Introduction to the Apollo 55000-600APO (XP95) Optical Smoke Detector
The Apollo 55000-600APO XP95 Addressable Optical Smoke Detector is a purpose-built photoelectric (optical) smoke sensor designed for modern addressable fire alarm systems. Combining reliable forward light‑scatter sensing, an insect‑resistant detection chamber and low quiescent current, this detector suits a wide range of commercial and domestic applications. It is EN54‑7 certified and compatible with XP95, Discovery and CoreProtocol control panels. For integrators and building managers who need accurate detection of smouldering and slow‑burning fires with the advantages of addressable reporting, the Apollo XP95 optical detector offers a dependable, field-proven option.
Key features at a glance
- Photoelectric (forward light‑scatter) detection— effective at detecting smouldering and slow‑burning fires before large flames develop.
- Addressable loop communication— compatible with XP95, Discovery and CoreProtocol for precise device identification and analogue sensitivity reporting.
- Insect‑resistant detection chamberand red alarm LED (remote LED support), reducing nuisance alarms from insects and offering clear visible alarm indication.
- Low quiescent current(~0.34 mA typical) — suitable for large addressable loops where power budgeting matters.
- Standards and approvals— EN54‑7 certified with CPR and LPCB listings depending on variant; 10‑year manufacturer warranty (confirm via supplier documentation).
- Installation flexibility— compact footprint, wide operating temperature range and IP44 protection for most indoor installations. Note: XP95 base and XPERT addressing card sold separately.
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Model:55000-600APO
- Detection principle:Photo‑electric (forward light scatter) — designed to detect smouldering and slow‑burning combustion by sensing scattered light from particles.
- Product type:Addressable optical smoke detector compatible with XP95 / Discovery / CoreProtocol.
- Dimensions and weight:Diameter ≈100 mm; height ≈42 mm (detector only); weight ≈105 g. Compact design suits standard mounting bases.
- Housing:White flame‑retardant polycarbonate with nickel‑plated stainless steel terminals.
- Supply voltage:17–28 V dc (XP95 loop signalling).
- Quiescent current:0.34 mA (340 μA typical) — minimal drain on loop power, enabling more devices per loop and reducing the need for supplementary wiring or loop repeaters.
- Power‑up surge:Approximately 1 mA (short), keeping inrush low during polling cycles.
- Alarm LED current:4 mA on‑board LED; remote LED support up to 5 mA for visible indication in corridors or remote indicator plates.
- Analogue sensitivity:Nominal response 25 ±7 with alarm level at 55 on XP95 analogue scale — delivers graded sensitivity reporting to the panel for refined alarm thresholds and maintenance diagnostics.
- Operating temperature:−20 °C to +60 °C — suitable for most indoor environments including HVAC‑controlled spaces and unheated plant rooms within the range.
- Storage temperature:−30 °C to +80 °C.
- Humidity:0–95% RH (no condensation or icing).
- Ingress protection:IP44 — protected against splashing water and solid objects over 1 mm in typical indoor applications.
- Standards:EN54‑7 certified; variant‑dependent listings for CPR and LPCB — always verify the approvals for your ordered part and market.
- Warranty:10 years (confirm with supplier documentation).
- Reliable early warning:The photoelectric sensor excels at detecting smouldering fires and high levels of combustion particulates that often precede flaming fires, helping to reduce risk in sleeping areas, escape routes and offices.
- Addressable intelligence:Precise device addressing and analogue sensitivity reporting enable faster fault finding, targeted maintenance and easier zoning/configuration within the control panel software.
- Low power draw:Conserves loop power which is valuable in large systems and reduces the need for additional power supplies or loop segmentation.
- Reduced nuisance alarms:Insect‑resistant chamber design and optical sensing algorithm reduce false activations from small insects or dust, cutting unnecessary evacuations and maintenance calls.
Use cases and scenarios where the Apollo XP95 detector excels
- Escape routes and corridors:Early detection of smouldering wiring or discarded smoking materials helps protect evacuation paths where people congregate during incidents.
- Bedrooms and hotels:Photoelectric detectors are often preferred in sleeping areas because they detect smouldering fires (e.g., bedding, upholstery) sooner than many ionisation sensors.
- Offices and retail spaces:Low current draw and addressable reporting are ideal for large floor plates with many devices, simplifying power management and fault diagnostics.
- Renovations and system upgrades:When upgrading conventional systems to addressable control, XP95 detectors like the 55000‑600APO provide straightforward compatibility and improved monitoring granularity.
- Mixed detector environments:The XP95 protocol compatibility allows this detector to operate alongside other Apollo addressable devices (heat, multisensor, sounders) within the same loop, providing tailored protection strategies per zone.
How the Apollo XP95 compares with similar detectors on the market
Addressable photoelectric detectors are offered by multiple manufacturers, and selection depends on protocol compatibility, approvals, power consumption and features like insect protection or remote LEDs. Broadly, the Apollo 55000‑600APO stands out on several points:
- Protocol compatibility:XP95 / Discovery / CoreProtocol are widely used standards; choosing the 55000‑600APO simplifies integration for systems already using Apollo loops. Competitors such as Hochiki, Honeywell (System Sensor) and Siemens provide their own addressable ranges, but they require compatible control panels and bases for full functionality.
- Low quiescent current:With a typical 0.34 mA draw, the Apollo unit is competitive with the most efficient addressable detectors, enabling longer loops and more devices per circuit compared with higher‑current alternatives.
- Approved to EN54‑7:This common European standard ensures comparable performance expectations to other EN54‑7 certified photoelectric detectors. LPCB and CPR listings further support use in regulated projects where certification is critical.
- Feature set vs. multisensor detectors:While multisensor detectors (combining heat and optical sensing) can offer improved immunity to nuisance alarms in some environments, the 55000‑600APO’s optical sensor is specifically optimised for smouldering sources and is often preferred in sleeping accommodation and escape routes. Projects seeking multisensor capability may opt for other Apollo models in the same family.
Customer feedback and installer notes
Specific customer reviews for the 55000‑600APO should be checked with resellers or installation partners, but feedback from installers and facilities managers familiar with Apollo XP95 products typically highlights several consistent points:
- Installers appreciate the low loop current, which makes system power planning simpler and allows more devices per loop without additional hardware.
- Facility teams note reliable detection of smouldering fires and fewer nuisance alarms in insect‑prone areas thanks to the insect‑resistant chamber.
- Maintenance staff value the analogue sensitivity reporting to the panel, which helps identify dusting or drifting sensitivity trends before false alarms occur.
If you need confirmed third‑party reviews, request reference installations from your supplier or ask for customer case studies. Always verify the part number and approvals for your region with the reseller prior to purchase.
Installation considerations and compatibility
- The detector head contains the electronics; addressing is performed using an XPERT card fitted into a compatible XP95 base (base and XPERT card are sold separately). Ensure you select the correct base (e.g., standard, relay or low‑power variants) for your installation and panel compatibility.
- Confirm control panel compatibility with XP95 / Discovery / CoreProtocol. Cross‑protocol use is not supported without appropriate interface modules or panels that natively support these protocols.
- Verify approvals (EN54‑7, CPR, LPCB) for the specific product variant you order, especially for projects requiring CE/UKCA marking or third‑party listings.
- Follow local regulations and the panel manufacturer’s installation guidance; perform routine commissioning and sensitivity checks as part of planned maintenance.
Conclusion: Why choose the Apollo 55000-600APO XP95 detector?
The Apollo 55000‑600APO XP95 optical smoke detector delivers a practical blend of reliable photoelectric detection, addressable intelligence and low power consumption. Its EN54‑7 certification, insect‑resistant chamber and analogue sensitivity reporting make it especially well suited to sleeping accommodation, escape routes, offices and retail environments where early detection of smouldering fires and reduced nuisance alarms are priorities. For system designers and installers working within XP95/Discovery ecosystems, the Apollo unit offers proven compatibility and straightforward integration. With a typical retail price around (suggested price 39.99) and a 10‑year manufacturer warranty (confirm with supplier documentation), the 55000‑600APO represents a cost‑effective, long‑term choice for large and small addressable fire alarm installations. Always verify base compatibility, required approvals and ordering numbers with your supplier before purchasing or installing.
