Potter PAD 100 Notification Appliance Circuit

The Potter PAD100-NAC is an addressable output module that adds or expands a notification appliance circuit (NAC) or releasing circuit on a Potter PAD protocol fire alarm system. It taps into the system's fire alarm SLC loop, uses one SLC address, and provides a supervised 24 VDC output that can drive a horn, strobe, or compatible releasing device. It is ideal when you need to power a fire alarm notification appliance or fire suppression release mechanism without overloading the main fire alarm control panel NAC outputs.

Unlike the PSN-1000 which provides six NAC circuits with 10 amps of total power, the PAD100-NAC is a single-circuit addressable solution that lives on the SLC loop itself — placing notification power exactly where it is needed without requiring a separate power supply chassis or home-run wiring back to the panel. This makes it particularly valuable in large buildings where running NAC wiring from the panel to distant notification zones would be expensive or impractical. Each PAD100-NAC circuit is individually supervised and reported via the fire alarm slc loop, giving the fire alarm control panel complete visibility over each notification circuit's operational status.

For fire alarm equipment supplies contractors and fire alarm parts suppliers working with Potter PAD addressable systems, the PAD100-NAC rounds out the full Potter PAD module family alongside the PAD100-RM relay module, PAD-100OROI, PAD 100-TRTI, and input modules. It is a nac fire alarm circuit expander that integrates seamlessly into the SLC architecture — no separate nac fire alarm power wiring is required beyond the SLC loop connection. Annual testing of the NAC output and all connected fire alarm notification appliances is required per NFPA 72, with results documented in the fire alarm inspection and test records and fire alarm inspection stickers updated after each test cycle.

SLC Placement Strategy

Install the PAD100-NAC at the location where notification power is needed rather than at the panel, keeping NAC wiring runs short and reducing voltage drop across the circuit. Assign a unique SLC address before installation and program the activation condition at the fire alarm control panel. For releasing applications, verify the output rating is sufficient for the releasing device current requirements and confirm the configuration is UL Listed for the intended use with your Potter system designer.

Circuit Supervision

The PAD100-NAC supervises its output circuit for open and short conditions. Wire the notification appliance circuit with appropriate end-of-line devices per the Potter wiring diagram. Any wiring fault will generate a trouble signal at the fire alarm control panel via the fire alarm slc loop — providing immediate detection of any NAC circuit problem before the next alarm event. Fire alarm testing signage should be posted during commissioning and annual test events.

Annual Testing

Test the PAD100-NAC output and all connected fire alarm notification appliances annually per NFPA 72. Trigger the activation condition at the fire alarm control panel and verify correct notification appliance operation. Update fire alarm inspection stickers and fire alarm inspection and test records after each successful test cycle. Fire alarm testers should verify both the SLC communication and the NAC output function during each annual test.

How does the PAD100-NAC differ from the PSN-1000?

The PSN-1000 is a standalone intelligent power expander providing six NAC circuits with 10 amps total, connected to the panel via PLink. The PAD100-NAC is a single-circuit SLC-addressed module that draws power from the SLC loop and provides one supervised NAC output locally. The PSN-1000 is better for large central NAC expansions; the PAD100-NAC is better for adding a single notification or releasing circuit at a remote location without home-run NAC wiring.

Can the PAD100-NAC be used for fire suppression releasing?

The PAD100-NAC supports releasing circuit applications. Verify the output current rating meets the requirements of the releasing device and confirm the configuration is listed for releasing service with your Potter fire alarm system designer. NFPA 72 has specific requirements for listed releasing service that must be verified before using any output module in a fire suppression release application.

Is this module compatible with non-PAD Potter panels?

The PAD100-NAC uses the PAD addressable protocol and requires a compatible Potter PAD fire alarm control panel with an active SLC loop. It is not compatible with conventional zone-based panels or non-Potter addressable systems. Verify compatibility with your specific panel before ordering from a fire alarm supply store or fire alarm wholesale distributor.