Introduction — What the C‑TEC XFP501E/CA Offers
The C‑TEC XFP501E/CA (marketed as the C‑TEC CAST 1‑Loop 16‑Zone Panel) is a compact, networkable analogue addressable fire alarm control panel designed for small‑to‑medium premises. Built around C‑TECs native CAST protocol, this single‑loop panel brings addressable detection into sites that need reliable performance without the complexity or cost of a multi‑loop system. Its key selling points include an EN54‑4 compliant switch‑mode power supply, support for up to 255 devices on the loop, an on‑panel LCD/LED user interface, programmable zone and sounder behaviour, and RS485 networkability to other XFP devices and repeaters.
Key Features at a Glance
- CAST protocol nativewith automatic or handheld soft addressing for quick commissioning.
- Single loop, 16 standard zoneswith loop capacity for up to 255 devices.
- Integral EN54‑4/A2 switch‑mode PSUwith internal battery support (typical fitted option 223.2 Ah; enclosure supports up to 27 Ah depending on configuration).
- Multiple outputs: two programmable conventional sounder circuits, loop sounder/VAD group support, three programmable relays plus a voltage‑free fault/changeover relay.
- Event logging and diagnosticsvia the on‑panel LCD (examples show up to 500 events; confirm in engineering manual).
- Networkableover RS485 (non‑redundant) to expand with up to eight XFP main panels/repeaters.
Detailed Specifications and Benefits
Understanding the specifications helps clarify where the XFP501E/CA sits in the market and why it is suitable for many installations. Below are the key specification areas and the practical benefits they deliver.
- Part number: XFP501E/CA.
- Panel type: Analogue addressable fire alarm control panel — single loop, 16 zones.
- Protocol: Native C‑TEC CAST protocol.
- Brand: C‑TEC — a manufacturer known for modular, installer‑friendly systems.
Benefit: Native CAST support means seamless compatibility with C‑TEC CAST devices and fast commissioning using automatic or handheld soft addressing routines, reducing installer time on site.
- Loop capacity: Up to 255 devices per loop.
- Loop driver: ~40 V, 500 mA with short‑circuit protection (refer to reseller/spec pages and engineering manual for full electrical details).
Benefit: A 255‑device capacity is generous for a single loop and suits a wide range of medium‑sized buildings (offices, small schools, retail units). Short‑circuit protection improves fault tolerance and safety on the loop.
- Integral EN54‑4 / A2 switch‑mode power supply.
- Typical fitted battery option: 2 × 3.2 Ah (reported on some SKUs).
- Supported battery size: Supports up to 2 × 7 Ah depending on configuration and site calculations.
Benefit: Having an EN54‑4 compliant PSU built in simplifies compliance and installation. Internal battery support lets the panel meet standby and alarm autonomy requirements without an additional external PSU enclosure on many installations.
- Sounder circuits: Two programmable conventional sounder circuits and support for loop sounders/VAD groups.
- Relays: Three programmable relays plus a voltage‑free fault/changeover relay.
- Event log: On‑panel LCD with an event log (examples indicate up to ~500 events; always confirm in the manual).
Benefit: Flexible output options let integrators tailor alarm notification and interfacing with building management or third‑party systems. The built‑in event logging and LCD aid fault diagnosis and routine maintenance.
- Network: RS485 network (non‑redundant); supports up to eight XFP main panels or repeaters using the optional network driver.
- Addressing: Automatic or handheld soft addressing via CAST.
Benefit: RS485 networking allows the XFP501E/CA to form part of a distributed system across a campus or multi‑building site without moving to more expensive redundant network topologies. Soft addressing speeds commissioning where many devices are fitted.
- Weight: Approx. 1.8 kg (reseller listing).
- Enclosure colour: Silver / white (confirm with supplier).
- Dimensions & relay ratings: Insufficient data in summary — consult the CAST XFP engineering manual or the technical datasheet for exact figures.
Benefit: Compact dimensions and modest weight make the panel easy to site in plant rooms, service cupboards or reception areas. For precise cabinet layout and battery planning, always refer to the engineering manual.
Use Cases — Where the XFP501E/CA Excels
The XFP501E/CA is positioned for professional installation in a variety of small‑to‑medium commercial and institutional environments. Typical use cases include:
- Small offices and multi‑tenant commercial units where a single addressable loop can provide complete coverage without the overhead of a multi‑loop system.
- Schools, nurseries and small colleges with discrete zoning requirements (classrooms, circulation, plant rooms) and a need for clear event logging and simple user controls.
- Retail stores and small shopping arcades where flexible sounder and VAD grouping is required for staged evacuation or specific alarm routing.
- Light industrial premises and workshops where an addressable system helps pinpoint faults and reduce false‑alarm investigation time.
- Sites requiring a networked solution across multiple buildings where one or more XFP panels are linked via RS485 to a master panel or repeaters.
In short, the panel is best where the site demands addressable detection benefits (device‑level diagnostics, selective zone reporting) but does not require multiple independent loops or redundant networking.
How It Compares with Similar Products
Positioning the XFP501E/CA against alternatives helps highlight its strengths and limitations.
- Addressability: The XFP501E/CA provides device‑level identification, reducing time spent locating causes of alarm or faults compared with conventional zone‑only systems.
- Cost & complexity: Conventional panels can be cheaper for very small single‑zone sites, but the extra operational savings and reduced maintenance visits of addressable systems typically justify the XFP501E/CA on most commercial premises.
- Capacity: Multi‑loop panels offer redundancy and larger device counts across independent loops; the XFP501E/CA is single‑loop only, so large sites or those needing loop segregation will prefer multi‑loop devices.
- Cost & footprint: The XFP501E/CA targets smaller budgets and spaces — it is more compact and lower cost than multi‑loop control panels while still offering addressable functionality and networking for expansion.
Major brand differences usually come down to protocol ecosystem, device choice and installer familiarity. Apollo and Hochiki have large global ecosystems and widely deployed protocols; C‑TECs CAST protocol is a proprietary system with excellent integration inside the C‑TEC family. Choose based on:
- Existing installed base — matching protocol simplifies maintenance and spares management.
- Device availability — ensure detectors, sounders and interfaces in your region are available in CAST versions.
- Network requirements — if you need redundant networking or very large distributed systems, compare multi‑loop panels or higher‑end network topologies from other vendors.
Overall, the XFP501E/CA competes strongly on price, integrated PSU compliance and installer‑friendly features for small‑to‑medium sites.
Customer Testimonials and Installer Feedback
Verified public customer testimonials specific to the XFP501E/CA were not supplied with the product brief. Below are representative themes and anonymised installer feedback commonly reported for C‑TEC XFP panels. These are illustrative and based on typical industry experience rather than specific verified reviews:
- Easy commissioning: Installers often praise CASTs soft addressing and the on‑panel LCD for speeding up device addressing and configuration on site.
- Reliable PSU performance: The integral EN54‑4 PSU and straightforward battery options are frequently cited as reducing install time and helping to meet project deadlines.
- Clear diagnostics: Event logs and alarm counters on the panel reduce the need for ladder work and allow quicker fault diagnosis during maintenance visits.
If you need verified customer references for your procurement process, request case studies or references from the supplier or ask for contactable installed user references through the reseller.
Practical Notes, Compliance and Buying Considerations
Before specifying or installing the XFP501E/CA, pay close attention to the following:
- Confirm the exact EN54 part certifications and firmware versions for your region with the supplier. Engineering manuals and certified datasheets are essential for compliance documentation.
- Calculate standby and alarm current based on fitted devices and the selected battery size. Although typical SKUs may use 2 × 3.2 Ah, the enclosure and engineering manual allow up to 2 × 7 Ah in some configurations.
- Relay contact ratings and precise enclosure dimensions should be taken from the official technical datasheet; summary product pages sometimes omit these critical figures.
- Remember RS485 networking is non‑redundant; for mission‑critical resilient networks, consider alternative architectures or higher‑end XFP network options.
Conclusion — Why Choose the XFP501E/CA?
The C‑TEC XFP501E/CA 1‑Loop 16‑Zone Addressable Fire Alarm Panel is a strong choice for small‑to‑medium installations that need the diagnostic and event‑management benefits of addressable detection without the cost and size of a multi‑loop system. Its integral EN54‑4 PSU, support for up to 255 loop devices, flexible programmable outputs and networkability make it a versatile, installer‑friendly panel. While it is not aimed at very large or safety‑critical installations that require redundant networking and multiple loops, it provides a compelling balance of feature set, compact form and cost effectiveness for offices, schools, retail and light industrial sites.
If you are specifying this panel, obtain the CAST XFP engineering manual and certified datasheets, confirm compliance details for your region and engage a trained engineer for installation and commissioning. Suggested retail pricing is 389.99 (confirm currency and reseller offers) with a cost price reference of 320.53 — making it competitively positioned for its category. For further technical detail or verified case studies, request full datasheets and supplier references prior to purchase.
