Apollo REACH Wireless Optical Smoke Detector with Base, White RW1000-600APO

What this wireless detector does

This Apollo detector gives a loop a detector position without running cable to it. It suits installers working anywhere cable routes are slow or disruptive.

It behaves like any other device on the loop as far as the panel is concerned, because each one is individually addressable by the fire panel.

How it works

• The radio link: the detector talks to the RW1700-030APO over radio. That unit turns the signal into wired Apollo protocol communication for the panel.
• Dual-optical chamber: smoke particles scatter light inside the chamber, and the two optical paths keep false alarm rejection high.
• Two batteries: the device switches periodically between the two on a controlled sequence, so they discharge equally.
• Addressing: the detector takes a soft address automatically when it pairs. A soft address is held in memory, not set by a physical card.

Where to use it

The IP40 rating and the -10°C to +55°C range point to dry indoor areas. An open-space range of 100 m will reduce through walls and floors, so it pays to survey before you fix a Loop-Interface position.

As a rule, optical detectors are a common choice for corridors and rooms with low-smoke fire risks, and less so for dusty or steamy spaces. The designer decides which suits each area.

What the figures mean in practice

• Battery life: the 10 years depends on normal operation and good signal strength, so a weak radio path can shorten it.
• Channel pairs: 22 pairs is the number of radio frequency channel pairs for field devices, and there is also dual channel redundancy.
• Alarm indication: the LED stays off in normal running and shows red for 1s in every 2s period in alarm.

Installing it

Both batteries are required for correct operation. Replace both when the fault appears, because they are meant to discharge equally.

Removing the head from its base sends a tamper message to the Loop-Interface, but the device LED does not show it. Clean it externally with a soft damp cloth, and send it back to Apollo for full cleaning and recalibration.

Planning your system

The job also needs the RW1700-030APO Loop-Interface to connect the wireless device to the panel, and a panel that runs a compatible Apollo protocol. Check the protocol on the panel before you order.

If a position also needs a sounder, there are three compatible AV bases by part number, so check them against your design. A full wireless fire alarm design normally comes down to a radio survey and an agreed set of devices.

Standards explained

• EN54-7: the standard for point smoke detectors.
• EN54-25: the standard for fire alarm components that use radio links.
• IP40: the first digit covers solid objects and the second covers water, where 0 means no rated protection.