Introduction to the Nittan EV-H-A1R and its key features
Nittan EV-H-A1Ris an analogue addressable, thermistor-based rate-of-rise heat detector engineered for use on Nittan Evolution (FSK) addressable loops. Designed primarily as an A1R device with a fixed 54C threshold, the EV-H-A1R reports either a rapid temperature increase (rate-of-rise) or when the fixed temperature is reached, back to compatible Evolution protocol control panels. It combines precise sensing, on-board outputs for remote indicators and a 360degree alarm LED for clear visual confirmation.
Key highlights include EEPROM-programmable addressing, low quiescent and alarm currents to reduce loop load, non-polarised terminals that simplify wiring, and auxiliary outputs (RIL and Base Control) for external indicators or base devices. These traits make it an attractive choice where a reliable heat-only addressable detector is required.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The EV-H-A1R is purpose-built for environments where heat detection rather than smoke detection is preferred or where smoke detectors may suffer nuisance alarms. Below is a concise breakdown of its technical characteristics and the practical benefits they provide:
- Manufacturer / Model: Nittan EV-H-A1R.
- Product Type: Addressable rate-of-rise heat detector (A1R / 54C).
- Sensing Element: Thermistor configured for rate-of-rise (A1R) behaviour and a fixed 54C threshold.
- Addressing: EEPROM-programmable address — set using a compatible programmer so each detector can be uniquely identified on the Evolution FSK loop.
Benefits: The thermistor rate-of-rise element allows the device to detect rapid temperature increases (indicative of developing fire) as well as the fixed temperature limit. EEPROM addressing ensures reliable, persistent identity information even after power cycling.
- Operating Voltage: 20 635 V DC — suitable for typical analogue addressable loops.
- Quiescent Current: Approximately 200 6300 A (manufacturer documents vary).
- Alarm Current (LED ON): Approximately 5.2 mA (some variants list 6.0 mA).
- Outputs: RIL (remote indicator limited current) and Base Control auxiliary terminals for external indicators or base devices.
- Terminals: Non-polarised terminals for simplified wiring and installation.
Benefits: Low quiescent current helps maximise the number of devices on a loop and conserves panel power budgets. Alarm currents remain modest, reducing strain on system power during events. Non-polarised terminals and auxiliary outputs streamline installation and allow straightforward integration with remote LEDs or other signalling accessories.
- Alarm Indication: Omnidirectional 360degree alarm LED for clear visual status from any angle.
- Housing: Low-profile design for discreet ceiling mounting.
- Dimensions & Weight: Refer to manufacturer datasheet (insufficient data provided here).
Benefits: The omniview LED makes localisation simpler during maintenance or an alarm, while the low-profile housing keeps the visual impact minimal in commercial or public spaces.
- Standards: Manufacturer references the EN54 family, specifically EN54-5 for heat detectors; consult datasheet for batch-specific certificate numbers and UKCA/CE marking.
- Protocol: Nittan Evolution FSK analogue addressable.
Benefits: Conformance to recognised standards is important for regulatory compliance and specifying products in commercial/contractor projects. Always verify the certificate numbers for the production batch being installed.
Use cases and scenarios where the EV-H-A1R excels
Heat detectors are commonly chosen instead of smoke detectors in applications where smoke or airborne particulates, steam, dust or fumes would generate false alarms. The EV-H-A1R’s rate-of-rise plus fixed temperature sensing makes it especially useful in the following scenarios:
- Industrial workshops and light manufacturing where dust, oil mists, or normal combustion by-products would cause nuisance alarms on smoke detectors.
- Kitchen areas or commercial cooking spaces where smoke and steam are present; a heat detector avoids frequent false alarms while still providing fire detection.
- Plant rooms, boiler rooms and electrical rooms where elevated ambient temperatures and airflow may compromise smoke-based sensors but where rapid temperature increases indicate genuine risk.
- Garages, loading bays and similar spaces where vehicle exhausts or dust are common.
- Historic or architecturally sensitive buildings where a low-profile detector with 360degree LED provides unobtrusive protection and clear status indication.
Installation considerations: Proper siting is critical for heat detectors. They should be positioned to monitor likely fire sources and avoid areas of frequent temperature fluctuation unrelated to fire (e.g., directly over HVAC diffusers). As with all life-safety devices, installation and commissioning should be carried out by a competent installer in accordance with the applicable edition of BS 5839 and the panel and detector datasheets.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When choosing a detector, specifiers commonly compare addressable heat detectors (rate-of-rise and fixed temperature) with:
- Addressable smoke detectors: More sensitive to early smouldering fires but prone to false alarms in dirty, steamy, or smoky environments. Heat detectors like the EV-H-A1R are preferred in environments that generate regular particulates or steam.
- Conventional heat detectors: Typically used on non-addressable circuits, offering simpler wiring and lower cost but lacking the pinpoint localisation and diagnostic advantages of addressable devices. The EV-H-A1R provides device-level identification, allowing exact device mapping and faster response by maintenance teams.
- Fixed-temperature-only heat detectors: Detect only when a set temperature is reached. A rate-of-rise (A1R) device like the EV-H-A1R adds detection of rapid temperature increases, improving responsiveness to fast-developing fires while still retaining the fixed 54C threshold as a backstop.
Compared with other addressable A1R detectors, the EV-H-A1R is notable for its Evolution FSK protocol compatibility, low current consumption, non-polarised terminals and on-board RIL/base control outputs — attributes that reduce installation complexity and improve integration flexibility on Nittan Evolution systems.
Customer testimonials and field feedback
There are no verified public customer testimonials included with the supplied product data. However, typical feedback from installers and system integrators who specify similar Nittan addressable heat detectors often highlights the following recurring themes:
- Reliability: Installers value stable performance and predictable behaviour when configured on Evolution FSK loops.
- Simplicity of wiring: Non-polarised terminals and modest current draw simplify loop design and power budgeting.
- Clear visual indication: The omnidirectional LED makes it easier for site staff to locate an activated detector in busy ceilings.
- Flexibility: The combination of rate-of-rise detection with a fixed temperature threshold provides balanced sensitivity for many industrial and commercial scenarios.
For verified user reviews or case studies, check vendor websites, consult your Nittan supplier or request references from installers who have deployed Evolution FSK systems in comparable environments.
Conclusion: Why the EV-H-A1R is a strong choice
TheNittan EV-H-A1Raddresses a clear market need: an addressable heat-only detector that balances rapid detection of developing fires with robustness against nuisance alarms in challenging environments. Its thermistor-based A1R sensing, fixed 54C threshold, EEPROM addressing, and low-power operation make it suitable for commercial and light industrial installations where smoke detectors may not be appropriate.
Practical advantages include easy wiring, clear omni-directional LED status indication, and auxiliary outputs for external indicators or control bases. Compliance references to the EN54 family and Evolution FSK protocol compatibility make it straightforward to specify for systems built around Nittan control panels — while always remembering to confirm batch-specific certificates and markings from the datasheet.
Suggested retail pricing is listed at approximately 32.15 (cost price 327.00 as supplied), but actual prices will vary by distributor and region. There is no warranty information supplied in the data above; purchasers should confirm warranty terms and support with the vendor at point of purchase.
In summary, for projects needing addressable heat detection with both rate-of-rise responsiveness and a fixed 54C trip point, especially on Nittan Evolution loops, the EV-H-A1R is a sensible, practical choice that combines proven sensing technology with installer-friendly features and reliable system integration.
