Morley‑IAS RS‑232 Communication Module (Plug‑in) for ZX Series 795‑005

Introduction to the Morley‑IAS RS‑232 Communication Module (795‑005)

The Morley‑IAS RS‑232 Module (part number 795‑005) is a purpose‑built plug‑in communication card for the Honeywell / Morley‑IAS ZX series intelligent fire alarm control panels. Designed to provide a reliable, optically‑isolated RS‑232 serial link, this module is ideal for point‑to‑point connections such as leased/modem links or integration with building management systems (BMS) and third‑party graphic front ends. Compact and easy to install, the 795‑005 offers a straightforward way to add serial communications capability to ZX, ZXSe, ZX2Se and ZX5Se panels without complex wiring or large form‑factor add‑ons.

Key Features at a Glance

• Plug‑in format:Snap‑in installation into the ZX series control panel for fast replacement or upgrade.
• RS‑232 interface:Single point‑to‑point serial communications ideal for modems and serial front ends.
• Optical isolation:Protects the panel and improves signal integrity by electrically separating the serial port.
• Compact dimensions:Approximately 90 × 54 × 25 mm, lightweight (~35 g) and unobtrusive inside the panel chassis.
• Compatibility:Designed for Morley‑IAS / Honeywell ZX series control panels; family includes RS‑485 and Hi‑485 variants for other networking needs.

Detailed Specifications and Benefits

Understanding the technical details helps systems integrators and maintenance teams choose the right accessory for a ZX series installation. Below are the principal specifications and the real‑world benefits they provide.

• Model / Part No.: 795‑005
• Function: RS‑232 communication module (plug‑in card)
• Compatible panels: Morley‑IAS / Honeywell ZX, ZXSe, ZX2Se, ZX5Se
• Operating voltage: 18–28 V DC
• Current consumption: ≈ 59 mA (at 24 V DC)
• Interface: RS‑232 (single point‑to‑point)
• Isolation: Optically isolated serial port
• Dimensions: 90 × 54 × 25 mm
• Weight: ≈ 35 g
• Operating temperature: 0 °C to 49 °C
• Relative humidity: 10% to 93% non‑condensing
• Networking capability: Single point‑to‑point serial links; family includes RS‑485/Hi‑485 options
• Typical applications: Leased/modem links, BMS / third‑party graphic front‑end connections

The plug‑in format is the most practical benefit for installers: it reduces panel downtime, simplifies spares management and allows quick field upgrades or swaps. The RS‑232 single point‑to‑point interface remains widely used for legacy modems, leased lines and many BMS/SCADA front ends; choosing a module that supports RS‑232 avoids the cost and complexity of protocol converters in many installations.

Optical isolation is a key reliability and safety feature. By electrically separating the serial interface from the control panel’s electronics, it reduces the risk of ground loops, spikes and transient damage from connected equipment. That improves long‑term signal integrity and lowers the chance of nuisance faults in critical life‑safety equipment.

The module’s modest power draw (≈ 59 mA at 24 V DC) means it has minimal impact on panel power budgets and battery backup calculations, an important consideration in systems where power and standby time are tightly specified.

Use Cases and Scenarios Where the 795‑005 Excels

• Integration with BMS and third‑party graphic front ends:Many building management systems and central monitoring consoles still accept RS‑232 inputs for event logging and control. The 795‑005 provides a simple, supported way to link a ZX series panel to such systems.
• Remote leased or modem links:For sites that use remote monitoring over leased lines or legacy modems, the RS‑232 interface is often the required physical layer. The plug‑in module facilitates those single point‑to‑point connections without additional field converters.
• Maintenance and spare replacement:Service teams benefit from the plug‑in design when replacing failed communications modules or performing upgrades. Keeping a small stock of 795‑005 modules reduces mean time to repair and avoids lengthy outages.
• Retrofit projects:When updating older installations that already have RS‑232‑based front ends, the 795‑005 enables compatibility without rewiring or major control panel changes.
• Low‑risk electrical environments:The module’s optical isolation makes it suitable for installations where ground potentials may vary between connected systems, reducing interference and fault propagation risks.

Comparisons with Similar Products on the Market

The 795‑005 sits in a focused niche: a compact, plug‑in RS‑232 card for ZX series panels. When evaluating similar offerings, consider three main alternatives: built‑in serial ports on newer panels, external serial interface converters, and other plug‑in modules (RS‑485/Hi‑485) in the same family.

Some modern control panels include integrated communication ports (Ethernet, RS‑485, RS‑232). Those panels eliminate the need for add‑on modules but reduce flexibility—if a site requires a different interface later, the user may need to replace or retrofit hardware. The 795‑005’s plug‑in approach maintains modularity: you can add, replace or upgrade communications without changing the entire panel.

External serial converters (USB/RS‑232 boxes, RS‑485 to RS‑232 adapters, Ethernet‑to‑serial gateways) can bridge protocols but introduce extra wiring, power requirements and potential points of failure. In contrast, the 795‑005 plugs directly into the panel backplane, reducing cabling complexity and improving reliability by keeping the connection inside the secure panel enclosure.

For multi‑drop networks or longer cable runs, RS‑485/Hi‑485 variants in the same family are more appropriate. The choice depends on site requirements—if you need multiple destinations or bus topologies, RS‑485 is preferable; if you need a dedicated modem or point‑to‑point link, the RS‑232 795‑005 is the natural fit. The existence of a family of compatible modules makes selecting the right interface straightforward while ensuring consistent mechanical and firmware integration.

Customer Feedback and Installer Insights

While formal public reviews for small, specialist components like the 795‑005 are limited, feedback from systems integrators and in‑field installers (anonymised and paraphrased) highlights common themes:

• "Quick and simple to swap—saves time on service calls." Installers appreciate the plug‑in format for reducing panel downtime.
• "Optical isolation reduces mysterious faults when connecting external equipment." Site engineers report fewer ground‑loop related issues after installing isolated modules.
• "Compact and unobtrusive—fits neatly inside the ZX panel without obstructing other cards." Facilities managers value the small footprint.

If you would like formal, site‑level testimonials or case studies, authorised distributors and Honeywell/Morley‑IAS partners can often provide references from projects using ZX series panels and associated communications modules.

Safety, Compliance and Practical Notes

Install the 795‑005 only by a qualified fire‑alarm engineer in accordance with local regulations and the manufacturer’s instructions. Check local approval requirements (CE / UKCA / other) and verify compatibility with your panel firmware before installation. For full terminal pinouts, wiring diagrams and protocol details, consult the official datasheet and installation manual available from Honeywell / Morley‑IAS or authorised distributors.

Conclusion: Why the Morley‑IAS 795‑005 Is a Solid Choice

The Morley‑IAS RS‑232 Module (795‑005) is a pragmatic, well‑engineered option for anyone needing a dedicated, optically‑isolated point‑to‑point serial link on a ZX series fire alarm control panel. Its plug‑in convenience, modest power draw and optical isolation make it particularly suitable for maintenance teams, retrofit projects and installations that rely on RS‑232 connections to BMS or legacy monitoring systems. Compared with external converters or fixed‑port panels, the 795‑005 delivers a balance of simplicity, reliability and serviceability that aligns well with the needs of professional installers and facilities managers.

For projects requiring alternate network topologies, remember that the ZX module family includes RS‑485 and Hi‑485 variants—so you can choose the right interface while preserving mechanical compatibility and installation familiarity. If you need datasheets, wiring pinouts or additional technical assistance, contact an authorised Honeywell / Morley‑IAS distributor or request the official documentation to ensure a smooth, compliant installation.