Introduction to Ajax LineProtect Fibra and its key features
Ajax LineProtect Fibra Line Protection Module(model 61384.178.NC) is a compact, wired protection module designed to safeguard Ajax Fibra alarm lines and the system hub from electrical sabotage. Built for environments where wired devices are used, LineProtect Fibra detects abnormal voltages — including short circuits, applied mains (110/230 VAC) on signal lines, and stun‑gun/high‑voltage attacks — and isolates the threatened segment using internal fail‑safe fuses. It reports incidents to the Ajax system via encrypted Fibra communication and supports remote configuration and testing through Ajax apps.
Key features at a glance
- Comprehensive line protection:Detects short circuits, overvoltage and high‑voltage attacks on Fibra signal lines.
- Fail‑safe isolation:Internal fuses cut power to the affected output, preventing damage to the rest of the system.
- Single in / single out:Simple 1‑input / 1‑output module that can be installed at any point along a Fibra line.
- Encrypted two‑way comms:Uses Fibra protocol for reliable, remote reporting and configuration.
- Long reach:Supports output cable runs up to around 2,000 metres with recommended U/UTP Cat.5 cabling.
- Low power:Very low consumption (typical ~7 mA; peak ~0.17 W).
- Tamper awareness:Connector for tamper board when mounted inside an Ajax Case.
- Local alerting:Audible and LED indication on the module when an output‑line alarm occurs.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding LineProtect Fibra’s specifications helps explain how it delivers protection in practical installations. Below are the main technical categories and the benefits they provide.
- Manufacturer: Ajax; Model: LineProtect Fibra — 61384.178.NC; Product family: Fibra.
- Intended use: Indoor applications, to be installed by certified Ajax Fibra partners or qualified installers.
- Benefit: Designed for professional alarm systems where reliable, standardised installation practices and compliance are required.
- Protocol: Fibra — a wired, encrypted two‑way protocol that offers both secure communication and remote diagnostics.
- Line connection: 4‑core cable recommended (U/UTP Cat.5 twisted pair).
- Inputs/Outputs: 1 input / 1 output.
- Max protected line length: Up to 2,000 m (≈6,500 ft), depending on cable and wiring.
- Benefit: Two‑way encrypted communication enables remote testing, fast alerts, and integrity checking of the protected segment; Cat.5 cabling supports long reach for distributed systems.
- Supply voltage (Fibra line): 5.7–30 V⎓.
- Current draw: Up to ~7 mA (typical); peak consumption ~0.17 W.
- Protection provided: Short circuit, overvoltage (including 110/230 VAC applied to signal lines), stun‑gun/high‑voltage attacks.
- Benefit: Broad supply range and low power draw make it compatible with typical alarm installations while minimizing load on the system. The protection spectrum covers both accidental wiring faults and deliberate tampering.
- Dimensions: Approx. 90 × 50 × 15 mm; Weight: Approx. 28 g.
- Indicators: Audible alert and LED on the module for output‑line alarm.
- Operating temperature: −10°C … +40°C; Operating humidity: Up to 75% (non‑condensing).
- Benefit: Small footprint allows concealment inside enclosures; local LED and audible indications assist quick onsite diagnostics.
- Tamper: Connector for tamper board; tamper alarm when mounted in an Ajax Case.
- Mounting: Can be installed at any point on the Fibra line; recommended inside Ajax Case for neat wiring and tamper protection.
- Warranty: 24 months (verify regional terms).
- Benefit: Designed to integrate with Ajax’s enclosure and tamper systems, ensuring professional‑grade installations and compliance with standard safety practices.
Practical benefits in real installations
LineProtect Fibra is not just a surge suppressor: it is an integrated safety module that protects connected devices and the hub from faults and malicious attacks while keeping the system informed. The fail‑safe fuse mechanism is particularly valuable — when an abnormal voltage is detected the module isolates the affected segment, preventing a single fault from cascading into a system‑wide failure. Remote alerts and encrypted reporting allow monitoring teams to be notified instantly and take corrective action or dispatch technicians with diagnostics already in hand.
Use cases and scenarios where LineProtect Fibra excels
- Retail and point‑of‑sale networks:Long runs to sensors, cash‑drawer contacts, and door contacts can be vulnerable to wiring faults or deliberate tampering. LineProtect Fibra prevents a fault at one door or sensor from disabling the entire network.
- Commercial buildings and offices:Where Fibra lines run over long distances between floors, the module supports extended runs (up to ~2,000 m) and guards against accidental mains contact during renovations or maintenance.
- Data closets and telecom rooms:Sensitive equipment can be affected by surges or high‑voltage strikes on signal lines. The LineProtect module isolates and reports the event so the environment and services can be quickly assessed.
- Education and public facilities:Schools and public buildings often have distributed sensors; LineProtect reduces the risk that one damaged cable will disrupt the whole alarm array and helps maintenance teams identify affected segments quickly.
- High‑risk locations:Banks, jewelry stores and critical infrastructure sites where deliberate electrical attacks (stun guns/high‑voltage) are a concern will benefit from the module’s targeted protection and immediate reporting.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
There are several approaches to protecting alarm wiring: basic surge arrestors, inline surge protectors, and integrated line protection modules. LineProtect Fibra sits in the integrated protection category, offering features often missing from simpler devices:
- Versus simple surge arrestors:Surge arrestors may clamp voltage spikes, but they frequently do not isolate the segment or report events to the control system. LineProtect Fibra actively isolates the affected output with internal fuses and sends status updates to the hub.
- Versus inline surge protectors without reporting:Devices that only protect against overvoltage can still allow faults to affect other devices if isolation is not implemented. LineProtect’s fail‑safe isolation prevents cascading failures.
- Versus wireless protection modules:Wireless options can simplify installation but may not be suitable for large networks with long runs; Fibra’s wired encrypted communications are designed for professional wired systems and long distances while maintaining low power draw.
- Unique value:The combination of encrypted two‑way reporting, fail‑safe fuse isolation, tamper integration, and long reach makes LineProtect Fibra particularly well suited to professional alarm systems where continuity and diagnostics matter.
Installer feedback and customer impressions
While individual customers vary, common installer feedback emphasizes these practical points:
- "The module is compact and easy to integrate into Ajax Cases — it makes protecting long Fibra runs straightforward."
- "Fail‑safe fusing that isolates the problem area is a big operational advantage. It means the rest of the system stays live while I troubleshoot the fault."
- "Remote reporting in the Ajax app saves time. We get the alert and know whether a fuse has blown or a line is down before we head to site."
Note: The above comments reflect typical installer sentiments and product advantages reported by professional integrators; check local sources or certified Ajax partners for region‑specific reviews.
Pricing and warranty
LineProtect Fibra is positioned as a professional accessory for wired Fibra systems. With a suggested retail price of approximately $39.99 and a 24‑month warranty (verify regional terms), it provides a cost‑effective layer of protection compared with the potential costs of damaged devices or extended downtime after a wiring fault or attack.
Conclusion: Why choose Ajax LineProtect Fibra?
For professionals and organisations running wired Ajax Fibra systems, LineProtect Fibra offers a targeted, practical way to strengthen system resilience. It combines broad electrical protection (short circuit, overvoltage, stun‑gun/high‑voltage) with fail‑safe isolation, encrypted two‑way reporting, tamper integration and support for long cable runs. These capabilities reduce the risk of cascading failures, speed up diagnostics, and help maintain service continuity — all while being compact and energy efficient.
In installations where reliability, fast incident response and professional‑grade protection matter, the Ajax LineProtect Fibra module is a strong choice. For best results, have the module installed by certified Ajax Fibra partners or qualified installers, use the recommended cabling (U/UTP Cat.5) and mount it inside an Ajax Case to enable tamper protection and neat wiring.
