless integrationvia Jeweller two‑way encrypted radio — supports interlinked alarms across an Ajax hub.
- Replaceable batteries: 2 × CR123A cells (pre‑installed) for easy field replacement and long service life (~7 years typical).
- Maintenance‑friendly design: patented dust‑resistant smoke chamber to reduce nuisance alarms and maintenance frequency.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The FireProtect 2 RB features a dual‑spectrum optical smoke sensor that monitors both visible light scattering and infrared signatures. This approach detects a wider range of combustion products: visible smoke from smouldering fires and particulate/infrared signatures from hotter, fast‑flame events. Paired with a precision thermistor, the detector triggers on a sustained high temperature (>64 °C) and on very rapid temperature rises (Δ > 10 °C within 1 minute), which helps catch fires that produce little smoke but heat quickly, such as grease or electrical fires.
Power comes from two replaceable CR123A batteries supplied pre‑installed. Ajax quotes a typical battery life of up to around 7 years under normal use, although real life depends on alarm activations, network traffic, and environmental conditions. The RB design prioritises user serviceability: batteries are user‑replaceable, avoiding the need for a full unit swap when cells are exhausted.
A built‑in piezo siren delivers approximately 85 dB at 3 metres, loud enough to wake most sleeping occupants and attract attention in a small residence. LED indicators provide visual confirmation of power, alerts and fault conditions. The unit also includes tamper detection so the Ajax hub (if used) will report cover removal attempts to the monitoring system.
When integrated with an Ajax hub, FireProtect 2 RB uses the Jeweller encrypted two‑way radio protocol. Open‑space radio range can reach up to ~1,700 m (region dependent), though indoor range will vary with building materials. One key benefit of Ajax networking is interconnected alarm capability: when one detector triggers, linked detectors will alarm within roughly 20 seconds, ensuring full‑site notification without delay.
The detector’s smoke chamber is designed to resist dust and insect ingress, reducing false alarms and lowering maintenance needs. It is rated to operate between 0 °C and +50 °C, with up to 80% non‑condensing humidity and an IP20 ingress rating — suitable for most indoor residential and light commercial environments.
Use cases and scenarios where FireProtect 2 RB excels
- Residential homes and flats:As a standalone detector, FireProtect 2 RB provides reliable audible warnings. Integrated into an Ajax system, it becomes part of a monitored safety network that can alert owners, family members and professional monitoring services.
- Small offices and retail spaces:The combination of smoke and heat detection reduces the chance of missed events and nuisance triggers from everyday activities, while wireless installation simplifies deployment in leased premises.
- DIY and professional installations:The user‑replaceable batteries and simple mounting make it accessible for DIY installers; compatibility with Ajax hubs and repeaters makes it suitable for professional security integrators looking to add fire detection to an alarm portfolio.
- Sleep safety:The 85 dB siren level, combined with fast‑rise heat detection, helps ensure occupants are woken and alerted early in overnight scenarios.
How it compares with other detectors on the market
The FireProtect 2 RB sits in the premium wireless smoke/heat detector category due to its dual‑spectrum optical sensor, smart temperature logic and secure radio integration. Here are some practical comparison points:
Many basic photoelectric detectors monitor only visible light scattering and can be blind to certain combustion signatures. Dual‑spectrum sensors add infrared sensing to broaden the detection envelope and help distinguish between nuisance aerosols (cooking steam) and real smoke. This reduces false alarms while maintaining sensitivity to smouldering and flaming events.
Smoke‑only devices may miss fast, low‑smoke fires that heat rapidly. Adding thermistor‑based high‑temp and fast‑rise thresholds helps capture scenarios like grease and electrical fires earlier. Compared to heat‑only alarms, the combined approach covers a wider range of fire types.
Compared with consumer Wi‑Fi detectors, Ajax’s Jeweller radio is designed for security use: encrypted two‑way communication, low latency and longer battery life. Integrating FireProtect 2 RB into a monitored Ajax network provides immediate remote notifications and central station monitoring options that simple Wi‑Fi alarms don’t reliably offer.
Some detectors use sealed, long‑life batteries that remove user maintenance but require full unit replacement when the battery dies. The RB’s replaceable CR123A approach lets owners replace cells economically and reduces long‑term waste, at the cost of occasional user maintenance.
Customer feedback and typical reviews
While specific verified reviews are not provided here, common themes reported by owners of Ajax FireProtect series detectors include:
- "Clear, reliable alerts": Users often praise the loud onboard siren and quick interconnection when multiple detectors are networked.
- "Low false alarms": The dual‑spectrum sensing and dust‑resistant chamber are frequently cited as reducing nuisance triggers from cooking or dust.
- "Easy integration": Installers and DIY users appreciate straightforward pairing with Ajax hubs and the flexibility of wireless placement.
- "Good battery life": Many owners note long periods between battery replacements, consistent with the quoted multi‑year battery life.
Potential concerns sometimes noted include the need to monitor battery state proactively (since cells are user‑replaceable) and ensuring suitable indoor placement to avoid environments outside the operating temperature/humidity range.
Price and value proposition
With a suggested price of approximately $94.99 and a cost price around $75.26, FireProtect 2 RB targets buyers seeking professional features without the premium cost of enterprise life‑safety systems. The value proposition lies in the combination of advanced sensing (dual‑spectrum + thermistor), secure wireless networking, replaceable batteries and a robust, low‑maintenance smoke chamber — features that together deliver reliable detection and flexibility for residential and SME installations.
Conclusion: Why choose Ajax FireProtect 2 RB?
The Ajax FireProtect 2 RB is a compelling choice for people who want more than a basic smoke alarm. Its dual‑spectrum optical sensor and thermistor‑based heat detection broaden the range of detectable fire types while cutting down on false alarms. The built‑in siren is loud enough to alert occupants, and the replaceable CR123A batteries make long‑term ownership straightforward and cost‑effective. When linked to an Ajax hub, the detector becomes part of a fast, encrypted, and reliable alarm network that can alert the entire property within seconds — a crucial advantage in a real fire event.
Whether you’re outfitting your home, upgrading a small office, or adding monitored safety to a rental property, FireProtect 2 RB balances advanced detection features, wireless convenience and practical serviceability. For monitored installations or sites where life‑safety compliance matters, pair it with a qualified installer and the appropriate Ajax hub to ensure your system meets local regulations and monitoring requirements.
