Proper installation of the GST-IFP8 Intelligent Addressable Fire Alarm Control Panel is critical for ensuring compliance with EN 54-2, EN 54-4, and BS 5839 Part 4 standards. The installation engineer must ensure that all structural mounting, electrical supply wiring, auxiliary output termination, and detection loop connections strictly adhere to system voltage ratings, current thresholds, and specified environmental constraints.
Chassis Mounting and Environmental Parameters
The GST-IFP8 enclosure measures 850 mm in height, 484 mm in width, and 191 mm in depth. The housing is engineered with a hinged front access door and supports both wall-mount and flush-mount installations. Secure mounting is achieved using the three designated chassis mounting holes. Pre-punched cable entry knockouts are located at the top and rear surfaces of the backbox to facilitate segregated field cable routing.
Install the panel within an indoor location meeting the specified operating temperature range of 0°C to +40°C, with a maximum relative humidity of 95% non-condensing. Ensure adequate physical clearance is maintained in front of the cabinet to permit full 180-degree opening of the hinged door for module access, internal thermal panel printer servicing, and viewing of the 15-line by 40-character graphical LCD display and 140 zone LED indicators.
Primary Mains Connection and Standby Battery Setup
The GST-IFP8 operates on an incoming primary AC supply of 220/230 VAC (±10%) at 50/60 Hz, rated for an input current of 1.0 A. Electrical installation requires a dedicated, unswitched spur compliant with the following power engineering specifications:
- Mains Conductor: Minimum 1.5 mm² screened, fire-resistant copper cable routed directly to the internal AC filter and AC/DC power converter.
- Branch Protection: Must be protected by a dedicated 2 A delayed ceramic fuse.
- Earthing: Panel chassis ground must be permanently connected to the facility protective earth terminal.
- Secondary Power: The internal battery compartment houses two 12 V / 38 Ah sealed lead-acid batteries (they are not included). The integrated charger delivers a maximum charging current of 2 A (±0.1 A) at a float voltage of 27.3 V (±0.3 V) to support nominal 24 VDC system operating requirements during primary power outages.
Addressable Loop Field Wiring Topologies
The panel features 8 addressable loops capable of addressing up to 242 devices per loop (1,936 total points across 999 programmable zones). Loop circuits deliver an operating voltage between 21 VDC and 27 VDC with a maximum load current of 300 mA per loop. Both Class A (loop/ring) and Class B (stub/radial) wiring topologies are supported across GST EN addressable detector, call point, sounder, and interface module ranges.
| Conductor Cross-Section | Maximum Loop Distance | Permitted Load Condition |
|---|---|---|
| 1.00 mm² | 800 m | Full Load (Up to 242 devices / 300 mA) |
| 1.50 mm² | 1,200 m | Full Load (Up to 242 devices / 300 mA) |
| 2.00 mm² | 1,500 m | Half Load |
Monitored Outputs and Auxiliary Wiring
Field interface circuits must be landed on the designated terminal blocks of the internal board architecture. Supervised circuits require precise termination with a 4.7 kΩ End-of-Line Resistor (EOLR) to prevent panel fault conditions:
- Sounder Circuit Output: Rated at 1 A at 24 VDC; requires 4.7 kΩ EOLR.
- Fire Protection Equipment (F.P.E.) Output: Rated at 500 mA at 24 VDC; requires 4.7 kΩ EOLR.
- Fire Routing Output: Rated at 200 mA at 24 VDC; requires 4.7 kΩ EOLR.
- Common Fault Relay: Volt-free changeover contacts rated for 1.0 A at 24 VDC.
- Auxiliary Power Output: Fused 24 VDC auxiliary output supply delivering 500 mA across 17–28 VDC.
- Expansion & Repeater Ports: Optional slots are reserved on the Main Control Board for P-9945A / P-9965 network cards, P-9945RP repeater interfaces (driving up to 64 GST852RP or GST8903 units), and P-9935Modbus interfaces for BMS integration.
