Introduction to the Apollo Discovery Optical Smoke Detector
Product:Apollo Discovery Optical Smoke Detector, Addressable, EN54-7, 17 628 V (model 58000-600APO). Also marketed as the Apollo Discovery Addressable Optical Smoke Detector, this detector combines a photo-electric (light-scatter) sensing chamber with the Discovery analogue addressable protocol to deliver reliable smoke detection for commercial and residential buildings.
This detector is designed to identify slow-burning and smouldering fires while minimising false alarms. It is compact, energy-efficient and approved to EN54-7 with regional approvals such as LPCB, VdS and CPR. A manufacturer warranty of 10 years further underscores the products durability and suitability for long-term projects.
Key features at a glance
- Optical (photo-electric) sensing:forward light-scatter chamber tuned for smouldering fires.
- Addressable Discovery protocol:reports analogue values (nominal 23; alarm threshold 55) and samples once per second.
- False-alarm management:drift compensation and five selectable response modes.
- Low power consumption:quiescent current around 440 A at 24 V DC and alarm current about 3 63.4 mA with LED on.
- Compact, robust construction:100 mm diameter, white polycarbonate housing with nickel-plated stainless steel terminals.
- Standards & approvals:EN54-7 and multiple regional approvals, 10-year manufacturer warranty.
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Supply voltage:17 628 V DC — compatible with standard fire panel supplies and tolerant of voltage variation on addressable loops.
- Quiescent and alarm currents:low quiescent current (~440 A at 24 V) helps reduce loop loading and is valuable on long addressable circuits; alarm current is only ~3 63.4 mA when the LED is illuminated.
- Analogue addressable reporting:Discovery analogue reporting provides a nominal analogue value around 23 under normal conditions and an alarm threshold set at 55. The detector samples once per second (1 Hz) giving frequent updates to the control panel for fast, accurate status monitoring.
- Five selectable response modes:these allow installers to tune sensitivity and balance detection speed versus false-alarm resilience depending on the environment (e.g., dusty corridors vs. patient rooms).
- Size and weight:compact 100 mm diameter and 42 mm height (50 mm including base); lightweight at approximately 105 g without base. The small footprint fits discreetly on ceilings and escape routes.
- Housing and terminals:durable white polycarbonate housing with nickel-plated stainless steel terminals for reliable connections and corrosion resistance.
- Environmental ratings:operating temperature range 640C to +70C and humidity tolerance of 095% RH (no condensation/icing). Ingress protection is typically IP44 depending on the base used.
- Standards:EN54-7 certification confirms suitability for life-safety smoke detection in many jurisdictions and is often required for commercial installations.
- Regional approvals:LPCB, VdS, CPR and other regional endorsements simplify acceptance in projects across different markets.
- Warranty:a 10-year manufacturer warranty offers long-term peace of mind and supports lifecycle planning for building managers and installers.
Practical benefits for installers and facility managers
- Reduced false alarms:optical detection and selectable response modes reduce nuisance activations caused by cooking fumes, dust or transient disturbances when configured properly.
- Easy integration:Discovery analogue communication ensures the detector reports precise analogue values and integrates smoothly with compatible Discovery fire panels and management systems.
- Low maintenance overhead:drift compensation and a robust chamber design mean longer intervals between service actions and more reliable long-term performance.
- Flexible testing and monitoring:remote LED/test connections support visual indication and remote testing, which can speed commissioning and routine checks in larger installations.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The Apollo Discovery 58000-600APO is built for places where early recognition of smouldering fires is critical and where false alarms must be minimised. It suits a broad range of building types and applications:
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities:smoke detectors in patient rooms, corridors and clinical areas benefit from photo-electric sensing that responds well to smouldering cotton and bedding fires while permitting controlled response modes to limit patient disruption.
- Hotels and hospitality:guest rooms, corridors and service areas require reliable detection without nuisance activations from normal activities like cooking and housekeeping.
- Offices and commercial buildings:open-plan offices, meeting rooms and escape routes need unobtrusive devices that maintain detection sensitivity while minimising unnecessary evacuations.
- Care homes and assisted living:high-sensitivity detection for smouldering fires combined with configurable response modes supports both safety and occupant wellbeing.
- Escape routes and stairwells:compact profile and reliable reporting make the detector effective for ensuring clear, early detection along critical evacuation paths.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When considering smoke detection solutions, it helps to compare detector types and protocols as well as brand and certification differences:
- Optical vs ionisation detectors:optical (photo-electric) detectors like this Apollo Discovery model are typically more responsive to smouldering, smoky fires and are less prone to false alarms from small particles produced by cooking. Ionisation detectors can be faster on flaming fires with fine combustion particles but are more susceptible to nuisance alarms in many commercial and residential settings.
- Addressable vs conventional detectors:addressable detectors report individual status and analogue values to a control panel, making fault location, sensitivity monitoring and maintenance more efficient than conventional zone-based detection. For large or complex sites, the Discovery addressable protocol simplifies commissioning and diagnostics.
- Discovery protocol vs other addressable systems:Discovery analogue addressing is widely used and offers mature toolchains, compatibility with many Apollo panels and reliable analogue reporting. When choosing a system, confirm panel compatibility and local regulatory acceptance.
- Other optical addressable detectors:competing detectors may offer similar optical sensing; key differentiators for the 58000-600APO are its five response modes, drift compensation, low quiescent current and broad approvals including EN54-7 and regional certifications. The 10-year warranty is also a competitive advantage for lifecycle planning.
Customer feedback and installer observations
Real-world feedback from installers, system integrators and facility managers commonly highlights several recurring positives for this detector:
- Reliable detection:installers often note consistent performance in identifying smouldering smoke sources, especially in bedrooms, offices and corridors.
- Low nuisance alarm rates:configuring the response mode to match environmental conditions reduces false alarms compared with less configurable optical heads.
- Ease of integration:Discovery protocol compatibility and clear analogue reporting simplify commissioning and panel diagnostics on both new and retrofit projects.
Note:Specific customer testimonials were not provided with the product brief. The points above reflect typical installer and facility-manager commentary based on the detectors features and common deployment experience.
Safety, installation and regulatory considerations
Installation, commissioning and maintenance should be carried out by a qualified fire-alarm engineer in accordance with local regulations and the manufacturers datasheet and installation instructions. Ensure compatibility with your Discovery protocol fire panel and verify the required approvals (CE/UKCA or region-specific marks) for your project. Placement, spacing and response-mode selection are important to achieve optimal reliability and to meet regulatory requirements.
Conclusion: Why choose the Apollo Discovery 58000-600APO?
The Apollo Discovery Optical Smoke Detector (58000-600APO) is a well-rounded choice for projects that demand sensitive smoke detection for smouldering fires, low power consumption, and addressable intelligence. Its combination of photo-electric sensing, selectable response modes, Discovery analogue reporting and broad approvals makes it suitable for hospitals, hotels, offices, care homes and many commercial applications.
With a compact profile, robust materials, remote test capabilities, and a 10-year warranty, this detector represents a durable, cost-effective component of a modern addressable fire-detection system. For building owners and specifiers seeking reliable, configurable smoke detection with the benefits of addressable monitoring, the Apollo Discovery 58000-600APO is a compelling choice. Always confirm panel compatibility and consult a qualified fire-alarm engineer for design and installation.
