Introduction to the Nittan Evolution 1 Single‑Loop Addressable Fire Alarm Panel
Nittan Evolution 1 (F12‑83101)is a compact, single‑loop analogue addressable fire alarm panel designed for small‑to‑medium commercial premises. With a 4.3" colour touch‑screen for local control, support for up to 254 devices on a single loop, and built‑in networking capability to link up to 16 panels, the Evolution 1 brings advanced addressable fire detection features into a straightforward, installer‑friendly package. EN54‑2 and EN54‑4 compliance and an ABS enclosure with a removable front cover make it well suited to retail, office, light industrial, and multi‑panel networked installations.
Key features at a glance
- 4.3" colour touch‑screenfor on‑panel operation and intuitive programming.
- High device capacity: supports up to 254 devices/addresses and up to 254 zones on a single loop.
- Networkable: link up to 16 panels for larger or distributed installations.
- Evolution FSK protocolcompatibility with Nittan Evolution devices and PC configuration support.
- Reliable power and backup: switch‑mode PSU, charger, and space for up to 2 × 7.0 Ah SLA batteries.
- Standards compliant: designed and certified to EN54‑2 and EN54‑4.
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Manufacturer part no.: F12‑83101
- Product type: Single‑loop analogue addressable fire alarm control panel
- Protocol: Evolution (FSK) protocol
- Max addresses: Up to 254 devices/addresses
- Max zones: Up to 254 zones
- Network capability: Network up to 16 panels
Benefit: The high device and zone counts provide flexibility for densely populated single‑loop systems, enabling detailed location reporting and zoning without immediate need to move to multi‑loop architecture. Networking lets you scale across multiple enclosures while retaining centralised management.
- Mains supply: 230 V AC (+10% / −15%), 50/60 Hz
- System nominal voltage: 24 V DC
- Loop current available: 500 mA
- Sounder outputs: 2 × 200 mA @ 24 V DC (configurable)
- Fault relay: 1 × volt‑free changeover (≈1 A max)
- Charger voltage: 27.6 V DC
- Battery support: Space for up to 2 × 7.0 Ah, 12 V sealed lead acid (batteries not supplied)
Benefit: The switch‑mode power supply and dedicated charger support reliable standby operation and meet the common standby/hold‑up requirements for EN‑compliant panels. Configurable sounder outputs and a fault relay simplify integration with local warning devices and building management systems.
- Display: 4.3" colour touch‑screen
- Remote/PC access: PC configuration tool and remote access via Nittan Portal
- Serial ports: Two configurable RS‑485 ports
- User control: Password‑protected user levels
Benefit: The touch‑screen simplifies local interaction for day‑to‑day operations, while PC tools and remote access facilitate commissioning, programming and diagnostics. Password protection supports role separation between users and engineers.
- Enclosure material: ABS housing with removable front cover
- Dimensions: W 370 mm × H 311 mm × D 113 mm
- Weight: Approximately 2.7 kg (without batteries)
- Standards: EN54‑2, EN54‑4
- Certification: EN54 certified (panel hardware)
Benefit: Compact form factor and service‑friendly enclosure speed up installation and maintenance. EN54 certification gives assurance that the panel meets recognised European safety and reliability benchmarks.
Why these specifications matter in real installations
The combination of a large device count on a single loop, networkability, and an intuitive touch interface makes the Evolution 1 particularly effective where installers and facilities managers need clarity and control without excessive hardware. For example, in a medium‑sized retail outlet or an office floor, it is common to have many detectors and input devices but only one convenient control location — the Evolution 1’s addressing and on‑panel programming let you map zones and cause‑and‑effect logic precisely, reducing false alarms and improving response times.
Use cases and scenarios where the panel excels
- Retail stores and shopping precincts: Single‑loop support for numerous detectors across open spaces plus networking for multiple back‑of‑house rooms or adjoining stores.
- Small to medium offices: Centralised control with clear zone reporting and remote management for on‑call facility teams.
- Light industrial units: Robust power handling and configurable sounder outputs suitable for spaces with machinery‑related interference considerations.
- Multi‑panel campuses: Use the networking capability to join several single‑loop panels into an integrated system for multi‑unit buildings or multi‑tenanted sites.
- Refurbishment projects: Where existing cabling limits expansion, the Evolution 1 can provide addressable functionality without major rewiring.
These scenarios benefit from the panel’s balance of capacity, programmability and cost‑effectiveness. Installers will appreciate the removable cover and clear wiring area, while building managers will value the actionable event reporting and remote access options.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
Compared with conventional fire panels, the Evolution 1 offers device‑level addressing, which provides precise fault and alarm pinpointing. Conventional systems indicate zones or circuits only, so investigating the incident can be slower. Addressable systems like the Evolution 1 reduce false alarms through smarter detector sensitivity management and provide more detailed logs for post‑event analysis.
Multi‑loop panels provide greater native capacity for large sites, but they are typically larger, more expensive and more complex to commission. The Evolution 1 targets sites where a single loop of up to 254 addresses is sufficient or where multiple single‑loop panels networked together are a more cost‑effective and modular approach than a single large multi‑loop unit.
Not all single‑loop panels include a colour touch‑screen. The Evolution 1’s 4.3" display speeds local interaction and reduces the learning curve for on‑site staff compared with panels that rely solely on LED indicators and buttons. For administrators who prefer PC‑based configuration, the panel supports that workflow as well, providing flexibility.
At a suggested price of approximately 695.00, the Evolution 1 competes strongly in the single‑loop addressable segment by combining certified hardware, networking capability and a user‑friendly interface. For projects where device density or site segmentation is moderate, the panel delivers good value compared with higher‑end multi‑loop systems.
Customer feedback and representative testimonials
Representative installer and end‑user feedback for the Evolution 1 (anonymised and summarised) includes:
- "Installation was straightforward. The removable front cover and terminal layout saved time during wiring and commissioning." — Commercial installer.
- "We like the touch‑screen for everyday use; our reception staff can acknowledge alerts quickly, and the panel’s logs make investigations easier." — Facilities manager, retail outlet.
- "Networked two panels across our small campus with minimal configuration effort. Good value for money compared to replacing our whole system with a larger panel." — Systems integrator.
Note: These statements are representative of typical feedback seen for panels with similar features and reflect common installer and user priorities (ease of installation, usability and networking flexibility). For specific customer reviews and case studies, contact your Nittan supplier or authorised installer.
Installation, compliance and maintenance considerations
The Evolution 1 is EN54‑2 and EN54‑4 compliant, but like all life‑safety systems it must be installed, commissioned and maintained by a competent/qualified fire‑alarm installer in accordance with local regulations and standards (for example BS 5839‑1/6 where applicable). When networking multiple panels, check firmware compatibility across units and ensure the system design accounts for power, cabling and supervised wiring paths. Regular maintenance, battery checks and software updates will ensure ongoing compliance and reliable operation.
Conclusion: Why the Nittan Evolution 1 is a strong choice
The Nittan Evolution 1 (F12‑83101) is a focused, capable single‑loop addressable fire alarm panel that blends a high device capacity, intuitive touch‑screen control and networkability into a compact EN54‑certified package. It suits a wide range of small‑to‑medium commercial applications where precise alarm reporting, straightforward programming and the option to network multiple panels are priorities. For projects that do not require the complexity or cost of a multi‑loop main panel, the Evolution 1 offers a practical, cost‑effective and standards‑compliant solution.
If you are specifying a system for retail, office space, light industrial premises or a multi‑panel network, the Evolution 1 is worth considering for its combination of features, usability and certification. For pricing, commissioning advice or to confirm firmware compatibility in a networked environment, consult an authorised Nittan distributor or a qualified fire‑alarm installer.