GEMINI Battery Powered Fire Alarm

FAQs

Can I add additional call points or sounders to the GX20e?

No, it is not possible to install additional individual call points or sounders to the GX20e system. Each GX20e unit contains an integral call point and sounder as a complete package. However, you can expand coverage by linking up to four GX20e units together, giving you four call point locations with four sounders. For larger systems where multiple call points and sounders must be interconnected independently, Hoyles recommends their GX32 system which offers greater flexibility for complex installations.

Can I connect smoke or heat detectors to the GX20e?

No, the GX20e does not support automatic detection devices such as smoke detectors or heat detectors. It is a manual call point only system designed for applications where manual activation is appropriate. The system relies entirely on someone physically operating the call point to trigger the alarm. If you require automatic fire detection capability, you would need to consider a different fire alarm system that supports detector devices.

How long do the batteries last and how do I know when to replace them?

The two PP3 alkaline batteries (supplied with the unit) have a life expectancy of approximately 12 months depending on usage. The GX20e features an intelligent battery condition monitor that provides early warning of impending battery failure. When batteries are getting low, the amber Fault LED will flash every 60 seconds, accompanied by an audible bleep every 60 seconds. This gives you advance notice to replace the batteries before they fail completely, ensuring continuous fire alarm protection.

What is the difference between the various LED indication patterns?

The GX20e uses comprehensive LED patterns to communicate system status. During a fire condition, two red LEDs flash alternately with continuous sounder. After silencing a fire alarm, the two red LEDs flash together every 30 seconds with a bleep every 30 seconds. In silenced mode with no fire condition (for walk testing), the red Fire and amber Fault LEDs flash alternately if the battery is healthy, or the amber LED flashes every 2 seconds if battery is low. For battery low or cable fault conditions, the amber Fault LED flashes every 60 seconds. These clear patterns make it easy to identify system status at a glance.

How many GX20e units can I link together?

You can link up to four GX20e units together to expand coverage for larger buildings. When linked, all units will activate together when any call point is operated, providing comprehensive alarm coverage across multiple locations. This makes the system scalable from a single unit for very small buildings up to four interconnected units for moderate-sized premises. Each unit retains its own integral call point and sounder, providing four potential alarm activation points and four sounder locations when fully expanded.

Where is the GX20e most appropriately used?

The GX20e is ideal for small buildings, outbuildings, workshops, temporary structures, storage facilities, remote buildings, construction sites, portable cabins, and any location where mains power is unavailable or impractical to install. It’s perfect for situations requiring simple, reliable fire alarm protection without the complexity and cost of a full mains-powered addressable or conventional system. The battery power eliminates the need for electrical installation work, and the all-in-one design means there’s no need to wire separate call points and sounders, making it quick and economical to install.