The ZP3AB-MA8 is one of a series of additional, auxiliary boards designed to extend the ZP3 panel standard range of input/output facilities. Boards are modular in design, and are mounted inside the ZP3 panel enclosure, by means of a ZP3-AC1 auxiliary chassis.

Up to three boards can be fitted into a ZP3 panel. They may be all of a single type, or any combination from the I/O module range. The addition of auxiliary boards can increase the panel outputs to a maximum of 72 all housed within the ZP3 enclosure. Further boards can be added to a system, accommodated in a remote control cabinet, usually located alongside the ZP3 panel. Various sized cabinets are available, designed to match the control panel enclosure. Each ZP3 panel has the ability to operate up to 896 outputs, of which 768 are programmable.

The ZP3AB-MA8 is designed to extend a standard ZP3 control panel by a further 8 alarm outputs, each individually programmable. The maximum power rating for each sounder circuit is 1 Amp.

Wiring is monitored for both open and short circuit faults and sounders must be polarised and wired across the positive and negative alarm circuit conductors. Circuits are terminated with end of line monitoring resistors, tee offs and spurs are not allowed.

Power to operate modules is usually provided internally from the control panel, but terminals on the board are provided for the connection of external power supply units.

Each eight way sounder board is allocated an address by switch settings provided on the PCB. Individual outputs (within the board address) are programmed in the system's cause and effect software set up. Visual indication of alarm active and output fault is given by LEDs for each output.

Housed within the ZP3 panel, options can simply be added during panel manufacture to meet individual specifications, or subsequently fitted on site should a particular requirement become necessary during the life of the system.