Ziton A50E-2 | Addressable Mini Relay Unit | Single Pole, Loop Powered

FAQs

What type of equipment can the A50E-2 control?

The A50E-2 is designed to control a wide range of building services and fire safety equipment through its volt-free changeover relay contacts rated at 1A at 30VDC or 0.3A at 40VAC. Common applications include shutting down air conditioning plants and ventilation systems in fire conditions, controlling fire door release mechanisms and magnetic door holders, operating fire dampers in ductwork, switching emergency shutdown valves for gas or oil supplies in boiler rooms, and controlling auxiliary equipment such as fans or pumps. The volt-free contacts make it compatible with equipment operating at various voltages without risk of electrical interference.

How is the A50E-2 programmed to activate?

The A50E-2 relay module can be flexibly programmed through the Ziton control panel software to activate based on various trigger conditions. It can be set to operate in response to any single device (specific detector or call point), groups of devices (all detectors in a zone), or all system devices (general alarm condition). The module responds to all types of system input signals including fire detector activations, manual call point operations, zonal fire outputs, or control panel indicators. This flexibility enables complex cause-and-effect programming where different equipment responds to specific fire scenarios.

Where should the A50E-2 be installed?

The A50E-2 should be installed within or adjacent to the equipment it will control, rather than at the fire alarm control panel. This installation approach eliminates the need for long auxiliary circuit wiring runs from the panel to remote equipment, significantly reducing installation costs and improving system integrity. The module connects directly to the ZP loop wiring which is routed throughout the building, and can be located anywhere on the loop. It should be mounted in a compatible electrical enclosure such as the Ziton SMB-DIN1 or SMB-DIN2 surface boxes, or within suitable equipment cabinets using DIN rail mounting.

How many A50E-2 modules can be connected to one loop?

Up to 127 addressable devices in total can be connected to each Ziton control panel loop, including detectors, manual call points, input modules, and relay modules like the A50E-2. Each relay module requires a single unique address configured using the seven-segment DIP switch. The actual number of relay modules that can be installed depends on the total current consumption of all loop devices – with the A50E-2 consuming 600µA quiescent and 850µA when activated, many relay modules can typically be accommodated on a single loop alongside detection devices.

What are the relay contact ratings and what do they mean?

The A50E-2 relay contacts are rated at 1A at 30VDC or 0.3A at 40VAC. This means the contacts can safely switch direct current loads up to 1 amp at voltages up to 30 volts DC, or alternating current loads up to 0.3 amps at voltages up to 40 volts AC. The module also specifies power factors: 1 PF for resistive loads (like heaters or incandescent lights) and 0.4 PF for inductive loads with L/R = 7mS (like motors, solenoids, or relay coils). These ratings ensure the relay contacts have sufficient capacity for typical building control applications while maintaining reliable operation and contact life.

How is the address set on the A50E-2?

The A50E-2 uses a seven-segment DIP switch for address configuration using binary coding. Each switch has a decimal value: switch 1 = 1, switch 2 = 2, switch 3 = 4, switch 4 = 8, switch 5 = 16, switch 6 = 32, and switch 7 = 64. The device address is calculated by adding the values of all switches set to ON. For example, to set address 007, switches 1, 2, and 3 should be ON (1 + 2 + 4 = 7) with all other switches OFF. This allows any address from 1 to 127 to be configured.

What does the LED indicator show?

The A50E-2 incorporates a red LED status indicator positioned on the front of the module. When the relay is activated (contacts switched), the red LED flashes to provide immediate visual confirmation of operation. This enables quick identification during commissioning, testing, or troubleshooting without needing to physically check the relay contacts or controlled equipment. The LED indication works in conjunction with the control panel display, which shows the relay module status and address information.

Does the A50E-2 require external power?

No, the A50E-2 is entirely loop-powered and does not require a separate external power supply. The module draws its operating power directly from the ZP addressable loop at 16-20.5V pulsed. However, users should be aware that the module will not operate without electrical power – as fires frequently cause power interruptions, it is recommended to discuss backup power safeguards with fire protection specialists. The control panel itself should typically be supported by battery backup to maintain operation during mains power failures.