ManualCallPoint - How to Easily Activate a Fire Alarm

Ajax Systems has continuously expanded its range of fire safety products and created new devices for this product line. The company has launched the ManualCallPoint Jeweller , a wireless wall-mounted button for manually activating fire alarms. Pressing this button activates the built-in siren in all fire alarms in the system and notifies the user. Meanwhile, the central monitoring station (CMS) receives the alarm signal and calls emergency services. This button also has the capability to activate intrusion alarms and automated scenarios.

This product comes in two versions: a Red version designed for residential facilities, and a Blue version for educational institutions. With the Red device, alarm signals are sent to a mandatory CMS. With the Blue device, users can disable alarm signals via the Ajax application. This is the main difference between the two versions.

Meets standards and regulations

The installation of manual alarm buttons is mandatory according to standards followed by many European countries. However, this is not mandatory for residential buildings.

In Germany and the United Kingdom, installing a manual alarm button is a common practice for adding an extra layer of protection. It's also one of the most strictly regulated devices in the fire safety industry. While it may seem like "just a button," its simplicity serves a crucial purpose: rapid response in hazardous situations. Standards not only specify the purpose, functionality, and installation method, but also the color, size, and even the angle of the casing. Therefore, Fire Team accepted this engineering challenge and created a smart button with Ajax's unique characteristics.

"Fire safety in residential buildings isn't just about fire alarms. It's a comprehensive and sustainable market with a wide variety of devices. We've received numerous requests for manual alarm buttons from our partners and recognized the market demand for such a device. Therefore, we've created not just a conventional red button, but a completely new approach to how IoT can become part of a world strictly governed by rules and regulations."

-Sergii Shcherbakov, Product Manager, Fire Team-

Advanced features are now integrated into a compact housing — within the limits of the standard. The Red Button fully complies with EN 54-11:2001/A1:2005. No more bulky devices on the wall.

We also created a Blue version of ManualCallPoint due to market demand in Germany and the UK. This version has an additional feature: the ability to disable the transmission of alarm signals to the monitoring station within the Ajax application. It is designed for educational institutions and kindergartens with a higher risk of accidentally pressing a button without a real risk.

The device is designed to withstand

Extensive research into competing solutions has revealed a key problem: complex node mechanisms are built on a series of parts. If one small component fails, the entire mechanism becomes inoperable, and a minor failure can become critical in an emergency. That is why we have redesigned the node mechanism: a resettable bridge component built on a single unit, reducing the likelihood of failure in emergency situations.

In alarm mode, the button is pressed inward and is marked with yellow-black stripes. The housing also has an integrated LED to indicate the device's status. The alarm signal remains active until the button is manually released using the key (included in the complete product set).

The complete kit also includes a transparent front cover to prevent unintentional alarm activation. This is optional and requires only one step to install. The traditional unit also features a SmartBracket mounting plate with an anti-opening alarm, and installation takes place without removing the casing.

The ManualCallPoint is powered by two pre-installed CR123A batteries, providing up to 7 years of continuous operation while exchanging data with a hub and featuring a self-monitoring system for device status. The batteries are replaceable, so once they are depleted, the installer simply replaces them and the ManualCallPoint continues to function normally.

The basic fire prevention solution has been modernized.

ManualCallPoint is part of the Ajax ecosystem. Each element of this ecosystem is self-diagnostic and constantly monitored. The device exchanges data with a control center (hub) at a distance of 1,700 meters via the Jeweller wireless protocol. The control center is capable of bidirectional communication with Ajax Cloud to provide real-time information to the Ajax application. The node does not require periodic checks by activation to ensure proper connection and operation – the Ajax system self-monitors its status. With immediate notification, all system users are informed of alarm signals, low battery, or malfunctions to request service promptly.

ManualCallPoint also has the capability to interact with automation devices and MotionCam sensors through specific scenarios. In the event of a fire alarm, the Ajax system cuts off power to the facility, activates emergency lights, and opens emergency exits. Simultaneously, MotionCam (PhOD) can send images to the Ajax application for situational assessment. The result is a necessary level of reliability that facilitates evacuation in hazardous situations.