Introduction to the Apollo XP95 Open‑Area VAD and its key features
Apollo XP95 Open‑Area Visual Alarm Device (VAD) — 55000‑744APOis a compact, loop‑powered visual alarm engineered for addressable fire‑alarm systems. Designed for environments where audible warnings might not be sufficient—high background noise areas or to support people with hearing impairments—this VAD combines EN54‑23 certification with energy‑efficient LED technology and proven compatibility with XP95, Discovery and CoreProtocol loops. Key highlights include a high‑intensity white LED flash at 0.5 Hz, extremely low quiescent current, automatic LED self‑check and a 10‑year warranty, making it a practical choice for installers, facilities managers and systems integrators seeking reliable visual signalling.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The Apollo XP95 VAD is specified to meet practical installation needs and stringent standards. Below are the core specifications organized by category, followed by the benefits each brings to real projects.
- Part number:55000‑744APO
- Product type:XP95 Open‑Area VAD (Wall, W‑2.4‑6)
- Flash colour:White
- Flash rate:0.5 Hz
- Compatibility:XP95 / Discovery / CoreProtocol (addressable loop)
- Supply voltage:17–28 V DC (loop powered)
- Quiescent current:≈280 µA
- Alarm current:≈16 mA
- Power‑up surge:≈1.5 mA
Benefits: The very low quiescent current preserves loop budget, allowing more devices per loop and reducing the likelihood of needing additional power supplies or extra loops. The modest alarm current (≈16 mA) ensures effective illumination while maintaining loop efficiency. Loop‑powering simplifies wiring and reduces installation time compared with devices that require separate power circuits.
- Material:Fire‑retardant polycarbonate (white)
- Dimensions:Ø 100 mm × H 48 mm (56 mm with some bases)
- Weight:≈105 g
- Mounting:Wall mounting with compatible bases; locking grub screw
Benefits: Compact and lightweight, the VAD is unobtrusive yet robust. The grub screw locking mechanism adds security against tampering and accidental removal. A choice of mounting bases (including options that affect ingress protection) makes it adaptable to a wide range of installation scenarios.
- Operating temperature:-10 °C to +55 °C
- Humidity:0–95% RH (no condensation or icing)
- IP rating:IP54 (with certain bases) / IP55 (with deckhead mounting box) — depends on base
Benefits: Suitable for most indoor commercial and industrial environments. Selectable ingress protection via the mounting base allows the device to be used in areas with higher dust or moisture levels where appropriate.
- Standards:EN 54‑23 (open‑area coverage classification)
- Approvals:CPR, LPCB, VdS (as supplied by distributors)
- Warranty:10 years
Benefits: EN54‑23 compliance ensures the device meets recognised European requirements for light output and coverage in open‑area (wall) installations, giving confidence to designers and authorities having jurisdiction. Distributor approvals and a decade of warranty further support lifecycle reliability and total cost of ownership considerations.
How these specifications translate into real benefits
The Apollo XP95 VAD’s electrical profile and compliance features deliver tangible benefits on projects:
- Loop efficiency:Extremely low quiescent current preserves loop capacity so larger numbers of devices can be supported without extra loops or power supplies.
- Long service life:Solid‑state LED illumination reduces maintenance: LEDs last far longer than legacy xenon strobes and do not require frequent lamp replacements.
- Reliable performance:Automatic LED self‑check and fault signalling reduce the risk of unnoticed lamp failures and simplify commissioning and ongoing testing routines.
- Standards compliance:EN54‑23 certification provides predictable coverage performance, simplifying design and demonstrating conformity with regulatory requirements.
- Simplified installation:Loop‑powered addressable operation and compact dimensions speed up installation and reduce wiring complexity compared with devices requiring separate power runs.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The Apollo XP95 Open‑Area VAD is suited to a wide range of public, commercial and industrial settings where visual alarm signalling is required either as primary notification or as a supplement to sounders. Typical scenarios include:
In factories, plant rooms, loading bays and busy transport hubs where ambient noise can mask audible alarms, a white flashing VAD provides an unmistakable visual cue to occupants and staff.
In schools, hospitals, care homes and public buildings, visual alarms are essential for inclusive safety provision. The XP95 VAD meets recognised open‑area coverage requirements and integrates with addressable systems to give reliable visual notification.
Shops, restaurants and entertainment venues benefit from a low‑profile, aesthetically neutral white VAD that maintains interior styling while providing necessary visual alerts during an evacuation or incident.
Where quiet operation or the need to avoid false evacuation via audible alarms is important, visual alerts help target notifications to on‑site staff without disrupting sensitive processes or equipment.
Because the XP95 VAD is loop‑powered and compact, it is often straightforward to add to existing XP95 or Discovery loops during upgrades, reducing the time and cost of bringing older installations into compliance with modern visual alarm requirements.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When comparing the Apollo XP95 Open‑Area VAD with other visual alarm devices, consider three broad axes: power architecture (loop‑powered vs separate supply), illumination technology (LED vs xenon), and addressability/compatibility.
- Loop‑powered vs separate power VADs:Loop‑powered devices like the XP95 reduce wiring complexity and typically cost less to install. Devices that require separate 12/24 V DC supplies add cabling and potential power supply costs, which can increase project time and expense.
- LED vs xenon:LEDs consume less power, have longer useful life, and provide instant, stable light output without warm‑up. Xenon strobes can be brighter at short range but are heavier on power, generate heat and require lamp replacement over time. For most modern applications, LED VADs strike the best balance of performance, efficiency and lifespan.
- Addressable compatibility:The XP95 VAD’s support for XP95, Discovery and CoreProtocol makes it highly compatible with many legacy and current control panels used by systems integrators. Some competing devices are only compatible with specific proprietary loops, limiting flexibility in mixed‑manufacturer installations.
Overall, the Apollo XP95 Open‑Area VAD sits in the mainstream of modern VAD design: efficient LEDs, low loop loading, recognised standards compliance and strong system compatibility. For installations where maximum luminous intensity at long range is required, high‑power surface‑mounted or specialised devices may be considered, but for the majority of wall‑mounted open‑area needs, the XP95 offers a robust, cost‑effective solution.
Customer feedback and installer observations
While individual experiences vary by project, common feedback themes from installers and end users include:
- Ease of installation and reduced wiring complexity thanks to loop power and compact dimensions.
- Appreciation for very low quiescent current—allowing more devices per loop without upgrades to the control panel power budget.
- Positive comments on the reliable LED flash and the convenience of automatic self‑test features that help during commissioning and periodic inspections.
- Recognition of the product’s long warranty (10 years) and recognised approvals (EN54‑23, CPR, LPCB, VdS) as important factors when specifying for commercial projects.
Please note: specific customer testimonials are dependent on direct user reviews and case studies provided by distributors or system integrators. Prospective buyers should consult local references or distributor case studies for project‑specific feedback.
Conclusion — why the Apollo XP95 VAD is a great choice
The Apollo XP95 Open‑Area VAD (55000‑744APO) balances standards compliance, energy efficiency and installer‑friendly design. Its loop‑powered architecture and extremely low quiescent current save on wiring complexity and reduce overall system power demands. The white 0.5 Hz LED flash delivers effective visual notification for a wide range of open‑area wall installations, while automatic self‑test features and a ten‑year warranty support long‑term reliability and lower lifecycle costs.
For projects requiring dependable addressable visual signalling—especially in noisy environments, facilities serving hearing‑impaired occupants, or retrofit work on XP95/Discovery systems—the Apollo XP95 VAD is a versatile, cost‑effective choice. With EN54‑23 certification and multiple distributor approvals, it meets the regulatory and practical needs of designers and installers alike. Typical suggested pricing (where applicable) places the device in an accessible bracket for both single site and larger rollout projects, reinforcing its value proposition as a modern, efficient visual alarm device.
