Introduction to the Pyronix EURO‑ZEM8+PSU and its key features
The Pyronix EURO‑ZEM8+PSU is an 8‑zone wired input expander designed to extend the wired detector and sensor capacity of compatible Pyronix/Euro control panels. What sets this module apart is the integration of a metal‑cased 2.5 A mains power supply and an RS‑485 bus repeater, all contained within a tamper‑protected enclosure. For installers and system designers looking to add additional hardwired zones while keeping installation tidy and compliant, the EURO‑ZEM8+PSU offers a practical, compact solution.
Key features at a glance:
- 8 wired inputs— supports double‑pole or double EOL wiring for robust zone circuits.
- 4 transistor outputs— open‑collector outputs for auxiliary control and device activation.
- Integrated 2.5 A PSU— mains power supply with dedicated battery/bus protection, simplifying power provisioning.
- RS‑485 repeater— IN/OUT connections to extend the data bus range for larger or more distributed systems.
- Tamper‑protected metal enclosure— front and rear tamper switches and Grade 3 capable construction when part of a compliant graded system.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The EURO‑ZEM8+PSU combines multiple functions to reduce component count and simplify installation. Below are the main specifications and the practical benefits they bring to an installation.
- Model:EURO‑ZEM8+PSU
- Inputs:8 wired zones (double‑pole or double EOL)
- Outputs:4 transistor (open‑collector) outputs
- Mains supply:230 V AC, 50 Hz
- Power supply:Integrated 2.5 A PSU; nominal output ~13.75 V (continuous output ~1.7 A)
- Bus:RS‑485 IN/OUT (repeater to extend bus range)
- Enclosure:Metal housing with front and rear tamper switches
- Compliance:EN50131 & PD6662 referenced (Grade 3 capable in a graded system)
- Fuses / protection:See installation manual for exact fuse and battery configuration
- Integrated power reduces complexity:By including a 2.5 A PSU inside the same enclosure, the EURO‑ZEM8+PSU removes the need to install a separate power module. This saves space in the control room or cabinet and reduces wiring runs and installation time.
- Flexibility of zone wiring:Support for double‑pole or double EOL wiring allows installers to choose the level of fault detection and environmental resilience they require for each zone, making the module suitable for both perimeter and internal protection circuits.
- Auxiliary control outputs:The four open‑collector transistor outputs can be used to drive relays, trigger external devices, or integrate with third‑party equipment (subject to proper interfacing), providing additional system flexibility.
- Bus extension capability:The RS‑485 repeater function is valuable in larger installations where the control panel and expanders are physically distant. It increases the allowable length and reliability of the communications bus.
- Secure and robust enclosure:The metal housing with tamper switches helps meet physical security requirements and supports higher graded system installations when correctly integrated.
Use cases and scenarios where the EURO‑ZEM8+PSU excels
The EURO‑ZEM8+PSU is best suited to installations where additional wired zones and a reliable local power supply are required. Typical scenarios include:
- Commercial premises expansions:Retail stores, small offices or workshops that need to add door contacts, glass‑break sensors or additional PIRs to an existing Pyronix/Euro control panel can do so without adding a separate PSU or large amount of extra cabling.
- Multi‑building or distributed sites:The RS‑485 repeater makes the unit useful where sensors are distributed across larger properties and bus range would otherwise be a limiting factor.
- Refurbishments and retrofits:When upgrading older systems or combining mixed detector types, the expander gives installers room to add zones while centralising power and tamper protection in one enclosure.
- Perimeter and Grade 3 capable systems:For sites requiring higher grading for insurance or risk management, the metal enclosure and tamper detection, combined with compliant wiring and panel configuration, allow deployment as part of a Grade 3 capable system.
- Integrated alarm + auxiliary control:The transistor outputs can be used for triggering external sounders, strobes, access control inputs or signalling to building management systems, allowing the expander to act as both a sensor hub and an interface device.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
Expanders and auxiliary power supplies are common components in alarm system architecture. What differentiates the EURO‑ZEM8+PSU is the combination of functions in one tamper‑protected metal enclosure. Key comparison points:
- Standalone expanders vs integrated PSU units:Many expanders offer zone inputs alone and require an external PSU to power detectors and peripheral devices. The EURO‑ZEM8+PSU reduces part count and installation complexity by combining both functions, which can lower labour costs and reduce cabinet space.
- Bus repeaters:Some expanders omit bus boosting or repeater functionality, limiting how far they can be located from the main panel. The RS‑485 IN/OUT repeater in this unit addresses that constraint, making it a better choice for larger or spread‑out systems.
- Enclosure and tamper protection:Plastic‑cased modules are lighter and sometimes cheaper, but they do not provide the same physical security or Grade 3 capability as a metal enclosure with front and rear tamper switches. For higher‑risk sites where physical attacks are a consideration, the EURO‑ZEM8+PSU’s metal housing is an advantage.
- Power capacity:The integrated 2.5 A PSU with a continuous output rating of around 1.7 A suits many medium‑sized installations. If a project requires substantially higher auxiliary current for large numbers of powered peripherals, a dedicated higher‑capacity PSU may still be required, so system design should consider total current draw.
Customer feedback and installer insights
There are limited publicly available formal customer testimonials for this specific model. However, feedback commonly reported within installer communities and trade forums for integrated expander/PSU units like the EURO‑ZEM8+PSU typically highlights the following:
- Time savings on installation by eliminating the need for a separate power supply and additional enclosure space.
- Reliability of the RS‑485 repeater when extending bus runs across larger properties.
- Appreciation for the metal enclosure and dual tamper switches, particularly on commercial jobs requiring higher physical security standards.
As always, installers emphasise the importance of following the official Pyronix installation manual and local electrical regulations when mounting and wiring the unit. Proper fusing, battery sizing and mains isolation are essential for safe, compliant installations.
Conclusion: why the Pyronix EURO‑ZEM8+PSU is a strong choice
For projects that require additional wired zones, local power and reliable communications extension, the Pyronix EURO‑ZEM8+PSU offers a compact, integrated solution. Its combination of eight wired inputs, four transistor outputs, an integrated 2.5 A PSU and an RS‑485 repeater reduces part counts, simplifies wiring and saves installation time compared with deploying separate expanders and power supplies.
The tamper‑protected metal enclosure and compliance references for EN50131 and PD6662 mean the unit is suitable for higher‑grade systems when incorporated into a correctly designed and installed alarm solution. While very large systems with heavy auxiliary power requirements might still need dedicated high‑current PSUs, the EURO‑ZEM8+PSU meets the needs of many commercial and residential upgrades and expansions.
Price‑wise, the suggested retail positioning reflects the additional hardware and convenience of having an integrated PSU and RS‑485 repeater in one unit, which can represent a cost and time saving compared to purchasing an expander and PSU separately.
In summary, if you need to expand wired zone capacity on a Pyronix/Euro panel and want a neat, secure, and installer‑friendly package that also extends bus range and provides auxiliary outputs, the EURO‑ZEM8+PSU is a practical, well‑rounded choice. Always ensure installation is performed by trained personnel and that wiring, fusing and battery specifications follow the official installation documentation and local regulations.
