Introduction to the Apollo 45681-276APO XP95 Ancillary Base Sounder and its key features
Apollo 45681-276APO XP95 ancillary base sounderis a compact, loop-powered local audible indicator designed for use with compatible addressable detectors in commercial and residential fire detection systems. Engineered for simplicity and reliability, this ancillary base sounder provides a guaranteed 85 dB(A) output at 1 m while drawing very little current from the detection loop. It fits directly beneath XP95, Discovery or Soteria detectors (and compatible loop-powered beacons), and is powered and switched via the detector's remote output—so no separate device address is required.
Priced competitively (cost price: 25.79; suggested retail: 30.99), the Apollo 45681-276APO is ideal where a local, non-addressed audible cue is required without the complexity or cost of fully addressed sounders.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The sounder is loop-powered and accepts a supply range of 17 6V DC to 28 V DC. Because it uses the detector's loop power and remote output to switch its operation, no separate wiring for power or addressing is necessary. Quiescent current is extremely low (~100 A typical at 24 V), and the operating (sound) current is also modest (~3 mA when sounding). These low current figures mean many units can be placed on a single detection loop without exceeding loop-load budgets, making the device well suited to retrofit and new installations where multiple local sounders are required.
The unit delivers a guaranteed 85 dB(A) at 1 m—sufficient for most local-area fire notification applications—and features a stepless volume control allowing attenuation down to approximately 70 dB(A). It uses Apollo tones (typical alternating patterns such as 990 Hz / 630 Hz depending on panel programming), and the adjustable volume gives flexibility for installations that require lower sound levels to meet local regulations or tenant comfort considerations.
Mechanically the sounder has a diameter of approximately 115 mm and a depth of about 38 mm. It is moulded from white flame-retardant polycarbonate, rated IP23D for indoor use, and specified for operation between 6 0 C and +60 C with 0 95% relative humidity (non-condensing). The unit is EN54-3 compliant (sounder standard) and intended to be used as an ancillary device activated via the detector remote output—installers should also note EN54-17 when an isolator base is used in the loop.
- Ancillary (non-addressed) operation simplifies configuration—activated by the detector remote output bit.
- Low quiescent and operating currents reduce loop loading and extend the number of devices per loop.
- Compatibility with XP95, Discovery and Soteria detectors makes it a versatile choice across many Apollo-based systems.
- Simple retrofit: fits beneath compatible detectors, ideal for upgrades where adding addressable sounders may be unnecessary or cost-prohibitive.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The 45681-276APO is tailored for situations where a detector needs to alert a local area with an audible signal without the expense or complexity of an addressed sounder. Typical examples include plant rooms, small offices, store rooms, stair landings and residential corridors where local indication is desirable to prompt occupant response or to supplement zonal alarm strategies.
Because it uses the detector remote output and is loop-powered, this sounder is particularly useful in retrofit projects. Where an existing addressable detector is present, adding an ancillary base sounder avoids additional cabling or addressing steps and minimises downtime during installation. The low current draw also makes it practical to add several units on a loop without immediate loop capacity concerns.
For facilities where maintenance access is limited or where cost-effective redundancy is required, the low power consumption and robust mechanical construction make this sounder a sensible choice. The adjustable volume supports tuning the sound level to meet local acoustic requirements and occupant needs.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating the Apollo 45681-276APO against alternative approaches, several comparisons are useful:
- Addressed sounders provide individual identification and status reporting to the panel, which helps fault-finding and commissioning but increases system complexity and cost. The Apollo ancillary base sounder deliberately omits addressing to keep installation and configuration simpler and less costly.
- In systems where per-device supervision and reporting are essential, an addressed sounder may be preferred. However, for local notification where only activation is required, the ancillary base is a lower-cost, lower-effort alternative.
- Loop-powered units like the Apollo base sounder draw power from the detection loop and avoid separate mains wiring, simplifying installation and reducing material cost. Conventional mains sounders can produce higher sound outputs and are independent of loop power, but they require separate power circuits and tend to be used for larger-area alarm signalling.
Many manufacturers supply ancillary base sounders with similar feature sets (loop-powered operation, adjustable volume, compatible with specific detector ranges). The Apollo unit stands out for the combination of EN54-3 compliance, very low quiescent and operating currents, and wide detector compatibility (XP95, Discovery, Soteria). These attributes often translate into the ability to deploy more devices on a loop and smoother integration where Apollo protocols are already in use.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
Installer feedback (anonymised):"We used the Apollo ancillary bases in a recent office refurbishment to add local sounders below existing addressable detectors. The low loop load meant we didnt need to rework the panel or the loop wiring—installation was quick and commissioning was straightforward."
Facilities manager comment (representative):"The adjustable volume was useful to reduce disturbance in occupied areas while still meeting local alarm level requirements. The units look neat and are unobtrusive under the detectors."
System designer perspective:"For projects where adding addressed notification devices would push budget and complexity up, these ancillary bases offer a practical compromise: reliable local notification with limited impact on loop capacity and no additional addressing overhead."
Note: these comments are representative summaries of common installer experiences and typical customer feedback for loop-powered ancillary sounders; prospective buyers should consult references and site-specific case studies where available.
Conclusion: why the Apollo 45681-276APO is a great choice
The Apollo 45681-276APO XP95 ancillary base sounder is an effective, economical solution for local detector-activated audible signalling. Its key advantages are straightforward: loop-powered operation (17 6V 628 V DC) eliminates the need for separate supplies; very low quiescent and operating currents allow many units per loop; a guaranteed 85 dB(A) output with stepless volume control offers both power and flexibility; and EN54-3 compliance provides reassurance on performance and standards alignment.
For installers, system designers and building managers seeking a low-complexity route to add local notification—whether in new installations or retrofits—this sounder combines compatibility with popular Apollo detector ranges, simple installation, and cost-effective performance. While addressed sounders remain necessary where individual device reporting is required, the ancillary base sounder is an excellent option wherever local alarm indication is the primary objective.
Before ordering or installing, confirm your fire alarm control panel supports the detector remote output used for ancillary sounders, and consult Apollo's PP2148 installation manual and your panel commissioning guide for wiring, loop-loading calculations and cause-and-effect programming. When specified and installed correctly, the Apollo 45681-276APO delivers reliable local audio notification with minimal system impact and strong value for money.
