Complete Guide to Dating Fire Alarm Devices: Apollo, Hochiki, Gent, Ziton, C-TEC, Notifier & Eaton
As a fire alarm engineer, accurately determining the age of fire detection devices is essential for compliance, maintenance, and replacement planning.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to date detectors from the main fire alarm brands: Apollo, Hochiki, Gent, Ziton, C-TEC, Notifier, and Eaton.
This resource is designed to support engineers and facility managers with fire alarm detector date code decoding, helping ensure every system remains fully operational and compliant. Where possible, we will link directly to product examples on Fire Trade Supplies for your convenience.
Apollo Date Code Guide
Apollo fire alarm devices are among the most common systems used across the UK and globally. Apollo incorporates a build date into the serial number to help engineers easily identify the manufacturing date, which is crucial for maintenance schedules, especially for detectors approaching end-of-life.
The most widely used Apollo date formats include:
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MMYY-XXXXX (e.g.
0402-25684indicates April 2002) -
YYMMDD (e.g.
020401means 1st April 2002)
On most detectors, this code can be found printed or laser-etched onto the underside of the detector base or housing. When servicing Apollo devices such as the Apollo XP95 Optical Smoke Detector, always record the date code to verify that the unit is still within its recommended lifespan.
| Dating Apollo Devices Help Sheet |
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Hochiki Date Code Guide
Hochiki detectors use slightly more complex date coding. Their devices feature either a 9-digit serial number or a 4-digit batch code:
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9-digit serial format:
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1st digit: last digit of the year (e.g.,
0= 2000 or 2010 depending on model) -
Next 2 digits: month (e.g.,
12= December) -
4th digit: factory code
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Last 5 digits: production sequence
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4-digit batch format:
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YYMM (e.g.,
0124= January 2004)
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- Newest format:
- On newer Hochiki device the data is shown as "2024" for example which is a much easier method
These codes can typically be found on a label affixed to the side or base of the device, including models such as the Hochiki ACC-EN Optical Detector. Understanding Hochiki detector date codes ensures you maintain compliance with replacement intervals recommended by the manufacturer.
| Dating Hochiki Detevices |
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Gent Date Code Guide
Gent fire alarm systems — including popular models like the S-Quad and Vigilon series — utilise a week-year (WWYY) format to mark production dates. For example, a code such as 3222 indicates the 32nd week of 2022 (roughly August 2022).
The code is usually printed on the rear label of the detector housing or directly on the PCB inside the unit. For example, the Gent S4-710 Optical Detector will have its manufacture date indicated this way. This information allows engineers to calculate the device's age and plan replacements accordingly, keeping within Gent’s recommended 10–14-year lifecycle.
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Ziton Date Code Guide
Ziton detectors typically use a MMYY or YYMM date format, often printed on a label attached to the back or underside of the unit near the serial number or barcode.
For instance, a Ziton device with 1120 would indicate a manufacture date of November 2020. This is vital information for engineers servicing systems using detectors like the Ziton ZP3 range, enabling planned maintenance schedules and ensuring compliance with lifespan guidelines.
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No Visible Code?
If you cannot find the date code or serial number, consult the detector's operation manual or contact Ziton or your fire alarm maintenance provider for assistance. -
General Lifespan Guidance
Many Ziton detectors are recommended to be replaced after around 10 years, but always verify this against the model's specific documentation.
C-TEC Date Code Guide
C-TEC fire alarm equipment usually displays a MMYY date code, found either on a label attached to the device’s base, or on internal control panel labels.
For example, a code of 0923 would represent September 2023. This format applies to a wide variety of C-TEC devices, including their renowned C-TEC CFP Conventional Fire Panels. Accurately identifying these dates allows for more effective panel servicing and detector replacement planning.
Notifier Date Code Guide
Notifier fire alarm systems (part of Honeywell) typically employ a YYWW code system, where YY is the year and WW is the week number.
For example, a date code of 2145 would indicate week 45 of 2021. Occasionally, older models may also feature alphanumeric codes that require cross-referencing with purchase or installation records.
Commonly, you’ll find these codes printed directly next to the device serial number. This method applies to detectors such as the Notifier FSP-851.
| Dating Notifier Devices |
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Eaton Date Code Guide
Eaton fire alarm devices (including the Cooper range) use a simple yww code format, where:
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y= last digit of year -
ww= week number
For example, 345 would represent week 45 of 2013. The date code is often printed either on the PCB sticker inside the device or on the exterior label. This applies to detectors like the Eaton CAP320 Optical Smoke Detector, where knowing the manufacture date is critical for service planning and lifecycle management.
| Dating Eaton Devices |
Why Fire Alarm Date Codes Matter
Understanding how to read fire alarm date codes is not only essential for regulatory compliance but also for ensuring the continued protection of life and property. Regularly reviewing the manufacture date of all fire detection devices allows engineers to plan timely replacements and avoid unnecessary system failures.
Whether you’re working on Apollo, Hochiki, Gent, Ziton, C-TEC, Notifier, or Eaton systems, this guide gives you the tools to confidently assess your fire alarm installations.
For a full range of fire alarm systems and replacement parts, visit Fire Trade Supplies, your trusted distributor of leading fire protection brands.