Introduction to the C-TEC XFP501/CA — Key features at a glance
C-TEC XFP501/CAis a compact, networkable, single-loop analogue addressable fire alarm control panel built on C-TEC's CAST (C-TEC Addressable System Technology) protocol. Branded as the C-TEC CAST 1-Loop 32-Zone Fire Panel, the XFP501/CA is designed for small-to-medium standalone installations or as part of an RS-485 network of up to eight mains or repeaters. Its combination of addressable device support, integrated EN54-4 power supply, programmable outputs and zonal indication makes it a practical choice for commercial and light industrial premises where professional, standards-compliant fire detection is required.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The XFP501/CA packs a considerable specification into a metal enclosure measuring approximately 410 W × 250 H × 80 D mm and weighing around 4.5 kg. Key technical highlights include:
- CAST loop protocol:A distributed-intelligence addressable loop allowing up to 255 addressable devices on a single loop (subject to loop current limits) and fast, reliable alarm response.
- Loop drive and protection:Loop drive voltage typically around 40 V with short-circuit protection and up to 500 mA loop current (vendor-dependent). Loop lengths of up to 1 km are supported depending on cabling and device loading.
- Power and batteries:Integral EN54-4/A2-compliant switch-mode power supply providing a nominal internal supply of 27 V DC. Auxiliary 24 V output rated at roughly 19.5–28 V is available for external devices. The enclosure provides space for 2 × 12 V VRLA batteries (commonly 2×7 Ah) for standby and alarm power.
- Outputs and I/O:Two programmable conventional sounder circuits, three programmable changeover relays plus a voltage-free fault relay, and two programmable inputs provide substantial flexibility for interfaces to building systems and third-party equipment.
- Network and software:RS-485 networking (up to eight mains/repeaters) enables multi-panel systems and a distributed approach to larger sites. PC upload/download is supported, and compatibility exists with C-TEC ENVISION cloud tools where supported for remote management and configuration.
- Compliance and build:The CAST XFP family is EN54 certified (EN54-2, EN54-4 and EN54-13 for system certification). The panel is housed in an IP30-rated steel enclosure and carries a manufacturer warranty of five years (check manufacture date/serial for applicability from 1 May 2025).
These specifications translate into practical benefits: faster response and simplified commissioning thanks to CAST distributed intelligence; robust, standards-compliant power and battery provision for reliable operation; flexible outputs and inputs for building integration; and networking capability to expand coverage beyond a single panel while retaining clear zonal indication (32 zone indicators).
Use cases and scenarios where the XFP501/CA excels
The XFP501/CA is particularly well suited to a range of typical installations where addressable detection with zonal indication and modest network capability are required. Use cases include:
- Small-to-medium commercial buildings:Offices, retail units, and small shopping arcades where single-loop addressable detection provides clear identification of initiating devices and zonal indication helps responders find the source quickly.
- Light industrial premises:Warehouses, workshops and light manufacturing sites requiring robust detection with the option to interface to external control systems via programmable relays and inputs.
- Multi-panel networks:Sites requiring distributed panels—for instance, multi-entrance buildings or complexes—can benefit from RS-485 networking of up to eight mains or repeaters, allowing local control with central monitoring.
- Refurbishments and phased upgrades:Where existing conventional systems are due for an upgrade, deploying a single-loop CAST panel is a cost-effective way to introduce addressable detection without wholesale rewiring.
- Education and healthcare facilities:Schools, colleges, clinics and small care homes that need compliant, auditable detection systems with battery-backed power and clear zonal indication.
Designed for professional installation, the panel suits projects where the installer can size batteries, select conductor types and manage device addressing according to the CAST XFP engineering manual. The panel’s programmable relays and sounder circuits make it easy to configure cause-and-effect for evacuation, shutdowns or local alerts.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating the XFP501/CA, it is useful to compare it with other single-loop addressable panels and small-networkable systems. Common points of comparison include protocol openness, device capacity, expandability, power provisioning and commissioning tools.
- Versus other proprietary addressable panels:Panels that use proprietary protocols often trade off commissioning simplicity for ecosystem availability. CAST’s distributed intelligence aims to simplify commissioning and speed response while still supporting a wide range of addressable devices. Where competitors may limit devices per loop or demand higher loop currents, the XFP501/CA supports up to 255 addresses subject to loop current limits—sufficient for many small-to-medium sites.
- Versus commonly used protocols (e.g., ESP, XP95, Apollo):Protocols such as Hochiki ESP or Apollo XP95/Discovery are mature and widely supported. The choice often depends on installer familiarity, device availability and integration requirements. The XFP501/CA’s CAST protocol offers comparable addressability and networkability with the added benefit of C-TEC’s tooling (PC upload/download and ENVISION cloud where supported).
- Versus larger multi-loop panels:Multi-loop panels offer greater device capacity and built-in redundancy but are usually over-specified for smaller sites. The XFP501/CA’s single-loop design keeps costs and footprint down while offering network expansion via RS-485 if additional panels are required.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on site size, future expansion plans, installer experience and device ecosystem. The XFP501/CA typically appeals where a compact, standards-compliant, cost-effective addressable solution is needed with the option to network multiple panels.
Customer feedback and testimonials
Direct customer reviews for specific panel installations vary by installer and end-user context. Representative feedback from installers and end-users familiar with CAST XFP family panels typically highlights the following themes:
- Ease of commissioning:Installers often report that CAST’s distributed intelligence and the panel’s programming options simplify device addressing and cause-and-effect setup compared with some older conventional systems.
- Reliable power and backing:End-users appreciate the integrated EN54-4 power supply and clear battery provision for compliant standby/alarm times.
- Compact and capable:Customers note the panel’s compact metal enclosure and practical feature set—32 zone indicators, two sounder circuits and programmable relays—make it adaptable to many site types.
Example (representative) comments:
- "A solid single-loop panel with all the outputs we needed for a small factory site—easy to set up and reliable in daily use."
- "Good zonal indication and simple networking options made it a sensible choice for our multi-building campus installations."
Note: These are representative summaries of common user experience rather than verbatim verified testimonials for a specific job.
Conclusion — Why the XFP501/CA is a strong choice
The C-TEC XFP501/CA offers a balanced mix of addressable capacity, compliance and practical features for small-to-medium installations. With CAST protocol support for up to 255 addressable devices per loop (within loop current limits), EN54-certified power provisioning, two conventional sounder circuits, programmable relays and RS-485 networkability, the panel covers the needs of many commercial, educational and light industrial sites.
For projects where professional installation, standards compliance and flexible integration are priorities, the XFP501/CA represents a cost-effective, compact and expandable option. Its five-year warranty (manufacturer announcement; check manufacture date/serial for applicability) and compatibility with C-TEC software tools further strengthen its case for installers and end-users seeking a reliable addressable solution that can grow with site needs.
If you are specifying a new addressable system or upgrading an existing installation, consider the XFP501/CA for its practical feature set, clear zonal indication and the ability to integrate into a larger RS-485 network of CAST XFP panels where required. Always refer to the CAST XFP engineering manual and relevant local regulations when designing and installing fire detection systems.
