Eaton – i-on40H

PRODUCT TEST

What’s in the box? Panel Installation, administrator and user manuals Accessory pack with resistors, fuses, jumpers, fixings, cable ties, stand-offs

8.0 out of 10

PSI Product Tests are carried out by an independent third party, not editorial staff. The manufacturer has no input in the review or the final result

The i-on40H is a 40-zone hybrid (wireless and/or wired) control panel, which is expandable to 80 zones. It is aimed at installers who prefer a radio or hybrid solution and has the versatility of being both backward and forward compatible.

Due to this, it is suitable for larger floor plans and properties with outbuildings that require detectors, sounders and cameras to be located far away from the burglar alarm panel.

With SecureConnect enabled out of the box, the i-on40H reportedly offers smart security management and straightforward configuration using a web browser at no extra cost. It is also compatible with Eaton's range of radio peripherals and plug on communicators.

Getting started

The instructions provided with the panel, though wordy, are very simple to follow. Rather than using jargon words, it has been written to enable users to following instructions to a defined outcome.

The location of the on-board aerials are at the top of the panel, away from any cable entry and termination points, reducing the risk of any damage during installation.

On power up, the system cycles through its basic setting types, prompting the user to set some base functions that can be changed later.

Firstly, you will need to set the keypad address by holding “a” and “Tick” for three seconds to prompt the keypad addressing, then following the keypad display, carry out setting your Partition mode, Wired zone monitoring type, and then your installer code.

From here, you gain access to the logic driven menus, all textual so it is easy to cycle through the menus without need to refer to the programming manual or know specific menu numbers.

PROS: • Free user friendly app • Ability to connect up to 4 IP cameras to the system • 40 on-board zones without the need for additional hardware • Responsive wireless keypad connection

CONS: • Required part assembly of the panel • If not used to Eaton systems, initial set up process can be confusing Eaton i-on40H

Performance

Once you are used to the menu structure, the system works well, with little to no lag on wireless keypads and wireless zones, intuitive keypad LED design that allows you to be made aware if there are outstanding faults on the system through the Red LED indication on the arrow keys on the keypad. The free Eaton Secure connect app also provides users with remote connectivity that they have become accustomed to. But you are also able to connect up to 4 IP cameras to the system locally, that can be tied directly to a zone, and alarm type, or a partition. The clips are stored on the SD card (no supplied) that is fit on-board, this footage can be accessed through the secure app, through a web browser, or trigger through to a defined email address providing Video confirmation of a system activation.

Conclusion

Although the panel itself is plastic, it is well manufactured and robust. The housing has been well thought out, with cutouts and cable entry holes providing easy access to terminals and onboard connections. The standoffs supplied with the panel can provide a deeper space behind than most others on the market, making it easier for cable management and surface rear entry.

The system can be utilised for a multi premises site, allowing for 4 partitions to be set up within the system configuration, with each partition having the ability to have 3 setting options. This provides flexibility with the system, as well as providing a multi-use, cost effective application.