Eaton launches xDetect fire panel featuring built-in cyber security

“Owners and managers of commercial buildings must protect people and assets, not only against fires, but also other threats such as cyber terrorism,” explained Kris Conner (Eaton’s senior product manager for fire systems within the EMEA region). “Nearly four-in-ten smart building automation control systems were attacked in the first half of 2019 alone. While safety and security are top priorities, keeping costs and downtime to a minimum are also paramount requirements. Eaton’s xDetect addresses all of these challenges.”

xDetect boasts increased loop power compared to its predecessor, meaning that a single loop can handle more current-hungry devices, in turn reducing cabling costs and installation time. The xDetect system is networkable and can be connected in a ring design network such that the system continues to work even if a panel short-circuits. This makes the use of a redundant network unnecessary, thereby minimising cabling and associated costs still further.

Not only is xDetect easy to install, but it also makes scalability and customisation simple. Available in a few core variants, the panel is extremely easy to upgrade (in line with changing standards, regulations or building use) and expand by adding and swapping colour-coded loop cards as required.

Another core feature is xDetect’s instantly familiar large 7-inch colour touchscreen with intuitive menus and icons. Its adaptive, colour-coded HMI automatically changes colour to reflect the fire system’s status. This feature enables end users to monitor the status of a building’s fire peripherals and zones at a glance so that faults can be addressed swiftly and fires prevented.

The panel is an Eaton ‘secure-by-design’ solution that ensures the highest level of cyber security, enabling secure communications and protecting both data and assets from hackers.

As the system is entirely future-proof and ready for remote access, it can be safely integrated into a Building Management System. In the future, it will be able to connect directly to Fire and Rescue Services’ designated Alarm Receiving Centres to enable an even faster response in the advent of a fire.

*Further information is available online at www.eaton.com/xDetect