Introduction to the Honeywell / Morley-IAS DXc2 2-Loop Analogue Addressable Fire Panel
Honeywell / Morley-IAS DXc2 (714-001-221)is a compact, robust 2-loop analogue addressable fire alarm control panel designed for small to medium commercial buildings. Marketed as theDXc2 2-Loop Analogue Addressable Fire Panel, the product combines multi-protocol compatibility, networkability, monitored outputs and an intuitive backlit display into a single enclosure. With EN54-2 and EN54-4 compliance and LPCB approval, the DXc2 suits applications where standards compliance, flexibility and future expandability are priorities.
Key features at a glance
- 2 integral addressable loopscapable of supporting a substantial number of loop devices per protocol.
- Multi-protocol support:Apollo (XP95/Discovery/Xplorer), Hochiki ESP, System Sensor and Morley devices.
- Monitored sounder circuits:Two monitored sounder outputs plus programmable auxiliary outputs for flexible site wiring.
- Onboard PSU and battery backup:24 V DC PSU with connections for typical 2×12 V, 17 Ah batteries.
- Networkable:Peer-to-peer networking allows DXc panels to form systems up to 16 loops.
- User interface:Large alphanumeric/graphical backlit LCD and USB/RS-485 ports for programming and repeaters.
Detailed description: specifications and benefits
The DXc2 balances compact footprint with professional-grade functionality. Its core specification highlights are tailored to commercial installers and end users who need a dependable control panel that supports a variety of detector protocols and expansion options.
- Model / Part No.:DXc2 / 714-001-221 (DXC2-M).
- Intended use:Small to medium commercial buildings — offices, retail outlets, schools, small industrial units and similar premises.
- Zones supported:Up to 160 zones with optional modules, enabling flexible partitioning and zoning of larger sites from a compact chassis.
- Display & enclosure:6 × 40 characters / 240 × 64 pixel backlit LCD in a steel enclosure with ABS front cover; dimensions 391.5 × 390 × 147 mm and weight approx. 4.5 kg.
- Supply voltage & PSU:Panel PSU nominal 24 V DC with approximately 4 A rating, providing stable power for detection, notification and peripherals.
- Loop driver capacity:About 500 mA per loop (typical) — sufficient for a typical complement of addressable detectors and modules per loop.
- Sounder circuits:Two monitored sounder circuits (typically rated at 1 A each) that can be configured for evacuation or alert tones and supervised for wiring faults.
- Auxiliary outputs & relays:Programmable auxiliary outputs, a 24 V DC resettable auxiliary output (250 mA), and relays for Fire, Fault and auxiliary functions for integration with building management or other systems.
- Battery support:Typical support for 2 × 12 V, 17 Ah batteries — final sizing should be confirmed with official load calculators during design.
- Detector protocols:Native multi-protocol compatibility with Apollo XP95/Discovery/Xplorer, Hochiki ESP, System Sensor and Morley devices, giving installers flexibility in device selection.
- Programming & comms:USB port for PC programming and RS-485 for repeaters and peripheral devices. Peer-to-peer networking supports systems up to 16 loops, enabling distributed fire system architectures without complex central servers.
- Event logging & diagnostics:Onboard event logging and diagnostic tools simplify commissioning and ongoing maintenance.
- Approvals:EN54-2 and EN54-4 compliant and LPCB approved.
- Compliance reference:Designed for commercial installations and compatible with UK guidance such as BS 5839. Installation, commissioning and maintenance must be carried out by a competent, certified fire alarm engineer.
Benefits: what this specification delivers in practice
- Installer flexibility:Multi-protocol support reduces constraint on detector choices and allows migration or mixed-device sites.
- Scalable design:With peer-to-peer networking up to 16 loops, the DXc2 can form part of a larger distributed system while retaining a small footprint at each location.
- Reduced wiring complexity:Monitored sounder circuits and programmable aux outputs simplify alarm routing and control of plant or doors during an event.
- Standards-backed reliability:EN54 approvals and LPCB certification give confidence for code-compliant installations.
- Cost-effective solution:Competitive suggested price (approx. 1,149) combined with a robust feature set makes the DXc2 a strong value proposition for many commercial sites.
Use cases and scenarios where the DXc2 excels
The DXc2 is particularly well-suited to environments where a balance of capability, compliance and cost is required. Typical deployments include:
- Small-to-medium office buildings:Two loops are often sufficient to cover multiple floors or a campus cluster of small offices, with networking enabling a coherent system across plant rooms and reception areas.
- Retail spaces and shopping parades:Multi-zone control and monitored sounder circuits help manage different alarm profiles across sales areas, back-of-house and loading docks.
- Schools and colleges:Zoned evacuation strategies, reliable event logging for maintenance records, and simple battery backup arrangements align with institutional needs.
- Light industrial units and small warehouses:The DXc2 supports robust detector choices and sounder wiring appropriate for varied environments while maintaining compliance with standards.
- Distributed campus systems:When installed as part of a peer-to-peer network, multiple DXc2 panels provide a resilient architecture for medium-sized sites without requiring a centralized master panel.
How the DXc2 compares with similar products on the market
In the addressable fire panel market, buyers typically choose between single-loop panels, compact multi-loop panels like the DXc2, and larger multi-loop control panels from other ranges. Key comparison points:
- Against conventional single-loop panels:The DXc2 offers greater device density, addressable detection benefits (such as precise zone pinpointing and more granular fault diagnostics), and networkability, making it a superior choice where detection resolution matters.
- Against basic compact addressable panels:The DXc2 stands out for multi-protocol compatibility and two monitored sounder circuits as standard; some competing compact panels may lock installers into a single protocol or require additional modules for equivalent outputs.
- Against larger multi-loop systems:Larger systems offer more centralized capacity but at higher cost and footprint. The DXc2 is competitive where distributed or modular deployment is preferable, giving similar functional benefits without oversized hardware and with easier staged installation.
- Brand and support considerations:Being part of the Honeywell / Morley-IAS family ensures established supply, documentation and service networks that many independent panels lack.
Customer feedback and installer perspectives
Publicised customer testimonials for specific hardware revisions can vary by market, but installers and end users commonly highlight a few recurring themes for panels in the DXc range:
- Ease of programming:USB programming and clear menus reduce commissioning time compared with older panels.
- Protocol flexibility:The ability to support Apollo, Hochiki, System Sensor and Morley reduces the need for device changeouts and eases migrations.
- Reliable performance:EN54 compliance and LPCB approval underpin expectations of dependable operation when installed and maintained to standards.
If you require direct testimonials for procurement evaluation, ask suppliers for customer references or site case studies specific to your industry and region. Independent installer feedback can also be requested through local certified engineers who have worked with the DXc range.
Conclusion: why the DXc2 is a strong choice
TheHoneywell / Morley-IAS DXc2 2-Loop Analogue Addressable Fire Panel (714-001-221)delivers a compelling blend of flexibility, standards-backed reliability and pragmatic features for small to medium commercial installations. Multi-protocol support, two monitored sounder circuits, onboard PSU and battery backup, a large backlit display and peer-to-peer networking capability make it adaptable to a wide range of site configurations. With EN54 and LPCB approvals, the panel meets the expectations of commercial projects that must align with UK and international standards.
For procurement and design teams, the DXc2 represents a cost-effective option (suggested price approximately 1,149, with cost price figures available to trade partners) that does not compromise on essential functionality. As always, final battery sizing, loop loading and wiring should be confirmed using the official datasheet and panel load calculators, and installation must be carried out by an appropriately qualified and certified fire alarm engineer in accordance with BS 5839 and local regulations.
In summary, the DXc2 is a practical, future-aware solution for organisations seeking a compact addressable panel that supports common device protocols, offers sensible expandability and meets established safety standards.
