C‑TEC XFP502/CA 2‑Loop Addressable Fire Panel, 32‑Zone, CAST Protocol

Introduction to the C-TEC XFP502/CA and its key features

C-TEC XFP502/CAis a compact, feature-rich 2-loop addressable fire alarm control panel designed for commercial, retail and small-to-medium industrial sites. Built around C-TECs CAST addressable protocol, the XFP502/CA supports up to 255 devices per loop (510 devices in total) and offers a practical balance of capacity, expandability and compliance. Supplied in a robust metal enclosure with combined keypad/keyswitch access and an on-board EN54-4 switch-mode power supply, this panel is suitable both as a standalone small system and as part of a larger network of up to eight main panels or repeaters.

Detailed description of specifications and benefits

The XFP502/CA is engineered to deliver reliable, standards-aligned fire detection and alarm control. Below is a concise breakdown of the key specifications and the practical benefits they deliver.

• Model / Part No:XFP502/CA
• Product Type:2-loop, 32-zone addressable panel
• Protocol:C-TEC CAST (distributed intelligence)
• Max devices:255 devices per loop (510 total)
• Loop supply:Approx. 40 V
• Loop drive current:450 mA per loop (short-circuit protected)
• Zones:32 front-panel zonal LEDs for quick indication
• Sounder circuits:Two independently programmable conventional sounder circuits
• Programmable I/O:Three programmable relay outputs, one fault relay (voltage-free changeover), two programmable inputs and a 24 V auxiliary output
• Networking:RS-485 two-wire network; up to 8 XFP main panels or 8 repeaters
• Power:230 V AC mains with on-board EN54-4/A2 switch-mode PSU; supports standby batteries (typically up to two 7 Ah depending on load)
• Standards:EN54-2 & EN54-4 (CAST variant references EN54-13 in manufacturer documentation)

• High device capacity:255 devices per loop allows dense device deployments on each loop, which reduces cabling and simplifies system architecture for larger floors or zones.
• Robust loop driving:40 V, 450 mA loop drivers provide ample current for detectors and powered devices while built-in short-circuit protection improves reliability and reduces nuisance faults.
• Standards compliance:EN54 certification for control equipment and power supply gives confidence for projects in regions requiring EN54-compliant components.
• Practical zonal indication:32 front-panel LEDs make fault and alarm location faster for first responders and maintenance staff.
• Networkable architecture:RS-485 networking supports expansion into larger distributed systems, ideal where multiple panels are needed across a campus or large building complex.
• Flexible I/O:Programmable relays and inputs enable tailored integrations with building management systems, door controls, HVAC or other life-safety interfaces.
• Installer-friendly tools:PC upload/download programming and auto-addressing tools help speed commissioning and reduce the chance of configuration errors.

Use cases and scenarios where the XFP502/CA excels

The XFP502/CAs feature set makes it well-suited to a variety of sites and applications where a balance of capability, compliance and cost-effectiveness is required. Typical use cases include:

Shopping centres, multi-tenant retail units and larger standalone stores benefit from the panels zonal indication, multiple sounder circuits and high device counts. The ability to network panels is useful for campus-like retail developments or where plant rooms and back-of-house areas require separate control points.

Industrial facilities often need flexible I/O for integration with plant shutdown procedures and robust loop drives to cope with long cable runs and multiple detectors. The XFP502/CAs programmable relays and auxiliary output make it straightforward to interface with machinery and extraction systems.

With 32 front-panel zones and addressable device capacity, the XFP502/CA can cover a range of office floors or multiple tenancy arrangements while still offering expandability through networking when sites grow.

When EN54 compliance and dependable power management are priorities, this panels certified PSU and battery monitoring are beneficial. The distributed intelligence of CAST protocol helps maintain reliable detection even where devices are dispersed across buildings.

Comparisons with similar products on the market

When considering an addressable panel, buyers typically weigh capacity, standards approval, networking options, loop drive power and commissioning support. Here is how the XFP502/CA compares in those areas:

• Device capacity:255 devices per loop is competitive with many modern addressable systems and exceeds some legacy panels that limit devices to 125-250 per loop. This reduces the number of loops required for medium-size installations.
• Loop drive and protection:The 450 mA per-loop drive with short-circuit protection is a strong specification for powering devices and maintaining continuity during wiring faults—advantages over panels with lower drive currents.
• Standards and approvals:EN54-2 & EN54-4 certification aligns the XFP502/CA with European requirements; some competitors may be certified to the same standards, while others target markets with different regional approvals—selection should reflect the projects regulatory context.
• Networking and expandability:RS-485 networking to up to eight mains or repeaters provides practical expansion for many sites. Higher-end systems may offer larger network topologies or IP-based reporting; if IP native networking or cloud integration is a project requirement, consider panels that explicitly include those features.
• Commissioning tools:Auto-addressing and PC programming shorten commissioning time and help reduce mistakes. Some competitor panels provide similar tools; the deciding factor is often ease-of-use and familiarity for the installer.

Overall, the XFP502/CA sits in the mid-to-upper tier for on-site capacity and practical features and represents a strong option where EN54 compliance, reliable loop power and modest expandability are priorities.

Customer feedback and installer perspectives

While specific customer testimonials for the XFP502/CA are not provided here, common feedback themes from installers and system designers working with C-TECs CAST panels typically include the following observations:

• "Installers appreciate the high device count per loop and the strong loop drive current, which reduces the number of loops and simplifies cabling runs."
• "The front-panel zonal LEDs and clear keypad make day-to-day operation and fault finding quicker for site staff."
• "Networkability via RS-485 is seen as useful for expanding systems without complex reconfiguration; however, some projects may require IP connectivity or cloud features not native to this panel."
• "EN54-4 certified power supply and battery monitoring give peace of mind for compliance-conscious clients."

For project-specific references, installers should request case studies or reference sites from suppliers and verify local support and commissioning services.

Installation, maintenance and pricing considerations

The XFP502/CA must be installed, commissioned and maintained by a competent fire alarm engineer and configured in line with local regulations and applicable standards. Battery sizing, wiring topology and the choice of detectors all affect system performance and backup time; consult the C-TEC engineering manual for detailed guidance.

Suggested retail pricing for the XFP502/CA is in the mid-range for EN54-compliant, networkable 2-loop addressable panels. Indicative figures provided with this product are a cost price of 589.34 and a suggested price of 725.00. Final purchaser cost will vary depending on distributor, support packages, additional peripherals (repeaters, expanders, detectors, sounders) and installation labour.

Conclusion: why choose the C-TEC XFP502/CA?

TheC-TEC XFP502/CAis a versatile, well-specified 2-loop addressable panel that hits a practical sweet spot for many commercial and light-industrial projects. It offers strong loop drive, a high device allowance per loop, EN54-certified power management and flexible I/O—all in a compact metal enclosure with clear zonal indication. For installers and designers who need a reliable panel that can operate standalone or as part of a modestly networked system, the XFP502/CA is an attractive option. As always, ensure compliance with local codes, confirm variant-specific approvals for your region and involve a competent fire alarm engineer for installation and commissioning.