Introduction to the Nittan EV-SDR Addressable Sounder and its key features
Nittan EV-SDR Addressable Sounderis a compact, loop-powered notification appliance designed specifically for Nittan Evolution FSK addressable fire alarm systems. Engineered for both ceiling and wall mounting, it can be installed as a standalone sounder or used as a sounder base beneath Evolution detectors. Certified to EN54-3, the EV-SDR combines a low-profile design with practical installation features and energy-efficient operation, making it suitable for a wide range of indoor applications where reliable audible notification is required.
Key features at a glance:
- Evolution FSK protocol with EEPROM soft addressing (via programmer)
- 12 selectable tones (3 of which are EN54-approved) and selectable low/high alarm output
- Sound output range 73–88 dB(A) at 1 m (90°)
- Very low quiescent current (~200 µA) and low alarm current (4 mA / 6 mA)
- EN54-3 Type A indoor certification and IP21C for indoor installations
Detailed specifications and benefits
The EV-SDR’s specification sheet shows a device optimised for loop-powered systems where conserving loop power and maximising device density are priorities. Below are the key technical specifications and the benefits they bring to designers, installers and end users.
- Part number:EV-SDR (F16_82110)
- Sounder type:Piezo, compact ABS housing
- Sound output:73–88 dB(A) @ 1 m (90°)
- Tones:12 selectable tones (3 EN54-approved)
- Operating voltage:24–38 V d.c. (system 35 V DC)
- Quiescent current:≈200 µA
- Alarm current:4 mA (low) / 6 mA (high)
- Addressing:EEPROM soft addressing (programmer)
- Protocol:Evolution FSK
- Mounting:Ceiling or wall; standalone or detector base
- Ingress protection:IP21C (indoor)
- Operating temp.:−10 °C to +55 °C
- Dimensions:Ø115 mm × 30.91 mm; mass 200 g
- Standards / Certification:EN54-3:2001 + A1:2002 + A2:2006; CPD/DoP available on datasheet
- Low quiescent and alarm current:At around 200 µA standby and only 4–6 mA in alarm, the EV-SDR minimises power draw from addressable loops. This enables higher device counts per loop and reduces the need for additional loop cards or power supplements, which can lower system cost and simplify wiring.
- Addressable Evolution FSK protocol:Soft EEPROM addressing via a programmer simplifies commissioning and device replacement. Each sounder can be assigned a loop address quickly, speeding up installation and reducing human error.
- Selectable tones and output levels:With 12 tones selectable through DIP switches and low/high output settings, the EV-SDR offers flexibility to meet different site acoustics and regulatory requirements. Three tones are EN54-approved, ensuring compliant alarm signalling.
- Compact form factor and versatile mounting:A slim profile (Ø115 mm × 30.91 mm) and the ability to mount on walls, ceilings or as a detector sounder base make the device suitable for discreet installations and retrofit projects.
- Certified performance:EN54-3 certification and an available Declaration of Performance give designers and specifiers assurance that the device meets recognised European standards for audible fire alarm devices.
Use cases and scenarios where the EV-SDR excels
The EV-SDR’s combination of low current, small size and EN54 certification makes it well suited to many indoor applications. Typical scenarios include:
- Office buildings and commercial premises:In open-plan and cellular office spaces the EV-SDR provides effective audible coverage without being visually obtrusive. Its low profile is particularly useful in modern interiors where aesthetics matter.
- Schools, universities and education facilities:Classrooms, corridors and communal areas benefit from a dependable audible device that is easy to maintain and replace, with selectable tones to avoid confusion with other local signals.
- Hotels and hospitality:Discreet ceiling-mounted sounders maintain room aesthetics while providing necessary alarm levels in corridors and public areas. Detector-base installation offers a tidy combined solution with Evolution detectors.
- Small retail and multi-tenant units:Where loop-powered solutions are preferred, the EV-SDR’s low loop draw maximises the number of devices supported by a control panel loop, reducing installation complexity and cost.
- Refurbishments and retrofits:The compact size and base compatibility make it straightforward to replace older sounders or add devices to existing detector mounts with minimal disruption.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
Addressable sounders come in a range of designs and capabilities. When comparing the EV-SDR to other contemporary devices, several distinguishing points emerge:
- Power consumption:Many addressable sounders draw significantly more quiescent and alarm current. The EV-SDR’s ~200 µA quiescent and 4–6 mA alarm current are exceptionally low, allowing more devices on a single loop without adding extra loop modules or power supplies.
- Protocol compatibility:The EV-SDR is tailored for Nittan Evolution FSK loops. Other manufacturers (e.g., Apollo, Honeywell, Hochiki, System Sensor) use different protocols; interoperability depends on the control panel and loop protocol. If you already use Nittan Evolution panels, the EV-SDR offers seamless integration and native features like EEPROM soft addressing.
- Tone flexibility:Some competitors offer a larger number of selectable tones or multi-functional combined sounder-beacon units with integrated LEDs. The EV-SDR focuses on acoustic signalling with 12 tones (3 EN54-approved), which covers most standard site requirements while keeping the device compact and energy-efficient.
- Enclosure and aesthetics:The EV-SDR’s low profile and white ABS finish make it visually unobtrusive compared to bulkier industrial sounders. For high-visibility applications or outdoor environments, dedicated sounders with higher IP ratings or integrated strobes from other manufacturers may be more suitable.
Customer feedback and installation notes
At the time of writing there are no verified customer testimonials publicly supplied with the product listing. Installers and system designers who choose the EV-SDR typically cite the following practical advantages (common installer observations):
- Ease of addressing and replacement using the Evolution programmer — quick to commission and readdress in the field.
- Very low loop current makes it straightforward to populate loops without overloading the system.
- Slim design that fits well in corridors and rooms without drawing attention.
Note: These points reflect commonly reported installer priorities and practical benefits rather than direct customer quotes. If you require verified testimonials or case studies, ask your supplier for references or project examples.
Installation, compliance and purchasing considerations
When specifying and installing the EV-SDR, follow recognised standards such as BS 5839 (where applicable) and local regulatory requirements. Because the EV-SDR is loop-powered and addressable, commissioning should be carried out by a qualified fire-alarm technician familiar with Nittan Evolution systems. Always consult the official datasheet and Declaration of Performance (DoP) for full certification details, wiring diagrams and environmental limits.
Pricing: the suggested retail price for the EV-SDR is 59.99 (cost price noted as 48.78). Warranty information was not provided in the supplied product details; purchasers should confirm warranty terms and after-sales support with the supplier before buying.
Conclusion: Why the EV-SDR is a strong choice
The Nittan EV-SDR Addressable Sounder is a practical, standards-compliant solution for indoor audible notification on Nittan Evolution FSK loops. Its standout attributes are the very low quiescent and alarm current, compact low-profile design, and simple EEPROM soft addressing. These features make it particularly attractive for installations where loop capacity, neat aesthetics and ease of commissioning are important.
While other manufacturers may offer devices with additional features (integral strobes, higher IP ratings for outdoor use, or a larger tone set), the EV-SDR’s combination of EN54-3 certification, energy efficiency and Evolution protocol integration gives system designers a dependable option for many commercial, educational and hospitality projects. If you are specifying or refurbishing an Evolution-based addressable system and need a compact, low-power audible device, the EV-SDR is certainly worth considering. As always, verify compatibility with your control panel, consult the product datasheet, and confirm warranty and support arrangements with your supplier prior to purchase.
