Introduction to the Apollo XP95 55000-745APO Open-Area Ceiling VAD
Apollo XP95 55000-745APO Open-Area Visual Alarm Device (VAD)is a loop-powered ceiling-mounted visual alarm designed to complement fire alarm sounders where audible signals may be masked by background noise or where visual signalling is required for hearing-impaired occupants. Built for reliability and compliance, this EN54-23 Category C device delivers a high-intensity white LED flash at 0.5 Hz, supports synchronized flashing via XP95 loop protocols, and monitors its own LED health to report faults. Rugged, compact, and low in loop loading, the 55000-745APO is a practical choice for many commercial and industrial installations.
- EN54-23 Category C coverage for ceiling mounting (C-3-8).
- Loop-powered operation (17–28 V DC) with low quiescent current.
- High-intensity white flash at 0.5 Hz, synchronisable on XP95 loops.
- Automatic LED health check and fault reporting.
- Fire-retardant polycarbonate housing with secure grub-screw locking.
- Compatible with XPERT7 base and Apollo deckhead accessories for IP55 protection.
- Approvals to EN54-23 (CPR/LPCB/VdS variants) and a 10-year manufacturer warranty.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the technical characteristics of the 55000-745APO helps highlight why it is a preferred option for many projects. Below we outline the main specification blocks and the practical benefits they deliver.
- Manufacturer / range:Apollo XP95 — a well-established addressable fire alarm range known for interoperability and robust field performance.
- Part number:55000-745APO.
- Coverage class:EN54-23 Category C (C-3-8 ceiling) — suitable for open-area ceiling applications with the specified coverage pattern.
- Warranty:10 years — long manufacturer support offers peace of mind for asset owners and installers.
- Supply voltage:17–28 V DC (polarity sensitive) — designed for XP95 loop systems, allowing simplified wiring and integration.
- Quiescent current:Approximately 280 µA — minimal loop loading means many devices can be fitted on an addressable loop without stressing the power budget.
- Alarm current:Approximately 12 mA when the LED is on — economical power draw while providing a bright visual signal.
- Flash rate / colour:White flash, 0.5 Hz — chosen to be highly perceptible without being overly intrusive.
- Automatic LED check:Periodic health checks with fault reporting ensure that degraded LEDs are flagged early for maintenance.
- Dimensions:Diameter ≈ 100 mm; height ≈ 50 mm (58 mm with XPERT7 base) — compact ceiling profile that blends with typical interiors.
- Weight:≈ 105 g — lightweight for easy handling and ceiling installation.
- Material:Fire-retardant polycarbonate — durable, flame-resistant construction suitable for safety-critical applications.
- Operating temperature:−10 °C to +55 °C; relative humidity 0–95% RH (no condensation/icing).
- IP rating:Typically IP54; IP55 achievable using recommended deckhead mounting box/accessory for more challenging environments.
- Standards:EN 54-23 — compliance for visual alarm devices in fire detection systems.
- Approvals:CPR / LPCB / VdS available depending on the variant chosen — enables use in projects with specific certification requirements.
- Low loop loading and loop-powered operation reduce installation complexity and wiring cost compared with separate power supplies.
- Synchronisable flash reduces visual confusion in spaces with multiple devices and provides a coordinated alarm signature.
- Automatic LED health check lowers maintenance risk by proactively detecting LED degradation and signaling faults to the control panel.
- Compact, tamper-resistant housing and a long warranty make the device attractive for long-term installations in commercial buildings and industrial settings.
Use cases and scenarios where the device excels
The XP95 55000-745APO is designed to meet the needs of environments where audible alarms may not be sufficient, or where legislation and accessibility requirements demand visual alarm coverage. Typical use cases include:
Factories, machine shops, and plant rooms often run machinery that produces high ambient noise levels. In these spaces, a bright visual alarm ensures occupants are alerted even when speech and tones are masked by equipment noise. The device’s EN54-23 Category C ceiling coverage is well suited to open-floor industrial bays and mezzanine levels.
Commercial kitchens can be exceedingly loud and filled with steam or cooking odors. The 0.5 Hz white flash is clearly perceptible against visual clutter, and the robust polycarbonate housing copes well with routine cleaning and the occasional heat exposure (within the operating range).
In schools, libraries, shopping centres and transport hubs, the visual alerting requirement for deaf or hard-of-hearing occupants is often mandatory. Ceiling-mounted VADs provide broad coverage and, when synchronised across a facility, create a cohesive alarm system that meets regulatory expectations.
These spaces are often excluded from public-facing alarm systems but still require reliable alerting for staff. The compact XP95 beacon is cost-effective for targeted coverage without the need for mains-powered strobe circuits.
Comparisons with similar products
When specifying visual alarm devices, it helps to compare loop-powered ceiling VADs with alternative approaches.
- Loop-powered VADs vs mains-powered beacons:Loop-powered devices like the 55000-745APO simplify wiring and reduce installation cost because they draw power from the addressable loop. Mains-powered beacons may offer higher light output or continuous operation independent of panel support, but require separate power circuits and potentially more complex wiring and fault monitoring.
- Ceiling VADs vs wall-mounted devices:Ceiling-mounted (EN54-23 Category C) devices provide wide, even coverage in open areas and are less likely to be obstructed by furniture or shelving. Wall-mounted VADs (EN54-23 Category W) are better for corridors and escape routes where directional signalling is required.
- Synchronisable XP95 VADs vs non-synchronised beacons:Synchronisation reduces perceived flicker and avoids visual confusion when multiple beacons are visible. For large atria or open-plan spaces, synchronized flashing creates a clearer, unified alarm signal.
- Auto-checking LEDs vs manual maintenance regimes:Devices with automatic LED health checks reduce the need for frequent manual inspection and help ensure compliance with maintenance regimes by flagging faults to the control panel.
Customer feedback and installer notes
While individual project experiences vary, installers and safety managers commonly report the following practical advantages from deploying the XP95 loop-powered ceiling VAD:
- "Low loop loading allowed us to deploy multiple beacons on the same loop without additional power modules," — feedback typical from system integrators working on retrofit projects.
- Instant recognition of LED faults through the control panel reduces unscheduled maintenance visits and keeps systems compliant with inspection test schedules.
- The compact profile and standard base compatibility (XPERT7) speed up installation, particularly when swapping out legacy devices during refurbishments.
Note: These are generic, anonymised representations of common installer feedback rather than verbatim customer testimonials.
Installation, compliance and safety considerations
The 55000-745APO is intended to be installed by competent technicians following the XP95 engineering and installation documentation and local regulations. Key considerations include confirming loop voltage (17–28 V DC), checking base and accessory compatibility, and evaluating the IP rating required for the installation environment. Where higher ingress protection is required (for instance in kitchens or areas prone to dust/water), use the recommended deckhead mounting box or accessories to achieve IP55.
Conclusion — why choose the Apollo XP95 55000-745APO?
For projects requiring dependable visual fire alarm signalling, the Apollo XP95 55000-745APO offers a balanced mix of performance, simplicity and reliability. Its loop-powered design minimises wiring complexity and installation cost; the synchronisable white LED flash provides clear, coordinated alerting for open areas; and the automatic LED health check helps maintain system integrity over time. With EN54-23 compliance, robust mechanical design, and a 10-year warranty, the device is well-suited to industrial, commercial and public sector installations where visual alarms are essential.
Whether you are upgrading an existing XP95 system or designing a new addressable installation, the 55000-745APO is a practical, standards-compliant choice for visual alarm coverage in noisy or accessibility-critical environments.
