Product Overview

The Honeywell AMPS-24E NOTIFIER Addressable Power Supply and Battery Charger is an intelligent power management unit used in NOTIFIER ONYX-series fire alarm systems. It combines regulated DC power distribution, standby battery charging, and addressable power supervision in one assembly. Its primary purpose is to maintain power to fire alarm system components during normal operation and provide backup power when the building’s AC supply is interrupted.

Unlike a conventional auxiliary power supply, the AMPS-24E communicates with the fire alarm control panel through the Signaling Line Circuit (SLC) or a supported system communication connection. This allows the control panel to monitor power-related conditions, including AC supply failure, battery problems, charger faults, and other trouble conditions.

The AMPS-24E is the 220–240 VAC version of the AMPS-24 family. It is particularly relevant to installations using international AC power standards. The unit supports FlashScan and CLIP communication protocols and is compatible with the NFS-3030 and NFS2-3030 Fire Alarm Control Panels. It can also serve as the primary power supply for the NCA-2 Network Control Annunciator.

A typical installation can be found in a large commercial building, hospital, industrial facility, or multi-zone fire detection system. The main fire alarm control panel may be installed in a central equipment room, while remote annunciators and other fire alarm devices are distributed throughout the building. The AMPS-24E supplies the required DC power to compatible equipment and maintains the standby battery system.

The unit has a main 24 V DC output and auxiliary power outputs, together with a dedicated sealed lead-acid battery charging circuit. Its battery charger supports selectable charging currents of 1 A, 2 A, and 5 A, accommodating battery capacities from 7 Ah to 200 Ah according to the selected configuration.

One particularly useful feature is its power supervision capability. The AMPS-24E monitors AC power availability, battery conditions, and charger operation. When an abnormal condition occurs, the unit can report the corresponding trouble information to the connected fire alarm control system. AC loss delay reporting also allows the system to manage the reporting of temporary power interruptions.

The AMPS-24E consists of two principal circuit boards: the CPS-24 board and the AMPS-K2 board. These boards handle different parts of the power supply, battery charging, and output distribution functions. Their combined operation allows the unit to support both the main fire alarm power requirements and additional auxiliary equipment.

For fire alarm installations that require supervised remote power distribution and standby battery support, the AMPS-24E provides an integrated power supply arrangement within the NOTIFIER control architecture.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

• Addressable Power Management: Communicates with compatible NOTIFIER fire alarm control panels through FlashScan or CLIP protocols.
• 220–240 VAC Input: Supports international AC power installations operating at 50/60 Hz.
• Multiple DC Outputs: Provides main 24 V DC power together with auxiliary 24 V DC and 5 V DC outputs.
• Selectable Battery Charging: Supports 1 A, 2 A, and 5 A charging settings for different battery capacity requirements.
• Wide Battery Capacity Range: Accommodates compatible sealed lead-acid batteries from 7 Ah to 200 Ah.
• Battery Supervision: Monitors battery conditions and charger operation to identify power backup problems.
• AC Failure Monitoring: Detects loss of primary AC power and supports configurable AC loss delay reporting.
• Low Battery Protection: Disconnects deeply discharged batteries at approximately 17 V to protect the battery system.
• Isolated SLC Interface: Incorporates an isolated Signaling Line Circuit interface for communication with the fire alarm system.
• Trouble Reporting: Supports five-point trouble reporting for power supply and battery-related conditions.
• Brownout Detection: Monitors abnormal reductions in the incoming AC supply.
• USB Programming Interface: Includes a USB Type B connection for programming installation parameters.

Working Principle

The AMPS-24E operates as a supervised power distribution and battery charging unit within a NOTIFIER fire alarm system. It manages the conversion of incoming AC power into the DC power required by connected equipment while maintaining a standby battery supply.

Its operation can be divided into four main functions.

AC Power Conversion and DC Distribution

The AMPS-24E receives 220–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz input power through its primary AC connection. Its internal power conversion circuits generate regulated DC power for the main fire alarm system and auxiliary equipment.

The main 24 V output supplies compatible fire alarm components. Additional auxiliary outputs provide 24 V DC at up to 0.5 A and 5 V DC at up to 0.15 A.

The available current for the main and auxiliary outputs depends on the selected battery charging configuration. When a higher battery charging current is selected, the available auxiliary output capacity may need to be reduced.

For example, a building installation may use the main 24 V output to supply fire alarm control equipment while the auxiliary outputs support compatible annunciator or communication components.

Standby Battery Charging

The battery charging circuit maintains the standby power source during normal AC operation.

The AMPS-24E supports sealed lead-acid batteries with capacities ranging from 7 Ah to 200 Ah. Charging current can be selected at 1 A, 2 A, or 5 A, depending on the battery capacity and system configuration.

The nominal charging voltage is 27.6 V DC.

When the AC supply is available, the charger maintains the connected batteries at the appropriate charging condition. If the primary AC supply fails, the battery system becomes the backup energy source for the connected fire alarm equipment.

This function is particularly important in buildings where fire detection and notification equipment must remain operational during electrical outages.

Power Supervision and Trouble Reporting

The AMPS-24E continuously monitors important power supply conditions, including AC availability, battery condition, and charger operation.

If the incoming AC supply is interrupted, the unit detects the loss and can communicate the corresponding trouble condition to the fire alarm control panel. Battery and charger supervision help identify problems that could affect standby power availability.

The unit also incorporates brownout detection. This allows abnormal reductions in the incoming AC voltage to be recognized as a power-related condition.

Its isolated SLC interface supports communication with compatible fire alarm control panels using FlashScan or CLIP protocols.

In practical operation, these functions allow maintenance personnel to identify a power supply problem through the fire alarm system rather than relying exclusively on local inspection of the power supply assembly.

Battery Protection During Extended Power Failure

During an extended AC interruption, the connected sealed lead-acid batteries supply the required backup power.

If battery voltage falls to approximately 17 V, the deeply discharged battery protection function disconnects the battery supply. This prevents the battery from continuing to discharge below the specified cutoff level.

When normal AC power returns, the power supply resumes its normal operating functions and the battery charging circuit can recharge the connected batteries.

The battery protection function is especially relevant in installations where the duration of a power outage cannot be predicted.

Addressable Communication with the Fire Alarm System

The AMPS-24E can operate as an addressable device on the SLC using FlashScan or CLIP communication. It can also connect directly to supported equipment such as the CPU2-3030 or NCA-2 through an EIA-485 harness connection.

This arrangement allows the power supply to exchange status information with the fire alarm control system.

The controller can therefore receive information about power-related trouble conditions and display them through the fire alarm system interface.

Role in the NOTIFIER Fire Alarm Control Architecture

The Honeywell AMPS-24E serves as an intelligent power supply and battery charger within the NOTIFIER ONYX fire alarm architecture. It supports the power requirements of compatible control equipment and remote devices while providing monitored standby battery operation.

A typical system arrangement follows this structure:

NFS2-3030 Fire Alarm Control Panel → SLC / EIA-485 Communication → AMPS-24E → Main 24 V DC Output and Auxiliary Outputs → Compatible Fire Alarm Equipment

In a large building, the NFS2-3030 may serve as the main fire alarm control panel, while the AMPS-24E supplies power to additional system equipment.

The power supply can be installed remotely from the main ONYX-series panel and connected to the SLC for supervision. In this configuration, it can simultaneously supply power to compatible remote equipment and charge its standby batteries.

When the incoming AC supply fails, the connected batteries maintain the required backup power. At the same time, the AMPS-24E communicates the power-related trouble condition to the fire alarm system.

This arrangement allows power distribution and supervision to be handled as part of the overall fire alarm control architecture.

Industrial Applications

Installation and Maintenance

1. Verify the Model and Input Voltage: Confirm that the AMPS-24E is the required 220–240 VAC version rather than the 120 VAC AMPS-24 model.
2. Check System Compatibility: Verify compatibility with the intended NOTIFIER fire alarm control panel and communication arrangement before installation.
3. Inspect the Circuit Boards: Examine the CPS-24 and AMPS-K2 boards, connectors, wiring terminals, and protective components for visible damage.
4. Select the Installation Enclosure: Install the unit in an approved compatible enclosure, such as a CAB-4 Series or EQ Cabinet Series enclosure, according to the system installation requirements.
5. Isolate AC and Battery Power: Disconnect the incoming AC supply and battery connections before carrying out installation or wiring work.
6. Connect the AC Input: Wire the 220–240 VAC supply to the designated AC terminals, following the specified conductor sizes and electrical protection requirements.
7. Connect the Communication Interface: Establish the required SLC or supported EIA-485 harness connection according to the selected system architecture.
8. Connect the Standby Batteries: Use compatible sealed lead-acid batteries within the supported 7–200 Ah capacity range and observe the correct battery polarity.
9. Set the Charging Current: Select the appropriate 1 A, 2 A, or 5 A charging configuration according to the installed battery capacity and system power requirements.
10. Check DC Output Connections: Verify the main 24 V DC and auxiliary output wiring. Ensure that the combined current demand does not exceed the limits of the selected configuration.
11. Perform Power and Trouble Tests: Restore the power supply and verify normal DC output operation, battery charging, AC failure detection, and communication with the fire alarm control panel.
12. Record System Settings: Document the battery capacity, charging current, output assignments, communication configuration, and installation details for future inspection and maintenance.

Compatible System Components

Recommended Related Models

Key Advantages

• Combines addressable power distribution and standby battery charging.
• Accepts 220–240 VAC input at 50/60 Hz.
• Supports sealed lead-acid batteries from 7 Ah to 200 Ah.
• Offers selectable battery charging currents of 1 A, 2 A, and 5 A.
• Provides main 24 V DC power and auxiliary 24 V DC and 5 V DC outputs.
• Monitors AC supply, battery, and charger conditions.
• Supports FlashScan and CLIP communication protocols.
• Includes low-voltage battery disconnect protection.
• Supports remote installation with addressable system supervision.

Technical FAQs

What is the difference between the AMPS-24 and AMPS-24E?

The primary difference is the AC input voltage. The AMPS-24 is intended for 110–120 VAC operation, while the AMPS-24E supports 220–240 VAC at 50/60 Hz. Their power supply and battery charging functions are otherwise based on the same product family. The correct version should be selected according to the available building power supply.

What battery capacity can the AMPS-24E support?

The AMPS-24E supports compatible sealed lead-acid batteries with capacities ranging from 7 Ah to 200 Ah. Its charging current can be selected at 1 A, 2 A, or 5 A, depending on the battery capacity and system configuration. The selected charging setting must also be considered when calculating the available current for the main and auxiliary outputs.

Can the AMPS-24E operate remotely from the main fire alarm control panel?

Yes. The AMPS-24E can be installed remotely from a compatible ONYX-series fire alarm panel. It can communicate through the SLC using FlashScan or CLIP protocols, allowing the control panel to supervise the power supply. Supported equipment can also connect directly through an EIA-485 harness arrangement.

What happens if the AC power supply fails?

When incoming AC power is interrupted, the connected standby batteries supply the required backup power to the supported equipment. The AMPS-24E detects the AC failure and reports the corresponding trouble condition through the fire alarm system. If battery voltage falls to approximately 17 V, its deeply discharged battery protection disconnects the battery to prevent further excessive discharge.