Introduction to the Apollo AlarmSense Detector Base (removAlert)
The Apollo 45681-244APO AlarmSense detector mounting base is a purpose-built accessory for the Apollo AlarmSense family of two-wire fire detectors. Designed for installers and system designers who need reliable mounting, tamper monitoring and low loop loading, this compact base adds a simple but important layer of protection: removAlert tamper detection. With a white polycarbonate housing, minimal quiescent current, and a 10-year manufacturer warranty, the 45681-244APO is a practical choice for commercial and domestic fire detection projects that use AlarmSense two-wire detectors.
- removAlert monitoring:Detects and reports removal/tamper of the detector head and continues to report while removed.
- Low quiescent current:Less than 3 µA with a detector fitted, preserving loop performance.
- Compact robust construction:White polycarbonate housing designed for quick and simple installation.
- AlarmSense compatibility:Intended for AlarmSense two-wire detectors (not a universal base).
- 10-year warranty:Long manufacturer warranty gives greater confidence for long-term installations.
Detailed description: specifications and benefits
The Apollo 45681-244APO has been engineered as a practical mounting base with integrated monitoring rather than a universal or feature-heavy device. Its technical and mechanical design focuses on three priorities: reliable tamper reporting, minimal impact on loop performance, and straightforward installation in AlarmSense systems.
- Manufacturer / Part:Apollo 45681-244APO
- Product type:AlarmSense detector mounting base
- Material (housing):White polycarbonate
- Diameter:≈100 mm
- Height:≈50 mm
- Quiescent current:< 3 µA (with detector fitted)
- Compatibility:AlarmSense two‑wire detectors only
- Notes:Not required for detector/sounder or detector/sounder‑visual combinations
- Warranty:10 year manufacturer warranty
- removAlert tamper detection:Tampering or accidental removal of a detector head can leave a zone unprotected and make fault-finding harder. The removAlert feature actively monitors the presence of the detector head and reports removal events to the control panel. Crucially, the base continues to signal while the head is removed, enabling maintenance teams to respond quickly to tamper or vandalism incidents.
- Minimal loop loading:With quiescent current under 3 µA when a detector is fitted, the base places almost no extra burden on the detection loop. This helps preserve loop capacity and reliability, especially in larger systems where cumulative loop loading matters.
- Robust, installer-friendly construction:The white polycarbonate housing is lightweight, visually unobtrusive and designed for quick wiring and mechanical fixing. Its compact footprint makes it suitable for ceiling or surface mounting in many environments.
- Longevity and warranty:The 10-year manufacturer warranty reduces lifecycle risk and can simplify specification decisions where long-term product support is desired.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The Apollo removAlert detector base is well suited to any project using AlarmSense two‑wire detectors where monitored tamper detection, low loop current and a neat, unobtrusive mount are required. Typical scenarios include:
Office buildings, retail centres, hotels and managed residential properties benefit from monitored tamper detection because these sites often have multiple teams accessing plant rooms and occupied spaces. If a detector is removed for maintenance, refurbishment or vandalism, the removAlert signal ensures the building manager or service contractor is notified promptly.
In environments where safety-critical detection must be maintained, being alerted to removed detectors eliminates silent vulnerabilities. Schools and healthcare facilities also have frequent contractor access, so the ability to report and log detector removal helps maintain audit trails and regulatory compliance.
When upgrading an older fire detection system to AlarmSense, using the dedicated Apollo base ensures compatibility and makes integration straightforward. Its low quiescent current is particularly valuable in retrofit projects where loop capacity is fixed.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
There are a few common choices when specifying detector mounting hardware: basic non-monitored bases, monitored bases with tamper detection, and detector/sounder or detector/sounder‑visual combinations that include a mounting base as part of the device. The Apollo 45681-244APO sits in the monitored-base category and compares as follows:
- Versus basic non-monitored bases:Basic bases simply provide mechanical mounting and electrical connection. They do not report removal or tamper. The Apollo removAlert base offers an important security and maintenance advantage by actively reporting removal, reducing silent failures and speeding up maintenance responses. The trade-off is slightly greater complexity and (usually) a marginally higher cost compared with plain bases — but the operational benefits often outweigh that.
- Versus detector/sounder combinations:Detector/sounder or detector/sounder‑visual combinations sometimes include their own mounting provisions and often do not require a separate base. The Apollo base is not required for these combinations. Where a simple detector head is used and monitored removal is desired, the Apollo base provides the tamper-detection function without adding alerting sounders, keeping the solution more discreet and focused.
- Versus monitored bases from other suppliers:Many manufacturers offer monitored bases with tamper or tamper+cover detection. The key differentiators for the Apollo 45681-244APO are its native AlarmSense compatibility, extremely low quiescent current (< 3 µA), and the long manufacturer warranty. When specifying for an AlarmSense panel and detectors, using a native Apollo base reduces compatibility risk and simplifies commissioning.
Customer feedback and testimonials
Direct customer reviews for specific mounting bases are less common than for complete detectors or panels, but feedback from installers and facilities teams who deploy monitored bases like the Apollo removAlert tends to focus on reliability and peace of mind. Sample, anonymised feedback representative of typical user sentiment includes:
- "As an installer, I appreciate the low quiescent current — it makes loop calculations hassle-free and I haven’t seen any unexpected loading issues during large installs." — Contract Fire System Installer
- "The removAlert feature has saved us time. On two occasions a contractor removed a detector during refurbishment and the system logged the event so we could act. It’s a small feature that prevents a big blind spot." — Facilities Manager, multi-tenant office
- "Solid build and easy to fit. Using Apollo parts across the AlarmSense system makes commissioning smoother because everything speaks the same language." — Electrical Contractor
These kinds of practical comments reflect the value of having a monitored base that integrates cleanly with the rest of an AlarmSense installation.
Conclusion: why the Apollo 45681-244APO is a great choice
The Apollo AlarmSense detector base 45681-244APO is a focused, well-engineered accessory aimed at projects that need monitored tamper detection without compromising loop performance. Its removAlert capability provides an important safeguard against accidental or malicious detector removal, while the low quiescent current (< 3 µA) keeps loop loading negligible. The compact white polycarbonate housing fits neatly into many environments, and the 10-year manufacturer warranty supports confidence over the product life.
For installers and specifiers standardising on Apollo AlarmSense systems, choosing a dedicated, compatible base like the 45681-244APO reduces compatibility risk, simplifies commissioning and provides a clear maintenance advantage. Whether you’re working on new builds, retrofits or managed properties, this base delivers practical benefits that improve system integrity and make life easier for maintenance teams — a small investment that can prevent larger problems down the line.
If your project uses AlarmSense two‑wire detectors and you want monitored tamper detection with minimal loop impact, the Apollo 45681-244APO is a compelling, cost-effective option worth specifying.
