Apollo Series 65 Optical Smoke Detector Conventional Fire Alarm

Optical smoke detectors detect light scattering from smoke particles within the sensing chamber. Large smoke particles from slow, smouldering fires (upholstery, bedding, electrical insulation) scatter the light beam in the chamber effectively, making optical detectors responsive to this fire type at an early stage. This makes optical detectors the appropriate specification for bedrooms, escape route corridors, living rooms, and areas where smouldering fire is a realistic fire development scenario.

The Series 65 optical detector is for conventional fire alarm systems, connecting to the panel’s zone circuit and activating the zone when the smoke threshold is reached. It is a standalone detector head without a sounder base, providing detection input to the panel without any local audio output.

The distinction from the Alarmsense range is that Series 65 detectors are designed for conventional wiring where separate detection and sounder circuits are run from the panel. They are not compatible with the Alarmsense 2-wire system architecture.

The distinction between optical smoke and heat detection is important: optical smoke is specified for living spaces, sleeping areas, and escape routes where smoke detection is the primary fire indicator; heat detectors are specified where smoke detectors would generate false alarms due to cooking fumes, steam, or dust.

For fire alarm engineers across London and the UK completing conventional fire system installations in offices, care homes, and residential properties where optical smoke detection is specified in corridor and room positions, the Apollo Series 65 optical smoke detector provides the standard conventional detector for these environments.

Key Features

• Optical smoke detector for conventional fire alarm zone circuits
• Detects large smoke particles from slow smouldering fires effectively
• Correct specification for bedrooms, corridors, and escape routes
• Standalone detector head: connects to conventional zone circuit
• Series 65 conventional range: not compatible with Alarmsense 2-wire
• Preferred smoke detection type for sleeping areas and living spaces