Introduction to the Apollo XPERT Universal Address Card and its key features
Apollo 45682-800APO — XPERT Universal Address Card (Pack of 25)is a simple but highly effective accessory designed to speed up commissioning and maintenance of addressable fire detectors used with Apollo XPERT detector bases. The cards use removable numbered pips to set detector addresses quickly and reliably. A single universal card type fits both XPERT 7 and XPERT 8 bases and even includes a 128th pip for CoreProtocol systems, making this pack of 25 an economical, practical item for electricians, fire alarm engineers, and facilities teams who want to reduce installation time and safeguard detector addresses during servicing.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The technical design of the XPERT Universal Address Card focuses on tolerance, repeatability, and compatibility. Below is a concise list of its main specifications followed by an explanation of how those specs translate into on-site benefits.
- Manufacturer / Part no.:Apollo 45682-800APO
- Pack quantity:25 cards
- Compatibility:XPERT 7 and XPERT 8 detector bases (XP95/XPERT family)
- Addressing:Removable numbered pips; includes the 128th pip for CoreProtocol systems
- Pip/contact dimensions:Pip height +0.01 mm; contact Ø 1.7–2.0 mm; break-out web 0.6 mm (per pip)
- Material / Colour:White plastic
Benefits derived from the specifications:
- Universal fit across base families:One card design works with both XPERT 7 and XPERT 8 bases, removing the need to carry multiple addressing accessories for different base generations.
- Flexible addressing:The removable numbered pips allow fast configuration of detector addresses on site without additional tools or programming hardware. Inclusion of a 128th pip ensures compatibility with CoreProtocol systems that use extended address ranges.
- Reliable mechanical engagement:Improved lead-in on pips and defined contact geometry create a forgiving mechanical interface that compensates for small misalignments during installation. This reduces the risk of poor contact or mis-set addresses when detectors are fitted or replaced.
- Preserves detector addresses during replacement:Because the card retains its pips and engagement geometry, swapping detectors in the field is less likely to disturb configured addresses. That reduces commissioning time and helps maintain accurate device mapping.
- Economical pack quantity:Supplied as packs of 25, the product is cost-effective for installers and contractors who routinely commission multiple detectors or prefer to keep a stock of spares on vehicles or in stores.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The XPERT Universal Address Card is tailored to practical tasks faced by installers, servicing engineers, and facilities maintenance teams. Typical scenarios where it offers clear advantages include:
- Initial commissioning:During a new installation, addressing many detectors quickly is critical. These cards allow technicians to set device addresses en masse without powering down systems or relying on separate programming tools.
- Field maintenance and replacement:When detectors need swapping due to fault or end-of-life, the card helps preserve the original address mapping, preventing downstream reprogramming or confusion in the fire panel’s device list.
- Stock for installers:Carrying a small pack of 25 cards on-site or in a service van ensures installers always have the correct addressing accessory available for both XPERT 7 and XPERT 8 bases, saving trips back to the depot and preventing installation delays.
- Retrofit and upgrade work:In buildings undergoing phased upgrades, the universal nature of the card minimizes compatibility issues between older and newer bases, making staged work smoother.
- Training and mock-ups:For training exercises, demonstration rigs, or test benches, the cards simplify repeated addressing tasks and allow trainees to practice without complex programming steps.
Comparisons with similar products and alternative approaches
Addressable detector systems can be configured in several ways: removable pip cards (like the XPERT card), rotary switches, DIP switches, and electronic/programming tools. Compared with these alternatives, the XPERT Universal Address Card has several clear strengths and a few trade-offs to consider.
- Vs. rotary or DIP switches:Rotary switches and DIP switches are durable and provide a direct method to set addresses, but they require multiple switch positions for each device and can be slower to set across many detectors. The removable-pip approach enables rapid selection and is less prone to accidental change during handling because pips remain captive in the card until intentionally removed.
- Vs. programming tools/software:Electronic programming can be fast and flexible but requires additional equipment, software, and sometimes powering down systems. The XPERT card is a low-tech, reliable option that works without extra tools and avoids software compatibility issues on site.
- Vs. single-family addressing cards:Some addressing cards are specific to certain base families, forcing installers to stock multiple part numbers. The universal fit of the Apollo card reduces inventory complexity and the risk of bringing the wrong accessory to a job.
- Unique advantage — 128th pip inclusion:Not all addressing cards accommodate extended address ranges required by protocols such as CoreProtocol. The inclusion of the 128th pip makes the Apollo card future-proof for systems that use expanded address spaces.
Customer feedback and installer impressions
Formal public customer testimonials for this specific 25-pack are limited on manufacturer pages. However, typical feedback from installers and service engineers when using removable pip addressing systems (and from field reports relating to Apollo XPERT accessories) highlights a few recurring points:
- Speed: Installers appreciate how removable pips speed up mass addressing tasks during initial commissioning.
- Compatibility: The universal fit across XPERT 7 and XPERT 8 bases reduces the need to carry multiple accessory types.
- Reliability: Improved pip lead-in and defined contact geometry are often credited with fewer address errors and less rework when detectors are replaced.
- Value: Packs of 25 make it straightforward to supply an installation team or a service vehicle without significant cost or space burden.
These points reflect general installer sentiment toward well-designed addressing accessories and align with the intended benefits of the Apollo 45682-800APO product. Potential buyers seeking direct user reviews should check distributor or reseller websites and industry forums for site-specific feedback.
Conclusion — why this product is a great choice
The Apollo 45682-800APO XPERT Universal Address Card (pack of 25) is a practical, well-considered accessory for anyone working with Apollo XPERT detector bases. Its universal compatibility across XPERT 7 and XPERT 8 bases, combined with the flexible removable-pip system and the inclusion of a 128th pip for CoreProtocol systems, make it a versatile choice for both new installations and field servicing.
Key reasons to choose this product include: faster commissioning through simple mechanical addressing, reduced likelihood of address loss during detector replacement, and less inventory complexity for installers who service mixed-base environments. Supplied in handy 25-card packs, it is cost-effective to keep on hand for repetitive tasks and emergency maintenance.
For safe and compliant installation, always follow Apollo’s installation guidance and the relevant national wiring and fire safety standards. For mechanical drawings and full installation notes, refer to the official Apollo product page or datasheet.
