Selecting the right fire alarm control panel (FACP) for a large project isn’t just about picking the biggest model, it’s about matching system capacity, expansion needs, compliance, integration and life-safety workflows to your facility.
This article compares three commonly used GST control panels, GST-IFP8, GST-200 (GST200N family) and GST-5000 and gives guidance for engineers, system integrators, facility managers and consultants who must choose the most appropriate platform for large commercial, industrial, data-centre or campus projects.
Quick Takeaway
- Choose GST-200 for smaller installations or single/multi-building sites where a compact, cost-effective addressable panel is enough.
- Choose GST-IFP8 when you need mid-to-large capacity with built-in multi-loop capability, simple networking and clear zone indication for large buildings or medium campuses.
- Choose GST-5000 for truly large, modular, multi-panel command systems (shopping centres, large campuses, complex industrial sites) where high loop counts, large device capacity and full integration (voice evacuation, graphics, fireman’s panel) matter.
Why this Comparison Matters
Large projects impose several requirements that small installs don’t: lots of detectors and interfaces, multiple evacuation zones, distributed control rooms, redundancy expectations, integration with voice alarm or BMS and maintainability during operation.
Picking the wrong panel creates hidden costs: extra repeaters and network complexity, difficult programming, expensive future upgrades or non-compliance with project specifications.
This comparison focuses on capacity, expandability, compliance & integration, field usability and suitability for project types.
Specification at a Glance
- Typical: Single or two loop configurations (varies by SKU).
- Addressable point capacity: up to ~477 addresses (model dependent).
- Zone indication: ~30 zones (with manual intervention controls).
- Good for: small to medium installations, stand-alone or small networks.
- Typical: Up to 8 Class A loops as standard (modular expansion in some SKUs).
- Addressable capacity: Up to ~1,936 devices (242 devices per loop × 8).
- Zone programming: Up to 999 programmable zones with dedicated LEDs for many zones.
- Good for: Large single-building deployments (data centers, hospitals, airports’ concourse areas).
- GST-5000
- Typical: Modular system 4 loops standard, expandable to many more (documents show configurations expandable up to 28 loops depending on modules).
- Addressable devices per loop: Commonly up to ~235 devices (varies by firmware/loop type).
- Zones: Base ~60 zones, expandable up to 256 (or more with networked panels).
- Capabilities: Networkable multi-panel systems, graphics, voice evacuation integration, fireman’s control panels, central command features. Best choice for large, distributed systems.
(These figures are drawn from GST product literature and installation manuals; always confirm final technical selection against the latest datasheets for the exact SKU you plan to buy.)
Detailed Feature Comparison
1. Capacity & Scaling
- GST-200: Low to moderate capacity (single/two loop panels). Easy to install and economical. Ideal when the whole project fits within the address/loop limits.
- GST-IFP8: Strong mid-to-high capacity for a single chassis: multiple loops and high device counts keep wiring simpler for a large building. Good headroom for future device additions.
- GST-5000: Scales horizontally and vertically, add loop modules and network additional panels for campus-scale deployments. Designed for large projects that demand centralized control and distributed panels.
2. Networkability & Distributed Systems
- GST-200 panels can network with other GST panels but are best used as local controllers or as part of small networks.
- GST-IFP8 supports panel networking (useful when you want several mid-size panels to behave as one system). It can form systems with repeaters and remote I/O.
- GST-5000 is purpose-built to be networked into large systems (dozens of panels, integrated graphics and voice). It supports advanced central management and is the textbook choice when you need a command center.
3. Integration (Voice, BMS, Gas-release, Fireman’s panels)
- GST-200: Basic outputs and programmable relays; integration is possible but limited.
- GST-IFP8: Better I/O for sounders and monitored circuits; supports more complex outputs and networked repeater display functions.
- GST-5000: Full integration with voice evacuation and complex fire protection equipment, plus optional graphic/colour fireman’s control panels and printers. Use this when full integration is a firm requirement.
4. Compliance & Standards
All three models are designed to meet international fire safety standards (EN-54 parts, LPCB listing in some variants), but compliance depends on the specific SKU and regional approvals. Confirm the exact model and firmware meet local codes and the project’s specification.
5. Usability, Diagnostics & Maintenance
- GST-200: Simple display and keypad, good event logging for smaller setups.
- GST-IFP8: Larger LCDs/LED banks, clearer zone LEDs and device diagnostics. Makes fault-finding in big buildings faster.
- GST-5000: Advanced logging, PC tools for programming, color graphics options and printers. Built for teams (facility engineers and security) to operate and audit large systems.
Selection Process for Large Projects
- Capture requirements early
- Count expected detectors, call points, sounders, interfaces; estimate growth for 5-10 years.
- Note required evacuation zones, areas requiring prioritized response (e.g., server rooms) and integration needs (voice alarm, BMS, suppression release).
- Decide whether you need central command graphics or local control panels.
- Match capacity, then verify integration
- If total device count fits comfortably inside a GST-200 or a single GST-IFP8 with room to spare, those can be cost-effective. Otherwise, design with GST-5000 or networked IFP8 panels.
- Consider redundancy & life-safety workflows
- For critical sites (data centres, hospitals, airports), prefer distributed control + networked panels (GST-5000 family or clustered IFP8 panels) to avoid single-point failures.
- Check approvals & local standards
- Ask suppliers for declaration of conformity, EN-54 certification, LPCB listing (if required), and local authority acceptance. Manuals and datasheets identify what each SKU is certified to.
- Plan for commissioning & serviceability
- Use panels with good diagnostics, PC programming tools and easy access to logs. Training and a spare parts strategy reduce lifetime cost.
Typical Project Examples and Suggested Picks
- Small multi-storey office or retail site (one building, ~300 addressable devices)
- Suggest: GST-200 (or small IFP8 config) – Lower cost and simpler setup.
- Large hospital wing or single data centre floor (~1,000 devices, multiple critical zones)
- Suggest: GST-IFP8 – High device count in a single chassis and clear zone indicators simplify operations.
- Shopping centre, university campus, large industrial complex (many buildings / distributed plant rooms)
- Suggest: GST-5000 networked system – Centralized command, graphics, voice integration and modular expansion.
Final Considerations & Procurement Tips
- Always confirm datasheets: For the exact SKU (GST publishes multiple variants and firmware levels). Technical manuals list loop limits, device counts per loop, relay outputs and compliance clauses, review them and attach them to the tender.
- Factor networking costs: Panels with networking capability require cabling, network I/O modules and potentially a dedicated monitoring station. Evaluate whether a few larger standalone panels or many networked smaller panels produce lower total cost of ownership.
- Plan serviceability: Choose models with straightforward diagnostics, local displays, and good event reporting. This shortens downtime and speeds fault resolution.
For large projects, you should prioritize system architecture and lifecycle over the sticker price. The GST-200 family suits compact, budget-sensitive installs. The GST-IFP8 is a robust mid-to-large building solution with high device capacity in one chassis. The GST-5000 is the enterprise option: modular, networkable and built for campus-scale deployments with advanced integration.
Use a requirements-driven checklist, verify certifications and site-specific constraints and involve both the developer/manufacturer and the end-user’s O&M team during procurement to ensure the chosen platform meets operational and safety goals.
