Standard Smoke Detector

FW511 - UL Listed Commercial Grade Detector

Photoelectric Technology • UL 268 Certified • Reliable Smoke Detection

UL LISTED
UL 268 Listed
UL Listed NFPA 72 Compliant CE Certified

Standard Smoke Detector

FW511

UL 268 Listed
Photoelectric
Commercial Grade
Easy Maintenance

The FW511 Standard Smoke Detector is a UL 268 listed photoelectric smoke detector designed for commercial and residential applications. Featuring advanced optical sensing technology and drift compensation, it provides reliable early warning of smoldering fires while minimizing nuisance alarms.

Technical Specifications

Model NumberFW511
Product NameStandard Smoke Detector
Detection TypePhotoelectric (Optical)
System CompatibilityConventional Fire Alarm Systems
CertificationUL 268, UL 217, CSFM, FM
Wiring Configuration2-Wire (Power & Signal)
Operating Voltage12-30VDC
Standby Current35μA @ 24VDC
Alarm Current50mA @ 24VDC
Alarm IndicationRed LED (360° visible)
Test MethodMagnetic Test / Functional Test
Sensitivity Range1.5% - 4.0% per ft obscuration
Drift CompensationAutomatic, ±0.5% per year
Operating Temperature32°F to 120°F (0°C to 49°C)
Storage Temperature-4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)
Relative Humidity10% to 93% RH (Non-condensing)
Dimensions (Diameter x Height)5.5" x 1.8" (140mm x 46mm)
Weight6.2 oz (176g)
ColorWhite (Standard), Ivory, Gray available
MountingCeiling or Wall Mount
Warranty3-Year Limited Warranty

Product Overview

The FW511 Standard Smoke Detector is a commercial-grade photoelectric smoke detector designed for reliable fire detection in conventional fire alarm systems. UL 268 listed and meeting NFPA 72 requirements, it provides early warning of smoldering fires while offering excellent resistance to nuisance alarms.

UL 268 Listed

Meets rigorous UL standards for smoke detector performance and reliability.

Photoelectric Technology

Advanced optical sensing for early detection of smoldering fires.

Drift Compensation

Automatic sensitivity adjustment for long-term reliability.

Certifications & Compliance

UL 268: Standard for Smoke Detectors for Fire Alarm Systems

UL 217: Standard for Smoke Alarms

NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code

CSFM: California State Fire Marshal

FM Approved: Factory Mutual

CE Mark: European Conformity

Detection Performance
Response Time

≤ 60 seconds
for smoldering fire test

Sensitivity

2.0% ± 0.5%/ft
obscuration threshold

Nuisance Alarm

≤ 1 per year
industry standard

Product Features

Detection Features
  • Photoelectric smoke detection technology
  • Advanced optical chamber design
  • Automatic drift compensation
  • Dust and insect resistant screen
  • Factory calibrated sensitivity
Operational Features
  • 2-wire installation (power and alarm)
  • Magnetic test capability
  • 360° visible alarm LED indicator
  • Remote indicator output option
  • Low power consumption
Physical Features
  • Low-profile, aesthetic design
  • Twist-lock mounting base
  • Screw terminal connections
  • Tamper-resistant construction
  • UV-resistant plastic housing
Safety & Reliability Features
  • Short-circuit protection
  • Reverse polarity protection
  • Surge protection circuitry
  • Automatic reset after alarm
  • End-of-line resistor monitoring
Photoelectric Advantage: Photoelectric smoke detectors are most effective at detecting slow, smoldering fires that produce visible smoke particles. They provide earlier warning for these types of fires compared to ionization detectors and are less prone to nuisance alarms from cooking or steam.

Installation & Configuration

Ceiling Mount
Standard ceiling installation
Wall Mount
Optional wall mounting
High Ceiling
High ceiling applications
Installation Guidelines
  • Follow NFPA 72 spacing requirements
  • Install on ceiling whenever possible
  • Avoid air vents, corners, and dead air spaces
  • Maintain minimum 4" clearance from walls
  • Test detector after installation
Wiring Requirements
Power Requirements

12-30VDC, 35μA standby, 50mA alarm. Use fire-rated cable.

2-Wire Installation

Single pair for power and alarm. Maximum 20 detectors per circuit.

Terminal Connections

Screw terminals accept 12-22 AWG wire. Polarity marked clearly.

Installation Steps
  1. Turn off power to fire alarm system
  2. Select location per NFPA 72 spacing requirements
  3. Mount detector base to ceiling or wall
  4. Connect wiring to terminal block (observe polarity)
  5. Install detector head onto base (twist-lock clockwise)
  6. Restore power to fire alarm system
  7. Test detector using magnetic test tool
  8. Verify alarm LED operation and system response
NFPA 72 Spacing Requirements
Application Spacing Distance from Walls Distance from Air Vents
Standard Ceiling (≤10') 30' (9m) between detectors 4" (10cm) minimum 3' (1m) minimum
Sloped Ceiling Follow NFPA 72 Table 17.6.3.5.1 4" (10cm) minimum 3' (1m) minimum
High Ceiling (>10') Engineering required Consult manufacturer Consult manufacturer

Applications & Compatibility

Compatible Systems
  • Conventional fire alarm panels
  • Maple Armor conventional systems
  • 2-wire conventional circuits
  • Most UL listed conventional panels
Ideal Applications
  • Commercial offices
  • Hotels and hospitality
  • Educational facilities
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Residential buildings
Application Recommendations
Sleeping Areas

Photoelectric detectors provide early warning for smoldering fires common in bedrooms.

Hallways & Corridors

Install in escape routes for early detection of smoke migration.

Common Areas

Lobbies, waiting areas, and gathering spaces benefit from early smoke detection.

Benefits

UL Listed: Meets rigorous safety standards

Early Warning: Quick detection of smoldering fires

Reliable: Low nuisance alarm rate

Cost-Effective: Affordable commercial solution

Easy Maintenance: Simple testing and cleaning

Scalable: Easy to expand existing systems

Maintenance Schedule
Frequency Activity Purpose
Monthly Visual inspection Check for physical damage or obstructions
Quarterly Functional test Verify detector operation using test tool
Annual Cleaning & sensitivity test Clean optical chamber, verify sensitivity
10 Years Replacement Replace detector per NFPA 72 requirements