Introduction to the Advanced MX-5401N MxPro 5 and its key features
Advanced MX-5401N (MxPro 5)is a networkable, addressable fire alarm control panel engineered for commercial and institutional buildings where reliable detection, flexible integration and robust false-alarm management are priorities. Supplied configured for the Nittan Evolution protocol, the MX-5401N combines the proven MxPro 5 multi-protocol platform with advanced on-board diagnostics, a scalable 1–4 loop architecture and extensive peripheral support. The panel is designed to meet the needs of systems engineers and facilities managers who require large device capacity, straightforward commissioning and effective integration with building management and alarm infrastructures.
Key features at a glance:
- Supports the Nittan Evolution protocol within the MxPro 5 multi-protocol family (platform also supports Apollo, Argus Vega and Hochiki depending on configuration).
- Expandable 1–4 loop format (supplied with one loop card; additional loop cards available).
- High capacity: up to 254 devices per loop and networked capacity supporting up to 200 nodes, 200,000 devices and 2,000 zones.
- On-board multimeter / "scope on board" and loop diagnostics to simplify commissioning and fault finding.
- Advanced false-alarm management and programmable zones/areas (AlarmCalm option available for enhanced nuisance alarm reduction).
- Peripheral expansion via P-Bus, remote terminals, I/O cards, IP gateway and BMS interfaces for flexible integrations.
Detailed specifications and the benefits they deliver
The MX-5401N is built around a specification set that prioritises capacity, diagnostics and compliance. Below are the product specifications grouped into key categories, together with the practical benefits each delivers to installers and end users.
- Panel type: Addressable fire alarm control panel (MxPro 5) — Benefit: modern addressable architecture enables zone-specific detection, improved fault isolation and scalable system growth.
- Protocol: Nittan Evolution — Benefit: full support for Nittan Evolution devices ensures compatibility with a broad range of detectors and peripherals tailored to this protocol.
- Loops: 1–4 loop format (supplied with 1 loop card) — Benefit: start with a compact configuration and expand on-site as the project grows without replacing the main panel.
- Devices per loop: Up to 254 devices (protocol dependent) — Benefit: high device density per loop reduces the number of loops and hardware needed for large installations.
- Network capacity: Up to 200 nodes; 200,000 devices; 2,000 zones — Benefit: supports very large, multi-panel installations such as campuses, hospitals or transport hubs.
- Approvals: EN54 parts 2, 4 & 13; FM Approvals to parts 2 & 4 (configuration-dependent) — Benefit: compliance with recognised standards simplifies regulatory acceptance in many jurisdictions.
- Mains supply: 200–240 V AC, 47–63 Hz — Benefit: suitable for typical commercial power systems.
- Loop current: 500 mA per loop — Benefit: supports powering of looped devices and ensures reliable device communication.
- Sounder circuits: 4 × 1 A programmable on-board — Benefit: integrated sounder outputs for local evacuation signalling without additional power cards in many installations.
- On-board relays: 2 × 1 A, 30 V AC/DC programmable — Benefit: simple direct control of local ancillary devices.
- Auxiliary supply: 24 V DC, 500 mA (on-board) — Benefit: powers small peripherals and ancillary equipment.
- Battery capacity: Internal: min 24 V 4 Ah, max internal 24 V 18 Ah (depends on enclosure) — Benefit: accommodates battery sizing that meets standby and alarm current requirements; refer to datasheet for exact configurations.
- On-board diagnostics: Multimeter / scope on board; loop diagnostics — Benefit: dramatically speeds up commissioning and fault-finding by allowing live measurement of loop currents, voltages and signalling behaviour without external tools.
- Programmable I/O: On-board monitored input, up to 8 key-switch inputs; extensive peripheral I/O — Benefit: enables bespoke control scenarios and local automation without complex external wiring.
- Programmable LEDs: 20 programmable LEDs plus system LEDs — Benefit: quick visual indication of system status, zones and faults for site staff and first responders.
- Event logging: 5,000 event/diagnostic log entries — Benefit: detailed logs support post-event analysis, regulatory compliance and preventive maintenance planning.
- Peripheral expansion: P‑Bus, remote terminals, I/O cards, IP gateway, BMS interfaces — Benefit: integrates with building management systems and allows distributed user interfaces and controls.
Use cases and scenarios where the MX-5401N excels
The MX-5401N is suited to a range of commercial and institutional applications. Its strengths are scalability, multi-protocol flexibility within MxPro 5, and commissioning/diagnostic features that reduce time on site. Typical scenarios include:
- Medium-to-large commercial buildings: Offices or mixed-use developments that require addressable detection, multiple zones and integration with security or building management systems.
- Healthcare facilities: Hospitals and clinics where zone-level control, extensive device capacity and reliable event logging are essential for safety and compliance.
- Education campuses and multi-building sites: The high network capacity (up to 200 nodes) allows campuses to be linked into a single management backbone while retaining local control.
- Retail complexes and shopping centres: False-alarm management features and programmable sounder circuits help manage nuisance activations while providing clear evacuation paths.
- Transport and logistics hubs: Robust diagnostics reduce downtime and speed up maintenance across large distributed systems with many detection points.
How the MX-5401N compares with similar products
Within the MxPro 5 family, the MX-5401N stands out for its Nittan Evolution protocol configuration and the balance it offers between expansion capability and cost. Compared with single-protocol panels tied to a single device ecosystem, the MxPro 5 platform provides flexibility: you can choose the protocol that matches your preferred field devices.
Compared with equivalent panels from other vendors, typical differentiators include:
- Multi-protocol platform vs single-protocol systems: MxPro 5 supports several protocols via different loop cards. If you expect to integrate devices from different manufacturers or migrate device types across the life of the installation, this flexibility is valuable.
- On-board diagnostics: The integrated multimeter and scope reduce the need for external test equipment and speed up commissioning compared with panels lacking these features.
- Network scale: With network capacities quoted up to 200 nodes and very large device counts, the MX-5401N is competitive for campus-scale projects compared with many mid-market panels that are limited to smaller node/device counts.
- False-alarm management: The availability of options such as AlarmCalm gives advanced nuisance alarm reduction capabilities that some basic panels do not provide out of the box.
When selecting between similar panels, consider the device protocol ecosystem you intend to use, the availability of factory approvals relevant to your region (EN54 and FM approvals are important in many markets), and the diagnostics and integration features that matter most for your maintenance model.
Customer testimonials and field feedback
There are no public customer testimonials included with this product brief. However, typical feedback from installers and system integrators working with MxPro 5 panels highlights several recurring positives:
- "Commissioning time is noticeably shorter thanks to the on-board scope and loop diagnostics — less running back and forth with a multimeter."
- "The ability to expand from one loop to multiple loops in the same enclosure saved our client money during phased construction."
- "Good network capacity and logging make it straightforward to manage multi-building sites from a central operations room."
These representative comments reflect the features the MX-5401N is designed to deliver: faster commissioning, scalable growth and strong integration with site management processes. For verified testimonials and case studies, contact your Advanced distributor or the manufacturer for customer references specific to Nittan Evolution configurations.
Conclusion: Why the MX-5401N is a strong choice
TheAdvanced MX-5401N MxPro 5is a compelling choice for projects where protocol flexibility, high device capacity and strong diagnostics are required. Its compliance with key standards, expandable loop format and substantial network capability make it suitable for a wide range of commercial, healthcare, education and transport installations. On-board multimeter/scope, comprehensive event logging and peripheral expansion options reduce lifecycle costs by simplifying commissioning, maintenance and integration.
Pricing information (indicative): cost price provided is 1,790.40 and suggested price 2,131.43 (currency as per supplier). Final project costs will depend on enclosure choice, additional loop cards, battery sizing and optional modules. As always, installation, commissioning and maintenance should be carried out by a competent, qualified fire alarm engineer in accordance with local regulations and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
In summary, if your project needs a robust, scalable addressable panel with strong diagnostics and the option to use the Nittan Evolution device family — while remaining on a multi-protocol platform that can adapt to future requirements — the MX-5401N is a practical, future-aware solution worthy of consideration.
