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Which remote indicator can I use with a Hochiki addressable detector?

Compatibility is set by the base terminal and the detector's current limit, not one LED standard.

Direct answer

A remote indicator is compatible only if its current draw is within the remote indicator limit of the specific base and detector model. Confirm that limit in the installation instructions and data sheet for the exact base and detector before you select an indicator. The connection is made at the mounting base, not the sensor head, and not every base has a remote indicator terminal. Hochiki own-brand indicators are not interchangeable: the REM-E is a passive indicator, while the CHQ-ARI is a loop-powered addressable device that needs its own loop address.

Applies to

  • Products / Models: ESP sensor mounting bases with a remote indicator facility (YBN-R/3, YBN-R/3(SCI), YBN-R/3(HFP)); Hochiki remote indicators REM-E (passive) and CHQ-ARI (addressable, loop powered); ESP sensors including ALN-EN, ACC-EN, ACD-EN
  • Firmware / Version: Not applicable
  • Region: Not applicable
  • Standards: Not applicable

Remote indicator terminals on detectors

  • The remote indicator connection is a function of the mounting base, not the detector head. Hochiki ESP sensor bases such as the YBN-R/3 provide a remote indicator facility, but not every base does: the YBO-R/3 wall sounder base has no remote indicator terminal. Check the installation instructions for the exact base.
  • The presence of a remote indicator terminal means a remote LED can be connected directly to the detector/base for visual indication.

Labelling, siting and cabling

  • Label every remote indicator clearly so that its function is obvious, and site or label it so that it helps identify which detectors it serves.
  • Where the indication is relied on for compliance, the cable between the detector and the remote indicator should follow the cable and wiring recommendations of the applicable UK code of practice for fire detection and fire alarm systems.
  • On an addressable system an individual remote indicator may not be needed at all, provided the location of each detector is clearly indicated at the control and indicating equipment. Decide whether an indicator is required before selecting one.

Compatibility and interchangeability

  • The remote indicator connection is made at the mounting base, not at the sensor head. The terminal arrangement and the permitted current differ between base and detector models, so compatibility must be checked per model.
  • A remote indicator is only compatible if its current draw is within the remote indicator limit of the specific detector and base. That limit differs between models, so always confirm it in the current installation instructions and data sheet for the exact detector and base before selecting an indicator.
  • The Hochiki REM-E remote indicator operates with many types of conventional and analogue addressable fire detectors, which can remove the need to stock two types of indicator. This does not apply to every remote indicator, and it does not remove the need to check the remote indicator current limit of the specific detector and base.

Manufacturer-supplied remote indicators

  • Hochiki supplies two different types of remote indicator, and they are not interchangeable. The REM-E is a passive indicator wired to the remote indicator terminal on the base. Its three terminals are marked on the back of the unit: on a conventional system connect across the load resistor, terminals 1 and 3; on most intelligent systems connect across the LED, terminals 2 and 3. The current figure on the REM-E data sheet is the rating of the unit, not a current the base has to supply. Always check the correct operation of the fire alarm circuit after wiring it.
  • The CHQ-ARI is a loop-powered addressable remote indicator that occupies its own loop address and must be addressed with the TCH-B200 hand-held programmer. For how to set the CHQ-ARI address, see Which programmer and lead do I need to address Hochiki ESP devices? (TCH-B200 and PL-2 / PL-3).

Selecting a remote indicator — practical guidance

  1. Confirm the base has a remote indicator terminal; not every base provides one, so check the installation instructions for the exact model.
  2. Check the remote indicator current limit for the exact detector and base model in its installation instructions and data sheet before selecting an indicator.
  3. If selecting a Hochiki-branded indicator, confirm whether it is the passive REM-E or the addressable CHQ-ARI, since installation and compatibility differ between the two types.
  4. Where installations contain both conventional and addressable devices, the Hochiki REM-E can serve both types, which can reduce the number of different indicators to stock; this does not apply to every remote indicator model, and each device's current limit must still be confirmed.

Troubleshooting tips

  • If a remote LED does not operate as expected, verify the detector/base remote indicator terminal connections and confirm the indicator's current draw is within the remote indicator current limit of the base and detector.

When to contact technical support

  • Contact Hochiki Europe Technical Support if you cannot confirm whether an existing or replacement base provides a remote indicator terminal.
  • Contact Hochiki Europe Technical Support if an application needs a remote indicator current, wiring, or series-resistor configuration that is not covered in the base or detector's installation instructions and data sheet.

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

  • Hochiki YBN-R/3 Specification (ISS4)
  • Hochiki REM-E Specification (ISS3)
  • Hochiki CHQ-ARI Specification (ISS4)
  • Hochiki ESP Sensor Instructions, 2-3-0-246 (Issue 24)
  • Hochiki ACD-EN Specification

Last reviewed: 2026-10-21 — Reviewed by: Hochiki Europe Technical Support