How long Ajax devices operate on batteries, and what affects this

Updated

The battery life of Ajax devices is affected by a set of factors: ambient temperature, level of communication with the hub, installation location, user settings. This article will help you figure out what affects the battery life of your devices and how to extend it.

What you need to know about batteries

  • A battery is a chemical source of energy that is affected by the temperature of its environment. The lower the temperature, the slower the chemical processes, and the lower the battery capacity.
  • There are two types of batteries: disposable and rechargeable. Almost all Ajax devices are equipped with disposable batteries. The exceptions are hubs and radio signal range extenders. As a backup power source, they use rechargeable batteries.
  • Each device battery supports a specific type of cell: it is determined both by design and electronics. Installing any other type of cell may damage the device.
  • Actual cell specs may vary from declared by the manufacturer. Even cells from the same batch can have different capacities, output voltages, or even be defective. Therefore, 100% of the cells are tested before installing in Ajax devices.

Batteries and communication with the hub

Ajax devices use a radio module to communicate with the hub. Depending on the distance between the device and the hub, the level of radio interference, or the presence of physical obstacles, the signal transmission power is adjusted automatically. The signal transmission power affects battery life directly.

The frequency of using the radio module by Ajax devices depends on the interval of polling by the hub and the number of alarms. The more frequently the device responds to central panel pings or transmits alarms to it, the faster the battery will drain. Using the Always Active function in the detector settings also reduces battery life.

Batteries in the glass break detectors

Using an electret microphone, this type of detector reacts to a sequence of sounds typical for breaking glass. When the detector is armed, the microphone monitors ambient sounds, consuming battery power to analyze input noise constantly. If the detector is always active and installed in a place with high noise pollution (near an open window on a noisy street or near working mechanisms), its battery life can be reduced up to two times.

  • Detector ping interval
  • Ambient temperature
  • Jeweller signal strength
  • Number of alarms
  • Noise level at the installation place
  • Connecting an external detector

Learn more: GlassProtect User Manual

Batteries in the opening detectors

Opening detectors are installed on doors and windows — typically, the places farthest from the hub — where the signal strength is low, and the temperature swings regularly. These detectors register every opening; hence the detector installed on the front door consumes battery faster than the detector installed on the window.

Do not install the detectors on the outer side of doors or windows, or in places where the temperature drops below an acceptable level (-10°C). If the Jeweller signal strength is low (one division), use the radio signal range extender.

  • Detector ping interval
  • Ambient temperature
  • Jeweller signal strength
  • Number of alarms
  • Door/Window opening frequency
  • Connecting an external detector

Learn more: DoorProtect User Manual, DoorProtect Plus User Manual

Batteries in the motion detectors

The biggest amount of motion detectors battery is consumed by triggering and transmitting an alarm signal to the hub. The two settings that mostly affect the power consumption of motion detectors are Always Active and Delay When Entering. In the Always Active mode, the detector transmits motion alarms regardless of the security mode. When using the entry delay, the detector is triggered with every disarming: the hub simply ignores alarms until the time set by the user has expired.

  • Detector ping interval
  • Ambient temperature
  • Jeweller signal strength
  • Number of alarms

Learn more: MotionProtect / MotionProtect Plus User Manual

  • Detector ping interval
  • Ambient temperature
  • Jeweller signal strength
  • Number of alarms
  • Noise level at the installation place

Learn more: CombiProtect User Manual

  • Detector ping interval
  • Ambient temperature
  • Jeweller signal strength
  • Number of alarms

Learn more: MotionProtect Curtain User Manual

  • Detector ping interval
  • Ambient temperature
  • Jeweller signal strength
  • Number of alarms
  • Activation of the Anti-Masking function

Learn more: MotionProtect Outdoor User Manual

  • Detector ping interval
  • Ambient temperature
  • Jeweller signal strength
  • Number of alarms
  • Number of active sides
  • Activation of the Anti-Masking function

Learn more: DualCurtain Outdoor User Manual

  • Detector ping interval
  • Ambient temperature
  • Jeweller signal strength
  • Wings signal strength
  • Number of alarms
  • IR-backlight activation
  • Quality and number of photos per alarm

Read more: MotionCam User Manual

  • Detector ping interval
  • Ambient temperature
  • Jeweller signal strength
  • Wings signal strength
  • Number of alarms
  • IR-backlight activation
  • Quality and number of photos per alarm
  • Quantity and quality photo on demand
  • Quantity and quality photo by scenario

Read more: MotionCam battery life and what affects it

  • Detector ping interval
  • Ambient temperature
  • Jeweller signal strength
  • Wings signal strength
  • Number of alarms
  • Incorrect device installation*
  • IR-backlight activation
  • Activation of the Anti-Masking function
  • Quality and number of photos per alarm

* Incorrect installation can cause frequent false triggerings. This leads to faster battery discharging as the device takes photos of every detected motion.

Read more: MotionCam Outdoor Jeweller user manual

  • Detector ping interval
  • Ambient temperature
  • Jeweller signal strength
  • Wings signal strength
  • Number of alarms
  • Incorrect device installation*
  • Activation of the Anti-Masking function
  • IR-backlight activation
  • Quality and number of photos per alarm
  • Quantity and quality photo on demand
  • Quantity and quality photo by scenario

* Incorrect installation can cause frequent false triggerings. This leads to faster battery discharging as the device takes photos of every detected motion.

Read more: MotionCam Outdoor (PhOD) Jeweller user manual

Batteries in the sirens

Performing a sound is an energy-consuming process. The loudness of Ajax wireless sirens alarm can be from 80 to 113 dB. Each minute of energy consumption on such loudness is equal to several weeks of operation in passive mode. When using sirens to indicate security mode, keep in mind that the signals during arming/disarming, as well as LED indication, also consume a considerable amount of battery power.

  • Detector ping interval
  • Ambient temperature
  • Jeweller signal strength
  • Number and duration of alarms
  • LED indication

Learn more: HomeSiren User Manual

  • Detector ping interval
  • Ambient temperature
  • Jeweller signal strength
  • Number and duration of alarms
  • LED indication

Learn more: StreetSiren User Manual

Learn more: StreetSiren DoubleDeck User Manual

Batteries in the fire and leak detectors

Ajax fire detectors battery consists of two primary and one backup cell. Fire detectors can operate independently of the hub, alarming with built-in sirens.

When the detector communicates with the hub, its radio module consumes energy. The shorter the device ping interval, the faster the battery will drain.

Built-in sirens consume a lot of energy; therefore, when calculating battery life, you need to consider the frequency and duration of alarms. For instance, FireProtect operates from built-in batteries for 4 years, but with the continuous signal of the siren, the primary cells will be dead in 7 hours.

When operating from the backup cell only, the detector does not activate the siren in case of alarm, sending the alarm signal to the hub only (if connected). For safety reasons, do not let the backup cell discharge completely. You can check its charge level in the detector settings in the Ajax app.

  • Detector ping interval
  • Ambient temperature
  • Jeweller signal strength
  • Number and duration of alarms

Learn more: FireProtect User Manual / FireProtect Plus User Manual

  • Detector ping interval
  • Ambient temperature
  • Jeweller signal strength
  • Number and duration of alarms

Learn more: LeaksProtect User Manual

Batteries in the control devices

SpaceControl and Button consume battery power only for signal transmission: in passive mode, they do not communicate with the hub. They use smaller batteries and are more sensitive to temperature drops.

  • Ambient temperature
  • Frequency of use
  • LED brightness

Learn more: Button User Manual

Learn more: DoubleButton User Manual

  • Ambient temperature
  • Frequency of use

Learn more: SpaceControl User Manual

  • Detector ping interval
  • Ambient temperature
  • Jeweller signal strength
  • The keypad frequency of use
  • LED brightness
  • Beeper loudness

Learn more: KeyPad User Manual

  • The Pass/Tag reader frequency of use
  • Detector ping interval
  • Ambient temperature
  • Jeweller signal strength
  • The keypad frequency of use
  • LED brightness
  • Beeper loudness

Learn more: KeyPad Plus User Manual

Batteries and the detector connection via integration modules

Transmitter can act as a power source for third-party detectors connected to it, so its battery life considerably depends on their energy consumption. When setting up the integration module, consider the operating mode of the connected detector: whether delays, night mode will be used, and whether the connected detector will be active 24/7.

When connecting Ajax devices through the ocBridge Plus integration module, using the 24 h active function will lead to detector reaction to all alarms even when the wired security system is disarmed (similar to the Always active function in the Ajax security system settings). This mode shortens the detectors battery life.

When connecting ocBridge Plus to the wired control panel, use the IN terminal: this allows the integration module to monitor the armed mode and put the wireless detectors into power saving mode when the system is disarmed.

  • Detector ping interval
  • Ambient temperature
  • Jeweller signal strength
  • Number of the connected detector alarms
  • Energy consumption of the connected detector

Learn more: Transmitter User Manual

When and how to replace cells in the batteries

The Ajax system monitors the battery level in the devices and warns of the need to replace in advance. When the battery is on 10% of the charge approximately, the user receives a notification in the Ajax app, and a message about the malfunction is sent to the security company’s CMS each time the system is armed. Depending on the settings and conditions of use, the owner has to 2 months for replacing the batteries from the moment of notification.

If there are several cells in the detector battery, do not install cells of different models, manufacturers, or varying degrees of discharge. Due to the flow of charge between them, just one discharged cell can significantly reduce the life of the entire battery.

We recommend installing the following batteries to ensure that the Ajax device operates for the calculated time:

  • Panasonic CR123A Industrial Lithium Battery, 3 V (item model number — 4330203048, manufacturer — Indonesia).
  • Huiderui CR123A, 3 V, 1,600 mAh, LiMn02.
  • Renata CR2032.
  • Panasonic CR2032 (BAT487).
  • Panasonic CR2032BS.
  • Huiderui CR-2, 3 V, 850 mAh, LiMn02.
  • Huiderui AA, 1.5 V, 2,900 mAh, LiFeS2.
  • Energizer AA Ultimate Lithium, L91.
  • Huiderui AAA, 1.5 V, 1,200 mAh, LiFeS2.
  • Energizer AAA, 1.5 V, 1,200 mAh, LiFeS2 Lithium bulk.

If other batteries are installed, the operating time may differ from the calculated time.

Quantity, type of cells and estimated battery life of Ajax devices
GlassProtect 1 × CR123A up to 7 years
DoorProtect 1 × CR123A up to 7 years
DoorProtect Plus 1 × CR123A up to 5 years
MotionProtect 1 × CR123A up to 5 years
MotionProtect Plus 1 × CR123A up to 5 years
CombiProtect 1 × CR123A up to 5 years
MotionProtect Curtain 1 × CR123A up to 3 years
MotionProtect Outdoor 2 × CR123A up to 5 years
DualCurtain Outdoor 2 × CR123A up to 4 years
MotionСam 2 × CR123A up to 4 years
MotionCam (PhOD) 2 x CR123A up to 4 years
with Photo on demand toggle disabled
up to 3 years
with Photo on demand toggle enabled
MotionCam Outdoor 4 × CR123A up to 3 years
MotionCam Outdoor (PhOD) 4 × CR123A up to 3 years
HomeSiren 2 × CR123A up to 5 years
StreetSiren 4 × CR123A up to 5 years
StreetSiren DoubleDeck 4 × CR123A up to 5 years
FireProtect 2 × CR2
1 × CR2032
up to 4 years
FireProtect Plus 2 × CR2
1 × CR2032
up to 4 years
FireProtect 2 RB 2 × CR123A up to 7 years
Button/DoubleButton/SpaceControl 1 × CR2032 up to 5 years
KeyPad 4 × AAA up to 2 years
KeyPad Plus 4 × AA up to 4.5 years
KeyPad TouchScreen 6 × AA up to 1.5 years
Transmitter 3 × CR123A up to 5 years
LeaksProtect 2 × AAA up to 5 years
Ajax WaterStop 4 × CR123A up to 3 years
LifeQuality 2 × CR123A up to 4 years

Calculating battery life of Ajax devices

Many factors affect the device’s battery lifespan. Using the battery life calculator, you can make a theoretical estimate of the device’s battery lifespan based on these factors.

Battery life calculator

Use

What you need to remember about Ajax devices batteries

  • The battery life is affected by a set of factors, which makes its calculations always approximate.
  • Always take into account temperature swings at the installation place of the detectors.
  • Do not activate settings that use the detector radio module more frequently, unless it’s necessary. We are talking about the Always Active mode and reducing the detector ping interval.
  • Use only recommended cells. Replace the whole battery only, using the same type of cells produced by one manufacturer.

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