Introduction to the Apollo XP95 Multisensor Detector and its key features
The Apollo 55000-885APO (XP95) multisensor detector combines a photo-electric (optical) smoke sensor with a thermistor temperature sensor to deliver reliable, addressable fire detection for medium and large indoor environments. Marketed as theXP95 Addressable Multisensor, this device uses on-board processing to fuse smoke and heat inputs, improving detection of both smouldering and flaming fires while helping to reduce nuisance alarms. With approvals including EN54-7, LPCB, VdS, CPR and UL, a typical installer-friendly form factor and a 10-year manufacturer warranty, the XP95 multisensor is positioned as a robust choice for a wide range of commercial and residential applications.
- Multisensor detection: photo-electric (light scattering) smoke + thermistor temperature.
- XP95 analogue addressable protocol with analogue value reporting (nominal value 23).
- Two-wire, polarity-insensitive loop connection with remote LED terminals.
- Wide operating range: -20°C to +60°C; humidity 0–95% RH (no condensation/icing).
- Low quiescent current (~500 µA average) for efficient loop loading.
- Compact white polycarbonate housing (~100 mm diameter) and approved to multiple standards.
- Manufacturer warranty: 10 years.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the technical specifications helps explain why the XP95 multisensor is effective in many installations. Below are the most relevant specifications together with the practical benefits they deliver.
- Sensors:Photo-electric (light scattering) combined with a thermistor temperature sensor. Benefit: The optical sensor is sensitive to smouldering and smoky fires while the thermistor responds to rapid temperature rises and higher ambient temperatures associated with flaming fires. The on-board fusion algorithm improves detection reliability and reduces false alarms caused by dust, cooking fumes or steam.
- Heat class:A1R thermistor classification. Benefit: Suitable for general indoor environments where both heat rise and smoke formation should be considered.
- Nominal analogue value:23 (±4/−0). Benefit: Works with XP95-compatible control panels to provide analogue reporting and threshold-based alarm decision-making.
- Supply voltage (loop):17–28 V DC. Benefit: Compatible with standard XP95 loops and control panels.
- Quiescent current:≈500 µA average (≈750 µA peak). Benefit: Low loop loading allows more devices per loop and reduces power budget constraints.
- Alarm LED current:≈2–4 mA when illuminated. Benefit: Visible alarm indication without excessive current draw.
- Operating temperature / humidity:−20°C to +60°C; 0–95% RH (no condensation/icing). Benefit: Wide environmental tolerance for most indoor applications.
- IP rating:Manufacturer lists IP44; some distributor listings show IP23D / IP43 — consult the official datasheet for final selection and installation conditions. Benefit: Reasonable resistance to dust and splashing for indoor use when installed in a compatible base and environment.
- Material / colour:White polycarbonate housing with nickel-plated stainless steel terminals. Benefit: Durable, low-profile aesthetic suitable for commercial interiors.
- Dimensions / weight:Diameter ≈100 mm; height ≈50 mm (not in base); ≈58 mm in base; weight ≈105 g (not in base). Benefit: Compact footprint that blends with ceilings and is easy to handle during installation.
- Approvals:EN54-7, LPCB, VdS, CPR, UL. Benefit: Meets multiple regional regulatory standards, simplifying specification for projects governed by these approvals.
- Warranty:10 years. Benefit: Long manufacturer backing gives installers and end-users confidence in product longevity.
Use cases and scenarios where the XP95 multisensor excels
The combination of optical and thermistor sensing, together with addressable XP95 reporting, makes the 55000-885APO well-suited to a wide range of environments where reliable detection and low nuisance alarm rates are important. Typical use cases include:
Sleeping areas require early detection of smouldering fires (e.g., from bedding, electrical faults) and also robust performance where cooking or steam from en-suite bathrooms can create nuisance alarms. The multisensor approach balances sensitivity to smoke with temperature data to reduce false alarms while still responding promptly to genuine fire conditions.
In open-plan offices, retail floors and communal areas, background dust, aerosols and moderate temperature fluctuations can confuse single-mode detectors. Analogue value reporting and on-board fusion allow control panels to apply drift compensation and alarm thresholds more intelligently.
Shared corridors and communal areas in apartment buildings benefit from EN54-approved detection and addressable wiring for accurate location reporting. The compact profile of the XP95 multisensor also keeps interiors visually unobtrusive.
Schools and care facilities often need detectors that minimise nuisance alarms (to avoid unnecessary evacuation) while providing dependable protection. The thermistor element helps prevent false triggers from activities like science labs or patient care routines that may create transient smoke or heat.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When choosing a detector, it helps to compare the Apollo XP95 multisensor to other options: conventional detectors, single-sensor addressable detectors and multisensors from competing lines.
Optical-only devices are highly sensitive to smouldering fires but can be prone to nuisance alarms from dust, aerosols or steam. The XP95 multisensor mitigates this by cross-checking with a temperature sensor. For environments with potential false-alarm sources, the multisensor often provides better operational reliability.
Heat-only detectors respond primarily to temperature rise and may be slower to detect smouldering fires that produce smoke before significant heat. The combined sensor approach of the XP95 gives earlier detection for a broader range of fire types.
Other manufacturers offer similar multisensor detectors with different fusion algorithms, power consumption and approval sets. Key differentiators for the Apollo XP95 include its XP95 protocol compatibility (widespread support in control panels), low quiescent current enabling efficient loop loading, and its extensive approvals. When comparing, look at analogue reporting capabilities, current draw, environmental ratings and available bases to ensure compatibility with your panel and site requirements.
Representative customer feedback and installer notes
While individual experiences vary by installation and site conditions, typical feedback from installers and end-users highlights the following themes:
- Installer perspective:"The XP95 multisensor is straightforward to commission on XP95 loops; analogue reporting makes threshold tuning and drift compensation simple. Low quiescent current helps when planning loop budgets."
- Facilities manager perspective:"After upgrading from optical-only detectors, we saw a noticeable reduction in false alarms from kitchen and bathroom steam without compromising detection speed."
- End-user perspective:"The units are discreet and reliable — we appreciated the 10-year warranty and multi-standard approvals for peace of mind during building certification."
Note: The quotes above are representative summaries of common installer and user feedback rather than verbatim testimonials tied to specific named customers.
Installation, compatibility and practical tips
To get the best performance from the Apollo XP95 multisensor, follow these practical tips:
- Always use XP95-compatible bases (for example, Apollo 45681-210 standard base) and follow the control panel manufacturer guidance for addressing and drift compensation.
- Confirm the IP rating and environmental suitability from the official Apollo datasheet if installing in areas exposed to higher humidity or dust.
- Plan loop loading using the stated quiescent and alarm currents; the low average quiescent current allows more detectors per loop but verify total loop current during alarm conditions.
- Commission analogue thresholds and drift compensation on the panel to suit the protected environment — multisensor analogue reporting provides flexibility to tune sensitivity and reduce unwanted alarms.
- Record device addresses and locations during commissioning for streamlined maintenance and faster incident response.
Conclusion: Why the Apollo 55000-885APO XP95 multisensor is a solid choice
The Apollo XP95 multisensor detector (55000-885APO) combines proven optical smoke detection with a thermistor temperature sensor and XP95 analogue addressable reporting to deliver a balanced, robust detection solution for many indoor environments. Its low quiescent current, compact design, broad approvals and 10-year warranty make it attractive to installers and building managers alike. Whether protecting hotels, offices, retail spaces, healthcare facilities or residential corridors, the device’s multisensor fusion helps reduce nuisance alarms while maintaining reliable detection of smouldering and flaming fires. For projects requiring EN54-approved, addressable detection with flexible analogue reporting, the XP95 multisensor is a dependable option — provided you follow manufacturer datasheet guidance and panel compatibility recommendations during selection and commissioning.
