GENERAL
The ZX2e is an intelligent fire alarm control panel. It has been designed and
is constructed around proven and reliable microprocessor technology. This simple
approach has produced a modular, scaleable fire alarm platform suitable for
protecting all types of premises.
The ZX2e control panel supports a total of five industry leading protocols,
allowing fire detection devices to be independently selected based on
performance or aesthetic appeal. The ZX series control panels seamlessly
integrates with Apollo (Xplorer, XP95 & Discovery), Hochiki ESP, Nittan,
Morley-IAS and System Sensor detection device protocols.
Designed for maximum flexibility the ZX2e control panel is supported by a
complete suite of peripherals and software tools. Information on the location of
fires, faults and system status can easily be displayed or printed in multiple
locations. Integration to Voice Evacuation Systems, paging systems and third
party control systems is supported through a range of peripheral interface
units.
This adaptability, support and intelligence means that the ZX2e is suitable
for new projects, system expansions, retrofits and system upgrades in all
application areas. Offices, industrial units, multi-storey buildings,
entertainment venues, industrial plants and hospitals are a few of the many
applications that can benefit from the features of the ZX2e intelligent
multi-protocol fire alarm control panel.
SYSTEM
The ZX2e control panel forms the heart of the fire detection system. A steel
enclosure contains all the required components - microprocessor, power supply
plus a clear LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), system status indicators and the
control buttons that are the user interface.
A quick glance enables users to assess the condition of the fire alarm system.
Alarm and Fault conditions are highlighted by LEDs and supported by enhanced
text descriptions on the LCD display. Clearly labeled buttons allow users to
quickly manipulate the system providing both audible and tactile feedback of
successful operations.
Accidental operation is prevented by user passcodes that are required to gain
access to functions. Basic functions (Evacuate, Reset, Mute, Accept, Silence)
are available at one access level whilst more advanced operations are protected
by a secondary level passcode. Individual device isolations, test modes and
configuration data are all protected by these secondary access levels.
Inside each control panel the microprocessor maintains a log of the events or
actions occurring on the system. Fires, Faults, tested devices and diagnostics
are all electronically logged for future reference. Remote (or local) printers
can easily be connected to provide a paper copy of events as and when they occur
or provide a historical record.
The control panel can be configured to support any one of the five detection
protocols by installing the correct loop driver cards in the control panel. For
each loop the control panel will support a total up to 126 devices using Apollo,
Hochiki or Nittan protocols and up to a maximum of 99 sensors and 99 modules
(call points, monitor, control, conventional zone modules and addressable
sounders) using the Morley-IAS or System Sensor protocols.
The flexibility of the ZX2e design allows the control panel to be connected
to a wide variety of peripheral devices. From display repeaters to custom mimic
displays, printers, serial data interfaces and switching relay interfaces.
INSTALLATION
The initial installation of the system is aided by sophisticated features
like AUTOLEARN. An internal routine that will automatically detect all the
devices on the detection and peripheral loops saving the time of entering all
the devices individually.
Basic programming is also configured during the Autolearn process resulting
in only fine tuning of the system being required to complete the system
configuration.
An off-line Windows™ configuration tool is available to further enhance the
process, making text entry and specific device programming easier. Complex cause
and effects programming is simplified through clearly designed user interfaces.
Once completed the configuration of the panel can be saved for future reference.
Enhanced features allow the complete archiving of the control panel history log
and a Virtual Panel Interface enables all control commands to be entered using
the computer.
MAINTENANCE
The ZX2e intelligent fire alarm control panel has been designed to help with
the normal operation of a fire detection system. Standard weekly testing is
available through a simple menu structure allowing selection of the zones to be
tested and the optional activation of the outputs or ringing of the sounders.
The status of individual devices can be analyised to determine whether
cleaning or replacement is required. This information can either be viewed
directly on the LCD or printed for reference.
As the installation grows the ZX2e can expand with the installation, adding
additional devices, loop cards, printers, display repeaters or interface
devices. If the installation becomes too big for a ZX2e it can be upgraded by
using the larger ZX5e or simply networking two or more control panels together.
NETWORKING
The Morley-IAS network is unique. A clever protocol allows for the
propagation and distribution of all messages and controls. A robust protocol
that can be used over long distances, even on MICC, mineral based fire resistant
cabling. The ZX2e can be networked with other ZX series control panels using
Master/Slave architecture. Up to a maximum of 99 control panels can be networked
together using the standard control panel operating system. The network can be
configured in two ways:
For single sites or large buildings the networking is normally configured as
one large system. Each networked control panel shares information. Alarms and
communications are reported to each individual display.
If the fire alarm system is to provide cover for multiple buildings or
multiple sites it is normally configured to operate in a report and control
mode. The fire alarm panels act individually or as sub-systems only reporting
information to the master on the level above.