Introduction to the Apollo SA5900-908APO and its key features
Apollo SA5900-908APOis an addressable (intelligent) manual call point designed for modern fire detection loops. Built to work with Apollo Discovery, XP95 and CoreProtocol systems, this manual call point combines robust build quality with practical features that simplify installation, commissioning and day-to-day operation. Certified to EN54-11 and EN54-17 (red version) and supplied with a reset key, the unit provides a resettable front operating element, a highly visible 170° LED status indicator and an integrated short-circuit isolator to maintain loop integrity.
Key selling points at a glance:
- Addressable compatibility: Discovery, XP95, CoreProtocol
- EN54-11 & EN54-17 certified (red)
- Resettable front operating element (reset key supplied)
- Built-in short-circuit isolator with LED indication
- 170° viewable LED (red alarm / yellow fault-isolate / flashing green poll)
- Operates from 17–35 V DC with low quiescent current
- Semi-flush or surface mount, IP44 rated polycarbonate housing
Detailed product specifications and practical benefits
The SA5900-908APO packs a range of technical features that address common installer and end-user needs. Below are the detailed specifications followed by the practical benefits each delivers.
- Part number:SA5900-908APO
- Material / Colour:Polycarbonate housing, red
- Mounting:Semi-flush or surface mount
- IP rating:IP44
- Dimensions:90 × 90 × 63 mm
- Weight:≈ 0.18 kg
- Supply voltage:17–35 V DC
- Protocol voltage:5–13 V peak-to-peak
- Quiescent current:≈ 100 µA (at 24 V DC)
- Alarm current:≈ 4 mA (LED on)
- Power-up surge:≈ 1 mA; power-up time ≈ 1 s
- Analogue values / Type:Nominal 16; alarm 64; fault 4; Type A
- Operating temperature:−40 °C to +70 °C
- Humidity:0–95 % RH (no condensation/icing)
- Standards & approvals:EN54-11; EN54-17 (red version). Additional approvals per Apollo datasheet (LPCB, VdS, SBSC, FG, BOSEC, CPR)
- Installation aids:Removable terminal block; continuity link for pre-commissioning; integrated isolator status LED
- Addressable integration:Being compatible with Discovery, XP95 and CoreProtocol means the device can be individually polled and identified on an addressable loop, enabling precise event location and faster response.
- Loop resilience:The built-in short-circuit isolator maintains loop integrity if a fault occurs, ensuring the remainder of the loop stays operational and reducing the risk of lost coverage.
- Low power draw:Quiescent current of around 100 µA minimises load on the loop, important in large systems where many devices are connected.
- Visual status:The 170° LED provides clear indication from many angles; different colours show alarm, fault/isolate and poll states to aid quick assessment.
- Easy wiring and testing:The removable terminal block speeds up installation and the continuity link allows cable testing before final commissioning.
- Reset capability:The resettable front element improves lifecycle usability—once an incident is addressed, the call point can be returned to service without replacing glass or a non-resettable element.
Use cases and scenarios where the SA5900-908APO excels
The SA5900-908APO is suitable for a broad range of commercial and industrial contexts. Typical scenarios include:
- Manual call points are required by code in many public spaces. An addressable call point gives facility managers precise location data to speed emergency response.
- Its resettable nature avoids replacement parts after drills or false alarms, reducing ongoing maintenance costs.
- Robust temperature and humidity tolerances suit harsher environments. The integrated isolator helps ensure a single cable fault doesn’t disable large zones of detection.
- Compatibility with widely used protocols (Discovery, XP95, CoreProtocol) makes the unit well suited for staged upgrades where legacy and new devices may co-exist.
- Pre-commissioning continuity tests and removable terminal blocks reduce time on-site. If a short occurs, the isolator limits disruption allowing other devices to remain operational.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating manual call points, key differentiators include certification, protocol compatibility, isolator functionality, resetability and installation convenience. Here’s how the SA5900-908APO stacks up against common alternatives:
- Conventional non-addressable call points:These are simpler and cheaper but cannot be polled individually, so locating alarms requires more manual investigation. The SA5900-908APO’s addressable nature and precise identification deliver far better situational awareness.
- Addressable call points without isolators:Some addressable devices lack integrated isolators, leaving the loop vulnerable to a single short. The Apollo model’s built-in isolator enhances reliability and often lowers long-term system risk.
- Non-resettable call points (glass break types):Glass or frangible elements require replacement after activation, increasing maintenance effort. The SA5900-908APO’s resettable element reduces ongoing costs and is preferable in locations where accidental activations are possible.
- Competitors with similar specs:Several manufacturers offer EN54-compliant addressable call points with isolators and LEDs. The deciding factors typically become brand support, approvals (LPCB, VdS etc.), and installer preference. Apollo’s wide market adoption and compatibility with Discovery/XP95 protocols are strong advantages.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
There are no widely published customer testimonials attached to this specific product in this content set. However, common installer and end-user feedback themes for devices with these features typically include:
- "The removable terminal block and continuity link significantly cut wiring time on site."
- "Integrated isolators reduce service calls after accidental cable damage—only the affected section is isolated."
- "Resettable operation is a big win for buildings with frequent drills or possible false activations—saves on replacement parts and time."
These representative comments reflect the practical advantages of the SA5900-908APO’s design. For verified customer reviews, installers and specifiers should consult supplier pages, system integrators or project case studies.
Installation, compliance and pricing considerations
Installation should follow national standards and the Apollo datasheet—examples include BS 5839 in the UK—and be carried out by qualified personnel to preserve certification and safety. Ensure correct loop polarity and that loop voltage remains within the specified 17–35 V DC range. The unit’s IP44 rating suits many internal environments, but for harsh or wet locations consider an enclosure with a higher IP rating.
On cost, the product has an indicative cost price of approximately 34.19 (cost) and a suggested retail price around 49.99—positioning it competitively among certified addressable call points when accounting for its isolator, resettable operation and Apollo protocol compatibility. Note that warranty details are product-dependent; check supplier terms (no manufacturer warranty information supplied here).
Conclusion: why the SA5900-908APO is a strong choice
The Apollo SA5900-908APO balances compliance, reliability and installer-friendly features. Its EN54 certification, compatibility with leading addressable protocols, integrated short-circuit isolator and resettable front element make it especially suitable for commercial, industrial and refurbishment projects where uptime, maintainability and precise alarm location matter.
For specifiers and installers seeking an addressable manual call point that reduces installation time, minimizes service interruptions and offers clear visual status indication, the SA5900-908APO is a practical and cost-effective option. Always verify regional approvals, consult the official Apollo datasheet for detailed certifications and have installations performed or inspected by qualified technicians to ensure safety and compliance.
