Apollo AlarmSense Open‑Area Sounder, Red, IP65, 99 dB(A) 55000‑018APO

Introduction: Apollo AlarmSense Open‑Area Sounder and its key features

Apollo 55000‑018APO AlarmSense Open‑Area Sounderis a compact, wall‑mounted sounder designed for AlarmSense two‑wire fire alarm loops. Engineered to deliver clear, synchronised Apollo tones up to99 dB(A) @ 1 m, this red, IP65‑rated device combines robust ingress protection with installer‑friendly features such as polarity‑insensitive connections, a common first‑fix base and a device locking facility. With a manufacturer's warranty commonly listed at10 years, the 55000‑018APO is positioned as a reliable choice for a wide range of open‑area and exposed location applications where weather and dust resistance are required.

Detailed description: specifications and benefits

The Apollo AlarmSense sounder is built around a few core strengths: performance, simplicity and durability. Below are the principal specifications and the practical benefits they bring.

• Manufacturer / model: Apollo 55000‑018APO (AlarmSense Open‑Area Sounder)
• Colour: Red — standard for fire alarm devices for easy identification
• IP rating: IP65 — dust tight and protected against low‑pressure water jets, suitable for exposed locations
• Warranty: 10 years (manufacturer/reseller listings)
• Approvals: Consult the manufacturer datasheet for full approvals and standards compliance

• Voltage / supply: Designed for AlarmSense two‑wire loops; typical DC operating range listed by resellers as 18–33 V (confirm exact loop figures in the datasheet)
• Sound output: Up to99 dB(A) @ 1 m(reseller listings) — suitable for many open indoor spaces
• Polarity: Polarity‑insensitive — simplifies wiring and reduces risk of misconnection on two‑wire loops
• Tones and synchronisation: Supports synchronised Apollo tones to ensure consistent, intelligible warnings across a looped system

• Dimensions: Approximately 97.5 mm length and 104 mm diameter — compact footprint for wall mounting
• Material: Polycarbonate housing — impact‑resistant and lightweight
• Mounting: Wall‑mounted with a common first‑fix base and device locking facility to secure unit in place and speed installation

Benefits summarized: The combination of IP65 protection, synchronised audible tones and polarity‑insensitive wiring makes the 55000‑018APO well suited to installations where a dependable, easy‑to‑install sounder is needed. Installers benefit from reduced wiring errors, faster commissioning and a secure mechanical fit, while building owners and occupants gain an audible alarm that is both loud and consistent across multiple devices.

Use cases and scenarios where the product excels

The Apollo AlarmSense Open‑Area Sounder is versatile and performs well in a variety of environments. Typical scenarios include:

• Offices and retail spaces: In open‑plan offices, shops and retail floors the device provides clear, synchronised tones that help ensure occupants hear the alarm simultaneously across a large, unobstructed area.
• Exposed internal locations: Areas such as loading bays, semi‑outdoor walkways, covered car parks or service corridors that are exposed to dust or occasional water ingress benefit from the IP65 rating.
• Refurbishment and retrofit projects: The common first‑fix base simplifies pre‑wiring and device installation phases, making the sounder attractive for phased upgrades or retrofits where access windows are limited.
• Two‑wire alarm loops: Systems using AlarmSense two‑wire loop architectures gain an easy‑to‑integrate sounder with polarity‑insensitive wiring and synchronisation compatibility.
• Environments requiring clear synchronised warnings: Manufacturing breakrooms, distribution hubs or healthcare communal spaces where consistent tone timing reduces confusion and aids orderly evacuation.

Comparisons with similar products on the market

When evaluating the Apollo 55000‑018APO against other sounders, consider these common differentiators:

The 55000‑018APO’s IP65 rating places it above many standard indoor sounders that are typically IP21 or IP24. If your application involves dust or exposure to water jets, the Apollo unit will usually be a better fit than indoor‑only models. Competing products with IP65 are available, but Apollo’s combination of IP65 with AlarmSense compatibility and synchronised tones makes it particularly straightforward to integrate on AlarmSense loops.

Polarity‑insensitive devices reduce installation errors on two‑wire loops. Some competing sounders require correct polarity or separate wiring approaches, which can complicate commissioning. Where installers prefer a two‑wire, loop‑powered approach with minimal polarity concerns, the Apollo device is advantaged.

At up to 99 dB(A) @ 1 m, the Apollo sounder is within the common range for open‑area devices. Higher output sounders exist for very noisy industrial environments, and combined sounder‑beacon units offer visual alerts where audibility may be compromised. If you need a visual element, choose a combined sounder‑visual or add separate beacons; Apollo’s open‑area sounder focuses on reliable audible performance rather than integrated visual signaling.

Not all competitors include a common first‑fix base or device locking facility. These features lower labour time and help prevent unauthorised removal. In projects where installation speed and device security matter, the Apollo solution compares favorably.

Customer feedback and typical user impressions

While individual customer reviews for the exact model may vary, installers and specifiers commonly highlight a few recurring themes when discussing Apollo AlarmSense sounders:

• Ease of installation: Installers appreciate the polarity‑insensitive connections and the common first‑fix base, which reduce errors and installation time.
• Reliable synchronisation: System integrators note that synchronised tones across AlarmSense loops improve perceived alarm quality and reduce confusion compared with unsynchronised systems.
• Durability in exposed settings: Users reporting devices in semi‑outdoor or dusty areas value the IP65 rating and the polycarbonate construction for long‑term service.
• Value for money: Given a suggested retail price commonly listed around £50.31 (reseller guidance) and a cost price around £42.26, purchasers often see this sounder as competitively priced for the feature set and warranty included.

Note: For verified, individual testimonials or case studies, consult reseller pages or the manufacturer datasheet and installation case references.

Conclusion: why the Apollo 55000‑018APO is a strong choice

The Apollo AlarmSense Open‑Area Sounder (55000‑018APO) is a balanced solution for projects that require clear, synchronised audible warnings, robust ingress protection and straightforward installation. Its IP65 rating, polarity‑insensitive wiring and common first‑fix base address many practical challenges encountered during installation and operation, while the 99 dB(A) output ensures strong audibility across open areas. With a substantial manufacturer warranty and compatibility with AlarmSense two‑wire systems, this sounder is well suited to offices, retail environments, exposed internal locations and retrofit projects where reliability, speed of installation and resistance to dust and water are priorities.

Before specifying: always consult the official Apollo datasheet and your system design documentation to confirm loop current, tone configurations, approvals and placement to meet local regulations. When chosen and installed correctly, the 55000‑018APO represents a pragmatic, installer‑friendly and cost‑effective component of a modern fire detection and alarm system.