Introduction to the Apollo XP95 VAD Base with Isolator (45681 709APO)
Apollo XP95 VAD Base (45681 709APO)is a purpose-built, loop-powered visual alarm device (VAD) mounting base designed to integrate seamlessly with Apollo XP95/Discovery addressable fire detection systems. Engineered for indoor, open-area applications and certified to EN54-23 Category O, this VAD base delivers a synchronised white flash (0.5 Hz) when its loop address is activated. Its loop-powered design removes the need for a separate power supply, and the built-in short-circuit isolator enhances fault tolerance across the loop. Whether used beneath an XP95 detector or installed as a stand-alone VAD with a cap fitted, the XP95 VAD Base is a compact, reliable solution for providing visual alarm signalling in commercial and public buildings.
Key Features at a Glance
- Loop-powered operation:Works from the detector loop (nominal 17 628 V DC), so no separate supply is required.
- EN54-23 Category O certified:Suitable for open-area/indoor use in accordance with European standards.
- Built-in short-circuit isolator:Improves system continuity and localises faults; isolator LED provides visible status indication.
- Synchronised white flash:0.5 Hz flash rate with support for synchronisation across multiple units.
- Addressable:Individual and group addressing via the XP95/Discovery protocol for flexible system design.
- Low power draw:Quiescent current approximately 350 A at 24 V DC with a low switch-on surge (~1.2 mA for 1 second).
Detailed Specifications and Benefits
Understanding the technical specifications helps highlight why the XP95 VAD Base is well suited to modern addressable fire systems. Below are the key specifications followed by practical benefits for installers, system designers and facilities managers.
- Part Number:45681 709APO
- Model:XP95 VAD Base with Isolator
- Protocol:XP95 / Discovery-compatible
- Category:EN54-23 Category O (open-area)
- Loop Supply Voltage:17 628 V DC (loop powered)
- Signal Voltage:5 69 V peak-to-peak (protocol signalling)
- Flash Rate:0.5 Hz (white flash)
- Quiescent Current:≈ 350 A (at 24 V DC)
- Switch-on Surge:≈ 1.2 mA for 1 second
- Isolator:Built-in short-circuit isolator (isolator LED visible)
- IP Rating:IP21C (indoor use)
- Weight:156 g (approx.)
- Dimensions:Ø 115 mm × 38 mm (approx.)
- Environmental Use:Indoor only
- Approvals:CPR, LPCB, VdS (per Apollo datasheet)
- Simple installation and integration:The VAD base uses the same mounting footprint as XP95 detectors, reducing labour time and simplifying inventory for installers who already work with Apollo products.
- Loop-powered convenience:No extra wiring or local power supply is needed, making retrofit and new installations cleaner and more cost-effective.
- Improved system resilience:The built-in short-circuit isolator limits the impact of wiring faults and helps maintain circuit integrity elsewhere on the loop.
- Low power demand:Low quiescent current helps preserve loop capacity for additional devices, an important factor on heavily populated addressable loops.
- Synchronized visual output:The 0.5 Hz white flash and synchronisation support reduce visual confusion in large installations by ensuring all VADs flash in unison.
- Regulatory compliance:EN54-23 Category O certification provides confidence that the device meets recognised standards for visual alarm performance in open areas.
Use Cases and Scenarios Where the XP95 VAD Base Excels
The Apollo XP95 VAD Base is particularly well suited to environments where visual alerting is essential either because of high ambient noise, hearing-impaired occupants, or where additional visual confirmation of an alarm is required alongside audible devices. Typical applications include:
- Commercial office buildings:Corridors, lobbies and open-plan office areas where clear, synchronised visual alerts complement sounders and PA systems.
- Public buildings and transport hubs:Airports, train stations, shopping centres and other high-traffic indoor spaces where visual alarms help manage evacuations.
- Educational and healthcare facilities:Classrooms, wards and communal areas where some occupants may have hearing impairments or where silent visual indication is important.
- Retail and leisure environments:Large stores, cinemas and leisure centres where background noise can mask audible alarms.
- Retrofit projects:Where an XP95 detector is already installed, the VAD base can be fitted without additional power wiring, simplifying upgrades to visual alarm coverage.
How It Compares to Similar Products
When comparing the XP95 VAD Base to other VAD options on the market, consider three main axes: power architecture (loop-powered vs. separate supply), integration with addressable protocols, and in-built protection such as short-circuit isolators.
- Loop-powered VADs vs. externally powered units:Loop-powered solutions like the XP95 base reduce wiring complexity and installation cost. Externally powered VADs can offer higher light output or additional features but require separate power circuits and may complicate retrofits.
- Addressable integrated bases vs. standalone VADs:The XP95 base integrates directly with the commonly used XP95/Discovery protocol, allowing individual or group addressing and central monitoring of status. Standalone conventional VADs lack this level of addressability and monitoring.
- Isolator-equipped bases vs. non-isolated bases:Built-in isolators are a valuable feature for maintaining loop operation after a short-circuit fault. Not all VAD bases include isolators; systems without them may be more vulnerable to single-point wiring failures.
- Competitor products:Other reputable manufacturers supply loop-powered VAD bases and addressable VADs (for example, manufacturers such as System Sensor, Hochiki and Gent by Honeywell). The XP95 base stands out for its tight integration into Apollo's XP95/Discovery ecosystem, low quiescent current and visible isolator LED, which simplify installation and maintenance in systems that already use Apollo devices.
Customer Feedback and Installer Insights
While individual customer reviews for specific part numbers can vary, installers and end-users commonly highlight several strengths when working with the XP95 VAD Base family in practice:
- Ease of installation:Fit-and-forget mounting compatible with existing XP95 detectors makes upgrades fast and predictable.
- Reliable synchronisation:Installers appreciate the consistent flash timing across multiple units, which helps create clear, coordinated visual alerts in large spaces.
- Robust loop behaviour:The built-in isolator is frequently noted as a practical feature that simplifies fault-finding and keeps other loop devices operational after a short-circuit event.
- Good balance of features and cost:For projects requiring EN54-23 compliance and addressable functionality without complex power arrangements, customers report that the XP95 VAD Base offers strong value.
If you need verified customer testimonials for marketing or procurement, ask suppliers for case studies or references from installations similar to your site type.
Conclusion: Why Choose the Apollo XP95 VAD Base (45681 709APO)?
The Apollo XP95 VAD Base with Isolator delivers a practical, standards-compliant solution for supplying visual alarm signalling in addressable fire alarm systems. Its loop-powered design, low quiescent current and built-in short-circuit isolator make it well suited to both new builds and retrofit projects where simplicity, reliability and compliance are priorities. The EN54-23 Category O certification and compatibility with the widely used XP95/Discovery protocol ensure it integrates cleanly into modern detection networks while meeting recognised performance standards for open-area visual alarms.
For installers, system designers and facilities managers seeking a compact, effective VAD solution without the overhead of separate power wiring, the XP95 VAD Base is a compelling choice. As always, consult Apollo s official datasheet and installation manual for detailed installation guidance, coverage diagrams and final compliance details, and work with a competent installer to ensure the device is specified and installed in accordance with local regulations and best practice.
