Notifier (Honeywell)

Global Honeywell fire alarm brand with a large engineered-systems install base and a worldwide distributor network.

Platform overview

The Notifier AFP-3030 is the large-panel member of Notifier’s ONYX Series, Honeywell’s intelligent, modular fire alarm platform for medium-to-large and large networked facilities. It pairs a powerful, field-programmable control panel with a deep portfolio of FlashScan intelligent detectors, monitor/control modules, manual call points, VIEW high-sensitivity and VESDA-E aspirating detection, integrated digital voice / mass notification, SWIFT wireless, ACS and graphic annunciation, and the NOTI·FIRE·NET network, all managed through VeriFire Tools and the Connected Life Safety Services (CLSS) cloud.

Two technologies define the platform. First, FlashScan, Notifier’s all-digital, high-precision signalling line circuit (SLC) protocol (U.S. Patent 5,539,389) that polls up to 318 devices per loop in under two seconds and activates up to 159 outputs in under five seconds, giving the largest device-per-loop capacity in the industry. Second, ONYX Intelligent Sensing, a suite of software algorithms (drift compensation, cooperative multi-detector sensing, self-optimising pre-alarm, multi-level sensitivity) that delivers high early-warning sensitivity with strong nuisance-alarm immunity. A hallmark is keypad program editing: the AFP-3030 can be programmed and edited from its front-panel QWERTY keypad while still providing fire protection.

Model note: “AFP-3030” is the Notifier designation used in Australia and several international markets; the functionally equivalent North American models are the NFS-3030 and current-generation NFS2-3030. Specifications here reflect the ONYX-series AFP-3030 / NFS2-3030 family.

Range at a glance

The AFP-3030 control panel

The AFP-3030 is a modular FACP configured per project around the CPU2-3030 central processor, one to ten signalling line circuits, and a wide menu of voice, annunciation, networking and detection options. It is built for large and networked facilities and field-programmable from the panel itself.

The CPU2-3030 ships as a display version (with the 640-character LCD and QWERTY keypad) or a displayless network-node version. Loops are added with LCM-320 loop control modules (each providing one SLC) and LEM-320 loop expander modules, up to five LCMs and five LEMs for ten SLCs. The panel runs FlashScan devices natively and also supports older devices in CLIP mode.

FlashScan SLC & ONYX Intelligent Sensing

FlashScan is Notifier’s all-digital, high-precision SLC protocol. Its high speed gives the AFP-3030 the largest device-per-loop capacity in the industry (318 points) while still polling every input and output in under two seconds and activating up to 159 outputs in under five seconds. FlashScan devices carry bicolour LEDs that can be coded for diagnostics (e.g. blinking the device address during Walk Test), and the protocol provides high noise immunity over the SLC.

ONYX Intelligent Sensing is the software-algorithm suite that turns raw sensor readings into reliable alarm decisions at the panel:

• Drift compensation & smoothing: maintains a detector’s original sensitivity as dirt accumulates, automatically performs NFPA-style periodic sensitivity measurement, and filters transient electrical noise.
• Maintenance warnings: three levels (low chamber value, maintenance alert, maintenance urgent) flag detectors needing service before performance is compromised.
• Sensitivity & pre-alarm: up to nine alarm sensitivity levels and nine pre-alarm levels, settable manually or automatically between day and night; pre-alarm can be latching or self-restoring.
• Self-optimising pre-alarm: a detector “learns” its normal environment over time and sets pre-alarm just above normal peaks.
• Cooperating multi-detector sensing: a patented feature letting a sensor weigh readings from nearby sensors, increasing sensitivity to real smoke by up to ~2:1 without sacrificing false-alarm resistance.

Detector range (FlashScan / ONYX)

The 951-series FlashScan detectors connect to the SLC and share a common low-profile design and base architecture, with bicolour status LEDs and selectable ONYX sensitivity. Ivory (-IV) models support CLIP as well as FlashScan; “A” suffix models are ULC-listed.

Detector bases provide the interface and add functions: standard flanged bases (B300-6), relay bases (B224RB), isolator bases (B224BI), and intelligent programmable sounder bases (B200S / B200SR, including low-frequency and CO-tone variants) so notification can be distributed at the detector.

Special detection: VIEW, beam & VESDA-E aspirating

VIEW high-sensitivity: the FSV-951 VIEW (Very Intelligent Early Warning) detector uses advanced ONYX algorithms to differentiate smoke from non-smoke signals at high sensitivity, while pinpointing the fire location through addressable operation, bridging the gap between standard point detection and aspirating systems.

Beam detection: the FS-OSI-RI addressable single-ended (reflective) optical beam smoke detector protects large open volumes such as atria, warehouses and halls. It offers fast alignment with directional LED arrows and long-range coverage of 16 to 328 ft (5 to 100 m) as standard, with no separate long-range kit.

VESDA-E aspirating: for the highest-sensitivity and concealed/high-airflow applications, intelligent VESDA-E aspirating detectors connect directly to the SLC loop of compatible ONYX panels and appear as addressable points. Because VESDA-E connects on the SLC, aspirating zones are managed and annunciated identically to point detectors, and the FMM-4-20 module additionally allows FM-approved gas detection via 4 to 20 mA gas sensors.

Modules, interfaces & manual call points

The AFP-3030 interfaces to plant, conventional devices and control functions through FlashScan modules, all SLC-connected and addressable, with isolator options.

Modules let the panel monitor sprinkler flow/valve states, drive fans/dampers/door holders, interface conventional zones, and control releasing, all on the same FlashScan loop as the detectors.

Notification, voice & mass notification

The AFP-3030 provides both conventional notification (via control modules / NAC power) and a tightly integrated digital voice and mass-notification system through the Digital Voice Command (DVC / DVC-EM):

• Digital voice: the DVC-EM provides up to eight channels of digital audio with message storage (up to 32 minutes standard / 4 minutes high-quality), software message generation, and audio distribution across the network.
• Amplifiers: digital amplifiers in 35 W, 50 W, 75 W and 100/125 W ratings (DAA2 / DAX / DS series), with a Digital Series distribution board (DS-DB) for bulk amplification and fibre distribution, plus legacy analog amplifiers (AA series, 30 to 120 W).
• Firefighter telephone: two-way firefighter telephone via the TELH-1 handset and FTM-1 telephone module on the SLC.
• Mass notification: UL 2572 mass-notification capability (NFS2-3030 version 20 or higher), enabling layered fire and emergency/mass-notification messaging.

SWIFT wireless

For areas where cabling is impractical (heritage buildings, temporary installations, hard-to-reach spaces), the AFP-3030 supports SWIFT (Smart Wireless Integrated Fire Technology), a self-healing mesh wireless protocol. Wireless detectors and modules connect through the FWSG (SWIFT gateway) on the SLC: each gateway supports up to 49 SWIFT devices, and up to four gateways can be installed with overlapping coverage. Wireless devices retain FlashScan/ONYX behaviour and are managed and annunciated identically to wired devices, enabling mixed wired/wireless designs.

Annunciation & operator interfaces

Beyond the 640-character panel display, the AFP-3030 supports a full range of remote annunciation on the EIA-485 annunciator bus and over the network.

Up to 32 ACS address points (64 or 96 points each) are supported per CPU, and remote LCD/graphic annunciators can be mounted up to ~6,000 ft from the panel.

NOTI·FIRE·NET networking

NOTI·FIRE·NET is Notifier’s peer-to-peer fire network connecting AFP-3030 panels, annunciators and workstations into a distributed, supervised system. It operates as a high-speed network supporting up to 200 nodes (N16e/x, NFS2-3030/NFS2-640, NFS-320, NCD, NCA-2, DVC-EM, ONYXWorks and others), or a standard network of up to 103 nodes that also supports legacy panels (AFP-200, AFP-300/400, AM2020 etc.).

Connections are made with Network Communication Modules: NCM-W (wire) and NCM-F (fibre), or high-speed HS-NCM modules that connect two nodes over wire, single-mode fibre, multi-mode fibre or media conversion. Standard-network repeaters (RPT-W/F/WF) extend reach; point-to-point wire runs reach up to ~3,000 ft (914 m) between nodes, with fibre for longer spans. The result scales from a single panel to a large, redundant multi-building network on a common toolset.

Programming & commissioning

The AFP-3030 offers an unusually open and flexible programming model:

• Keypad program edit: site programs can be created and edited directly from the front-panel QWERTY keypad while the panel continues to provide fire protection; each point entry carries its own program, including control-by-event links.
• VeriFire Tools, a non-proprietary Windows offline programming, test and reporting suite: build, test and back up the entire site program in the office, then download it to the panel, with check/compare and global firmware download.
• Autoprogram: the panel “learns” the devices physically connected and loads them with default parameters in under a minute, giving near-immediate protection on a new install.
• Walk Test & diagnostics: walk-test reports, device-address LED blinking and read-status display of detector cleanliness streamline commissioning and maintenance (AS 1851 / NFPA 72).
• Because VeriFire Tools is broadly available, the AFP-3030 can be programmed and serviced by multiple independent distributors under Notifier’s open Engineered Systems Distributor model, reducing vendor lock-in.

Cloud, web & building integration

The ONYX platform extends to cloud, web and building-management integration. Central-station communications are supported through UDACT/IP/cellular communicators (e.g. IPDACT, HWF2 LTE), giving multiple monitored paths to the monitoring centre.

Power, releasing & enclosures

Primary power and battery charging are provided by the AMPS-24 addressable power supply (110 to 120 VAC, 4.5 A) or AMPS-24E (240 VAC, 2.25 A), each with two 24 VDC outputs (up to 5.0 A main and aux) and battery charging from 7 to 200 AH (larger batteries in a separate cabinet). The panel supports releasing for up to ten independent hazards with sophisticated cross-zone options, adjustable delay/discharge timers and abort modes (via FCM-1-REL releasing modules and the SCS smoke-control range). Panels mount in CAB-4 series enclosures (four sizes) with battery boxes, plus marine and seismic mounting kits for specialist applications.

Approvals & standards

The AFP-3030 / NFS2-3030 family carries the relevant listings in each market:

• Australia / New Zealand: the AFP-3030 is ActivFire-listed (afp-2976) to AS 7240.2:2018 and AS 7240.4:2018, with the fire-brigade/alarm interfaces to AS 4428.3.
• North America (NFS2-3030): UL 864 (10th edition) and CAN/ULC-S527; UL 2572 mass notification (v20+); UL 2610; FM and FM6320 (gas); FDNY COA; CSFM; City of Chicago / Denver.
• Marine & seismic: US Coast Guard, Lloyd’s Register and ABS marine approvals (with marine-listed components); IBC/CBC seismic certification with the appropriate mounting kit.
• Always confirm the current listing for each component and configuration in the applicable market and firmware version before specifying.

Applications & summary

The AFP-3030 suits virtually any large or networked application: high-rise and commercial buildings, universities and corporate campuses, industrial facilities and chemical plants, mass-transit hubs, sports arenas, government complexes and hospitals, or anywhere else that demands high detection density, integrated voice/mass notification, releasing, or a large multi-building network. Standalone panels protect single buildings; NOTI·FIRE·NET scales to estates of up to 200 nodes.

Its defining strengths are FlashScan’s industry-leading 318 devices per loop and 3,180 per node with sub-two-second polling; ONYX Intelligent Sensing for high sensitivity with strong nuisance-alarm immunity (drift compensation, cooperative multi-detector sensing); integrated digital voice / mass notification; a deep detection portfolio spanning point, multi-criteria/CO, VIEW high-sensitivity, beam and VESDA-E aspirating; SWIFT wireless; very large NOTI·FIRE·NET networks; open, online front-panel and VeriFire Tools programming through a competitive distributor network; and CLSS cloud connectivity, all backed by Honeywell’s global scale. Together they make the AFP-3030 a complete, scalable life-safety platform rather than a single panel.

Servicing a Notifier AFP-3030 under AS 1851

Routine servicing of an AFP-3030 follows the detection and alarm system activities in AS 1851-2012, Section 6. The standard sets what gets checked and how often; the panel’s built-in tools decide how quickly you can get through it. Work from the tables in the standard and the site’s block plan and cause and effect matrix, not from memory.

Walk Test is the main time saver. Notifier documents two modes, Basic and Advanced, across Node, Panel, Loop, Zone and Device. In Basic zone or loop test the devices flash their address on the LED, a smoke or magnet test lights the LED solid green, and pulling a head for about 30 seconds proves the fault path. Every test is written to history, so the panel log becomes your record of which devices were tested. Advanced test also drives the programmed outputs (except smoke control), and Notifier notes that the ARE alarm output will operate during advanced walk testing. Put the monitoring service on test before you start.

For batteries, measure the charger output and battery terminal voltages, record the battery date, and run the load or capacity test the standard calls for rather than trusting a healthy panel display. Use the detector read status and the three level maintenance warnings during each visit to flag heads that need cleaning or replacement before they cause a nuisance alarm.

Common faults and defects on the AFP-3030

Most call outs on an AFP-3030 are the same faults you meet on any large addressable system. The difference is scale: with up to 318 devices on a FlashScan loop, one wiring problem can take out a lot of points, so isolate methodically and use the event history to see what dropped first.

• Earth faults: usually water in a field box, a nicked cable on a tray, or a shield or drain wire touching the enclosure. Split the circuit (loop, NAC, auxiliary 24 V or network cabling) half at a time until the fault clears, and check recent works first.
• Loop open and short circuits: an open on a properly wired loop should still leave devices reachable from the other end; a short should be contained by the nearest isolator modules or isolator bases (B224BI). If a large block of points drops, look at isolator placement and whether an isolator is latched by a genuine short.
• Device missing or type mismatch: a head removed or swapped by others, a device addressed twice, or a replacement of a different type to the one programmed. Confirm the address and device type against the program before changing anything. Remember the panel supports both FlashScan and older CLIP devices.
• Battery and charger faults: aged or swollen batteries, a loose link, or a failed charger. Replace batteries as a matched set and record the date on them.
• Network faults: on NOTI·FIRE·NET, check the NCM wire or fibre modules, terminations and repeaters, and whether a node has been powered down. Mixed AFP-2800 and AFP-3030 networks need the AFP-2800 firmware update Notifier released for that purpose.
• Dirty or drifting detectors: drift compensation hides contamination until it reaches the maintenance warning levels. Act on low chamber, maintenance alert and maintenance urgent warnings rather than waiting for a false alarm.

Do not guess at fault text or menu paths on a site you do not know. Use the panel’s own fault description, the history log and the site program, and get the programmer involved before editing the database to clear a fault.

Who can service it, spares and end of life

Notifier is sold and supported through an engineered systems distributor model, with Honeywell’s Notifier Australia office in Baulkham Hills and accredited distributors handling supply, programming and technical support. Routine AS 1851 testing can be done by any competent fire technician, but changes to the site program need VeriFire Tools access and the training that goes with it. Notifier Australia runs an AFP-3030 Service and Programming two day workshop, booked through the MyHBU learning portal. In some other markets, VeriFire upload and download rights are tied to factory certification and an annual refresher, so ask Notifier Australia how licensing works before you quote programming work.

Spares for current AFP-3030 builds come through Notifier Australia and its distributors. Get the panel’s configuration, firmware version and loop card details on your first visit so you order the right part.

The older AFP-2800 and AFP-2802 are discontinued. Notifier’s bulletin PB24-007 (updated from PB21-008) set the last shipment for 30 November 2021, with replacement parts available for seven years after supply ended or while components remain available, and lists several AFP-2800 accessories as no longer available. The named replacement is the ONYX AFP-3030, launched in Australia in August 2015, which Notifier states supports the CLIP and FlashScan field devices used on the AFP-2800 and earlier regional systems. That can make a staged panel replacement practical, keeping much of the field wiring and devices where they are compatible.

When you find an AFP-2800 or older panel, record the model and firmware in the asset register and raise it with the client in writing as a planned replacement, with the spares timeline attached. Notifier Australia has run an AFP-2800 upgrade program; check what is currently on offer rather than quoting an old promotion.

Notifier suppliers in Australia

Notifier is supplied and supported in Australia through Honeywell and specialist distributors. Australian suppliers include:

Partner coverage and accreditation can change, so confirm current details with the distributor or Siemens.

Further reading

Frequently asked