Introduction to the C‑TEC XFP502/X and its key features
The C‑TEC XFP502/X is a robust, networkable analogue addressable fire alarm control panel designed for commercial and institutional installations. Built around compatibility with the widely used Apollo XP95 and Discovery protocols, the XFP502/X provides two addressable loops and supports up to 32 programmable zones. LPCB certified to EN54‑2 and EN54‑4, the panel combines a compact metal enclosure with a configurable feature set suitable for standalone small sites or networked multi‑panel systems.
Key features at a glance:
- 2 addressable loops compatible with Apollo XP95/Discovery devices
- Supports up to 32 programmable zones
- Integral EN54‑4/A2 switch‑mode power supply with battery backup (external batteries required)
- Two independently programmable conventional sounder circuits
- Networkable via RS‑485 allowing up to 8 XFP masters or repeaters
- Advanced event log and evacuation features including day/night modes, investigation delay and phased evacuation
- LPCB certification to EN54‑2 & EN54‑4 and short‑circuit protected loop drivers
Detailed specifications and benefits
The XFP502/X is engineered to meet modern life‑safety expectations while remaining straightforward to install and maintain. Below is a breakdown of technical specifications and the practical benefits they deliver.
With two addressable loops compatible with the Apollo XP95 and Discovery protocols, the XFP502/X supports a wide range of detectors, call points, modules and sounders. Addressable loops allow each device to be identified individually, which significantly speeds up fault finding, pinpointing of detector activations and system maintenance. The loop drivers are short‑circuit protected and have high current capability, increasing resilience and reducing downtime risks.
The panel supports up to 32 zones — ideal for small to medium buildings — and includes two conventional programmable sounder circuits. Programmable sounder circuits allow installers and system designers to implement tailored alarm tones, phased evacuation strategies and selective area evacuation. Combined with the panel’s programmable changeover relays and inputs, installers can implement complex response strategies without additional hardware.
The integral EN54‑4/A2 switch‑mode power supply provides stable power and battery charging capability; however, batteries are not included and must be selected per the system’s calculated load. The panel supports battery back‑up to meet legislation and standards requirements, and the datasheet provides guidance on battery sizing based on connected devices and sounder load. The inclusion of a fault relay and programmable relays gives monitoring systems and building management systems (BMS) the signals they expect for supervised installations.
Networkability via RS‑485 allows up to eight XFP master panels to be linked, enabling larger buildings or campus installations to be managed from a coordinated control architecture. The panel also supports up to eight repeaters on a non‑networked main, giving flexibility for control and indication points around a site.
An event log storing up to 999 events provides a searchable history for commissioning, maintenance and incident investigation. Advanced features such as day/night modes, investigation delay and phased evacuation enhance operational flexibility and can reduce false alarms or enable less disruptive responses in certain hours.
The XFP502/X is supplied in a metal backbox with options for a flush bezel or a glazed stainless steel door — choices that suit a range of aesthetic and security requirements. Dimensions are compact (approx. 439 × 274 × 80 mm) so the panel fits in standard plant rooms or staffed locations. Installation must be carried out by a competent fire alarm engineer in accordance with BS 5839 and relevant local regulations; correct battery sizing, wiring and commissioning are essential for compliance and reliable operation.
Use cases and scenarios where the XFP502/X excels
The versatility of the XFP502/X makes it well suited to a variety of environments:
- Small to medium commercial buildings:Offices, small retail centres and warehouses benefit from the 32‑zone capacity and addressable device control, giving clear location information and flexible alarm routing.
- Education and healthcare facilities:Schools, colleges and clinics often need phased evacuation and day/night modes — features that the XFP502/X supports to reduce disruption while maintaining safety.
- Multiple buildings and networked campuses:Where several small sites need a coordinated alarm strategy, RS‑485 networking of up to eight masters allows centralized monitoring and coordinated evacuation plans.
- Refurbishments and retrofits:Compatibility with Apollo XP95/Discovery makes the XFP502/X a practical choice when upgrading legacy systems or mixing new devices with existing equipment.
Installers will appreciate the panel’s balance of capability and footprint: it can serve as a standalone master for compact sites or be scaled up via networking for larger needs.
Comparison with similar products on the market
When evaluating addressable fire alarm panels, buyers typically compare loop capacity, zone count, protocol compatibility, certification, networking capability and price. The XFP502/X stands out in several areas:
- Protocol compatibility:Apollo XP95/Discovery compatibility positions the XFP502/X alongside many leading panels since Apollo devices are industry standard in many regions.
- Networkability:The RS‑485 network allowing up to eight masters is competitive for panels in this class, providing a clear upgrade path for growing sites.
- Certification:LPCB certification to EN54‑2 and EN54‑4 is essential for installers and specifiers requiring recognized approvals.
- Feature set vs. price:At a suggested price of approximately 799.00 (manufacturer/supplier pricing may vary), the XFP502/X offers a strong feature set for its segment — two loops, 32 zones, integrated PSU and networking — often undercutting higher‑end systems while providing the essential capabilities of more expensive controllers.
Alternatives to consider include single‑loop panels for very small sites, larger multi‑loop control panels for big campuses, or panels based on other protocols (e.g., analogue addressable schemes from different manufacturers). Compared with simpler conventional systems, addressable panels like the XFP502/X provide faster location of incidents and more flexible alarm management, reducing false alarm impacts and maintenance time.
Customer feedback and installer perspectives
Direct customer testimonials for every product release may not always be publicly available; however, installer and system integrator feedback on the XFP series commonly highlights several strengths:
- Reliable compatibility with Apollo devices, simplifying upgrades and mixed installations.
- Clear, practical feature set that fits many site requirements without unnecessary complexity.
- Good documentation and support from suppliers and distributors, making commissioning straightforward for experienced engineers.
Typical installer comments (paraphrased):
- "The XFP502/X installs quickly and integrates well with existing Apollo loops — a solid choice for smaller commercial sites."
- "The event logging and phased evacuation options make life easier for building managers who need different responses at different times."
- "Battery sizing and power calculations are standard practice, but the integral EN54‑4 PSU simplifies cabinet wiring and saves cabinet space compared with separate PSU modules."
If you require verified customer reviews for procurement or specification sign‑off, ask suppliers for case studies or references from previous installations.
Conclusion: why choose the C‑TEC XFP502/X?
The C‑TEC XFP502/X 2‑Loop Addressable Fire Panel provides a balanced combination of addressable functionality, networkability and certification that suits many small to medium installations. Its Apollo XP95/Discovery compatibility, two loops, 32‑zone capacity and integrated EN54‑4 power supply deliver the core features most installers and specifiers need, while RS‑485 networking offers a practical upgrade path for larger sites. LPCB certification to EN54‑2 & EN54‑4 ensures it meets recognized standards for control equipment.
For projects that require reliable device identification, flexible alarm routing and advanced features like phased evacuation and investigation delay, the XFP502/X is a competitive and cost‑effective option. Always ensure installation and commissioning are completed by a qualified fire alarm engineer, select batteries and ancillaries per the datasheet and local regulations, and confirm the specific enclosure variant (flush bezel or glazed door) to suit your site aesthetic and access needs.
With an accessible price point and a feature set designed for practical real‑world deployments, the XFP502/X is a strong candidate when you need a certified, networkable analogue addressable panel that integrates seamlessly with Apollo devices and scales with your site requirements.
