Introduction to the Apollo Series 65 Optical Smoke Detector
Apollo Series 65 Optical Smoke Detector (55000-317APO)is a conventional photoelectric (optical) smoke detector designed to deliver dependable early warning of slow‑burning and smouldering fires. Compact and robust, the Series 65 combines a sensitive light‑scattering detection chamber with a wide operating voltage range and very low standby current, making it suitable for domestic and small commercial fire alarm circuits. Supplied without a mounting base (compatible bases and accessories are available separately), this detector is EN54‑7 certified and carries approvals such as LPCB and VdS, plus a manufacturer‑backed 10‑year warranty.
Key features at a glance
- Photoelectric light‑scattering detection for reliable response to smouldering fires and bedroom/escape‑route applications.
- Wide supply range: 9–33 V DC (polarity insensitive), compatible with a variety of conventional panels and power supplies.
- Extremely low quiescent current (≈50 µA at 24 V) to minimise standby power drain.
- LED alarm indicator (red) with sampling every 3 seconds; optional flashing LED or magnet test switch variants available.
- Compact polycarbonate housing (Ø100 mm × 42 mm), IP23D rated for typical indoor environments.
- EN54‑7 certified with LPCB and VdS approvals and a 10‑year warranty.
Detailed specifications and their benefits
Model: 55000‑317APO. The Series 65 employs a photoelectric light‑scattering detection principle that makes it especially effective at detecting smouldering fires and smoke from slow, high‑soot sources (e.g., upholstered furniture, electrical faults). The detector accepts a broad DC supply range of 9–33 V, is polarity insensitive and has a very low quiescent current of approximately 50 µA at 24 V. This low standby current is important for battery‑powered systems or installations where reducing load on power supplies is a priority.
Alarm current is approximately 52 mA at 24 V (nominal), and the detector samples the sensing chamber once every three seconds for fast detection without excessive power usage. A small power‑up surge (≈0.115 mA specified by the distributor) and a minimum holding voltage of 6 V (with the LED requiring about 12 V to illuminate) are part of the electrical characteristics that installers will consider when specifying compatible bases and power arrangements.
The Series 65’s compact dimensions (100 mm diameter × 42 mm height) and light weight (≈99 g) make it unobtrusive on ceilings and easy to handle during installation. The polycarbonate housing is durable and rated to IP23D, suitable for interior locations where direct exposure to weather is not expected. Operating temperature spans from −20 °C to +60 °C, and the unit tolerates up to 95% relative humidity (non‑condensing), giving a wide margin for most indoor applications.
Compliance is a key differentiator for safety products: the Series 65 is EN54‑7 certified and lists approvals such as LPCB and VdS, reflecting independent testing and acceptance in markets with demanding safety regimes. The manufacturer provides a 10‑year warranty, which gives purchasers and installers added confidence in long‑term reliability and product support.
Practical benefits for installers and end users
- Reliable smoke detection: Photoelectric sensing is tuned to detect smouldering fires that are common in sleeping areas, escape routes and many everyday scenarios.
- Flexible power compatibility: 9–33 V DC range reduces the chance of mismatches with conventional control panels and power supplies.
- Low maintenance burden: low quiescent current extends battery life in systems and reduces standing power costs in mains‑monitored setups.
- Compliance and approvals: EN54‑7 certification and third‑party approvals simplify regulatory sign‑off and system acceptance.
- Compact and discreet: small footprint helps maintain aesthetics while meeting safety needs.
Use cases and scenarios where Series 65 excels
The Apollo Series 65 is particularly well suited to a range of conventional fire alarm applications where early detection of smouldering fires is a priority. Typical use cases include:
- Domestic installations: bedrooms, hallways and living spaces where people sleep or need clear early warning to escape safely.
- Flats and multi‑occupancy residences: where simple conventional zones are used and EN54‑7 compliance is required.
- Small commercial premises: shops, offices and small workshops that use conventional fire panels and require proven optical detection.
- Escape routes and circulation spaces: corridors and stairwells benefit from photoelectric detectors’ sensitivity to smouldering smoke.
- Retrofit projects: the compact form and wide voltage tolerance make the Series 65 a good option when upgrading older conventional systems.
Because the detector is supplied without a base, installers can choose the appropriate base type (simple mounting base, diode base for isolating circuits, or relay base for signalling) to match system wiring and supervision needs. This flexibility is helpful for contractors working across multiple projects.
How it compares with similar detectors on the market
When choosing a smoke detector, buyers often weigh photoelectric against ionization technologies, and conventional units against addressable models. The Series 65’s strengths become clear in these comparisons:
Photoelectric (optical) detectors like the Series 65 are generally superior for detecting smouldering fires that produce larger smoke particles. Ionization detectors respond faster to fast‑flaming fires with small, hot particles (e.g., paper or grease fires), but photoelectric devices often give earlier warning for many common domestic and furnishing‑related fires. For bedrooms and escape routes—where people are sleeping—photoelectric detectors are widely recommended.
The Series 65 is a conventional detector, meaning it suits systems where detectors are grouped on zones and detailed addressing is not required. Addressable detectors offer per‑device identification and more sophisticated software integration for larger or complex sites. For homes, flats and small commercial premises, however, a conventional EN54‑7 detector like the Series 65 is often the most practical and cost‑effective choice.
Compared with other optical detectors, the Series 65 stands out for its combination of EN54‑7 certification, low quiescent current, wide supply voltage range and a 10‑year warranty. Some competing units can match one or two of these attributes but may lack a similarly wide supply range, the same low standby current, or the same level of independent approvals in relevant markets. One trade‑off is that the Series 65 is supplied without a base, so installers must budget separately for the appropriate mounting/accessory base—this is a common approach but worth noting during specification.
Customer feedback and installer observations
While individual reviews vary by project, representative feedback from installers and users typically highlights the following strengths:
- Ease of installation and compact form factor make it quick to fit into existing systems.
- Low standby current is repeatedly mentioned as a practical advantage for battery‑backed circuits and reducing system power consumption.
- Reliable response to smouldering smoke, which users appreciate in bedroom and living area installations.
- Clear compliance credentials (EN54‑7, LPCB, VdS) simplify approval and handover in regulated installations.
Potential limitations noted by some installers include the need to purchase the appropriate base or accessory separately, and the fact that conventional detectors do not provide device‑level addressing for large or complex systems. These are not unique to the Series 65, but are important planning considerations.
Installation and safety considerations
As with all life‑safety equipment, the Series 65 should be installed, commissioned and maintained in accordance with local regulations and recognised standards (for example BS 5839 where applicable). Ensure competent, qualified personnel carry out installation, select the correct base type to match wiring and supervision requirements, and verify that system power supplies, zone arrangements and cable routes comply with applicable codes. Regular testing and maintenance will preserve detector performance over its service life.
Conclusion: Why choose the Series 65 Optical Smoke Detector?
The Apollo Series 65 Optical Smoke Detector (55000‑317APO) is a practical, standards‑compliant choice for anyone specifying conventional smoke detection for homes, flats and small commercial buildings. Its photoelectric sensing provides reliable early warning of smouldering fires—particularly valuable in bedrooms and escape routes—while the wide 9–33 V DC supply range, low quiescent current, compact housing and strong approvals make it installer‑friendly and cost‑effective in operation. The 10‑year warranty further reinforces confidence in durability and manufacturer support.
For projects where EN54‑7 compliance, low power draw and dependable optical detection are priorities, and where a conventional zone‑based approach is appropriate, the Series 65 represents a compelling option. Remember to choose the correct mounting base and have qualified personnel carry out the installation and ongoing maintenance to ensure optimal performance and compliance.
