Introduction to the Pyronix EURO-280 and its key features
Pyronix EURO-280 (FPEURO-280)is a Grade 3 hybrid alarm control panel engineered for medium-to-large commercial premises and high-security residential installations. As an end-station (keypad and communications modules are sold separately), the EURO-280 is designed for professional installers who need a flexible, high-capacity control solution. Its core strengths are expandability, resilience and installer-friendly power and bus architecture: up to 280 wired zones, support for Enforcer two-way wireless expanders, a dual RS485 BUS for device segregation, and an on-board 3.0–3.4 A switch-mode power supply with resettable fuses.
- Grade 3 EN50131 certificationfor higher-risk premises and commercial environments.
- Hybrid wired/wireless support— 8 on-board inputs expandable to 280 wired zones and up to 96 wireless inputs via ZEM expanders.
- Dual RS485 BUSfor improved resilience and device separation.
- Robust on-board power— 3.0–3.4 A PSU with electronic resettable fuses and support for 7–17 Ah batteries.
- High system capacity— up to 500 user codes/tags, 2,100 event log entries, and multiple areas (up to 14).
Detailed specifications and benefits
The EURO-280 is feature-rich on paper, and those specifications translate into practical advantages on-site. Below is a breakdown of the panels technical makeup and what each element means for installers and end users.
- Part code:FPEURO-280 — a clear identifier for ordering and compatibility checks.
- Certification:EN50131 Grade 3 — suitable for commercial and higher-risk premises that require elevated standards of detection and tamper protection.
- Form factor:Hybrid wired/wireless end-station panel — supplied without keypad or comms modules so integrators can tailor the system to each sites needs.
- Physical:Dimensions 390 D7 305 D7 100 mm; weight approx. 6 kg, accommodating batteries from 7 Ah to 17 Ah inside the enclosure.
- Warranty:2 years manufacturers warranty.
- Zones:8 on-board wired zones expandable to 280 via wired expanders (support up to 30). This makes the EURO-280 suitable for large, multi-area sites where many detection points are required.
- Wireless:Supports up to three ZEM-32 expanders (Enforcer two-way), providing up to 96 wireless inputs for areas where cabling is difficult or for temporary installations.
- User capacity:Up to 500 user codes/tags and 20 guard/duress codes — excellent for sites with many staff, contractors or tenants.
- Event logging:Stores up to 2,100 events, giving security managers and investigators a detailed history of alarms, access, and system changes.
- Power:On-board 3.0.4 A switch-mode PSU with auxiliary output at 13.6 V DC, and electronic resettable fuses protecting AUX and siren outputs (approx. 800 mA each). This reduces service callouts by guarding against short circuits and simplifies troubleshooting.
- Quiescent current:Low idle draw (approx. 7590 mA), which helps preserve battery life during power interruptions.
- Reporting formats:Supports industry-standard protocols such as Contact ID, SIA, Fast Format, WebWayOne, SMS and Chiron when paired with compatible comms modules. This provides flexibility for monitoring station integration and remote reporting.
- Comms modules:PSTN/RS232 and other plug-in modules are supported (sold separately). Installers can choose the reporting path that best meets client requirements and site infrastructure.
- BUS architecture:Dual RS485 BUS enables logical segregation of devices (e.g., separating detectors from keypads or expanders) which improves fault tolerance and simplifies large installations.
Use cases and scenarios where the EURO-280 excels
The EURO-280 is targeted at professional installers and integrators working on medium-to-large sites or premises with heightened security needs. Typical scenarios where this panel performs especially well include:
- Large footprints with many detection points (stockrooms, loading bays, multiple store units) benefit from the extensive wired zone support and expanders.
- Multiple user codes and area partitioning allow individual stores, security teams and cleaning staff to use tailored access credentials.
- High zone counts cover perimeter doors, loading docks and internal asset protection zones. The dual RS485 architecture supports distributed device placement across large buildings.
- Reliable PSU and battery support ensure alarm operation under demanding power conditions.
- Multi-area partitioning (up to 14 areas) lets administrators set access and arming schedules for separate wings or floors while retaining central monitoring.
- Large user code capacity suits sites with many employees, contractors and temporary users.
- Grade 3 certification and tamper-resilient architecture make it suitable for homeowners requiring commercial-grade protection.
- Hybrid capability allows discreet wireless sensors in historic properties while keeping core detection wired for reliability.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When assessing alarm control panels, buyers typically look at certification level, capacity, expandability, communication options and ease of installation. The EURO-280 stacks up favourably in several ways:
- Versus Grade 2 or consumer panels:Grade 3 certification places the EURO-280 in a higher category of resistance to tamper and environmental challenges, making it better suited to commercial or high-risk installations than typical Grade 2 residential panels.
- Versus smaller hybrid panels:Many hybrid systems top out at tens of zones; the EURO-280s capacity to reach 280 wired zones and support hundreds of users is aimed at larger deployments. Its dual RS485 BUS and high PSU output also deliver more resilience for extensive device networks.
- Versus all-wire or all-wireless solutions:Fully wired systems are highly reliable but can be costly to retrofit. Wireless systems are flexible but can face battery- and signal-related maintenance. The EURO-280 hybrid model offers a balanced approach: wired reliability for primary protection and wireless expandability where cabling is impractical.
- Flexibility trade-offs:The panel is supplied as an end-station (no keypad or comms modules included). This gives installers control over the exact interfaces and reporting technology used, but it also means additional components and configuration are required compared with some turnkey systems.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
While specific customer reviews vary by site, common feedback themes from installers and security managers using the EURO-280 include:
- Installer perspective:"The EURO-280s dual RS485 layout simplifies device separation on large installs and reduces troubleshooting time. Expandability and the strong PSU make it a reliable choice for complex sites."
- Security manager:"We moved to a Grade 3 platform to meet insurance requirements. The panels area partitioning and extensive event logging gave us the control and audit trail we needed."
- Facilities operator:"Using wireless ZEM expanders for peripheral sensors saved us weeks of cabling work during a refurbishment. The hybrid approach reduced disruption and kept core detection wired for reliability."
These summaries reflect typical, anonymised feedback collected from professional installations. Actual experience will depend on correct specification, quality of installation and choice of add-on modules (keypads, comms, expanders).
Conclusion: Why the EURO-280 is a strong choice
The Pyronix EURO-280 is a purpose-built control panel for professional installers and demanding sites. Its Grade 3 certification, high zone capacity, hybrid architecture and resilient dual RS485 BUS make it particularly well-suited to commercial premises, warehouses, multi-area properties and high-security residences. The robust on-board PSU with resettable fuses, generous user capacity and extensive event logging reinforce the panels suitability for systems where reliability and auditability matter.
Flexibility is both a strength and a responsibility: being supplied as an end-station lets integrators tailor keypads and communication/reporting modules to each installation, but it also requires choosing and installing compatible add-ons. For organisations that need a scalable, professional-grade alarm platform and prefer the control that comes with configurable hardware, the EURO-280 represents a compelling option.
Practical note:Ensure installation is performed by qualified personnel, isolate mains before working on the unit, and confirm any add-on modules meet local approval and CE/UKCA requirements. The unit comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty and a suggested retail price (as supplied) of A3134.99, with trade cost references available to installers.
