HES FA-200 D.P.D.T. Indicating Shunt Switch
Overview
The HES FA-200 is a double-pole, double-throw (D.P.D.T.) indicating shunt switch designed for access control and security system integration. This is a passive relay component—not powered by itself—that routes electrical signals between two independent circuit paths. The integrated visual indicator shows switch state at a glance, cutting troubleshooting time when commissioning multi-zone door control or alarm logic. If you are building a access control system that requires redundant switching paths or simultaneous control of two separate circuits (door strike and auxiliary alarm output, for example), the FA-200 handles that routing work reliably.
Key Features
- D.P.D.T. relay configuration: Two independent poles, each switching between two positions. This means you can control two separate circuits simultaneously or implement failover logic—one pole feeds the primary circuit, the other feeds a backup or alarm output. Invaluable when a single event (unlock command, alarm trigger) must activate multiple devices.
- Visual status indication: An integrated indicator shows switch position without requiring a multimeter or system query. During install and maintenance, you see immediately whether the relay is energized or de-energized. Saves hours on live system diagnostics.
- Reliable contact transitions: The relay contacts are rated for repeated switching cycles in access control circuits. No chatter, no ghosting—clean voltage transitions when driven by a logic controller or access control panel.
- Dual independent switch paths: Each pole operates independently, so you can drive a door strike on one contact pair and an auxiliary relay on the other. No cross-talk or signal bleeding between circuits.
- Compatible with HES access control platforms: The FA-200 integrates into HES door controllers, lock interfaces, and relay panels. If you are standardizing on HES hardware across your facility, this relay is a native fit.
- Compact form factor: Small enough to mount in existing relay panels or DIN-rail enclosures without major rewiring. Space-efficient for retrofit installations or dense multi-zone deployments.
Integration & Compatibility
The FA-200 is a general-purpose switching element for access control systems and alarm circuits. It accepts control signals from door controllers, motion sensors, or logic relays and routes those signals to strike locks, magnetic locks, alarm sirens, or indicator lights. Common deployment patterns include:
- Door strike management: One pole switches a fail-safe or fail-secure strike; the other can trigger an alarm input or status light.
- Dual-zone redundancy: Both poles feed separate zones, allowing a single access point to trigger locks on two separate barriers (vestibule + main door, for example).
- Failover logic: Primary strike on one contact pair; backup solenoid on the second pair. If the primary circuit faults, the second remains available.
- Alarm integration: Door event triggers the strike and logs an alarm input on a separate circuit, ensuring both physical and logical lockdown.
When to Choose a Different Model
The FA-200 is designed for dual-path switching in 24 VDC or low-voltage AC control circuits. If your application requires higher current handling (above the FA-200's rated contact capacity) or three or more independent switching paths, look for a higher-channel relay module or a programmable controller in the HES product family. Similarly, if you need wireless or networked relay logic rather than hardwired switching, consider a modern IP relay gateway instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the FA-200 powered (24 VDC) or passive?
A: The FA-200 is a passive relay—it does not draw significant power itself. It is driven by a control signal (24 VDC pulse or continuous voltage) from your access control panel or logic controller. Check your panel's relay output specifications to confirm voltage and current compatibility.
Q: Can I use the FA-200 for AC circuits?
A: The FA-200 is rated for low-voltage DC control circuits typical in access control (24 VDC systems). AC applications may be possible depending on voltage and current, but consult the control circuit diagram or contact a systems engineer to verify compatibility with your specific AC voltage and load.
Q: What is the maximum current rating of the contacts?
A: Contact current ratings are specified in the FA-200 product documentation. Verify that your door strike, solenoid, or alarm load does not exceed the contact rating—oversizing can cause contact wear or failure over time.
Q: Does the FA-200 work with non-HES access panels?
A: The FA-200 is a standard relay module. Any access control system with 24 VDC relay outputs can drive it. HES panels are the primary integration target, but the module itself is protocol-agnostic and will work with any logic controller or door panel that outputs a compatible control signal.
Q: How is the FA-200 mounted?
A: The FA-200 is designed for installation in relay panels, control enclosures, or DIN-rail mounts. Wiring is via terminal blocks or screw clamps—standard practice for low-voltage security control. Consult the installation guide or a systems integrator for panel layout and wire gauge recommendations.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The HES FA-200 is a workhorse relay for access control integrators who need predictable, independent dual-channel switching in a compact package. If you are deploying multi-zone door control or integrating alarm reporting alongside strike actuation, the FA-200's D.P.D.T. architecture keeps the circuits clean and the visual indicator saves diagnosis time in the field.
Technical Highlights:
- Independent dual poles: Each pole switches its own circuit path, so you can drive a fail-safe strike on one contact pair and send an alarm input or status signal on the other—no cross-interference, no relay chaining required.
- Visual status indication: The integrated indicator means you can verify relay state instantly during commissioning without network access or a test meter. Critical for fast troubleshooting on a live system.
- Compact relay form factor: Small footprint fits into existing HES relay panels or standard DIN-rail enclosures, making retrofit and high-density deployments practical.
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify contact current rating matches your strike and solenoid loads—oversizing causes premature contact wear and failures in high-cycle facilities.
- The FA-200 is driven by a 24 VDC logic pulse or continuous signal; confirm your access panel's relay output voltage and pulse timing to avoid relay chatter or false triggering.
Position the FA-200 in facilities where redundant door control or fail-over alarm integration is required—warehouse perimeter zones, server room vestibules, or multi-door access points where a single event must reliably trigger both physical and logical locks.
