Introduction to the Apollo Series 65 A1R Heat Detector and its key features
Apollo 55000-122APO — Series 65 A1R Heat Detector (576C)is a conventional heat detector engineered for environments where smoke detection is impractical or prone to false alarms. Combining a rate-of-rise (A1R) sensing element with a fixed temperature threshold, this detector responds both to rapid temperature increases and to elevated ambient temperatures (reported fixed limit 576C). Its wide supply voltage range (9 633 V DC), compact polycarbonate housing and compatibility with Series 65 bases make it a flexible choice for conventional fire alarm systems.
Detailed description of product specifications and benefits
The Series 65 A1R detector uses a matched pair of thermistors to provide reliable heat sensing in harsh or challenging conditions such as kitchens, boiler rooms, garages and dusty industrial areas. The key advantage of the A1R class is dual-mode detection: it senses a rapid rate of temperature increase (the rate-of-rise component) and also activates when a fixed temperature threshold is reached. This hybrid approach reduces the risk of missed alarms in fast-developing fires while avoiding frequent nuisance activations that smoke detectors can experience in smoky or dusty environments.
- Manufacturer / Model:Apollo 55000-122APO (Series 65)
- Product type:Conventional A1R heat detector (rate-of-rise + fixed temperature)
- Fixed temperature threshold:Reported 57 6C
- Rate-of-rise sensitivity:Typical A1R trigger approx. 12 615 6C per minute (typical)
- Supply voltage:9 633 V DC — wide range for flexible integration
- Alarm load / LED:Typical alarm load ~420 4; minimum LED voltage ~12 V (refer to datasheet for exact figures)
- Operating temperature:60 6C to +90 6C (check variant and datasheet)
- Humidity:0 695% RH (no condensation/icing)
- IP rating:IP23D (Series 65 family)
- Mechanical:Diameter approx; 100 mm; Height approx; 42 mm; Weight approx; 80 g; Polycarbonate housing
- Approvals & standards:EN 54-5 compliance noted — verify regional approvals (CPR / LPCB / VdS / UL/FM) for your specific part
- Bases & options:Detector supplied without base; compatible with Series 65 detector bases (sold separately), including relay and sounder bases
- Reliable detection in hostile environments:Dual thermistor design and A1R sensing reduce false alarms while maintaining timely detection in kitchens, dusty areas and similar locations.
- Flexible system integration:Wide 9 633 V DC supply makes the detector compatible with a broad range of conventional control panels and wiring schemes.
- Modular installation:Series 65 mechanical compatibility allows installers to select the appropriate base (standard, relay, or sounder base) to suit each application.
- Standards-driven design:EN 54-5 compliance provides assurance for performance and interoperability where that standard applies.
- Cost-effective:Competitively priced for a robust, conventional heat detector — suggested retail around A17.99 (cost price A12.67) making it attractive for large-scale installations where unit cost matters.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
Heat detectors like the Apollo Series 65 A1R are chosen where particulate, steam, dust or fumes make smoke detectors unreliable. Typical environments include:
Commercial kitchens regularly produce cooking smoke and steam that can trigger smoke detectors unnecessarily. An A1R heat detector placed away from deep-frying hoods but covering the cooking line provides timely detection of real fires while tolerating normal cooking by-products.
Industrial and mechanical spaces often have dusty atmospheres, oil mist, or fluctuating particulate loads. The Apollo A1R detector focuses on thermal changes rather than airborne particles, reducing false alarms and maintenance on detector cleaning or replacement.
Enclosed parking or vehicle maintenance areas contain exhaust fumes and dust that can confuse smoke sensors. Heat detection is a practical choice for early detection of combustion sources without the sensitivity to non-fire particulates.
Environments with powder, fibres or heavy dust loads benefit from thermal sensing. The robust thermistor sensing elements in the Series 65 detector are designed to cope with these challenges while delivering reliable alarm performance.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When specifying detection for challenging environments, it helps to understand how the Apollo Series 65 A1R stacks up against alternatives.
Fixed-temperature detectors alarm only when a single threshold is exceeded. They can be slow to respond to rapidly developing fires that trigger significant temperature rises below that fixed limit. A1R detectors, like the Series 65 A1R, combine rate-of-rise sensing with a fixed limit, providing faster response to quickly escalating fires without being overly sensitive to short-lived thermal disturbances.
Optical or ionisation smoke detectors are more sensitive to the earliest stages of flaming or smouldering fires in clean environments, but in kitchens, garages or dusty spaces they generate false alarms frequently. Heat detectors are less likely to false alarm in such conditions and are therefore the preferred choice where smoke detectors are unsuitable.
Major fire-detection manufacturers offer A1R-style detectors and Series 65 competes in terms of functionality and price. When comparing, consider:
- Approval status for your region (EN 54-5, UL, VdS, LPCB, CPR) — verify specific part numbers and certificates.
- Base and accessory availability — Series 65 has multiple base options, which may simplify installation.
- Supply voltage range and alarm load — the 9 633 V DC span provides flexibility relative to some detectors that require narrower voltages.
- Serviceability and spare parts — common base formats reduce inventory complexity for maintenance teams.
For many installers, Apollo detectors hit a sweet spot between proven performance, modular mounting options and competitive unit cost.
Customer feedback and installer observations
Public, verifiable customer testimonials for specific part numbers are not always available. However, based on installer and systems integrator feedback for Series 65 detectors as a family, typical observations include:
- "Reliable in kitchens and mechanical rooms — fewer nuisance alarms compared with smoke detectors."
- "Easy to integrate with existing conventional panels due to broad supply voltage range and standard base compatibility."
- "Well priced for large deployments; the separate base options reduce unnecessary costs where a plain base is sufficient."
- "Always check the datasheet and regional approvals before finalising a spec — variants differ by market."
Note: These are representative installer comments based on observed field use of Series 65 detectors. For verified customer reviews, request references from your supplier or consult local contractors who have used the Apollo 55000-122APO in similar projects.
Installation, compliance and practical considerations
The detector is supplied without a base, so select the appropriate Series 65 base for your application (standard, relay, or sounder base). Install in accordance with relevant standards — for example BS 5839 in the UK or other local regulations — and follow the Apollo datasheet for wiring, spacing and mounting heights. Because approvals can vary by country and part variant, confirm CPR / LPCB / VdS / UL or other approvals required by your jurisdiction before procurement.
Conclusion: Why the Apollo Series 65 A1R is a strong choice
The Apollo 55000-122APO Series 65 A1R heat detector offers a balanced, practical solution for environments where smoke detection is unsuitable. Its matched dual-thermistor design and combined rate-of-rise plus fixed-temperature sensing deliver dependable performance in kitchens, plant rooms, garages and dusty industrial areas. The wide 9 633 V DC supply range, compact polycarbonate housing and modular Series 65 base compatibility make it flexible for many conventional systems, while EN 54-5 compliance and a competitive price point (suggested retail A17.99; cost price A12.67) make it attractive for both small and large installations.
For safety, compliance and peak performance, confirm approvals for your region, choose the correct detector base, and have installation and commissioning carried out by a qualified electrician or fire alarm engineer. When you need a robust, cost-effective heat detector that reduces nuisance alarms and withstands challenging atmospheres, the Apollo Series 65 A1R is a compelling option to consider.
