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Do I need a different base to install a Hochiki wall sounder outdoors?

Weatherproofing uses the CHQ-WPK back box and two gaskets on the normal sounder base - there is no separate deeper base for outdoor use.

Direct answer

Weatherproofing the CHQ-WS2 wall sounder or CHQ-WSB2 wall sounder beacon does not require a different mounting base: the CHQ-WPK kit (weatherproof back box plus two gaskets) is fitted to the same YBO-R/3(RED) or YBO-R/SCI(RED) base used indoors. Installed per the CHQ-WPK instructions (2-3-0-627), the assembly is rated IP65. Without the kit the sounders and beacons themselves are IP21 and are for internal use, and LPCB approval for the weatherproofed product is held to IP33.

Applies to

  • Products / Models: CHQ-WPK / CHQ-WPK(WHT) weatherproofing kit; CHQ-WS2 wall sounder, CHQ-WSB2 wall sounder beacon, (Note: CHQ-CB ceiling beacon, CHQ-WB wall beacon will only improve to IP 33); mounting bases YBO-R/3(RED), YBO-R/SCI(RED)
  • Firmware / Version: Not applicable
  • Region: Not applicable
  • Standards: EN 54-3 (alarm devices - sounders) and, for the sounder beacons and beacons, EN 54-23 (visual alarm devices). EN 54-23 coverage differs by model and by LED colour: the CHQ-WSB2 beacon is 'O' rated, and the CHQ-CB and CHQ-WB carry ceiling and wall category ratings. Take the rating for the exact ordering code from its data sheet. The beacon in the earlier CHQ-WSB is a secondary function and is not an EN 54-23 VAD.

Compatibility and specifications

  • Weatherproof kit contents: The CHQ-WPK kit consists of a weatherproof back box and two gaskets. The mounting base is not supplied with the kit and is not a special weatherproof part.
  • Base selection: Wall sounders must be mounted on a sounder base (YBO-R/3, 13 mm high), not on the sensor base (YBN-R/3, 8 mm high). That is true indoors and outdoors alike, and is separate from weatherproofing.
  • Gasket fit: The kit contains two gaskets - the black MBB-2/SBB-2 gasket fits inside the back box, and the clear base gasket sits on the outside rim of the mounting base. Full fitting order is in Installation guidance below.
  • Kit naming: The kit is ordered as CHQ-WPK (red) or CHQ-WPK(WHT) (white). Some older instructions and data sheets call the same kit WS2-WPK or WSB2-WPK; they all refer to instruction sheet 2-3-0-627.

Installation guidance

  1. Confirm the sounder assembly is the weatherproof variant fitted with the CHQ-WPK kit.
  2. Insert the black MBB-2/SBB-2 gasket into the back box, seating it over the ends of the six fixing posts.
  3. Fit the mounting base to the back box through that gasket using the supplied base fixing screws.
  4. Add the clear base gasket to the outside rim of the mounting base, then twist-fit the sounder in the usual way.

IP rating and EN 54-3 device type

The CHQ-WS2, CHQ-WSB2, CHQ-CB and CHQ-WB are IP21 rated for internal use and are EN 54-3 type A devices, the indoor classification. Fitted with the CHQ-WPK kit they are rated IP65 and are then treated as EN 54-3 type B devices, the outdoor classification, but only when installed in accordance with the CHQ-WPK instructions (2-3-0-627). EN 54-3 sets the minimum enclosure protection for a type B sounder at IP33C, and LPCB approval for this product is held to IP33. Fit suitable weatherproof cable glands (not supplied) to every knocked-out or open cable entry, and use the supplied blanking gland where an entry is not needed.

  • (Note: CHQ-CB ceiling beacon, CHQ-WB wall beacon will only improve to IP 33 when using the CHQ-WPK)

When to contact technical support

Contact Hochiki Europe Technical Support if the device is not listed in the CHQ-WPK instructions, if the installation needs an IP rating above IP65, or if the specification requires LPCB approval at an IP rating above IP33.

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

  • 2-3-0-627 CHQ-WPK Installation Instructions
  • CHQ-WPK Specification
  • 2-3-0-626 ESP Wall Sounder & Wall Sounder Beacon Installation Instructions
  • YBO-R/3 Specification
  • Application Note 132 - CHQ-WSB2 Light Coverage

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06 — Reviewed by: Hochiki Europe Technical Support