The Protec 6300 fire detection control panels utilise technology that exceeds 20+ years old, which has now unfortunately become obsolete. Together with the changes in design standards BS5839 and EN54 regulations, Protec has carefully designed and engineered their new range of panels to support existing systems.

As you will appreciate, technology has moved forward with older electronic components becoming increasingly challenging to obtain and in numerous cases, component manufacturers no longer supporting the products. Protec Fire Detection plc will continue to provide either a “service replacement” or “repair service” to existing service clients where possible. However several of the components, which are supplied to Protec to build the 6300 circuit boards, have now become obsolete, resulting in service stocks becoming limited.

In view of the above, Protec have ensured that our latest generation of Digital Algo-Tec™ Addressable fire detection products 6500 are fully “backwards compatible” and can be retrofitted into existing 6300 panel housing. This backwards compatibility will ensure that only the internal gear tray and door assembly containing the circuit boards are upgraded, with all the existing loop wiring and devices (sensors, interfaces, sounders, shutdowns) being fully supported except the 6300 Loop LCD. The 6300 data file can be imported into a 6500 to ensure the exchange is seamless.

Our ability to retrofit the latest control panel technology into existing 6300 panels, will ensure that in the event of any difficulties in obtaining or repairing 6300 circuit boards, the existing fire detection system can easily be retained without the need for expensive full system upgrades or the inevitable damage to building structures and finishes.

Power Supplies – If the 6300 has an internal power supply a 6500 internal PSU will require installing.

Secure Networks – The 6500 will not work on 6300 secure networks. If multiple 6300 Panels are networked the 6500 would only be able to communicate to 6300 panels through interfaces for fire and fault signals. Alternatively all 6400 nodes can be upgraded to 6500.

5000 Protocol – Any nodes running 5000 protocol will require devices exchanging to 6000 protocol.

Loop LCD Repeater – The 6300 LCD Loop repeater is not supported. It would need to be replaced with the latest 6000/LOOP/REPEATER.

RS232 Equipment – Support for existing Hercules and Pager systems.