intrinsically safe

optical detector

multisensor detector

heat detector

mounting base

product guide
 Orbis IS is suitable for use in marine and offshore
applications as well as in land-based systems and has
been tested and approved to the following standards:

European Standard EN54

Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems:
EN54–7: 2000
Optical smoke detector
EN54–7: 2000 & CEA 4021: 2003
Multisensor smoke detector
EN54–5: 2000
Heat detector

Electromagnetic Compatibility
EN61000-6-3
intrinsically safe EN50130-4

[IS] CONVENTIONAL DETECTORS ATEX-related standards:

BSEN60079–0:2004
Introduction to Intrinsic Safety IEC60079–0:2004
EN50020:2002 and EN/BSEN/IEC60079–26:2004
There are many places where an explosive mixture
of air and gas or vapour is—or may be—present Marine type approval standards:
continuously, intermittently or as a result of an American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
accident. These are defined as hazardous areas by Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels 2006
BS EN 60079, the code of practice for installation Bureau Veritas (BV)
and maintenance of electrical apparatus in potentially Rules for the Classification of Steel Ships 2005
explosive atmospheres. Det Norske Veritas (DNV)
Hazardous areas are common in petroleum and Standard for Certification No 2.4: 2004
chemical engineering plants and in factories Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
processing and storing gases, solvents, paints Rules for Classification and Construction 2003
and other volatile substances. Lloyds Register (LR)
LR Type Approval System
Electrical equipment for use in these areas needs
Marine & Coastguard Agency (MCA)
to be designed so that it cannot ignite an explosive
Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 1999
mixture, not only in normal operation but also in
fault conditions. There are a number of methods
available to achieve this but one of the most Detectors have been declared as being compliant
common is intrinsic safety. with the essential requirements of the EMC Directive
orbis™ IS is a range of conventional detectors 98/336/EEC, the Construction Products Directive
which has been developed from the standard range 89/106/EEC and the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC.
of Orbis smoke and heat detectors. Intrinsic safety certificates for ATEX is Baseefa 06
Orbis IS is a range with modern styling and a ATEX 0007X and for IECEx IECEx BAS 06.0002X.
TimeSaver IS base. It is electrically compatible with
Apollo Series 60 intrinsically safe conventional
detectors.
Orbis IS is a demonstration of Apollo’s commitment to
the market for high quality conventional detectors for
use in small to medium size installations. In developing Assessed to ISO 9001: 2000
this range Apollo has put ease of installation and 0832 1180 Certificate number 010

reliability in daily operation at the forefront of

Information in this guide is given in good faith, but Apollo Fire
considerations. Orbis IS is manufactured in Detectors cannot be held responsible for any omissions or errors.
Apollo’s factory near Portsmouth, England. The company reserves the right to change specifications of
products at any time and without prior notice.
© Apollo Fire Detectors Limited 2006
2
index
Contact points for enquiries and help 3
Range of Products 4
Features of Orbis™ 4
Choosing a detector: questions and answers 4

Orbis IS optical smoke detector 6

Where to use optical smoke detectors 6
How does the Orbis optical detector work? 7
Environmental performance 7
Technical Data 7

Orbis IS multisensor smoke detector 8

Where to use multisensor smoke detectors 8
How does the Orbis multisensor detector work? 8
Environmental performance 8
Technical Data 9

Orbis IS heat detector 10

Where to use heat detectors 10
Choosing the correct class of heat detector 10 Contact points for
How do Orbis heat detectors work? 11 enquiries and help
Environmental performance 11
Sales enquires [email protected]
Technical Data 11
Technical queries [email protected]
Orbis IS Adaptor 12 Resources [email protected]
(literature, photos)
Orbis IS Base® 12
Phone number for +44 (0)23 9249 2412
Installing Orbis 12 all departments
Fitting Orbis detector heads 13
Fax for all +44 (0)23 9249 2754
Orbis Features—LED Status 14
departments
System design 14 Website www.apollo-fire.co.uk
Types of safety barrier 14
Approved safety barriers 15
Safety earth 15
Wiring and cable types 16
Maximum loading of IS circuit 16
Installation 17
Remote LED connection 17

MiniDisc Remote Indicator 17

Servicing 18

3
Intrinsically Safe Range

Orbis IS comprises an optical smoke detector,

a multisensor smoke detector, heat detector
classes A1R, A1S, A2S, BR, BS, CR and CS
Choosing a detector:
and a standard electronics-free base. questions and answers

Features of Orbis ™ IS
What types of detector are available in the Orbis IS
Orbis IS incorporates entirely new designs, range?
both mechanical and electronic. The aim has
An optical detector, a multisensor smoke detector and
been to make installation quicker, enhance
seven classes of heat detector.
the reliability of detection and reduce the
incidence of false alarms. Orbis IS features:
• modern styling How can I tell the Orbis IS range from standard Orbis

• TimeSaver Base® designed for fast

detectors?

installation and cable termination Orbis IS detectors have a printed legend around the lid
which identifies them and provides information as to
• wide operating temperature range their classification. They must be used with a certified
• StartUp™ for fast commissioning Orbis IS mounting base which also bears a printed legend.

• DustDefy™ housing which limits ingress

of dirt into detector The Orbis IS range does not include an ionisation
• new optical sensor for high reliability, smoke detector. Why is this?
reduced false alarm and insect related Ionisation detectors have been in use for many years
problem incidence as extremely reliable smoke detectors and standards
• new multisensor smoke detector for such as EN54 recommend both ionisation and optical
detecting fast-burning fires detectors as good general purpose smoke detectors.

• algorithms for transient rejection Ionisation detectors, however, use a tiny radioactive
foil. Although they are entirely safe to use, ionisation
• chamber designed to inhibit dirt penetration detectors are subject to strict regulations concerning
and thus reduce false alarms
transport, storage and disposal. Thus it is becoming

DirtAlert® warning
• automatic drift compensation with increasingly difficult to transport and hence use
ionisation detectors.
• FasTest® which reduces the time taken to Advances in optical technology mean that optical or
test detectors multisensor detectors can now be used where previously
• optional flashing LED to indicate normal ionisation detectors would have been fitted.
operation

• SensAlert® is a safety feature. In the Should I use optical detectors to detect smoke in all
unlikely event of incorrect detector applications?
operation a yellow LED flashes once a As stated, optical detectors have long been recommended
second.
as good general purpose smoke detectors. Laboratory
tests have been carried out to compare the performance
of optical detectors in the standard test fires described
in the European standard EN54–7: 2000.

4
 © Apollo Fire Detectors Limited 2004/JDR
2.00
Poor

1.50

Optical
density 1.00
m(dBm–1)
The results of these tests are given in Fig 1. The graph Acceptable
values
shows the acceptable response in terms of smoke density 0.50

which is given as ‘m’ on the y axis. Detectors must

Too sensitive
respond before the end of test which is an ‘m’ value of 2. 0.00
TF2 TF3 TF4 TF5
The performance of Orbis IS detectors is given as a solid Test Fires

line which shows how evenly the optical detectors Fig.1 Orbis Optical detector response to Test Fires

respond to the test fires.

© Apollo Fire Detectors Limited 2004/JDR
If detectors respond too quickly (the lower shaded 2.00
Poor
portion of the graph) they may be too sensitive and
hence likely to generate false alarms. 1.50

If detectors respond too slowly (the upper shaded Optical

density 1.00
portion) they are in danger of not changing to the alarm m(dBm–1) Acceptable
state before the end of test. values
0.50
An even response in the centre is the ideal response.
Too sensitive
0.00
Orbis Optical Orbis Multisensor
When would I use a multisensor? Test Fires
Multisensor smoke detectors have a heat sensing element Fig.2 Comparisons of response between Orbis Optical & Multisensor
which makes them more sensitive if a fire develops
heat as well as smoke. This speeds up the response of
the detector in certain fires where heat is generated
rapidly, for instance in test fire TF5, which is an open, How are heat detectors classified?
flaming liquid fire in which n-heptane is burned. EN54–5: 2000 classifies heat detectors according to the
Multisensor smoke detectors are recommended for ambient temperature in which they will be working. An
open flaming fire risks. additional classification may also be applied to heat
If there is any doubt as to whether an optical detector detectors in that they may be tested as ‘static’ detectors
or a multisensor smoke detector should be used it is (changing to alarm at a preset temperature) or ‘rate-of-
wise to fit a multisensor smoke detector. rise’ (changing to alarm at a preset increase of
temperature).
All Orbis IS heat detectors are tested and classified as
Where would there be a need to install heat detectors?
either static or rate-of-rise.
Heat detectors could be used if it is not possible to use
smoke detectors. This will be the case where normal
industrial processes produce substances which could be So what is the best way to choose a heat detector?
mistaken for smoke by a smoke detector, eg, flour mills, To make things easier we have produced a flow chart
textile mills or chemical stores. which is shown on page 10.
The type of substance encountered here would cause
frequent false alarms if smoke detectors were fitted, so
a heat detector is used instead.

5
 Where to use optical smoke
detectors

Optical smoke detectors have always been recognised

as good detectors for general use. They are regarded
as particularly suitable for smouldering fires and
escape routes.
The performance of Orbis IS optical detectors is good
in black as well as in white smoke. In this respect
Orbis IS is different from traditional optical smoke
detectors which perform far better in white smoke than
in black.
Orbis IS optical detectors are also designed to reduce
significantly the incidence of false alarms through
over-sensitivity to transient phenomena.
IS optical smoke detector
Orbis IS optical detectors are recommended for use as
general purpose smoke detectors for early warning of
fire in most areas.

orbis optical smoke detector

The sensing technology in the Orbis IS optical smoke

detector is significantly different in design from previous
optical detectors. A full description is given in the
section ‘How do Orbis optical smoke detectors work?’
but the advantages of this system and its associated
algorithms are:
• improved sensitivity to black smoke
• compensation for slow changes in sensitivity
• extra confirmation of smoke before alarm signal
given
The algorithms are used to verify signals from the
sensing chamber, to filter out transients and to decide
when the detector should change to the alarm state.
All this combines to increase detection reliability and
reduce false alarms.

6
 technical data
All data is supplied subject to change without notice.
Specifications are given at 23°C and 50% relative humidity
unless otherwise stated.

DETECTOR OPERATING
PRINCIPLES MECHANICAL
How does the orbis IS optical
detector work? Principle of detection: Material:
Photo-electric detection of light Detector and base moulded in
scattered by smoke particles white polycarbonate.
The Orbis Optical IS smoke detector operates on the
over a wide range of angles.
well established light scatter principle. The remarkable The optical arrangement Alarm Indicator:
optical design of the Orbis IS optical smoke detector comprises an infra-red emitter Integral indicator with 360°
with a prism and a photo-diode visibility (See Table 1 on page
allows it to respond to a wide spectrum of fires. at 90° to the light beam with 14 for details of flash rate)
a wide field of view. The
The sensing chamber of the Orbis IS optical smoke detector’s microprocessor Dimensions and weight of
detector contains an optical sensor which measures uses algorithms to process detector:
back-scattered light as well as the more usual forward- the sensor readings. 100mm diameter x 42mm
Weight, 75g
scattered light. Sensitivity to black smoke is greatly Sampling frequency:
improved. Once every 4 seconds Dimensions and weight of
detector in base:
The detector is calibrated so that it is highly reliable in ELECTRICAL 100mm diameter x 50mm
detecting fires but is much less likely to generate false Weight, 135g
Supply voltage:
alarms than ionisation smoke detectors. 14—28V DC ENVIRONMENTALAL
The stability of the detector–high reliability, low false Supply wiring: Operating and storage
alarm rate–is further increased by the use of algorithms 2 wires, polarity sensitive temperature
to decide when the detector should change to the –40°C to +70°C
Polarity reversal: Operating temperature is
alarm state. This removes the likelihood of a detector Not allowed restricted by the intrinsic safety
producing an alarm as a result of smoke from smoking gas classification.
Power-up time: Class T5: –40°C to +40°C
materials or from another non-fire source. <20 seconds Class T4: –40°C to +60°C
The sensing chamber has been designed to keep out The detctor must be protected
Minimum ‘detector active’ from conditions of
dust and other airborne contaminants. voltage: 12V condensation or icing.

Switch-on surge current at 24V: Humidity:

Environmental performance 105µA 0% to 98% relative humidity
(no condensation)
Average quiescent current at
The operating temperature for instrinsically safe 24V: Wind speed:
detectors is restricted by the gas temperature class. 85µA Unaffected by wind
See adjacent column for full details
Alarm load: Atmospheric pressure:
325Ω in series with a 1.0V drop Insensitive to pressure

Classification Minimum holding voltage: IP rating to EN 60529: 1992*:

5V 23D
II 1G Ex ia IIC –40°C<Ta<+40°C(T5)
Minimum voltage to light Electromagnetic Compatibility:
–40°C<Ta<+60°C(T4) alarm LED: The detector meets the
6V requirements of BS EN 61000-6-3
for emissions and BS EN50 130-4
BASEEFA Certificate number Alarm reset voltage: for susceptibility.
<1V
ATEX—Baseefa 06 ATEX 0007X
Alarm reset time: *The IP rating is not a
IECEx—IECEx BAS 06.0002X 1 second requirement of EN 54–7: 2000
since smoke detectors have to
Remote output LED (–) be open in order to function.
characteristic: An IP rating is therefore not
4.7kΩ connected to negative as significant as with other
supply electrical products.

1180
0832

7
 Where to use multisensor
smoke detectors

Multisensor smoke detectors are recognised as good

detectors for general use but are additionally more
sensitive to fast burning, flaming fires–including liquid
fires–than optical detectors.
They can be readily used instead of optical smoke
detectors but should be used as the detector of choice
for areas where the fire risk is likely to include heat at
an early stage in the development of the fire.
As with Orbis IS optical smoke detectors the
increased reliability of detection is combined with high
immunity to false alarms.

IS multisensor smoke detector

orbis IS multisensor smoke
detector

The multisensor smoke detector is a thermally

enhanced smoke detector and as such will not give an
alarm from heat alone. It is a development of the Orbis
IS optical detector described in the previous chapter
and goes further in its capabilities of fire detection.

How does the orbis IS

multisensor detector work?

The optical sensor is identical to the one in the

Orbis IS optical detector. Its sensitivity is, however,
influenced by a heat sensing element which makes
the detector more responsive to fast-burning, flaming
fires.
It should be noted that the detector is a smoke detector.
Although the Orbis IS multisensor relies on both
smoke and heat sensors it is not possible to switch
from smoke detection to heat detection.

Environmental performance

The environmental performance of the multisensor

detector is the same as that of the Orbis IS optical
smoke detector.
Also classification and BASEEFA certificate number
are the same as for the optical smoke detector.

8
 technical data
All data is supplied subject to change without notice.
Specifications are given at 23°C and 50% relative humidity
unless otherwise stated.
DETECTOR OPERATING Remote output LED (–)
PRINCIPLES characteristic:
4.7kΩ connected to negative
Principle of detection: supply
Photo-electric detection of light
scattered by smoke particles MECHANICAL
over a wide range of angles.
The optical arrangement Material:
comprises an infra-red emitter Detector and base moulded in
with a prism and a photo-diode white polycarbonate.
at 90° to the light beam with a
wide field of view. The detector’s Alarm Indicator:
microprocessor uses algorithms Integral indicator with 360°
to process the sensor readings. visibility (See Table 1 on
The heat sensing element page 14)
increases the sensitivity of the
detector as the temperature Dimensions and weight of
rises. detector:
100mm diameter x 50mm
Sampling frequency: Weight, 80g
Once every 4 seconds
Dimensions and weight of
ELECTRICAL detector in base:
100mm diameter x 60mm
Supply voltage: Weight, 140g
14—28V DC
ENVIRONMENTAL
Supply wiring:
2 wires, polarity sensitive Operating and storage
temperature
Polarity reversal: –40°C to +70°C
Not allowed Operating temperature is
restricted by the intrinsic safety
Power-up time: gas classification.
<20 seconds Class T5: –40°C to +40°C
Class T4: –40°C to +60°C
Minimum ‘detector active’ The detctor must be protected
voltage: 12V from conditions of
condensation or icing.
Switch-on surge current at 24V:
105µA Humidity:
0% to 98% relative humidity
Average quiescent current at (no condensation)
24V:
85µA Wind speed:
Unaffected by wind
Alarm load:
325Ω in series with a 1.0V drop Atmospheric pressure:
Insensitive to pressure
Minimum holding voltage:
5V IP rating to EN 60529: 1992*:
23D
Minimum voltage to light
alarm LED: Electromagnetic Compatibility:
6V The detector meets the
requirements of BS EN 61000-6-3
Alarm reset voltage: for emissions and BS EN50 130-4
<1V for susceptibility.

Alarm reset time: *The IP rating is not a

1 second requirement of EN 54–7: 2000
since smoke detectors have to
be open in order to function.
An IP rating is therefore not
as significant as with other
1180 electrical products.
0832

9
 Where to use heat detectors

Heat detectors are used in applications where smoke

detectors are unsuitable. Smoke detectors are used
wherever possible since smoke detection provides
earlier warning of fire than heat detection. There are,
however, limits to the application of smoke detectors
and these are described in the section ‘Choosing a
detector’ on page 4.
Heat detectors may be used if there is a danger of
nuisance alarms from smoke detectors.

orbis IS heat detector

The Orbis IS range incorporates seven heat detector
heat detector classes to suit a wide variety of operating conditions
in which smoke detectors are unsuitable.
The European standard EN54-5:2000 classifies heat
detectors according to the highest ambient temperature
in which they can safely be used without risk of false
alarm. The classes are identified by the letters A to G.
(Class A is subdivided into A1 and A2.) In addition to
the basic classification, detectors may be identified by
a suffix to show that they are rate-of-rise (suffix R) or
fixed temperature (suffix S) types.
All heat detectors in the Orbis IS range are tested as stat-
ic or rate-of-rise detectors and are classified as A1R,
A1S, A2S, BR, BS, CR and CS.

Choosing the correct class of

heat detector

Heat detectors have a wide range of response

characteristics and the choice of the right type for a
particular application may not always seem straight-
forward. It is helpful to understand the way that heat
detectors are classified as explained earlier and to
memorise a simple rule: use the most sensitive heat
© Apollo Fire Detectors Limited 2004-6/RHD
detector available consistent with avoiding false alarms.
Fig.3 Choosing a heat detector
In the case of heat detectors it may be necessary to
take an heuristic approach, ie, trial and error, until the
best solution for a particular site has been found. The
flowchart (Fig. 3) will assist in choosing the right class
of heat detector.

10
 technical data
All data is supplied subject to change without notice.
Specifications are given at 23°C and 50% relative humidity
unless otherwise stated.

DETECTOR OPERATING
PRINCIPLES MECHANICAL

If the fire detection system is being designed to comply Principle of detection: Material:
Measurement of heat by means Detector and base moulded in
with BS 5839–1: 2002 heat detectors should be of a thermistor. white polycarbonate.
installed at heights of less than 12 metres with the
exception of class A1 detectors, which can be Sampling frequency: Alarm Indicator:
Once every 2 seconds Integral indicator with 360°
installed at heights up to 13.5 metres. visibility (See Table 1 on page
ELECTRICAL 14 for details of flash rate)

How do orbis IS heat Supply voltage: Dimensions and weight of

14—28V DC detector:
detectors work? 100mm diameter x 42mm
Supply wiring: height, 70g
Orbis IS heat detectors have an open-web casing 2 wires, polarity sensitive
Dimensions and weight of
which allows air to flow freely across a thermistor
Polarity reversal: detector in base:
which measures the air temperature every 2 seconds. Not allowed 100mm diameter x 50mm
A microprocessor stores the temperatures and compares height, 130g
Power-up time:
them with pre-set values to determine whether a fixed <20 seconds ENVIRONMENTALAL
upper limit–the alarm level–has been reached.
Minimum ‘detector active’ Operating and storage
In the case of rate-of-rise detectors the microprocessor voltage: 12V temperature
uses algorithms to determine how fast the temperature –40°C to +70°C
Switch-on surge current at 24V: Operating temperature is
is increasing. 105µA restricted by the intrinsic safety
gas classification.
Static heat detectors respond only when a fixed Class T5: –40°C to +40°C
Average quiescent current at
temperature has been reached. Rate-of-rise detectors 24V: Class T4: –40°C to +60°C
have a fixed upper limit but they also measure the 80µA The detector must be protected
from conditions of
rate of increase in temperature. A fire might thus be Alarm load: condensation or icing.
detected at an earlier stage than with a static detector 325Ω in series with a 1.0V drop
Humidity:
so that a rate-of-rise detector is to be preferred to a 0% to 98% relative humidity
Minimum holding voltage:
static heat detector unless sharp increases of heat are 5V (no condensation)
part of the normal environment in the area protected
Minimum voltage to light Wind speed:
by the heat detector. alarm LED: Unaffected by wind
6V
Atmospheric pressure:
Environmental performance Alarm reset voltage: Insensitive to pressure
<1V
IP rating to EN 60529: 1992*:
The environmental performance is similar to that of Alarm reset time: 23D
the Orbis IS optical smoke detector but it should be 1 second
noted that heat detectors are designed to work at Electromagnetic Compatibility:
Remote output LED (–) The detector meets the
particular ambient temperatures (see Fig 3). characteristic: requirements of BS EN 61000-6-3
4.7kΩ connected to negative for emissions and BS EN50 130-4
Also classification and BASEEFA certificate number are supply for susceptibility.
the same as for the optical smoke detector.
*The IP rating is not a
requirement of EN54–5 : 2000
since most heat detectors
feature open-web casings to
allow air to flow freely over
the thermistor. An IP rating is
therefore not as significant as
with other electrical products.
1180
0832

11
 installing orbis IS

Orbis IS has been designed to make installation fast

and simple. Fig 4 shows the TimeSaver Base as it is
seen from the installer’s point of view.
The E-Z fit fixing holes are shaped to allow a simple
three-step mounting procedure:
• Fit two screws to the mounting box or surface
• Place the Orbis IS base over the screws and slide
home
• Tighten the screws
The base offers three fixing centres at 51, 60 and 72mm.
A guide on the base interior indicates the length of

Orbis IS Base®
cable to be stripped. Five terminals are provided for
the cables, four being grouped together for ease of
termination.
The terminals are:
• positive IN
• positive OUT
• negative IN and OUT (common terminal)
• remote LED negative connection
• functional earth (screen)
The terminal screws are captive screws and will not
fall out of the terminals. The base is supplied with the
screws unscrewed in order to avoid unnecessary work
for the installer.
The end-of-line resistor should be connected between
the OUT+ and COM– terminals.
If it is required that all detectors be fitted with their LEDs
facing the same direction the bases must be fitted to the
ceiling observing the marking on the exterior which
indicates the position of the LED.
Orbis IS Adaptor
The bases may be connected as shown in Fig 5 where
remote LEDs, if required, are connected to the associated
Orbis IS Adaptor base.
An adaptor is available which enables Orbis detector Fig 6 shows how to connect one remote LED to more
heads to be fitted to existing Series 60 IS bases in order to than one base so that an alarm in any of the detectors
upgrade systems with minimal disruption. connected will switch the remote LED.
The existing system should conform to ATEX Certificate
No. Ex97D2054 SYST. The IS Adaptor is distinguished
by the markings “part of instrinsically safe fire detector
Baseefa06ATEX0007X”.

12
 Terminal 4, Screen Snip along marked lines and

e t e c t o r B a s e e f a 0 6 AT E X 0 0 0 0 7 X I E C E
(Functional Earth) remove this part to lock the

fire d
detector to the base

s a f e x BA
ical y S
fitting orbis detector heads

When the bases have been installed and the system

intrins

06.00
wiring tested, the detector circuits can be populated.
Two methods are suggested:

OUT + LED–
1. Apply power and fit the detectors one by one,
OUT+
IN + COM– LED –
starting at the base nearest the panel and working
towards the end of the circuit. As each detector is

IN+ IN & OUT–

Direction of LED indicated by
powered up it will enter ‘StartUp’ and flash red (see

mark on outside of moulding

Table 1 on page 14). If the LED does not flash,
check the wiring polarity on the base and ensure
© Apollo Fire Detectors Limited 2004–2006/JDR/RHD
there is power across IN+ and COM–. If the LED is Fig.4 TimeSaver IS Base®
flashing yellow the detector is not operating correctly

DirtAlert and SensAlert® below and the section

and may require maintenance or replacing (see
Note: the earth terminal in the base is provided for convenience where
‘Servicing’ on page 18). continuity of a cable sheath or similar is required. It is not necessary for the
correct operation of the detector nor is it provided as a termination point for a
Control safety earth.
2. Fit all detectors to the circuit, apply power and panel If screened cable is used screen continuity should be maintained and the
screen should be earthed only at one point. The earthing point should
check detectors by observing the LED status of each preferably be close to the safety barrier.
device. The StartUp feature lasts for 4 minutes so it The system complies with the requirements of the CPD only if wired using
screened cable. For details of cable connections see BSEN60079–14, section
may be necessary to reset or de-power the circuit to 12.2.2.

allow all detectors to be observed. The LED status is Safety – COM – IN + COM – IN + COM – IN +
– – –
barrier LED L ED L ED
the same as method 1.
OUT

OUT

OUT
+
+

+
1

2 3 2 3
1

1
2 3
4

4
Screen
(Functional
Earth)
© Apollo Fire Detectors Limited 2004–2006/JDR/RHD
Fig.5 Base wiring diagram

Note: the earth terminal in the base is provided for convenience where
continuity of a cable sheath or similar is required. It is not necessary for the
correct operation of the detector nor is it provided as a termination point for a
Control safety earth.
panel If screened cable is used screen continuity should be maintained and the
screen should be earthed only at one point. The earthing point should
preferably be close to the safety barrier.
The system complies with the requirements of the CPD only if wired using
screened cable. For details of cable connections see BSEN60079–14, section
12.2.2.

COM – COM – COM –

Safety – IN + IN + IN +
– – –
barrier L ED L ED L ED
OUT

OUT

OUT

+
+

+
1

2 3 2 3
1

2 3
4

Screen
(Functional
Earth)
© Apollo Fire Detectors Limited 2004–2006/JDR/RHD

Fig.6 3 bases wired with a common LED

13
orbis features: LED status

Feature Description of Feature Red LED Status Yellow LED Status

StartUp™ Confirms that the detectors are wired Flashes aonce per second No Flash
in the correct polarity

FasTest® Maintenance procedure, takes just 4 Flashes once per second No Flash
secondsto functionally test and confirm
detectors arefunctioning correctly

DirtAlert™ Shows that the drift compensation No Flash Flashes once per second in StartUp
limit has been reached (Stops flashing when StartUp finishes)

SensAlert® Indicates that the sensor is not No Flash Flashes every 4 seconds (Flashes once
operating correctly per second in StartUp)

Normal At the end of StartUp and FasTest No Flash No Flash

Operation (without flashing LED as standard)

Flashing LED Detector’s red LED flashes in normal Flashes every 4 seconds No Flash
Version operation (at the end of FasTest)

Table 1

system design of the fire detectors. Thus, single channel barriers are
available either as positive or negative polarity where
The design of an intrinsically safe fire detection system the polarity refers to the polarity of the applied voltage
should only be undertaken by engineers familiar with relative to earth. The significance of this is that one side
codes of practice for detection systems and hazardous of the barrier must be connected to a high-integrity
area electrical systems. The relevant standards are (safety) earth. Although this earth connection has no
BS5839: Part 1, BS EN 60079-14:2003 respectively. effect on the operation of Orbis IS devices and is not
needed for their correct operation, it may not be
The fire detection performance of the Orbis I.S. range acceptable to the operation of the control and indicating
is the same as that of its standard counterparts but equipment. If the earth connection is not acceptable
some electrical parameters are different. Please use then the isolating barriers should be used.
the technical data given in this guide for Orbis IS
devices. Performance information given in the Orbis Galvanically Isolated Barrier
Product Guide is applicable to the Orbis I.S. range. Galvanically isolated barriers. These are also referred to
as “transformer isolated d.c. repeaters”, “isolating
The BASEEFA certification of the I.S. devices covers
interfaces” and “transformer isolated current
their characteristics as components of an intrinsically
repeaters”. They differ from conventional shunt zener
safe system and indicates that they can be used with a
barriers in that they provide electrical isolation between
margin of safety in such systems.
the input (safe area) and the output (hazardous area).
This is achieved by the use of a D.C./D.C. converter
types of safety barrier on the input side which is connected to the hazardous
area through a voltage and power-limiting resistor/
The certified system configurations allow for two zener combination similar to a conventional barrier.
types of safety barrier, each of which has its own
The galvanic isolation technique means that the circuit
advantages and disadvantages. A brief outline of their
does not need a high integrity (safety) earth and that
characteristics is given below.
the intrinsically safe circuit is fully floating. Earth leakage
Single Channel 28V/300Ω Barrier problems for control and indicating equipment are
This is the most basic type of barrier and therefore the therefore eliminated if this type of interface is used.
lowest in cost. Being passive devices, they also Note: Although the circuit does not require a high-
impose the minimum of restrictions on the operation integrity earth, it is permissible to earth either side of

14
the hazardous area circuit if required by other system Suitable transformer isolated current repeaters
considerations. (galvanic barriers) are shown in Table 3.
Galvanically isolated barriers are available as single
or dual channel versions and are recommended for Type see
table on No of
any application in which direct earth connections are Manufacturer AZ20984 channels Certificate no
not acceptable. Table 3 shows details of available
Pepperl & Fuchs KFDO CS 1 BAS00ATEX 7087
barriers. The galvanically isolated barrier is a two-wire EX 1.51P
device which does not need an external power supply.
MTL MTL4061 2 Ex94C2040X

MTL MTL5061 2 Ex94C2040X

approved safety barriers
Table 3 Transformer isolated (galvanic) barriers
The system certification includes a generic specification
for barriers.

The generic specification is:

any shunt zener diode safety barrier certified by

BASEEFA or any EEC approved certification body to safety earth
[Ex ia] IIC
Shunt zener diode safety barriers must be connected
having the following or lower output parameters:
to a high integrity earth by at least one and preferably
Uz = 28V two copper cables, each of cross sectional area of
I max:out = 93.3mA 4mm2 or greater. The connection must be such that
W max:out = 0.67W the impedance from the connection point to the
In any safety barrier used the output current must be main power system earth is less than one ohm.
limited by a resistor ‘R’ such that Intrinsically safe circuits in the hazardous area
I max:out = Uz should be insulated from earth and must be capable
of withstanding a 500V RMS AC test voltage for at
R
least one minute. When using armoured or copper
A number of shunt zener diode barriers meet this sheathed cables, the armour or sheath is normally
specification and examples are given below: isolated from the safe area busbar.

Manufacturer Type Polarity Mounting

Pepperl & Fuchs Z728 +ve DIN-rail
Pepperl & Fuchs Z828 –ve DIN-rail
Pepperl & Fuchs Z428/Ex +ve DIN-rail/surface
Pepperl & Fuchs Z528/Ex –ve DIN-rail/surface
MTL MTL728+ +ve Busbar
MTL MTL7028+ +ve DIN-rail
MTL MTL7128+ +ve DIN-rail

Table 2 28V/300Ω single channel safety barriers

15
wiring and cable types intrinsically safe circuits

It is not permitted to connect more than one circuit When using these enclosures with intrinsically safe
in the hazardous area to any one safety barrier and systems, it is important that segregation be provided
that circuit may not be connected to any other electrical between the IS and non-IS circuits. A distance of at
circuit. Both separate and twin cables may be used. least 50mm must be preserved between live conducting
A pair contained in a type ‘A’ or ‘B’ multicore cable parts of IS and other circuits.
(as defined in clause 12.2.2 of BS EN 60079-14:2004) If the enclosure is used as part of an IS circuit, then it
may also be used, provided that the peak voltage of must always be installed inside the safe area. Never
any circuit contained within the multicore does not install these enclosures in the hazardous area.
exceed 60V.
The capacitance and either the inductance or the
inductance to resistance (L/R) ratio of the hazardous maximum loading of IS circuit
area cables must not exceed the parameters specified
Because of the finite resistance of the safety barrier,
in Table 4. The reason for this is that energy can be
there will be a limit to the current drain which can
stored in a cable and it is necessary to use cable in
be tolerated before the voltages on the circuit fall
which energy stored is insufficient to ignite an explosive
outside the specified limits for Orbis I.S. devices.
atmosphere.
The system certification allows up to 20 Orbis IS
To calculate the total capacitance or inductance for detectors to be connected to a single barrier circuit
the length of cables in the hazardous area, refer to with an end-of-line resistor of not less than 1.8kΩ.
Table 5, which gives typical per kilometre capacitance However, it must be ensured that the voltage available
and inductance for commonly used cables. (Note: All at each detector is above the minimum specified in
Orbis IS devices have zero equivalent capacitance the quiescent condition. It is also important to ensure
and inductance.) that the alarm load is suitable for the control and

DIN-rail interface enclosures Group Capacitance Inductance L/R Ratio

µF mH µH/ohm
Two DIN-rail interface enclosures are available for
housing intrinsically safe (IS) barriers. The enclosures IIC 0.083 4.2 55
have a frosted polycarbonate lid through which LEDs IIB 0.65 12.6 165
can be viewed. A multi-purpose label, that features
a section for use with IS systems is supplied. Part nos IIA 2.15 33.6 440
29600-239 (2-way enclosure); 29600-240 (8-way Table 4 Limits for Energy Stored in Cables.
enclosure).

Capacitance
Conductor µF/km Sheath
Size resistance Inductance core core Resistance
Cable Type Core mm2 ohm/km/core mH/km to core to sheath ohm/km

MICC Pyrotenax light duty 2 1.5 12.1 0.534 0.19 0.21 2.77

MICC Pyrotenax heavy duty 2 1.5 12.1 0.643 0.13 0.17 1.58

Pirelli FP200 all 1.5 12.1 0.08 0.15

PVC sheathed and

insulated to BS 6004 all 1.5 12.1 0.77 0.09

Table 5 Examples of electrical characteristics of cables commonly used in fire protection systems.

16
indicating equipment. The system certification also
allows the use of remote LED indicators. These may
be connected to individual detectors or may use a
connection common to two or more detectors as
shown in Fig. 6.

installation

It is important that the Orbis I.S. detectors be installed

in such a way that all terminals and connections are
protected to at least IP20 when the detector is in the
base. Special care must be taken with the rear of the
mounting base where live metal parts may be accessible.
Flush mounting of the base on a flat surface will
provide the required degree of protection.
The conduit box available from Apollo, part no. mini disc remote indicator
45681-204, is also acceptable for mounting I.S. bases.
Apollo also supply a range of deckhead mounting
boxes. For more information, please refer to PP1089,
bases and accessories brochure. The MiniDisc remote indicator is only 20mm high
and 80mm in diameter. It comprises two parts–the
Note that the earth terminal in the base is provided base which is installed onto a wall or soffit and the
for convenience where continuity of a cable sheath or lid which is fitted to the base with a bayonet fitting.
similar is required. It is not necessary for the correct
operation of the detector nor is it provided as a An anti-tamper screw in the lid locks the unit
termination point for a safety earth. together. A 1.5mm hexagonal driver, part number
29600-095, is available from Apollo.
Two pairs of keyholes are provided–one for 50mm
remote led connection and the other for 60mm fixing centres.
A drive point is provided on each of the Orbis I.S. The MiniDisc Remote Indicator is polarity sensitive.
detectors for a remote LED indicator. For connection Connect positive line to Terminal B and negative line
details see Fig. 5. The indicator must be a standard to Terminal C.
high-efficiency red LED and does not require a series Part No. 53832-070
limiting resistor since current is limited by the detectors.
The system certification allows for the use of any LED
indicator having a surface area between 20mm2 and
10cm2 which covers all commonly used case styles
from T1 (3mm) upwards but would exclude some
miniature and surface mounted types. Additional
requirements of the certification are that the LED and
its terminations must be afforded a degree of protection
of at least IP20 and must be segregated from other
circuits and conductors as defined in BS EN 60079-
14:2003.
The Apollo MiniDisc Remote Indicator (53832-070)
may be used with Orbis IS detectors.

17
servicing

Servicing of IS fire detectors may be carried out only

by a BASEEFA authorised body. In practical terms this
means that Apollo Orbis IS fire detectors may be
serviced only by Apollo at its factory. Servicing of
the fire detection system should be carried out as
recommended by the code of practice BS 5839: Part 1
or other local regulations in force.

Further information on Apollo detector ranges is available.

Please quote the relevant PP number when ordering.

18
 PP2250/2006/Issue 1

© Apollo Fire Detectors Ltd 2006

Assessed to ISO 9001: 2000
Certificate number 010

36 Brookside Road, Havant, Hampshire PO9 1JR, England. Tel: +44 (0)23 9249 2412. Fax: +44 (0)23 9249 2754.
Email: [email protected] Website: www.apollo-fire.co.uk