Introduction to the Apollo AlarmSense 55000-190APO
The Apollo AlarmSense 55000‑190APO — AlarmSense A1R Heat Detector (Two‑Wire)is a purpose‑built heat detector designed for environments where smoke detectors are unsuitable. Combining a fixed upper temperature threshold with rate‑of‑rise (A1R) sensing, this detector provides dependable fire detection in dusty, smoky or otherwise contaminated atmospheres. Housed in flame‑retardant polycarbonate with 360° visible LEDs and EN54‑5 certification, it is intended for commercial and industrial installations on compatible AlarmSense two‑wire control panels.
- A1R detection:fixed upper temperature limit plus rate‑of‑rise monitoring to reduce nuisance alarms in contaminated areas.
- Two‑wire AlarmSense supply:polarity insensitive, 9–33 V DC for ease of installation and compatibility with AlarmSense systems.
- 360° visible alarm LEDs:clear visual confirmation of alarm and status.
- Low quiescent current:long‑term, low power draw with fast sampling every 4 seconds.
- IP44 rating and robust housing:suitable for many indoor environments where some moisture or dust is present.
- EN54‑5 certified:meets European standards for heat detection and Construction Products Regulation (CPR) compliance.
- 10‑year warranty:manufacturer warranty for long‑term confidence.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the hardware and performance of the 55000‑190APO helps explain why it is a go‑to choice where smoke detection is impractical. Below are the core technical specifications followed by the practical benefits each delivers.
- Part number:55000‑190APO
- Detection type:A1R — fixed upper limit + rate‑of‑rise (NTC thermistor)
- Supply wiring:Two‑wire AlarmSense, polarity insensitive
- Voltage:9–33 V DC
- Quiescent current:< 50 µA (at 15 V)
- Alarm current:≈ 25 ± 2 mA (typical at 10.5–15 V)
- Sampling frequency:Once every 4 s
- Reset time:1 s (max reset voltage 2 V)
- Max supply interruption:40 ms
- Operating temperature:−40 °C to +50 °C (A1R)
- Humidity:0–95% RH (no condensation/icing)
- Ingress protection:IP44
- Material:White flame‑retardant polycarbonate
- Dimensions:Ø100 × 42 mm (detector); 100 × 50 mm with base
- Weight:~80–100 g
- Standards / approvals:EN54‑5 (CPR)
- Reliable detection in contaminated atmospheres:The A1R algorithm combines a fixed temperature threshold with rate‑of‑rise logic. This reduces false alarms from dust, steam or cooking fumes that would typically trigger optical smoke detectors.
- Simplified wiring and installation:The two‑wire, polarity‑insensitive AlarmSense supply supports straightforward integration with compatible control panels and reduces potential wiring errors.
- Energy efficiency:Extremely low quiescent current (<50 µA) conserves system power, which is especially useful on larger networks or systems with limited standby power budgets.
- Rapid response sampling:Sampling every 4 seconds ensures timely detection of rapid temperature changes, improving the chance of early intervention.
- Visual status clarity:360° LEDs make it easy to verify alarm state from any approach angle — valuable in large rooms or complex layouts.
- Robust environmental tolerance:IP44 protection and a flame‑retardant housing allow use in many commercial environments while maintaining compliance with EN54‑5.
- Compliance and warranty:EN54‑5 certification and a 10‑year manufacturer warranty provide assurance for specifiers, contractors and building owners.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
Heat detectors are often the preferred choice when smoke detectors would be prone to nuisance alarms. The Apollo 55000‑190APO is designed for such settings and performs well in a variety of real‑world applications.
- Industrial facilities:Workshops, factories and production areas often have dust, fumes or airborne particles that trigger smoke detectors. An A1R heat detector detects dangerous temperature rises without nuisance triggers.
- Commercial kitchens:Kitchens produce smoke and steam during normal operation. Heat detection avoids false alarms while providing dependable fire sensing where grease or steam is present.
- Plant rooms and boiler houses:Areas with high ambient temperatures or mechanical activity are better monitored by heat detectors that can distinguish regular temperature fluctuations from hazardous rises.
- Garages and vehicle storage:Exhaust fumes and particulate matter make smoke detection unreliable; A1R heat sensors give dependable protection without excessive false alarms.
- Storage warehouses:Dusty environments and large volumes make visual smoke detection difficult. Heat detection provides a robust alternative for early fire warning.
Building owners, facility managers and fire‑alarm contractors benefit from reduced maintenance and fewer false alarms, leading to lower operational disruption and improved fire‑safety reliability. The detector is especially useful in mixed installations where some zones require heat detection while others use smoke detectors.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When choosing fire detection devices, it helps to understand how A1R heat detection compares with other options and what sets the Apollo 55000‑190APO apart.
Optical (photoelectric) smoke detectors are highly sensitive to early combustion particles and are excellent in many spaces. However, in kitchens, workshops or dusty environments they are prone to nuisance alarms. The 55000‑190APO trades some of that early sensitivity for robustness in contaminated conditions — it detects genuine thermal events while ignoring benign particulates.
Fixed‑temperature detectors alarm only when a preset threshold is exceeded. They can be slower to respond to fast‑developing fires. The A1R approach used in the Apollo detector adds a rate‑of‑rise element, allowing quicker detection of sudden temperature increases while still retaining a fixed‑limit safety net. This gives better overall response without increasing false alarm risk.
Multi‑sensor detectors combine smoke and heat sensing in one head and are useful where both types of detection are needed. Addressable detectors provide individual device identification on the loop for precise location. The 55000‑190APO is a loop‑compatible AlarmSense two‑wire device, offering a balance of simplicity and intelligent detection for zones where heat detection is the priority. For installations that require individual device addressing or combined sensing, specifiers may pair the Apollo heat detector with other devices on a coordinated panel or choose an addressable multi‑sensor where appropriate.
The combination of EN54‑5 certification, low quiescent current, IP44 ingress protection and the two‑wire AlarmSense compatibility makes the 55000‑190APO particularly attractive for contractors who need a reliable, standards‑compliant heat detector that is easy to install and maintain.
Customer testimonials and user feedback
While individual experiences vary by site and application, typical feedback from installers and facility managers highlights a few consistent strengths of the Apollo AlarmSense A1R detector:
- “Fewer false alarms in the workshop”— contractors report a noticeable reduction in nuisance alarms when replacing smoke detectors in dusty manufacturing cells with A1R heat detectors.
- “Easy to wire and commission”— installation teams appreciate the polarity‑insensitive two‑wire supply and compatibility with existing AlarmSense systems.
- “Good build quality and visibility”— 360° LEDs and the robust housing make it easy to verify status and trust the unit in challenging environments.
These representative comments reflect the typical reasons specifiers choose heat detection in certain zones and the practical benefits reported during real installations. Always consult the official Apollo datasheet and seek a qualified installer to confirm suitability for a specific project.
Conclusion: Why choose the Apollo AlarmSense 55000-190APO?
The Apollo AlarmSense 55000‑190APO A1R heat detector offers a pragmatic, standards‑compliant solution for fire detection in environments where smoke detectors are impractical. Its combined fixed upper limit and rate‑of‑rise detection logic reduces false alarms while ensuring a prompt response to genuine temperature escalations. With two‑wire AlarmSense compatibility, low power consumption, 360° visual indication, IP44 protection and EN54‑5 certification, it meets the needs of contractors, building owners and facility managers seeking dependable heat detection.
Whether installed in kitchens, plant rooms, garages, warehouses or industrial workshops, the 55000‑190APO delivers a balanced mix of sensitivity, robustness and ease of installation. Backed by a 10‑year manufacturer warranty and Apollo’s reputation in fire detection, it is a strong choice when the design brief calls for reliable heat detection in challenging atmospheres.
Note:This detector must be installed and commissioned by a qualified fire‑alarm installer. Confirm compatibility with your AlarmSense control panel and the required base part number before ordering. Refer to the official Apollo datasheet for wiring, mounting heights and system integration details.
