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Which programmer and lead do I need to address Hochiki ESP devices? (TCH-B200 and PL-2 / PL-3)

Use PL-3 for ESP call points and mini modules, and PL-2 for the ACB-EW and the legacy CHQ-BS base sounder; keep the loop unpowered while programming.

Direct answer

Use the TCH-B200 hand held programmer to set the address of Hochiki ESP addressable devices. Sensors, wall sounders, beacons and remote indicators clip straight onto the programmer and are addressed directly. Manual call points (HCP-E(SCI), HCP-W(SCI), ICP-E(SCI) and ICP-W(SCI)) and mini modules (CHQ-SIM, CHQ-SOM and CHQ-POM) need the PL-3 programming lead; the ACB-EW and the legacy CHQ-BS base sounder need the PL-2 croc-clip lead. The address of manual call points and mini modules can be set before or after the device is wired into the loop, but the loop must not be powered while programming. Faulty units are handled through Hochiki Europe RMA.

Applies to

  • Products / Models: TCH-B200 hand held address programmer; PL-3 programming lead; PL-2 programming lead
  • Firmware / Version: Not applicable
  • Region: Not applicable
  • Standards: Not applicable

Overview

  • Model names referenced: TCH-B200 handheld programmer. This is the programmer required to address Hochiki ESP addressable devices.
  • Programming leads: the PL-3 lead is used for manual call points (HCP-E(SCI), HCP-W(SCI), ICP-E(SCI) and ICP-W(SCI)) and mini modules (CHQ-SIM, CHQ-SOM and CHQ-POM); the PL-2 lead is used for the ACB-EW and the legacy CHQ-BS base sounder.
  • For a lead-by-lead table, see Can I address mini-modules and call points?

Using the TCH-B200 to address devices

  • The TCH-B200 is required to address addressable devices such as sensors and manual call points.
  • Each addressable device must have a unique address set before operation. The address of manual call points and mini modules can be set either before or after the call point is connected to the loop, but the loop must not be powered while the address is set. Disconnect power from the loop before programming.
  • Devices that clip straight onto the programmer are addressed directly: ESP sensors, the CHQ-WS2 wall sounder, CHQ-WSB2 wall sounder beacons, the YBO-BS/BSB base sounders, the CHQ-AB / CHQ-CB / CHQ-WB addressable beacons and the CHQ-ARI addressable remote indicator. Locate the device so the three locating pips line up with the grooves in the programmer. A YBO-BS or YBO-BSB2 with a sensor fitted on top is addressed automatically by the control panel; when one is used as a wall sounder with no sensor connected, it can be programmed by the programmer. Devices with a programming socket instead, the HCP-E(SCI) / HCP-W(SCI) / ICP-E(SCI) / ICP-W(SCI) manual call points and the CHQ-SIM / CHQ-SOM / CHQ-POM mini modules, need the PL-3 lead; the ACB-EW and the legacy CHQ-BS base sounder need the PL-2 lead.

Loop terminal numbering differs between Hochiki devices and modules. Wire each device to the terminal numbers shown in the wiring diagram of its own installation instructions.

Troubleshooting before you raise an RMA

  • "bAt" on the display means low battery — fit a new PP3 9 V battery; around 3,000 address operations remain when it first appears.
  • E0 means the address entered is above 127. E1, E2 and E4 mean the programmer cannot see a device — check the device seating or the programming lead. E5 and E6 indicate a device read failure.
  • Sounders accept higher addresses than sensors, The TCH-B200 will write addresses up to 254 into a YBO-BS and a YBO-BSB2, however, some sounders have a limit to their address range, addresses 1 to 127 only should be used for the CHQ-WS/WSB2. A YBO-BS or YBO-BSB2 is different: address it from 1 to 127 when it is used as a wall sounder with no sensor, and let the control panel address it automatically (sensor address plus 127) when a sensor is fitted on top. Check the data sheet for the device and the control panel instructions before you set an address above 127. 
  • For the full list of display messages and what to check for each one, see What do the TCH-B200 error codes mean?

Faulty programmer handling, repair and warranty

  • Hochiki does not support field repair of the TCH-B200. If the fault persists after the checks above, raise an RMA through your usual Hochiki returns contact and quote the serial number and purchase details. Hochiki will advise whether the unit is repaired, replaced or credited.

Practical steps checklist

  1. When ordering:
    • Order the correct model: TCH-B200 handheld programmer.
    • Order the PL-3 lead for call points and modules, or the PL-2 lead for the ACB-EW and the legacy CHQ-BS.
  2. Before installing call points:
    • Set the address with the loop unpowered — before or after wiring the call point into the loop.
  3. If a programmer does not function:
    • Check the display for a battery or error code and follow the troubleshooting steps above.
    • Verify the serial number and warranty status, then raise an RMA through your usual Hochiki returns contact if needed.

To change how a device is polled after it has been addressed, see How do I change the polling mode of a device?

When to contact technical support

  • An error code (E0-E6) persists after checking the device connection, programming lead and address range.
  • The TCH-B200 does not power up or remains non-functional after fitting a new PP3 battery.
  • Warranty status or the correct returns route for an RMA is unclear.

For warranty terms and the returns procedure, see Warranty, Returns & Support.

Safety note

This article is general guidance for Hochiki Europe products. Design, installation, commissioning, maintenance and modification of fire detection and alarm systems should be carried out by, or under the responsibility of, a competent person in accordance with the applicable standards (for example BS 5839-1 in the UK). Statutory requirements imposed by the relevant enforcing authority also apply. Always refer to the current product manual and data sheet for the exact model before carrying out any work.

References

  • TCH-B200 Specification (datasheet)
  • TCH-B200 ESP Device Operating Instructions, Issue 7 (2-3-0-237)
  • HCP-E(SCI) Addressable Call Point Installation Instructions, Issue 12 (2-3-0-635)
  • HCP-W(SCI) Addressable Call Point Installation Instructions, Issue 8 (2-3-0-750)
  • ICP-W(SCI) Installation Instructions, Issue 2 (2-3-0-3405)
  • CHQ-SOM Instructions, Issue 5 (2-3-0-1375)
  • ESP Sensor Range Installation Instructions, Issue 4 (2-3-0-914), for the ACB-EW
  • YBO-BS Programming Lead Instructions, Issue 2 (2-3-0-326)

Last reviewed: 2026-10-07 — Reviewed by: Hochiki Europe Technical Support