Fire alarm control panel — FlexES control.
ESSER by Honeywell presents its new fire alarm control panel FlexES control on the Russian market. The panel is designed to complement the existing line of IQ8Control series control panels, as well as replace the discontinued 8008 control panel. Speaking about the replacement, it makes sense to mention that although in terms of capacity the new control panel does not yet 100% correspond to the 8008 panel (18 modules in the FlexES panel versus 32 modules in the 8008 panel), in terms of functionality and speed it is much superior.
So, what is the «filling» of the new panel? In the basic version, these are two slots with the ability to install two functional modules with the ability to increase the number of slots to 18. The functionality supported by the panel ensures compatibility with all previously developed protocols and peripheral devices. In terms of fire loops, the panel works with esserbus and esserbus-Plus analog ring loops. Here, the differences from panels of previous generations are, firstly, in support of esserbusPlus technology (which was not provided by the 8008 panel), and secondly, in the ability to simultaneously use esserbus and esserbus-Plus modules in one panel (which is not provided in the IQ8Control series panels, which can simultaneously work only with one of the two types of ring loop). The design of the loop modules for the FlexES panel differs from the same modules for the IQ8Control/8008 stations — these are case devices with LED status indication on the front panel. The external case protects the module from mechanical and electrostatic damage. In addition, this design and new circuitry allow for «hot» replacement, removal or addition of modules to the control panel without the need to completely de-energize the system.
For the FlexES control panel ring loop modules, there is no difference between the esserbus and esserbus-Plus loop types – both technologies are supported by the same module, which can be software-switched to either of the two modes. However, the FlexES panel provides two different ring loop module options – a standard module and a module with galvanic isolation. For systems using no more than 4 loops, standard modules can be used; all modules starting with the fifth must have galvanic isolation. The loop structure and periphery are traditional: ring, 127 addressable devices; for esserbus-Plus – support for sensors with built-in alarm sounders and separate addressable alarm sounders (optical/acoustic/voice), support for wireless components. If it is necessary to replace a previous generation panel with a FlexES panel, no changes to the existing cables are required.
At the network interaction level, the FlexES panel supports essernet technology, which allows it to be integrated into existing fire alarm systems without the need for any special adaptation. As in the IQ8Control/8008 panels, the essenet network module occupies one of the available slots and is available in two versions — for standard (62.5 kbaud) and high-speed (500 kbaud) networks. The design of the essernet modules for the FlexES control panel is the same as that of the loop modules — a housing element with indication and the possibility of «hot» replacement.The control module (processor) of the FlexES control panel is a separate removable element (also in its own housing). The control module supports changing system firmware and licensing functions. The technology of licensing hardware functionality is used in the Esser fire alarm system for the first time and is designed to minimize the basic cost of the equipment. For most cases of use, the basic functionality of the equipment can be used, which does not require any additional costs from the customer. In case of any specific requirements, for example, to the presence of wireless equipment, the corresponding functionality can be ordered additionally, both for new equipment supplied and for already installed systems. The FlexES panel supports «hot» backup of the processor, for which a second control module can be installed in the panel.
The power supply system has also undergone changes. Unlike the IQ8Control/8008 panels, the FlexES control panel is a 24-volt system. In the basic set, the control panel is equipped with one 150 W power supply. Depending on the panel load, the number of power supplies can be increased to three. All of them are connected in a ring circuit, one of the power supplies can be used as a «hot» reserve.
The FlexES panel can be supplied in three basic kits – FX2 (2 slots), FX10 (10 slots) and FX18 (18 slots). The panel housings are plastic with fiberglass reinforcement and a modular design, which allows you to choose any convenient configuration for mounting the central equipment horizontally and/or vertically. The panel can be equipped with a control panel with a graphic display, or controlled from the remote control of any other control panel located in the same network.
Future development of the FlexES series includes support for a new type of FlexES com loop, which will provide support for a doubled number of addressable devices, as well as broadband data transmission. The new protocol will allow, in addition to the usual information messages for a fire alarm system, to transmit voice messages (both pre-recorded and from microphone consoles connected to the loop) over a two-wire line, as well as still frames from television surveillance cameras, which will allow personnel to quickly visually verify a fire alarm and take measures to organize an evacuation.
Thus, the new FlexES control panel from ESSER by Honeywell is an effective link between fire technologies of the past, present and future.
Official representative in the Russian Federation:
Honeywell Life Safety Austria GmbH
Russia, 121059, Moscow, st. Kyiv 7, entrance 7, floor 8
Tel.: +7 495 926 17 77 /78 /79, Fax: +7 495 795 08 81
e-mail: hls-russia@honeywell, http://hls-russia