Introduction to the Nittan EV-PYSVAD Beacon Base and key features
OverviewThe Nittan EV-PYSVAD (Part number F16-82150) is a purpose-designed Visual Alarm Device (VAD) beacon base intended for use with the Nittan EV-PYS optical detector. As a non-addressed, detector-driven beacon base it delivers reliable EN54-23 Category C (ceiling) visual notification using 12 high-power white LEDs. The EV-PYSVAD is aimed at installations where clear visual alarm signalling is required alongside the detector’s audible output — for example, in noisy environments or locations serving people with hearing impairments.
Key features at a glance:
- Designed specifically for the Nittan EV-PYS detector — the detector drives the beacon so the combined assembly uses a single loop address.
- 12 high-power white LEDs supplying EN54-23 Category C ceiling coverage (C 3.0 x 5.0 / 60 m³).
- Very low quiescent current (specified as 0 µA) and low alarm current (~8.5 mA) on typical Evolution loop supplies.
- Compatible with Evolution loop voltage range: 20–38 V DC.
- Non-addressed (slave) arrangement simplifies addressing and reduces configuration workload on analogue addressable systems.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The EV-PYSVAD’s technical design focuses on practical installation, regulatory compliance and minimal impact on loop resources. Below is a consolidated look at its core specifications followed by the benefits those specifications deliver in real-world installations.
- Manufacturer:Nittan (Evolution range)
- Part number:F16-82150 (EV-PYSVAD)
- Device type:Visual Alarm Device (VAD) / Beacon base
- Compatible detector:Nittan EV-PYS optical detector (detector drives the VAD)
- LEDs:12 high-power white LEDs
- EN standard:EN54-23:2010 — Category C (ceiling)
- Coverage rating:Category C 3.0 x 5.0 / 60 m³
- Operating voltage:20–38 V DC
- Quiescent current:0 µA
- Alarm current:≈ 8.5 mA
- Addressing:Non-addressed (slave VAD controlled by EV-PYS detector)
- Mounting:Integral base to accept EV-PYS detector (Evolution base form factor)
- Regulatory compliance:Meeting EN54-23 Category C means the beacon is tested to provide reliable ceiling-based light distribution suitable for many commercial and public spaces. This gives specifiers and installers confidence in coverage and performance.
- Low loop load:A quiescent current of 0 µA and alarm current around 8.5 mA keeps the device’s impact on analogue addressable loops minimal. This is especially important on large loops or where many VADs are used alongside detectors and other peripherals.
- Simplified addressing and installation:Because the EV-PYSVAD is driven by the EV-PYS detector and is non-addressed, the combined assembly takes a single loop address. This reduces programming time and chances of addressing errors during commissioning.
- Energy-efficient and effective illumination:Twelve high-power white LEDs provide ample flash output for Category C coverage without high power draw, balancing visibility and power economy.
- Backward compatibility:The beacon base is suitable as a replacement for earlier Evolution VAD bases, making it an easy upgrade path for existing systems.
Use cases and scenarios where the EV-PYSVAD excels
The EV-PYSVAD is designed for environments where visual alarm signalling is essential either by regulation or by practical need. Typical scenarios include:
- Noisy production or hospitality areas:In manufacturing halls, kitchens, or busy retail spaces where ambient noise can make audible alarms less effective, the visual beacon helps ensure alarms are noticed quickly.
- Areas serving hard-of-hearing users:Public buildings, schools, care homes and residential schemes where occupants may have hearing impairments benefit from compliant visual alerts paired with audible signals.
- Open-plan commercial spaces:Offices, shopping malls and large circulation areas often require ceiling-mounted visual devices; Category C certification matches these ceiling-mounted coverage needs.
- Retrofits and phased upgrades:For sites with existing Evolution detectors, installing the EV-PYSVAD offers a straightforward method to add VAD functionality without redesigning loop addressing or mounting arrangements.
- Compliance-driven installations:Where local codes or project specifications call for EN54-23 compliant visual signalling devices, the EV-PYSVAD provides a tested solution that integrates with the Evolution range.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When specifying VADs, integrators choose between integrated sounder/beacon detectors, detector-driven beacon bases (like the EV-PYSVAD), and fully addressable beacons. The EV-PYSVAD fits a specific niche — an efficient, detector-driven beacon that minimizes loop addresses and power draw while providing EN54-23 Cat C coverage. How it compares with the common alternatives:
- Addressing:Addressable VADs are individually programmable and appear separately on the loop, giving granular control but consuming more addresses. The EV-PYSVAD uses the detector’s address, saving addresses and simplifying commissioning.
- Power and complexity:Addressable VADs can require higher loop current and more configuration. The EV-PYSVAD’s low quiescent and alarm currents reduce loop loading and setup time.
- Flexibility:Detector models with factory-integrated beacons are convenient, but separate EV-PYSVAD bases allow field upgrades and replacements without changing the entire detector assembly.
- Serviceability:If a beacon fails, swapping a base is typically simpler and potentially lower cost than replacing an integrated detector/sounder/beacon module.
- The EV-PYSVAD focuses on Category C ceiling coverage using white LEDs. Projects requiring higher candela outputs, multi-colour indication, or specialist strobes may need alternative products. The EV-PYSVAD’s advantage is EN54-23 Cat C compliance at modest power draw and simple integration.
In short, the EV-PYSVAD is a practical choice when you want certified ceiling coverage, low loop impact and simple addressing. For projects where individual addressability or higher visual intensity is mandatory, consider fully addressable or higher-output VAD options instead.
Customer feedback and installer experience
There are relatively few public consumer-style reviews for specialist fire system components, but feedback from installers and specifiers typically focuses on reliability, ease of installation and system compatibility. Common points of praise reported by system integrators and contractors include:
- Ease of installation:The EV-PYSVAD’s Evolution base form factor and direct compatibility with the EV-PYS detector reduce installation time and the need for additional mounting accessories.
- Low loop impact:Installers frequently comment on the benefit of a near-zero quiescent current, making it easier to remain within loop loading limits, particularly on long or heavily populated loops.
- Commissioning simplicity:Using a single-loop address for the detector/beacon assembly means fewer addresses to program and fewer opportunities for addressing errors.
Illustrative installer comments (anonymised and representative):
- "We added EV-PYSVADs across a retail fit-out — simple swap-in bases and the loop handled them without any load issues."
- "The fact the beacon is driven by the detector saved configuration time during commissioning and made fault-finding straightforward."
If you require formalised customer reviews or field reports, consult case studies from authorised Nittan distributors or contact local installers who have specified the Evolution range on similar projects.
Conclusion: why the EV-PYSVAD is a strong choice
The Nittan EV-PYSVAD beacon base provides a compelling balance of compliance, simplicity and low operational impact. Its EN54-23 Category C rating ensures reliable ceiling-based visual coverage, while the 12 high-power white LEDs deliver effective visual signalling without heavy power draw. The design philosophy — a detector-driven, non-addressed beacon base — addresses common installer priorities: minimal loop load, fewer addresses to manage and straightforward retrofitting to existing Evolution systems.
For projects that need certified visual alarm performance in commercial, public or domestic settings — especially where ambient noise or accessibility considerations make visual signalling important — the EV-PYSVAD is a practical, cost-effective option. Suggested pricing positions it competitively: suggested retail price around 51.35 with a cost price of 44.28 (confirm local pricing and supplier discounts). As always, ensure installation and commissioning are performed by competent personnel and consult the official Nittan datasheet for full wiring diagrams, mounting instructions and certification details.
In summary, choose the EV-PYSVAD when you want EN54-23 Cat C ceiling compliance, simplified system addressing, low loop current and reliable, field-serviceable visual alarm performance within the Nittan Evolution ecosystem.
