ALERTEX is a battery powered, wireless critical alert system. The units are fully portable, wire free, and can be rapidly deployed for fire alert and lockdown situations.
- Rapidly deployable with no wires or cabling
- Monitor and control units using the PC App
- Annunciator or simple alert variants
- Wireless with up to 64 units per site
- 1km transmission range between units
- Long battery life of up to 2 years
- Robust IP66 weather rating
The ALERTEX Wireless Critical Alert system is a robust wireless alert solution that operates over a secure, wireless mesh protocol. It is battery operated and requires no wires or cabling. The units are portable and rapidly deployable.
Up to 64 ALERTEX units can be used per site, with an impressive 1km line of sight wireless transmission range between units. Each unit acts as a repeater and the alert transmission can ‘hop’ up to 16 times across the mesh network, allowing the ALERTEX system to have a maximum line of sight range of up to 16km. ALERTEX units are highly energy-efficient and can last up to 2 years on a set of batteries.
The ALERTEX system can be used as a standalone system, comprising of one master unit and several slave units. The master unit features a master reset key the can be used the reset the system post-activation.
The ALERTEX system can be monitored and controlled from one central location by adding in a Genesis IP Masthead to be used with the ALERTEX PC app. From the app, the ALERTEX system can be monitored, activated, and tested. Additionally, email alerts can be set up to be sent to 3 separate email groups in the event of an activation.
The ALERTEX Wireless Critical Alert System comprises two main variants: ALERTEX Fire Alert and ALERTEX Lockdown.
Looking for an Approved Installer?
- Alertex Approved Installers are accredited to install Alertex Lockdown and Fire systems to the highest standard
- All of our approved installers are highly experienced and have previously installed Alertex systems
- We have several approved installers across the UK who are happy to perform site visits
The ALERTEX Fire Alert system is ideal for temporary or evolving sites, i.e. construction and utility sites, that require a robust alert to fire. As it is fully portable and wire-free, it can be installed quickly and simply without the need for civil works.
ALERTEX Fire Alert units comply with current HSE Fire Safety Guidelines (HSG168) regarding audible and visual alerts to fire on construction sites.
The ALERTEX Lockdown system is designed to give a clear alert in the event of an activation. Lockdown units are visually and audibly distinct from fire alert units to minimise disruption and confusion.
Lockdown units comply with current guidelines from NaCTSO, which state that ‘the activation of the fire alarm to initiate evacuation should be avoided to reduce the possibility of an incorrect response’.
NXVS
Battery Powered Voice Annunciator
with speaker and flashing LED lights
- 5 pre-loaded voice messages
- upload custom message via USB
- white flashing LED lights on activation
- works with all Alertex units
The Alertex Approved Installer Scheme
- Certified to install Alertex Fire Alert and Lockdown systems to the highest quality
- Listed on the Approved Installers page
- Priority access to the latest products and test equipment
- Recommended to customers by Luminite depending on location
- Discounts for test and demonstration equipment
Technical Specifications
| Power Requirements | 2 x 3.6v lithium D cells |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 2 years with low battery alert via masthead |
| Receiver Frequency | 434.525 Mhz |
| Reception Range | Up to 1km line of sight per mesh hop |
| Transmitter Power | 10 MW |
| Aerial | Supplied with 50 ohm helical |
| Site Codes | 32 |
| Unit Codes | 64 |
| Temperature Range | -10°C to +60°C |
| Weather Rating | IP66 for external units / IP54 for internal units |
| Housing | Enclosure & sounder ABS, call-point polycarbonate |
| Decibel Level | Adjustable from 86 dBa to 117 dBa |
| Sounder Operating Frequency | 440 - 2900 Hz |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many units can you fit on one system?
Up to 64 units can report back to one Master.
How long do batteries last?
Alertex units require 2 x 3.6v lithium D cells which, with normal use, should last up to 2 years. We advise a changeover of batteries before 2 years. Please note that call points only are fitted with a CR123a battery with a similar battery life. If you are using an IP hub, this will report low battery status.
Can the system be linked to a third party system?
Each unit can be fitted with an input and output to allow for integration with an access control system or fire panel. Speak to our sales team for further details.
Are there voice units available?
Yes, we offer an Alertex annunciator which has pre-recorded messages or users can record their own bespoke message. The annunciator is also fitted with white flashing LED lights.
How loud are the units when activated?
The volume of sounders can be adjusted using the dip switches on the back of the sounder. The volume ranges from 86dBa to 117dBa on sounders and typically 100dBa on annunciators.
Do you offer an installation service?
The Alertex range has been designed to be easily installed and units can be rapidly deployed and moved around a site as required. We work with a number of installers who are familiar with our equipment and are happy to supply details if required.
Do you offer a design service?
We are always happy to look at plans and advise on equipment. This is a free service.
Can the system be re-used?
Alertex has been designed to be deployed as a site changes and develops. You may have to re-programme units as a site grows or retracts but this is a very simple process.
Can the system be used outside?
All Alertex units are available as internal or external variants. External units have an IP66 weather rating and internal units have an IP54 rating.
Can units be added after the initial installation?
Yes this is the beauty of the Alertex system – you can add as many units (up to 64 to each Master) as you wish. Simply programme to the same site code and use the next available unit number if you wish to track the system via the IP masthead.
What is the transmission range?
Alertex units operate using the 434Mhz radio frequency which has excellent transmission properties in buildings and on industrial sites. Units transmit via a mesh protocol and 1km line of sight is easily achieved as each unit acts as a repeater (except for call points only).
Do you supply spare re-set keys for Masters and call points?
We can supply these but there is a charge.
Why would a battery drain quicker than expected?
Check that the CALL REPEAT function is disabled as this should only be enabled on units that are required to create a larger mesh network. Units have this disabled by default. If you are using an IP masthead hub on the system you should check the CALL PERIOD. This is the frequency with which the unit checks in with the IP masthead to give status updates. Units are despatched with a default setting of 99 minutes but this can be adjusted down to 3 minutes but note that more frequent call periods will affect the battery life.
During testing the system activated but did not respond to further activations.
The Alertex system requires at least 6-minute rest period between activations due to it being a battery powered wireless system.
Can the system be monitored out of hours?
To be advised of activated units you can use our IP masthead which will report activations via email to however many recipients are required.
What is required for the IP masthead to work?
You will need a hardwired power and ethernet connection as well as a Windows computer running Windows 7 or above.
What benefits does the IP masthead give?
The IP masthead gives you access to the Alertex PC app which has 3 main functions. Firstly it allows the end user to monitor and control units from one central location. Secondly it allows users to run full or silent tests which can be set to long or short periods depending on the requirement. Thirdly email alerts can be sent automatically following an activation to up to 3 email groups.
I have a very large site – how can I establish the wireless range between units for placement purposes?
You can use a walktest unit (LGWT434)
What standards does the system comply with?
Alertex Fire units are sold as part of a construction site solution or as a bridging system for when a range of fire alarms are being changed over and as such are not EN54 approved. Alertex smoke sensors are BS5839 Part 6 compliant and heat sensors conform to BS5446-2. See datasheets for full details.
How often should I test the system?
Fire alerts should be tested weekly in accordance with Health & Safety guidelines.
Will heat and smoke sensors communicate with Alertex units?
Yes but ensure an Alertex sounder/beacon is within a 100m range of the sensors.
Can schools install a system or should a professional be used?
Alertex has been designed to be easily installed and we have produced an installation video aimed at the education sector. Please go to our You Tube channel.
I don’t want our lockdown alert to sound like fire – how do I change the sound?
In line with recent Ofsted guidelines, schools must be able to demonstrate that their alert for lockdown (meaning stay within the building and find a place of safety) sounds distinctive to a fire alarm (which means evacuate the building). Alertex units not only look different to fire alarms but users have 32 different sounds to choose from. Different sounds are achieved using dip switches within the sounder. Refer to the user guide for full details. Alternatively, the annunciator version allows users to play a pre-recorded message on activation or they can record their own.
How often should I test the system?
There is no stipulation as to how often a lockdown system should be tested. We suggest a full test at least every 3 months.
Can staff on playground duty activate the system in case of an external event.
The NXFOB is available, supplied on a lanyard for ease of use. When this is triggered within 100m of any Alertex unit (except call points only), it will activate the whole system.