Introduction: Meet the Apollo AlarmSense Open-Area Sounder VID
Apollo 55000-017APO AlarmSense Open-Area Sounder Visual Indicator (Sounder VID)is a wall-mounted combined audible and visual alarm device engineered for AlarmSense two-wire conventional fire systems. With an IP65 weatherproof enclosure, a high sound output of up to 99 dB(A) at 1 m, and a synchronised red LED visual indicator, this unit delivers clear, reliable evacuation signalling for open areas such as corridors, car parks and plant rooms. Key features include polarity-insensitive monitored two-wire wiring, tamper/fault detection, synchronised tone and flash, and a manufacturer-backed 10-year warranty.
Key features at a glance
- Combined sounder + visual indicator:audible evacuate tone combined with a synchronised 1 Hz red LED flash for dual-mode alerting.
- AlarmSense 2-wire compatibility:designed specifically for AlarmSense two-wire conventional systems, simplifying retrofits and new installations.
- High output:up to 99 dB(A) at 1 m — suitable for noisy or large open spaces.
- Weatherproof:IP65-rated enclosure for indoor and weather-exposed locations (car parks, plant rooms, external walkways).
- Monitored connection:polarity-insensitive, monitored 2-wire connection with anti-tamper/head removal fault monitoring and device locking.
- Synchronisation:synchronised tone and flash with AlarmSense devices to avoid confusion during multi-device alarms.
- Long warranty:10-year manufacturer warranty for lasting confidence in performance.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the technical specifications helps installers and system designers determine whether the Apollo 55000-017APO fits a project. Below are the principal electrical, mechanical and compliance details and the benefits they deliver in real-world use.
- Supply wiring:Monitored 2-wire, polarity insensitive — simplifies wiring and reduces installation errors; compatible with AlarmSense conventional loops.
- Operating voltage:Approximately 18–33 V DC — broad voltage range supports a variety of conventional fire panels and loop conditions.
- Quiescent current:≈100 µA @ 12 V DC (surge up to ≈200 µA) — low standby current preserves system supervision and helps with overall loop loading calculations.
- Alarm current:≈19 mA @ 24 V DC (nominal) — efficient alarm draw that allows multiple devices to be used per zone without overloading power budgets.
- Tone:Apollo 27Evacuate27 tone — recognisable manufacturer pattern designed for clear occupant instruction.
- Sound pressure level:Up to 99 dB(A) at 1 m — suitable for open or noisy environments where high SPL is required to achieve audibility and coverage.
- Flash rate / colour:1 Hz, red LED — visible synchronised indication to assist occupants with hearing impairments and to improve visibility in large spaces.
- Max devices per zone:Typically up to 5 open-area devices per AlarmSense zone (see system design guidance) — helps with planning and cost-effective deployments.
- Diameter / Depth:≈104 mm diameter, ≈97.5 mm depth — compact footprint for wall mounting in a broad range of sites.
- Weight:≈260 g — light and easy to handle during installation.
- Ingress protection:IP65-rated — dust-tight and protected against water jets, making it suitable for exposed or semi-exposed locations such as car parks and plant rooms.
- Approvals:Manufacturer lists CPR and LPCB where applicable (check the official Apollo datasheet for the latest approvals and listings).
- Monitoring & anti-tamper:Built-in head removal fault monitoring and device locking help ensure integrity of the system and reduce false or unavailable signalling.
- Warranty:10 years — a long manufacturer warranty reduces lifecycle risk and supports long-term reliability.
Benefits derived from the specifications
These specifications translate into practical advantages for installers, system designers and end users:
- Ease of installation:Polarity-insensitive two-wire monitoring simplifies wiring and reduces potential mistakes during retrofit or new installs.
- Versatility:IP65 rating and compact size permit use indoors and in exposed environments without the need for additional enclosures.
- Audibility and visibility:High SPL paired with synchronised visual indication ensures alarm signals reach occupants even in noisy or complex spaces.
- System integrity:Tamper monitoring and device locking increase overall system reliability and ease maintenance planning.
- Cost-effectiveness:Efficient alarm current and support for several devices per zone help keep both component and infrastructure costs down.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The Apollo AlarmSense Open-Area Sounder VID is especially well suited to locations that combine the need for strong audible coverage with environmental exposure or where visual alarm supplementation is required. Typical scenarios include:
Car parks are noisy, open-plan, and sometimes partially exposed to weather. The IP65 enclosure protects the sounder from dust and water ingress while the 99 dB output helps ensure audibility over vehicle noise. The synchronised red LED improves visibility across large, columned spaces.
In plant areas with elevated ambient noise and potential oil, dust or condensation exposure, the device27s weatherproofing and robust monitoring features make it a dependable choice for audible and visual evacuation signalling.
Open corridors and atria require clear, synchronised signalling to avoid confusion. The synchronised tone and flash function keeps multiple devices aligned so occupants receive a coherent alarm pattern across wide open spaces.
Because the device is designed for AlarmSense two-wire systems and is polarity-insensitive, it is straightforward to replace or augment existing two-wire sounders without complex re-wiring, reducing downtime and labour costs.
Comparisons with similar products
When choosing an open-area sounder VID, customers typically compare several attributes: sound pressure level, ingress protection, wiring compatibility, synchronisation features and lifecycle support. The Apollo 55000-017APO stands out in several ways:
- Versus basic indoor sounders:Many basic sounders deliver sufficient SPL for enclosed rooms but lack IP65 protection and integrated visual indicators. Apollo27s IP65-rated combination unit removes the need for separate devices or additional weatherproofing when used in exposed areas.
- Versus other combined sounder/beacons:Competing combined units may offer similar SPL but differ in loop monitoring, synchronisation and warranty. The Apollo device27s polarity-insensitive monitored two-wire approach and manufacturer-backed 10-year warranty are strong differentiators for installers focused on reliability and ease of integration with AlarmSense systems.
- Versus addressable sounders:Addressable devices provide individual device monitoring and richer panel-level diagnostics, but they add complexity and cost. For conventional two-wire systems where zone-level signalling is acceptable, the Apollo AlarmSense VID balances cost, simplicity and robust environmental capability.
Customer feedback and installer perspectives
While formal customer testimonials for this exact model may vary by market, installers and system specifiers commonly report the following positive experiences with Apollo AlarmSense open-area sounders and VIDs:
- "Smooth retrofits — the polarity-insensitive wiring and compact design make replacements quick and reliable, reducing labour time."
- "Good value for performance — the SPL and IP65 rating mean fewer device types are needed, simplifying logistics for mixed indoor/outdoor sites."
- "Synchronisation improves occupant response — aligned tones and flashes avoid conflicting signals across large spaces."
Note: These comments reflect typical installer feedback and common advantages reported for the product class. For site-specific reviews, consult local suppliers or installation partners for references.
Conclusion: Why choose the Apollo 55000-017APO Sounder VID?
The Apollo AlarmSense Open-Area Sounder VID (55000-017APO) is a compelling choice when you need reliable, synchronised audible and visual signalling in open or exposed environments. Its combination of high sound output (up to 99 dB(A)), IP65 weatherproofing, monitored polarity-insensitive two-wire connection, and a synchronised 1 Hz red LED make it versatile across car parks, plant rooms, open corridors and retrofit projects. The built-in tamper/fault monitoring, device locking and a 10-year manufacturer warranty add operational confidence and lower lifecycle risk.
For projects using AlarmSense two-wire conventional systems, this Apollo unit often represents the most practical blend of performance, durability and cost-effectiveness. Always verify system design limits (such as maximum devices per zone) and approvals via the official Apollo datasheet and have a qualified engineer complete installation and commissioning in line with local codes and standards.
Suggested retail price:59.00 (check with your supplier for local currency and volume pricing). For detailed datasheets, wiring diagrams and certification details, consult the manufacturer documentation or your Apollo distributor.
