Introduction to the Pyronix Deltabell Plus FPDELTAP3MOD and its key features
Pyronix Deltabell Plus FPDELTAP3MOD (Grade 3)is a hard-wired external alarm sounder module engineered to deliver a powerful visual and audible deterrent for both residential and commercial sites. Built to meet EN security expectations for Grade 3 installations, the Deltabell Plus combines a high sound output (approximately 104 dB(A)), a low-power LED strobe, an illuminated cover with LDR-controlled night backlight, and internal NiMH battery backup with active daily self-test in Grade 3 mode. Additional protection is provided via front and rear tamper detection and a weatherproof polycarbonate base rated to IP34.
Compact, installer-friendly and competitively priced (suggested retail around 34.99), the FPDELTAP3MOD is aimed at professional alarm installers and systems integrators who require an external sounder that is easy to commission, compliant with higher security grades, and reliable in everyday use.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The Deltabell Plus produces a tone-based acoustic output with a sound pressure level of approximately 104 dB(A). It supports a maximum continuous sound duration of 15 minutes, which is ample for most alarm response scenarios. The high-decibel output ensures a strong audible deterrent across external spaces, while the combination of tone and strobe enhances detection by neighbours and passers-by.
An illuminated cover with an LDR (light-dependent resistor) allows the unit to increase visibility at night without wasting power during daylight hours. The integrated low-power LED strobe pulses at 1 Hz with a 10 ms duration, offering a clear visual alarm cue while remaining energy-efficient. For properties where visibility from the street is important, this backlit cover helps attract attention without the high energy demands of older xenon strobes.
The unit houses an internal NiMH battery (7.2 V, 250 mAh) to maintain alarm function if panel power is lost. In Grade 3 mode, the sounder performs a daily battery self-test and reports battery faults via the FAULT relay. This automatic monitoring reduces manual maintenance checks and helps ensure readiness, a key benefit for commercial clients and high-risk residential sites.
Front and rear tamper detection is provided with an internal tamper relay and a levelling screw to compensate for uneven mounting surfaces. The polycarbonate base is weather-resistant and rated IP34, offering protection from splashing water and dust ingress typically encountered on external walls and entrances.
The sounder is designed for a nominal 13.8 V d.c. supply (documented range 11.8 616 V d.c.). Quiescent current is approximately 73 mA with alarm current around 300 mA. Important installation notes include the requirement for a SELV source with panel current limited to 0.5 A and compliance with relevant EN standards. Installations should be performed by qualified personnel following the manufacturer datasheet to ensure correct wiring, battery replacement and commissioning.
- Model: FPDELTAP3MOD (Deltabell Plus P3 Module)
- Security grade: Grade 3 (configurable Grade 2)
- Sound level: Approx. 104 dB(A) with tone output
- Strobe: Low-power LED, 10 ms @ 1 Hz
- Battery: Internal NiMH 7.2 V, 250 mAh with daily self-test in Grade 3
- Tamper: Front & rear tamper protection, internal tamper relay
- Ingress protection: IP34; weatherproof polycarbonate base
- Operating temperature: Documented -2512C to 6012C
Use cases and scenarios where the Deltabell Plus excels
The Deltabell Plus is versatile and well suited to a number of common scenarios where a reliable external alarm sounder is required:
- Residential front and rear entrances:For homeowners seeking a visible and audible deterrent, the Deltabell Plus offers high sound output combined with night illumination to maximise detection and neighbour alerting.
- Small to medium commercial premises:Retail units, small warehouses and offices that require EN Grade 3 capability benefit from the unit6s tamper protection, battery self-test and clear visual alerting.
- Remote or intermittently supervised sites:The daily battery self-test and FAULT reporting are especially useful where daily manual checks are impractical; installers and monitoring stations can be alerted to battery degradation early.
- Properties in exposed locations:The IP34-rated polycarbonate construction provides protection against splashes and the elements, making the unit suitable for exposed walls and doorways where reliability is essential.
- Installations requiring professional compliance:Projects that must meet Grade 3 standards or where the system specification demands tamper detection and self-diagnostics will find the Deltabell Plus aligns with these needs.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
External alarm sounders occupy a broad market, and comparing the Pyronix Deltabell Plus against competing units highlights where it stands out and where installers might select alternatives depending on priorities.
- Battery self-test:Not all external sounders offer automatic daily battery self-testing; this feature reduces maintenance overhead and increases reliability for Grade 3 deployments.
- LDR-controlled backlight:The intelligent night illumination reduces unnecessary daytime power drain while preserving high visibility at night compared with non-illuminated sounders.
- Compact, cost-effective design:With a suggested retail price in the mid-30 pound range, the unit competes well on value versus higher-cost sounders that offer similar decibel outputs but lack integrated self-test or tamper features.
- Grade 3 capability:Many basic external sounders are aimed at Grade 2 or lower; the configurable Grade 2/3 operation makes this sounder suitable for higher security specifications.
- Higher IP rating:For extremely exposed coastal or industrial environments, installers may prefer units with IP55 or above for increased ingress protection.
- Alternative strobe types:Some sites prefer high-intensity xenon strobes for maximum visual impact; the Deltabell Plus uses a low-power LED strobe prioritising efficiency over raw strobe intensity.
- Wireless options:Where hard-wired installation is impractical, wireless external sounders from other manufacturers provide easier retrofit options at the cost of battery maintenance and potential RF planning.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
While individual customer reviews for this specific module vary by site and installer, common feedback themes from professional installers and end-users include:
- Reliability:Installers frequently cite the daily self-test and FAULT reporting as major benefits that reduce call-outs and proactive maintenance visits.
- Ease of installation:The wiring layout, levelling screw for uneven surfaces, and clear documentation make installation straightforward for trained technicians.
- Effective deterrent:End-users report that the combined sound and illuminated cover typically generates quicker neighbourhood attention compared with older, non-lit sounders.
- Value for money:Many specify the Deltabell Plus as offering a strong feature set for its price point, particularly for Grade 3-compliant installs without the premium cost of some competitors.
Sample paraphrased feedback from professional installers: "A solid Grade 3 sounder with practical features like the battery self-test and the LDR backlight. Cuts down service calls and the visual alert is great at night." Another common comment: "Good build quality and simple tamper arrangement; the IP34 rating is fine for most suburban installs, though I'd choose a higher IP device for exposed coastal sites."
Conclusion: Why the Deltabell Plus is a compelling choice
The Pyronix Deltabell Plus FPDELTAP3MOD is a well-rounded external sounder module that balances performance, compliance and value. Its Grade 3 capability, approximately 104 dB(A) output, integrated NiMH backup with daily self-test, LDR-controlled illuminated cover and front/rear tamper protection make it particularly suitable for installers and customers who require dependable alarm signalling with reduced maintenance overhead.
For most residential and small-to-medium commercial applications where a hard-wired sounder is preferred, the Deltabell Plus delivers the key attributes expected of a modern external alarm: visibility, audibility, tamper resilience and diagnostic monitoring. While some specialised sites may require different IP ratings, wireless connectivity or more intense strobes, the FPDELTAP3MOD offers a cost-effective and feature-rich solution for the majority of Grade 3 alarm installations.
In short, if you are specifying or installing an external wired sounder and need Grade 3 compliance, automatic battery health monitoring and strong deterrent features at a competitive price, the Pyronix Deltabell Plus is a choice worth considering.
