1 Installation Instructions 2 Description - CMS Ware*Ever

ZXA / ZXE NETWORK INTERFACING GUIDE MORLEY-IAS 

1 Installation Instructions 

1.1 Notice 

• The material and instructions covered in this document have been carefully checked for accuracy and are 

presumed to be correct. However, the manufacturer assumes no responsibility for inaccuracies and reserves 

the right to modify and revise this document without notice. 

• These instructions cover the installation of a Local Network of Panels. Refer to the Fire Alarm Control Panel 

(FACP) Manuals for instructions on powering up, operating and programming the system. 

1.2 Warnings and Cautions 

These instructions contain procedures to follow in order to avoid injury and damage to 

equipment. It is assumed that the user of this document is a suitably trained installer who is 

familiar with the relevant regulations. 

Electro-static Sensitive Devices. 

Take suitable ESD precautions when removing or installing printed circuit boards. 

1.3 National Approvals 

The equipment must be installed in accordance with these instructions and the appropriate 

national, regional and local regulations applicable. Consult with the appropriate Authority 

Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for confirmation of the requirements. Failure to follow these 

instructions may result in the failure of the system to initiate an alarm. MORLEY-IAS is not 

responsible for incorrect installation, maintenance or testing of devices. 

2 Description 

• This document describes the networking features available on the ZXa and ZXe Fire Alarm Control Panels. 

• The standard networking options fall into two basic categories as follows: 

1. A Shared Zone Network 

2. A Report and Control Network 

• A network can consist of up to 20 or up to 100 panels. Special software is required for networks in excess of 

20 panels – contact sales for further information. 

INSTALLATION GUIDE 

Document No. 996-075, Revision: 1, Aug 99 Page 1

MORLEY-IAS ZXA / ZXE NETWORK INTERFACING GUIDE 

2.1 Shared Zone Network 

• This type of network configuration is normally used for a single site / building installation requiring a number 

of panels networked together with common zone architecture. 

• The panels act as one large system sharing from 20 to 80 common zones. 

• In the event of a fire alarm, the indications will be as follows: 

1. The location text message of the first alarm on the system will be shown on the Master Panel and on all slave / submaster 

panels. 

2. The text message from subsequent alarms will only be shown on the Master Panel and on the panel of origin. (NOTE: 

On the panel of origin, the local message will override and replace any global message shown). 

3. All panels, excluding the Master Panel, will automatically scroll between the first four local alarm, text messages. 

4. The Master Panel will automatically scroll between the first four global alarm, text messages, regardless of origin. 

5. The Zone Alarm LED indicators on ALL panels will illuminate to show the zones in alarm on the overall system. 

• In case of a fire alarm or fault, the Outputs (Relays and Sounders) will operate as follows: 

1. The outputs will follow the transparent programmed zonal settings in each of the panels. 

2. All outputs programmed to a particular zone, irrespective of the panel to which they are connected or the panel that 

raised the alarm, will perform as programmed when an alarm is detected in that zone. 

3. The maximum number of outputs per panel is 400. 

• The system control functions will operate as follows: 

1. The standard system control functions (Sound Alarms, Silence / Resound, Mute / Accept and System Reset) operate 

on a peer-to-peer basis. For example, a Sound Alarms (Manual Evacuation) raised at any panel, or Active Remote 

Annunciator (Fire System Repeater), will cause all of the panels to raise the Sound Alarms and all sounder outputs 

will activate. 

2. Individual devices may be disabled or enabled either at the Local Panel or from the Master Panel. 

3. The devices can be ‘Configured’ or ‘Inspected’ from the Local Panel only. 

• Ancillary Equipment will operate as follows: 

1. As the network operates on a shared zone basis, zonal specific outputs (relays and sounders) can be attached to the 

Peripheral Channel or Signaling Loop Circuit on any panel. 

2. Remote Annunciators (Fire System Repeater units) will display the text messages as shown on the panel to which the 

annunicator is connected. 

3. A Graphics PC may be connected to the network. In this case, it must be connected to the Master panel and the 

Master panel must be a ZXe type panel. 


Page 2 Document No.996-075, Revision: 1, Aug 99


2.2 Report and Control Network 

• This type of network configuration is normally used for a multiple site / building installation requiring a number 

of individual panels or sub-systems networked together for reporting and control purposes only. 

• This type of network functions as for a shared zone network but does not restrict the overall installation to 

shared zones. 

• A sub-system can be configured to operate on a shared zone basis within the overall reporting and control 

network. 

• In the event of a fire alarm, the indications will be as follows: 

1. The location text message of the first alarm on the system will be shown on the Master Panel and the panel of origin 

of the alarm. Optionally, other panels may display the origin of the alarm by setting ‘REMOTE ALARMS – TRUE’. 

2. The text messages from subsequent alarms will only be shown on the Master Panel and the panel of origin of the 

alarm. 

3. The Zone LED indicators will only be illuminated on the panel of origin of the alarm. 

• In case of a fire alarm or fault, the Outputs (Relays and Sounders) will operate as follows: 

1. The outputs will follow the programmed zonal settings in the panel to which they are connected. 

2. Other panels on the network, including the Master Panel(s), can be programmed using the System Events function so 

that in case of an alarm from another panel they can: 

A Activate their individual sounder circuits (on-board, peripheral link and signaling loop outputs). 

B Pulse their individual sounder circuits (on-board, peripheral link and signaling loop outputs). 

C Activate their individual relay circuits (on-board, peripheral link and signaling loop outputs). 

• The system control functions will operate as follows: 

1. The standard system control functions (Sound Alarms, Silence / Resound, Mute / Accept and System Reset) DO NOT 

normally operate on a peer-to-peer basis. 

2. The Master Panel can control the entire network system with Silence / Resound, Mute / Accept and System Reset. 

The system should ONLY be reset from the Master Panel. 

3. Other panels can be individually programmed to allow or prevent peer-to-peer control for Silence / Resound, Mute / 

Accept and System Reset. Performing a RESET at a slave panel without the peer-to-peer option set true is not 

recommended (The Master Panel will re-broadcast the fire alarm status). 

4. The Master Panel ‘Sound Alarms’ control function will normally activate the sounders connected to the Master Panel 

only. Other panels can be programmed to activate their sounders using the System Events function, if required. 

5. Individual devices may be disabled or enabled either at the Local Panel or from the Master Panel. 

6. The devices can be ‘Configured’ or ‘Inspected’ from the Local Panel only. 

• Ancillary Equipment will operate as follows: 

1. As the network does not operate on a shared zone basis, zonal specific outputs (relays and sounders) must be 

attached to the Peripheral Channel or Signaling Loop Circuit of the panel to which the specific zone is assigned. 

2. Remote Annunciators (Fire System Repeater units) will display the text messages as shown on the panel to which the 

annunicator is connected. 

3. A Graphics PC may be connected to the network. In this case, it must be connected to the Master panel and the 

Master panel must be a ZXe type panel. 




3 Network Architectures 

3.1 Single Panel – Graphics PC 

• A single panel can be connected to a Graphics PC 

workstation using: 

Port ‘C’ (ZXa) 

Port ‘B’ or Port ‘C’ (ZXe) 

3.2 Single Master – Multiple Panel Network 

B 

Optional 

Graphics PC 

PANEL 

1 2 3 12 

C C C C 

MASTER SLAVE SLAVE 

SLAVE 

Figure 2 - Typical Single Loop Network Arrangement 

• Up to twenty ZXa or ZXe panels can be networked together with one panel designated to act as the Master 

Panel. 

• The network interface uses the Port ‘C’ serial channel in the panels. 

• A Graphics PC workstation can be connected to the network. In this case, the Master Panel must be a ZXe 

type panel and the connection uses the Port ‘B’ serial channel. 

To ensure that the entire system operates within acceptable limits, the number of panels 

connected to a single RS485 link (Port) should not exceed 12 panels. 


Page 4 Document No.996-075, Revision: 1, Aug 99 

B or C 

1 

Optional 

Graphics PC 

Figure 1 - Single Panel - Graphics PC


3.3 Multiple Master – Multiple Panel Network 

MASTER 

B 

1 

C 

B 

Optional 

Graphics PC 

2 13 14 15 

C C C C 

SUB-MASTER SLAVE SLAVE 

SLAVE 

B 

3 16 17 22 

C C C C 


SLAVE 

B 

4 33 34 38 

C C C C 


SLAVE 

SLAVE 

5 6 12 

C C C 

SLAVE SLAVE 

Figure 3 - Typical Multiple Loop Network Arrangement 

To ensure that the entire system operates within acceptable limits, the number of panels 

connected to each RS485 link (Port) should not exceed 12 panels. 




• Up to twelve Sub-Master or Slave Panels can be connected to the Master Panel. The Master Panel and Sub- 

Master Panels must be of the ZXe type. The Master Panel uses Port ‘C’ to communicate with the Sub-Master 

and Slave panels. The interface connection is made to Port ‘B’ on Sub-Master Panels and Port ‘C’ on Slave 

Panels. The master Panel must be set in Report and Control Mode. 

• Up to twelve Slave Panels can be connected to each Sub-Master Panel. The interface connection between 

the Sub-Master and Slave Panels uses Port ‘C’ on all panels. The Sub-Master system can be configured as a 

‘Report and Control’ Network or as a ‘Shared Zone’ Network. 

• A Graphics PC workstation can be connected to the network. The connection uses the Port ‘B’ serial channel 

in the Master Panel. 

• A Master Panel will automatically scroll the first four alarm text messages originating from itself or from its 

Sub-Master or Slave panels. Up to 46 Alarm Messages may be scrolled manually on the display. 

• A Sub-Master Panel will automatically scroll the first four alarm text messages originating from itself or from 

its Slave panels. Up to 46 Alarm Messages may be scrolled manually on the display. 

• Each Sub-Master Panel or Slave Panel may be configured for peer-to-peer operation of the control keys. 

RESET of the system should only be performed at the Master Panel. 




4 Network Wiring 

4.1 General Specifications 

• The network is normally wired as a daisy-chain type RS485 Communications Link. An RS485 Interface 

Module is required in each panel for each network link to which it is connected. 

• The total loop / link length for each network link must not exceed 1.2km. 

• For further information on the installation of an RS485 Link, refer to both the FACP Installation Manual (P/N 

996-070) and to the RS485 Interface Module data sheet (P/N 996-067). 

• For further information on the recommended cables to be used, refer to the FACP Installation Manual. The 

cabling should be screened, twisted pair or equivalent and should be routed so that it does not run alongside 

other cables. 

• In case of a fault on the network wiring, the system will warn of the problem. Individual panels will continue to 

operate as stand-alone units. This fact must be considered when designing a network that may have outputs 

associated with detection zones on different panels (Shared Zone Networks). 

• Where longer link / loop lengths and / or where enhanced system integrity is required, consideration should 

be given to the installation of a High Integrity RS485 (Hi485) communications loop. Refer to the Hi485 Data 

Sheet (P/N 996-065) for further information. 

4.2 Serial Port Definitions 

• There are up to three serial ports available in the panel for network and peripheral use. These are identified 

as Port ‘B’, Port ‘C’ and Port ‘D’. 

• Port ‘D’ is used for the peripheral link only and must be a RS485 link. 

• Port ‘B’ and Port ‘C’ are used for network links and for connection to the Graphics PC. These can be installed 

as either RS485 or RS232 links. NOTE: An RS232 link only permits a single point-to-point connection 

between two units. 

• The following table defines the standard function for each serial port. 

Serial Port Functions 

B 1. Connects Master Panel to Graphics PC. 

2. Connects Sub-Master Panel to Master Panel (Port ‘C’) 

C 1. Connects Slave Panel to Master / Sub-Master Panels (Port ‘C’) 

2. Connects Master Panel to Sub-Master / Slave panels. 

3. Connects Panel to Graphics PC (Single Panel Installation only). 

D 1. Peripheral Loop Only 

• For further information, refer to the FACP Installation and Commissioning Manuals. 

• For further information on the mounting positions for the serial interface cards, refer to the FACP Installation 

Manual. 




5 Commissioning 

• For further information, refer to the FACP Commissioning Manual. 

5.1 Typical Network Settings for a Shared Zones Network 

• Master Panel Settings 

Network Option Option setting Comments 

Panel network-address number 1..20 Enter Master’s own address, i.e. 4. 

Quantity of slave processors 1..20 Number of slaves DIRECTLY connected to the Master, i.e. 

via port C. 

Slave CPU 1 is at network 

address 


address 

Etc. 

1..20 The address of the first slave panel. 

1..20 The address of the second slave panel. 

Use modem [TRUE]/[FALSE] Set to TRUE if a modem is connected to port C. 

Share zones [TRUE ] Zones are shared between panels 

Peer-to-Peer [TRUE] Allow MUTE / ACCEPT, SILENCE / RESOUND and 

SYSTEM RESET key presses from a slave panel. 

*Port B Protocol 0 Use default of 0 unless special applications interface. 

System events [GLOBAL]/[LOCAL ] Global - 

1. passes system events over network 

2. accepts other network events 

Local - 

1. does not pass events over the network. 

2. ignores other network events 

NOTE: The zonal fire status is passed over a shared-zone 

network regardless of events being global or local. 

• Slave Panel Settings 


Panel network-address number 1..20 Enter slave panel address, i.e. 3. 

Quantity of slave processors 0 Number of slaves connected to port C. 


Share zones [TRUE ] Zones are shared between panels 

Peer-to-Peer [TRUE] Pass MUTE / ACCEPT, SILENCE / RESOUND and 

SYSTEM RESET key presses back to master. 

*Port B Protocol 0 Use default of 0 unless special application interface 



2. accepts other network events. 

Local - 


2. ignores other network events. 

NOTE: The zonal fire status is passed over a shared-zone 

network regardless of events being global or local. 




5.2 Typical Network Settings for a Report and Control Network 

• Master Panel Settings 


Panel network-address number 1..20 Enter Master’s own address, i.e. 4. 

Quantity of slave processors 1..20 Number of slaves DIRECTLY connected to the Master, i.e. 

via port C. 


address 


address 

Etc. 

1..20 The address of the first slave panel. 

1..20 The address of the second slave panel. 


Share zones [FALSE ] Zones are not shared between panels 

Peer-to-Peer [FALSE] Do not allow MUTE / ACCEPT, SILENCE / RESOUND and 

SYSTEM RESET key presses from a slave panel. 

Remote Alarms [TRUE]/[FALSE] Instructs the Master panel to send alarm origin display 

messages to other panels on the network. 

*Port B Protocol 0 Use default of 0 unless special applications interface. 


• Slave Panel Settings 


2. accepts other network events 

Local - 


2. ignores other network events 

NOTE: The zonal fire status is passed over a shared-zone network regardless of 

events being global or local. 


Panel network-address number 1..20 Enter slave panel address, i.e. 3. 

Quantity of slave processors 0 Number of slaves connected to port C. 


Share zones [FALSE ] Zones are not shared between panels 

Peer-to-Peer [FALSE] Do not pass MUTE / ACCEPT, SILENCE / RESOUND and 

SYSTEM RESET key presses back to master. 

Remote Alarms [TRUE]/[FALSE] Instructs a panel to receive and display alarm messages 

originating from another panel on the network. 

*Port B Protocol 0 Use default of 0 unless special application interface 



2. accepts other network events. 

Local - 


2. ignores other network events. 

NOTE: The zonal fire status is passed over a shared-zone network regardless of 

events being global or local. 




6 Specifications 

Criteria Details 

Panel Software Compatibility (Version) 600 onwards 

© MORLEY-IAS. All rights reserved. 

® The MORLEY-IAS Logo is a registered trademark. 

MORLEY-IAS Fire Systems, Charles Avenue, 

Burgess Hill. West Sussex. RH15 9UF. England.

1 Installation Instructions 2 Description - CMS Ware*Ever

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