Hochiki Addressable Base Sounder, 51 Tones, Black YBO-BS(BLK)

Overview

A base sounder puts the warning tone at the same point as a detector, between the mounting base and the head. That means fewer separate fixings on a ceiling and a tidier look.

This one joins the range of Hochiki sounders as the black version. It suits installers working on Hochiki ESP loops, and building owners who want devices that do not stand out on a dark ceiling.

How it works

• Loop power: It takes its power and signals from the addressable loop, so no separate sounder circuit is needed.
• Its own address: It holds a single address on that loop, so the panel can call on it directly. An address is the device's number on the loop.
• Timed silence: A user-set limit lets it sound for a fixed time before silencing itself, which cuts noise pollution.

Where to use it

Its rating keeps it indoors, in rooms between -10 °C and +50 °C and away from condensation. The black case suits interiors where a pale device would stand out.

As a rule, the level a room needs depends on background noise and the system design, so follow your designer's sound level figures.

What the figures mean in practice

• Current against volume: Typical draw climbs sharply with level, 0.8 mA (50 dB(A)) ~ 16 mA (98 dB(A)). Choose the lowest level the design allows and your loop carries more devices.
• Low power mode: The 40 µA typical figure sits below the 150 µA quiescent figure. Check which applies on your panel when working out the loop load.
• Voltage condition: The sound figures apply at 24 VDC or above, so allow for voltage drop at the far end of a long loop.

Installing it

• Isolator base: Batch matters here. Use with the YBO-R/SCI is from Batch Number 6044, so check the batch on older units.
• Addressing limit: The programmer will accept numbers from 128 to 254, but they must not be used on this device.

Planning your system

The job also needs a mounting base, and a matching head if a detector is going on top. The panel must speak the Hochiki ESP protocol, and the fire alarm system guide explains why that decision comes first.

Sound levels and tones are part of the overall design. Compare other options in the fire alarm sounders and beacons range if the room needs more output or a visual alarm.

Standards and ratings explained

• EN54-3: the standard for fire alarm sounders. All the tones on this unit are compatible with it.
• LPCB and VdS: independent approval bodies, which have approved this range.
• IP21: an ingress protection code showing basic protection only, so damp or outdoor areas are out.