Lifesafety Power C4P-Boxed Flexpower C4/C4P C8/C8P

Lifesafety Power C4P-BOXED 4-Output Lock Control Module

The C4P-BOXED is a 4-output lock control expansion module designed to add access control capacity to existing Lifesafety Power FlexPower supply systems. Rather than replacing your primary power supply, this module plugs into a FlexPower host to expand door control without system redesign — a straightforward way to handle growing security needs without rewiring the entire installation.

Overview

The C4P-BOXED module integrates directly with FlexPower dual voltage power supplies, letting you add four independently programmable access control outputs to an existing installation. Each output is configurable to either voltage available in a dual voltage system — typically 12V or 24V — so you can control mixed-voltage locks (12V mag locks alongside 24V electric strikes, for example) without needing separate modules. This flexibility reduces hardware count and simplifies the bill of materials on larger deployments.

Each output supports voltage or dry contact activation and can be set to fail-safe or fail-secure operation independently. Fail-safe defaults to unlock on power loss (critical for egress compliance on fire exits); fail-secure defaults to locked. This configurability is essential for meeting local fire codes and integrating with fire alarm override requirements on controlled exits.

Key Features

• Four independently programmable outputs: Each output is configured for its own voltage and fail mode, so you address different door types and security postures in a single module without compromise.
• Dual voltage support: Per-output voltage selection (12V or 24V) eliminates the need for separate single-voltage modules when managing heterogeneous lock hardware. Simplifies inventory and reduces spare parts overhead on multi-site deployments.
• Voltage and fuse supervision per output: Built-in supervision detects voltage drop or blown fuses and reports faults back to the FlexPower host for centralized alerting. Early fault detection prevents unnoticed control failures before they become operational or security issues.
• OutSmart visual status indication: Color-changing LEDs on each output display the active voltage in real time — green for 12V, blue for 24V. Technicians troubleshooting in the field can glance at the module and confirm correct voltage without a multimeter, cutting diagnostic time.
• Fail-safe and fail-secure configurable per output: Independent fail-mode programming allows each output to default according to its security role. This is non-negotiable for fire alarm integration and egress compliance — your integrator must configure it correctly, and the C4P-BOXED delivers that flexibility at the module level.
• Centralized fault reporting: All supervision signals route back to the FlexPower host, giving you a single pane of glass for lock health across the entire access control system. Eliminates the need for local relay status verification.

Integration & Compatibility

The C4P-BOXED (often searched as C4P BOXED) works exclusively with FlexPower dual voltage power supplies. It does not integrate with single-voltage systems or non-FlexPower hosts. Your integrator will need to confirm that the host supply is capable of supporting an expansion module before ordering.

Voltage and fuse supervision is built into the module and transmitted to the host. Most modern access control panels and management software will report these faults if the FlexPower system is integrated into your building management or security network. Confirm integration capability with your system designer before deployment.

Wiring configuration and fire alarm override integration require coordination with your access control system and local fire marshal requirements. This is application-specific — your integrator and fire protection engineer must validate the configuration.

When to Choose a Different Model

If you need eight lock outputs instead of four, the C8P-BOXED variant in the same FlexPower family is the logical choice — same architecture, double the outputs. For single-voltage systems or applications that do not require dual voltage flexibility, a simpler fixed-voltage 4-output module may reduce cost if your lock inventory is homogeneous (all 12V or all 24V). Discuss with your integrator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I mix 12V and 24V outputs on a single C4P-BOXED module?

A: Yes. Each of the four outputs can be independently programmed to either 12V or 24V, so you can control mixed-voltage locks on the same module. This is one of the primary reasons to choose dual voltage architecture.

Q: What happens to a locked door if power is lost to the C4P-BOXED?

A: That depends on whether the output is configured for fail-safe (defaults to unlock) or fail-secure (defaults to locked). Your integrator must configure each output according to the door's security role. Fail-safe is required for fire exits; fail-secure is typical for secure areas.

Q: Does the C4P-BOXED report fuse or voltage faults to my access control panel?

A: The module reports supervision data to the FlexPower host supply. Whether your access control panel receives those alerts depends on the integration between the host supply and your management software. Confirm this capability with your system integrator during design.

Q: Can I use the C4P-BOXED with single-voltage FlexPower supplies?

A: No. The C4P-BOXED is designed for dual voltage FlexPower systems. Single-voltage installations require a different module type. Verify your host supply specifications before ordering.

Q: What's the difference between the C4P-BOXED and the C8P-BOXED?

A: Both are FlexPower-compatible expansion modules with the same architecture — voltage/fuse supervision, dual voltage support, and fail-mode configurability. The C8P-BOXED provides eight outputs instead of four. Choose C4P-BOXED for up to four locks; choose C8P-BOXED for eight.

James Everett

The C4P-BOXED solves a real problem on multi-floor or multi-zone deployments: you've got a working FlexPower host, but you need more lock outputs than the primary supply provides. Rather than swap out the entire power supply (and lose uptime), this module lets you expand without redesign. The per-output voltage programming is the critical differentiator here — you're not locked into a single voltage across all four outputs.

Technical Highlights:

• Four independent 12V/24V outputs: Each output configurable to its own voltage means you can run a 12V mag lock and a 24V electric strike on the same module without extra hardware. Reduces the BOM and cabinet footprint on larger jobs.
• Built-in voltage and fuse supervision: Faults report back to the FlexPower host for centralized alerting. Early detection of a blown fuse or voltage sag prevents silent failures — critical for life-safety and access control compliance audits.
• Fail-mode configurability per output: Not all doors have the same security posture. Fire exits must fail-safe (unlock); secure vaults must fail-secure (locked). The C4P-BOXED lets your integrator set each output independently, eliminating the need to buy multiple module types for a single installation.
• OutSmart visual LEDs: Blue for 24V, green for 12V — visible at a glance. Saves troubleshooting time when commissioning or testing after an alarm event.

Deployment Considerations:

• Host supply verification is mandatory. This module plugs into FlexPower dual voltage supplies only — confirm your existing power supply is compatible before ordering. Single-voltage FlexPower systems cannot use the C4P-BOXED.
• Fire alarm integration is application-specific and must be validated by your fire protection engineer and local authority. Fail-safe configuration is non-negotiable for exit control, but the programming step cannot be skipped or assumed.
• Fault reporting depends on the integration between the FlexPower host and your access control system. If the host is standalone (not networked into your ACS or building management system), you'll need a separate monitoring path for supervision alerts. Discuss this during design to avoid false assumptions.

The C4P-BOXED is a practical fit for retrofit and expansion scenarios where you have a working FlexPower installation and need to add controlled exits without replacing the primary supply. It's also the right choice for facilities with mixed-voltage lock hardware — the per-output programming eliminates the hardware workaround.