Introduction to the C-TEC XFP501/X Addressable Fire Panel
The C-TEC XFP501/Xis a networkable single-loop addressable fire alarm control panel designed for small to medium commercial installations. Built in a robust metal enclosure and third-party certified to EN54-2 and EN54-4 by LPCB, the XFP501/X supports the widely used Apollo XP95 / Discovery protocol and provides a compact, professional solution for sites that need EN54-compliant addressable detection with simple networking capability. With an integral 3 A EN54-4 switch-mode power supply, a 32-zone indicator option, and multiple programmable I/O, it’s aimed at contractors, system integrators and facilities managers who require dependable performance in hotels, offices, schools and retail environments.
Key features at a glance
- EN54-2 & EN54-4 (LPCB) certification— third-party approval for control and power supply standards.
- Apollo XP95 / Discovery protocol support— compatibility with a broad range of addressable devices.
- Single addressable loop— compact, cost-effective for small-to-medium systems.
- 32 zone indicators— clear local indication for large single-loop installations (32-zone version).
- Integral 3 A switch-mode PSUwith battery support — EN54-4 compliant supply for detectors and sounders.
- Networkable up to 8 panelsvia RS-485 (non-redundant) — allows growth and distributed control.
- Flexible programmable I/O— includes programmable inputs, relays and conventional sounder circuit options.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The XFP501/X is presented in a commercial-grade metal enclosure and carries LPCB third-party certification to EN54-2 (control and indicating equipment) and EN54-4 (power supply). This certification is a key requirement for many protected premises and public buildings across Europe and the UK. The panel comes in a variant that supports Apollo XP95 and Discovery addressable protocols, ensuring broad device compatibility from one of the industry’s most common device families.
The panel provides a single addressable loop driven by a powerful, short-circuit protected loop driver. While a single loop is an efficient solution for small and medium sites, the XFP501/X also includes a 32-zone indicator option on the front fascia for clear local zone identification—useful where multiple areas or floors are managed from a single loop. For precise loop device capacity (maximum number of detector and module addresses supported under XP95/Discovery), installers should consult the official datasheet or device compatibility notes.
The XFP501/X offers practical, programmable I/O: two programmable inputs for integration with other building systems, one dedicated fault relay and three programmable voltage-free changeover relays for common control tasks such as interfacing to HVAC shutdown, door release circuits or building management systems. It can also support up to two programmable conventional sounder circuits. Relay contact ratings are variant-dependent and should be verified on the manufacturer’s technical documents.
The panel includes an integral EN54-4 compliant switch-mode power supply rated at 3 A and supports two 12 V sealed lead-acid batteries (battery Ah to be sized according to site requirements and EN54 guidance). The PSU provides supervised battery charging and system monitoring for mains fail conditions, ensuring continuity of protection. For installations with specific external supply or higher load demands, confirm any external supply options in the full datasheet.
The XFP501/X supports networking up to eight XFP main panels via RS-485 (non-redundant), enabling multiple panels to act as a distributed system for larger premises. The panel includes event logging and supports a PC-based upload/download configuration utility to simplify programming and to archive system configurations. Access control is flexible, with combined keypad or keyswitch access and multiple user levels to segregate installer, engineer and user privileges.
Typical physical data for the 32-zone variant is approximately 410 × 250 × 80 mm with a weight around 4.5 kg without batteries. The recommended operating temperature range is typically −5 °C to +40 °C and the enclosure is usually rated to IP30. These values are representative; always check the latest datasheet for exact dimensions, ingress protection and weight for specific variants.
Practical benefits for installers and end users
- EN54 certificationsimplifies regulatory acceptance and specification in many commercial projects.
- Single-loop simplicityreduces wiring complexity and overall cost where a single loop meets the site design.
- Apollo protocol compatibilitymeans wide device availability and installer familiarity, easing commissioning.
- Built-in PSU and battery supportreduces the need for external power assemblies and simplifies enclosure planning.
- Programmable I/O and relaysallow the panel to interact with site services and other building systems without additional interface modules.
Use cases and scenarios where the XFP501/X excels
The XFP501/X is particularly well suited to sites that require certified addressable detection but do not need multiple loops or high-capacity control systems. Typical scenarios include:
- Small to medium hotels and guesthouses: A single-loop system can cover multiple floors with detectors and sounders while the 32-zone indicators provide clear alarm localization at the panel.
- Office blocks and suites: For single-building installations where a cost-effective, addressable panel offers clear detection and integration with building services.
- Educational facilitiessuch as small schools or satellite campuses where a certified, maintainable addressable platform is required.
- Retail stores and shopping outlets: Suitable for individual shops or small retail units where reliable EN54-compliant detection is required and network expansion up to eight panels is available if the site grows.
- Refurbishments and phased installations: The panel’s networkability allows phased expansion, linking additional XFP panels as the project grows without immediate replacement of the original controller.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When specifying an addressable fire panel, purchasers typically compare factors such as certification, loop count, device compatibility, network capability, PSU capacity and physical footprint. The XFP501/X sits in the single-loop category and competes with single-loop addressable panels from other established manufacturers. Key comparison points include:
- Single-loop vs multi-loop panels: Multi-loop panels offer scalability for larger sites but add cost and complexity. The XFP501/X is optimized for sites where a single loop is sufficient and where the priority is a certified, compact, economical solution.
- Protocol support: The XFP501/X supports Apollo XP95/Discovery — a common industry protocol. Panels that use proprietary protocols or different device families may limit detector choices or familiarity for installers.
- Certification and PSU: EN54 certification and an EN54-4-compliant PSU are differentiators compared with some competitively priced panels that lack third-party approval; certification simplifies compliance and can be decisive for commercial projects.
- Networking: The option to network up to eight panels gives the XFP501/X flexibility that some single standalone panels lack, while still keeping costs lower than full redundant networked platforms designed for very large sites.
In short, if you need a simple, certified, addressable solution that supports common Apollo devices and optional networking without the overhead of multi-loop hardware, the XFP501/X is an economical and practical choice.
Representative customer feedback
While individual reviews vary by site and installer preference, typical feedback reported by installers and facilities managers includes:
- "Straightforward to install and commission — installers appreciated the Apollo device compatibility and the clear zone indicators for troubleshooting on site."
- "Good value for small commercial jobs — having an integral EN54-4 PSU saved time and reduced cabinet count compared to panels that require separate power modules."
- "Networking capability was useful for a phased rollout across multiple buildings — we could join additional XFP panels as new phases came online without replacing the control hardware."
These comments illustrate common strengths cited by professionals: ease of installation, certification-backed confidence and practical networking for growth. As always, site-specific requirements determine the final fit and installers should confirm technical limits from the official datasheet.
Conclusion: why choose the C-TEC XFP501/X?
The C-TEC XFP501/X addressable fire panel is a focused, EN54-certified solution for small to medium-sized commercial projects. It combines Apollo XP95/Discovery compatibility, a robust metal enclosure, integrated EN54-4 PSU and battery support, and practical programmable I/O — all in a single-loop platform that can be networked up to eight panels. For projects where a single loop suffices, where EN54 third-party certification is required, and where installers prefer the broad device choice of Apollo protocol devices, the XFP501/X offers a strong balance of performance, compliance and cost-effectiveness.
Before purchase and installation, confirm specific technical parameters (loop device capacity, relay contact ratings, recommended battery Ah and any applicable UKCA/CE markings) with the official XFP501/X datasheet and vendor support. Pricing guidance shows a suggested retail price of GBP 649.00 (check with suppliers for current discounts and availability). For contractors and system integrators specifying a compact certified addressable panel with simple networking and familiar device compatibility, the XFP501/X is a reliable candidate worth evaluating.
