Apollo Discovery Fire Alarm Sounder Beacon Base with Isolator 45681-393APO

What this base does

This Apollo base puts a sounder and a light where a detector base would go, so one point can both detect and warn. The panel drives both over the Discovery loop.

With a cap in place of a detector it acts purely as an alarm device, which is handy where a warning is needed but detection is not.

How it works

• Normal operation: the base normally switches sounder and indicator together for an alert or evacuation signal. The panel can also switch them apart.
• Groups: devices are assigned to groups at commissioning and the information is stored in each device, so one command switches them all.
• Primary and secondary tones: one evacuation tone is selected at commissioning, and it comes with a secondary tone for alerting or warning of a possible evacuation.

Where to use it

It is designed for indoor use, and IP21D is a low rating for moisture and dust. Clean, dry rooms suit it.

The lowest volume level gives a very local warning for staff in places such as nurse stations in hospitals. That level is outside of the standard, so treat it as a local signal and not the main alarm.

What the figures mean in practice

• Current at top volume: the operated current is quoted at maximum volume, so it is the figure to use when checking how the loop copes with every device sounding.
• Sound output: sound drops with distance and through doors, so space devices to the levels your system design calls for.
• International tones: the tones include those required by Dutch, Swedish, German, Australian, New Zealand and North American standards as well as the UK, so pick the tone for where the system is installed.

Planning your system

The job also needs a detector or a cap on top, a panel that runs the full Discovery protocol, and the magnetic wand if volumes will be set at the point of installation. Ask the panel maker which features it supports.

See the wider Apollo sounders range for wall-mounted and base options, and compare each against your panel before ordering.

Standards explained

• EN 54-3: the standard for fire alarm sounders.
• EN54-17: the standard for short-circuit isolators, which applies to the isolator in this base.
• CPR: the Construction Products Regulation, which covers fire safety products built into buildings.