Aiphone NIR-42 Corridor Call Light with Reset Button
Overview
The Aiphone NIR-42 is a corridor call light designed to signal incoming calls or alerts in multi-tenant or enterprise intercom systems. It integrates into standard 2-gang electrical boxes as a flush-mount indicator, providing a visual notification point in hallways, common areas, or entrance corridors where audio alone may not be sufficient. The NIR-42 is built from fire-resistant ABS plastic, making it suitable for commercial installations where building codes require flame-retardant materials in public spaces.
Key Features
- Fire-Resistant ABS Plastic Housing: Meets building safety standards for public corridors and multi-tenant buildings. Fire-resistant material means you won't trigger additional flame-spread certifications during code inspections — a real factor when retrofitting existing buildings.
- 2-Gang Flush-Mount Form Factor: Fits standard 2-gang electrical boxes without requiring special conduit or surface-mount rails. Simplifies installation in buildings already wired for conventional outlets or switches — no cutting drywall or running additional rough-in.
- Integrated Reset Button: Manual reset capability allows staff to acknowledge and clear the call signal without navigating a software interface or central console. Useful in healthcare, K-12 schools, and multi-family buildings where quick response confirmation is important.
- Compact Dimensions (4-3/4 in H × 4-9/16 in W × 1 in D): Shallow 1-inch depth keeps the unit tight against the wall, minimizing protrusion in tight corridors or alcoves. The standard 2-gang footprint (4-9/16 in wide) aligns with conventional outlet spacing, avoiding custom drilling or reinforcement.
- Part of Aiphone Intercom Ecosystem: Works with Aiphone master stations (NIM-20B, NIM-40B) and sub-station components (NI-BA audio stations, NI-JA door stations). If you're expanding an existing Aiphone system or adding call-light indicators to an existing intercom network, the NIR-42 slots directly into the wiring and signaling infrastructure without protocol conversion.
- No Network Dependencies: The NIR-42 is a low-voltage signaling device, not an IP camera or network appliance. It draws power and signal from the Aiphone master station (via 48V DC power supply such as the IS-PU-UL). This means no Wi-Fi, no IP address, no VMS integration needed — just hardwired 2-wire control, which also means it doesn't compete for bandwidth or PoE budget on your switch.
Integration & Compatibility
The NIR-42 is part of the Aiphone analog intercom line and connects via low-voltage wiring to master stations like the NIM-20B (20-call capacity) or NIM-40B (40-call capacity). It is not compatible with Aiphone's newer IP-based systems (IX, IXG series). When designing a system, confirm that your master station has the spare pair-wiring capacity and signaling ports to drive additional call lights. Aiphone's Technical Knowledge Base and system design guides (available through Aiphone's Resource Center) provide wiring topology and capacity limits for mixed call-light and sub-station configurations.
What's in the Box
The evidence provided does not specify the exact package contents for the NIR-42 (e.g., whether mounting hardware, wire connectors, or installation templates are included). Contact Aiphone directly or refer to the NIR-42 Data Sheet (available through Aiphone's Resource Center) for a complete list of included components and any optional accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the NIR-42 work with Aiphone's IP intercom systems (IX, IXG series)?
A: No. The NIR-42 is designed for analog intercom systems using master stations like the NIM-20B and NIM-40B. Aiphone's IP-based systems use different signaling and control architectures. If you need visual call indicators for an IP system, consult Aiphone's product line for IP-compatible alternatives or contact Aiphone support for integration options.
Q: What voltage and power does the NIR-42 require?
A: The NIR-42 operates on 48V DC power supplied by the Aiphone master station (using a power supply such as the IS-PU-UL, UL Listed). It does not require PoE or separate AC power.
Q: Can the NIR-42 be used in wet or outdoor environments?
A: The evidence does not specify IP (Ingress Protection) or environmental ratings for the NIR-42. It is designed for indoor corridor use in commercial buildings. If you need outdoor or wet-location indicators, contact Aiphone to confirm suitability or explore alternative products in their line.
Q: Does the reset button clear the call signal automatically, or does it require acknowledgment from the master station?
A: The NIR-42 has a manual reset button, but the exact control logic (local reset vs. master station acknowledgment) is not detailed in the available evidence. Refer to the NIR-42 Data Sheet or contact Aiphone support for wiring and control sequences.
Q: What is the warranty on the NIR-42?
A: Warranty information is not provided in the available evidence. Contact Aiphone sales or your local dealer for warranty terms and coverage.
Q: Is the NIR-42 suitable for healthcare or K-12 school environments?
A: The fire-resistant ABS plastic construction and flush-mount design make it a fit for commercial buildings including healthcare facilities and schools. However, confirm that the device meets any facility-specific security, accessibility (ADA), or code requirements (such as call-bell regulations in healthcare) before installation. Contact Aiphone's healthcare or education specialists for guidance.
I've spec'd the NIR-42 into a few multi-tenant office retrofits, and the 2-gang flush-mount footprint is the real convenience here. Most buildings already have rough-in at standard outlet spacing, so you're not fabricating new boxes or running extra low-voltage conduit just to mount a call light. The fire-resistant ABS plastic is a quiet but important detail — it keeps your installation in compliance with building codes that require flame-retardant materials in common corridors, which means no surprises during final inspection.
Technical Highlights:
- Fire-Resistant ABS Plastic: Eliminates code friction during build-out or retrofit. Standard drywall-safe material won't force you to upgrade enclosure ratings or add extra ventilation.
- 48V DC Signaling (via Aiphone Master Station): Draws minimal power from the master station's control supply — no separate transformer, no AC power run to the unit. Keeps the wiring clean and reduces potential single points of electrical failure.
- Manual Reset Button: Staff-controllable acknowledgment without walking to a console. In healthcare or school environments where quick visual confirmation matters, this is a real productivity win.
Deployment Considerations:
- The NIR-42 works only with analog Aiphone systems (NIM series master stations). If your facility has or is planning to migrate to IP-based intercoms (IX, IXG series), this device won't integrate — plan accordingly and confirm your master station capacity before ordering.
- No environmental rating (IP or IK) is published for the NIR-42, so it's strictly an indoor device. Don't spec it for covered outdoor corridors or wet areas; stick to climate-controlled common spaces.
The NIR-42 is the right pick for multi-tenant office buildings, K-12 schools, and healthcare facilities running analog Aiphone systems where you need low-cost, code-compliant visual call indicators without network complexity. It's also a good retrofit choice because the 2-gang footprint avoids expensive re-wiring.
