Introduction: Meet the Fike 204-0003 Twinflex Multipoint ASD Detector
Fike Twinflex Multipoint ASD Detector (204-0003)is a compact, addressable two‑wire smoke and heat detector purpose‑built for modern commercial and light‑industrial fire detection systems. Designed to work with the TWINFLEXpro² two‑wire platform (SITA/Duonet/Quadnet compatible), this detector combines selectable sensitivity, multi‑mode detection and self‑calibration to deliver reliable early warning while minimising nuisance alarms and maintenance overhead.
Available as a version without an integral sounder, the 204-0003 offers installers and system integrators a flexible, robust detection head with tamper‑resistant mounting, built‑in short‑circuit isolator functionality and continuous contamination monitoring — features that make it well suited to a wide range of installations.
Key features at a glance
- Two‑wire addressable— compatible with TWINFLEXpro² systems.
- Seven selectable modes— 3 smoke, 3 heat and 1 combined mode for adaptable sensitivity.
- Self‑calibrating— automatic recalibration every 6 hours and continuous contamination monitoring.
- Maintenance friendly— removable head for safe servicing at height and tamper‑resistant mounting.
- Built‑in protection— device family includes a short‑circuit isolator to protect loop integrity.
- Variant flexibility— 204-0003 is the no‑sounder variant; sounder/strobe options available in the family.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The 204-0003 combines practical electrical, physical and performance characteristics that address everyday challenges in commercial fire detection. Below are the core specifications with the practical benefits they deliver.
- Detection modes:3 smoke modes, 3 heat modes and 1 combined mode. Benefit: Tailor sensitivity to the environment — lower sensitivity for dusty or humid areas to reduce false alarms, higher sensitivity where early smoke detection is critical.
- Self‑calibration:Automatic calibration every 6 hours plus continuous contamination monitoring. Benefit: Maintains reliable detection thresholds over time and provides pre‑warning when cleaning is needed, reducing unexpected faults and maintenance surprises.
- Short‑circuit protection:Built‑in short‑circuit isolator (device family). Benefit: Improves system resilience — a single fault on the loop won’t necessarily disable all devices downstream.
- Operating voltage:18–32 V DC (two‑wire loop). Benefit: Works with standard two‑wire addressable panels, simplifying retrofits and new installs.
- Quiescent current:109 µA typical. Benefit: Low standby current helps when planning loop loading and power budgets.
- Alarm current:~17.92 mA typical for the device family (204-0003 without sounder will be lower). Benefit: Predictable alarm currents make it easier to calculate power supply and battery back‑up requirements.
- Sounder currents:Sounder variants in the family have defined high/low currents; 204-0003 is the low‑power non‑sounder option for cleaner loops where notification devices are panel‑driven.
- Form factor:Diameter ~107 mm, depth ~75 mm (including base). Benefit: Compact profile fits most ceiling and surface mount applications without intruding into occupied spaces.
- Operating temperature:−10 °C to +50 °C. Benefit: Suitable for most commercial and many light‑industrial environments.
- IP rating:IP21. Benefit: Protection against solid objects and vertically falling water — adequate for indoor applications.
- Mounting:Supplied with base plate, tamper‑resistant locking and removable head for maintenance. Benefit: Safe servicing at height and reduced risk of accidental tampering or removal.
Use cases and scenarios where the Twinflex detector excels
The 204-0003 is especially effective in environments where flexibility, reliability and low maintenance are priorities. Typical scenarios include:
- Office buildings:Open plan offices, meeting rooms and corridors where a balance between early smoke detection and nuisance suppression matters.
- Retail outlets and shopping centres:Areas with mixed occupancy and variable dust, where selectable sensitivity helps avoid false alarms from steam or cooking fumes.
- Light industrial workshops and warehouses:Spaces that may have intermittent dust or temperature variations; the combined and heat modes offer robust protection where smoke detectors might be prone to fouling.
- Schools and public buildings:Where tamper resistance and easy maintenance are important for long‑term uptime and safety compliance.
- Systems integrator and retrofit projects:Two‑wire addressability makes the Twinflex detector attractive when replacing conventional detectors or expanding existing TWINFLEXpro² networks with minimal rewiring.
How it compares to similar products on the market
When evaluating the 204-0003, compare it across three main axes: detection flexibility, maintenance features and system compatibility.
- Detection flexibility:Many basic detectors offer single‑mode detection (smoke or heat) and fixed sensitivity. The Twinflex’s seven selectable modes outclass many standard devices by allowing installers to fine‑tune settings for the protected environment, reducing false alarms without compromising safety.
- Maintenance intelligence:The automatic 6‑hour calibration and ongoing contamination monitoring are features typically found in higher‑end detectors. Competitors without these features often require more frequent manual testing and cleaning schedules.
- Two‑wire addressability:Other manufacturers provide addressable heads but sometimes require more complex wiring or separate isolator modules. Twinflex’s built‑in isolator (in the device family) and compatibility with TWINFLEXpro² make deployment straightforward for integrators already using Fike systems.
- Variants and notification options:The 204-0003 is the no‑sounder variant, which is advantageous where audible notification is handled by separate devices or the panel. Competitors may bundle sounders into the same head, increasing current draw and installation complexity when a separate solution is preferred.
Customer feedback and installer perspectives
There are no widely published user reviews specific to the 204-0003 in public consumer marketplaces, but feedback from installers and system integrators working with the TWINFLEXpro² ecosystem tends to highlight several recurring positives:
- Installers appreciate the low quiescent current and predictable alarm loads for easier loop planning.
- Maintenance teams value the self‑calibration and contamination alerts because they reduce the frequency of scheduled manual cleaning and improve uptime.
- Facility managers notice fewer nuisance alarms after system tuning thanks to the selectable modes, which helps reduce business disruption and unnecessary call‑outs.
If you’re evaluating this detector for a project, ask your supplier for references or case studies where Twinflex detectors have been deployed in similar environments — that will provide the most directly relevant feedback.
Installation, compliance and safety considerations
Proper installation is essential. The 204-0003 must be installed by a qualified engineer following the Fike TWINFLEXpro² installation manual and local regulations. Key points:
- Always isolate loop power before installation and follow the panel wiring diagrams.
- Calculate loop loading using the published quiescent and alarm currents — remember that sounder variants will draw more current.
- Adhere to manufacturer calibration and test routines after commissioning and during routine maintenance.
- Refer to the official declarations of conformity (CE/UKCA) and technical documentation for compliance details.
Conclusion: Why the 204-0003 is a strong choice
The Fike 204-0003 Twinflex Multipoint ASD Detector offers a balanced mix of detection flexibility, low‑maintenance operation and system compatibility that make it a compelling choice for commercial and light‑industrial installations. With seven selectable modes, automatic calibration and contamination monitoring, it minimizes nuisance alarms and maintenance disruption while delivering dependable alarm performance.
For installers and systems integrators working with TWINFLEXpro² panels or seeking a compact, tamper‑resistant addressable head without an integrated sounder, the 204-0003 is a pragmatic and reliable option. Its modest price point and clear technical specifications simplify procurement and design decisions, while its maintenance‑focused features reduce total cost of ownership over the life of the installation.
To decide if the 204-0003 is the right detector for your project, review the full installation manual, confirm compatibility with your panel and operational requirements, and discuss any site‑specific considerations with a qualified fire detection engineer.
