Apollo AlarmSense Sounder Base, 87 dB(A) for 2-Wire Systems 45681-510APO

What this sounder base does

A sounder base goes in place of a plain detector base, so one position gives both detection and an audible alarm.

This Apollo version belongs to AlarmSense, a conventional range designed to share one pair of supply wires. It is a closed family, so it only suits AlarmSense jobs.

How it works

• Head monitoring: The head removal load is 47 Ω for 10 ms every 4 seconds. If a head is taken off, a fault is reported and the base continues to work.
• Priority or non-priority: this setting usually decides how a sounder responds to the panel's signals, where the panel supports it. Your panel maker's instructions explain how each setting behaves.

Where to use it

It suits indoor positions on AlarmSense systems. Although designed to IP44, it is not suitable for outdoor use.

Avoid places with condensation or icing. The working range runs from -10 ºC to +70 ºC.

What the figures mean in practice

• dB(A): a measure of sound level weighted to how people hear it. In most buildings, doors and furnishings reduce it, so sounder positions should come from the system design.
• Low volume setting: this suits a device near a noise-sensitive spot, but check that the design still reaches the level it needs.

Installing it

• Before connecting: insulation checks on the cabling must be done first, because they must not be run with AlarmSense devices connected.
• Setting the switch: Switch 1 sets priority and Switch 2 sets volume, both on the DIL switch, a small bank of on-off switches on the board.
• With a heat detector: Apollo recommends setting the sounder as a priority sounder.
• Stand-alone: the non-priority feature cannot be used in this mode.

Planning your system

Start with an AlarmSense control panel, because the panel decides whether the priority feature can be used at all. Check the panel's documentation to confirm it offers the feature.

Then choose a head, such as the AlarmSense smoke detector or a heat detector from the same range, and order one for each position. Allow for the sounder load in your panel calculation.

Standards explained

• EN 54-3: the European standard for fire alarm sounders.
• CPR: the Construction Products Regulation 305/2011/EU, which sets rules for products built into buildings.
• IP44: a rating for protection against small solid objects and splashing water. It does not by itself make a product suitable for outdoors.