The C-TEC EP203 Automatic Extinguisher Panel is a powerful, intelligent three-zone automatic extinguishing control panel designed to protect high-value assets and critical environments using gaseous fire suppression systems. Combining the functionality of a conventional fire alarm control panel with advanced extinguishing control features, the EP203 provides reliable fire detection, alarm management, and automatic release of clean agent extinguishing systems. It is ideal for applications where water-based fire suppression could damage sensitive equipment or valuable assets.

Third-party LPCB certified to EN12094-1 and EN54 Parts 2 & 4, the EP203 meets stringent European standards for fixed fire extinguishing systems and fire alarm control equipment. Its advanced design, intuitive operation, and extensive programming capabilities make it a trusted choice for professional fire protection installations in commercial, industrial, and mission-critical environments.

The EP203 is specifically designed to protect locations containing expensive, dangerous, or irreplaceable equipment, where rapid fire suppression is essential. Typical applications include:

The panel supports three conventional detector zones, allowing flexible system design while monitoring smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual call points. Installers can program any combination of activated zones to automatically initiate the extinguishing sequence, providing tailored protection based on the specific risks within the protected area.

One of the panel’s standout features is its 128 × 64 pixel graphical LCD display, which provides clear, real-time information for users, installers, and maintenance engineers. The intuitive interface displays system status, alarm conditions, faults, and programming menus, simplifying commissioning, operation, and servicing while reducing the possibility of operator error.

The EP203 includes six monitored input circuits, enabling comprehensive control of the extinguishing system. These include inputs for:

The integrated Hold and Abort functions provide an additional level of safety by allowing authorised personnel to delay or cancel the extinguishing sequence when necessary, helping prevent accidental discharge of costly extinguishing agents while maintaining system integrity.

To ensure effective emergency notification, the panel provides three monitored conventional sounder circuits, comprising two first-stage alarm circuits and one second-stage alarm circuit. These staged alarms give occupants clear warning before extinguishing agent release, allowing sufficient time for evacuation in accordance with fire safety procedures.

The EP203 also features numerous volt-free changeover relay outputs, including:

These outputs allow seamless integration with external systems such as ventilation controls, building management systems (BMS), door release mechanisms, HVAC shutdown, warning beacons, and other life safety equipment.

The extinguishing release sequence is highly configurable, with programmable delay times, discharge durations, and flooding times. This flexibility enables installers to meet the specific requirements of different clean agent systems, including FM-200®, Novec™ 1230, inert gas, CO₂, and other gaseous fire suppression solutions.

For enhanced system monitoring, the EP203 maintains a time-stamped event log, recording alarms, faults, activations, resets, and operator actions. This event history assists maintenance personnel with troubleshooting, compliance reporting, and routine servicing.

Installation has been carefully considered during product development. All of the panel’s electronics—apart from the powerful 3A EN54-4 compliant switch-mode power supply—are mounted on a detachable metal bridge plate, making installation, wiring, and maintenance significantly easier while reducing commissioning time.

The EP203 also offers excellent expansion capabilities. It supports connection of up to eight remote status units via an RS485 communication network, allowing system status, manual release controls, and operating mode selection to be accessed from multiple entrances or protected areas. Optional accessories include:

Flush and surface remote status units
Economy status units
Hold and Abort buttons
Output expansion relay boards
System line terminators

These accessories enable installers to customise the extinguishing system for projects of varying size and complexity.

Constructed with a durable steel enclosure and engineered for continuous operation, the EP203 is designed to deliver dependable long-term performance in demanding environments. Its professional appearance, intuitive controls, and comprehensive feature set make it suitable for both new installations and system upgrades.

Whether protecting critical IT infrastructure, valuable archives, industrial equipment, or sensitive control systems, the C-TEC EP203 Automatic Extinguisher Panel delivers industry-leading performance, intelligent extinguishing control, and reliable fire protection. With its EN12094-1 and EN54 certification, advanced programming capabilities, flexible input and output configuration, and compatibility with a wide range of gaseous suppression systems, it is an ideal solution for modern automatic fire suppression applications.

Key Features

Three-zone automatic extinguishing control panel
LPCB certified to EN12094-1 and EN54 Parts 2 & 4
Functions as both a conventional fire alarm panel and extinguishing control panel
128 × 64 pixel graphical LCD display
Six monitored inputs including Manual Release, Hold, Abort, Flow Switch, Low Pressure, and Mode
Three monitored conventional sounder circuits (2 first-stage, 1 second-stage)
Programmable extinguishing delay, discharge, and flooding times
Time-stamped event log for alarms, faults, and system activity
Volt-free relay outputs for Fire, Local Fire, Fault, Extract Fan, and Stage Outputs
Powerful 3A EN54-4 compliant switch-mode power supply
Supports up to 8 remote status units via RS485
Detachable electronics bridge plate for easy installation and servicing
Compatible with FM-200®, Novec™ 1230, CO₂, inert gas, and other gaseous fire suppression systems
Ideal for data centres, server rooms, museums, laboratories, telecommunications facilities, archives, and industrial applications