The Bosch FPA-5000 is the standard commercial addressable fire alarm panel for large European buildings. Bosch offers a dedicated KNX interface module (D306) that provides a native KNX TP connection — enabling direct integration with KNX building automation for cause-and-effect fire response. This is the most reliable path: no relay interfaces, no galvanic isolation complexity, direct KNX bus participation.

IMPORTANT: Fire alarm systems must be designed and commissioned only by engineers certified under EN 54-2 or national equivalents. KNX integration does not substitute for EN 54-certified fire detection.

FPA-5000 system overview

The FPA-5000 uses Bosch LSN Improved (Local Safety Network) bus — a 2-wire RS-485 bus carrying power and data to detectors and modules. Each loop supports up to 127 devices. The FPA-5000 panel supports up to 16 loops (2032 detectors total). Detection devices: Bosch ISD-P5 multi-sensor detector (optical + CO), FAP-O423 photoelectric detector, FAP-325 heat detector. Signalling devices: FNM-100, FNM-420 sounder/strobe. Input/output modules: FLM-325-4 (4 inputs, for manual call points, dry contacts). The FPA-5000 has a cause-and-effect engine: program which zones activate which outputs on which alarm condition.

KNX interface module D306

The D306 KNX interface module for FPA-5000 connects to the FPA-5000 via the FPA-5000's auxiliary communication port (RS-232 or internal bus, depending on FPA-5000 version). It provides a KNX TP bus interface that allows the FPA-5000 to send KNX telegrams directly on the KNX bus. The D306 has an ETS6 application: import from KNX online catalogue (manufacturer: Bosch Security). Individual address: assign via ETS6 (e.g., 1.2.1). The D306 presents a set of KNX communication objects, one per configured event.

ETS6 configuration: alarm outputs as KNX objects

In ETS6, navigate to D306 parameters: configure each alarm event as a KNX communication object with a group address. Events: General Alarm (CO 1 = alarm on any zone), Zone 1 Alarm, Zone 2 Alarm (per zone), General Fault, Zone Fault, General Reset. Each event maps to a DPT 1.001 group address. Set send-on-change: D306 transmits telegram when fire panel event changes state (alarm starts = value 1 sent, reset = value 0 sent). Also configure cyclic send for General Alarm: send every 60 seconds while alarm is active — this ensures KNX actuators that missed the initial telegram receive the command (e.g., after a KNX device restart).

Cause-and-effect programming

In the FPA-5000 programming tool (Bosch FSM2000 or FPA-5000 software): configure which fire events trigger the D306 KNX outputs. Example cause-and-effect table: Zone 1 Alarm → D306 output 1 (KNX GA 9/0/1 = 1). Zone 2 Alarm → D306 output 2 (KNX GA 9/0/2 = 1). General Alarm → D306 output 0 (KNX GA 9/0/0 = 1). General Fault → D306 output 10 (KNX GA 9/0/10 = 1). In KNX (ETS6): configure actuators to respond to these GAs via safety priority.

KNX actuator safety priority configuration

For each KNX actuator that participates in fire response: enable "Priority function" in ETS6 parameter page. Priority input group address: bind to fire alarm GA 9/0/0 (general alarm). Priority activation action: lights = switch ON (100%), HVAC fan actuators = switch OFF, shutter/blind actuators = move to 0% position (open, for smoke ventilation), door holder relay actuators = switch OFF (release door). Priority recovery action: after GA 9/0/0 returns to 0 (fire panel reset), actuators return to: last state (for lights), normal HVAC schedule (for fans), automatic shutter position (for blinds). KNX priority telegram uses high-priority bus access — it takes precedence over any normal-priority telegram on the bus.

Verified response matrix

Install commissioning procedure (coordinate with Bosch FPA-5000 engineer): (1) Put fire panel in test mode (suppresses evacuation alarm sound). (2) Activate detector 1 on zone 1. (3) Verify D306 outputs KNX telegram on GA 9/0/1 visible in ETS6 Group Monitor. (4) Verify KNX lights activate to 100% in zone 1. (5) Verify HVAC fans stop (relay actuator de-energises on fire GA 9/0/0 = 1). (6) Verify magnetic door holders release (relay de-energises). (7) Fire panel reset. (8) Verify KNX GAs return to 0. (9) Verify actuators return to normal state. Document all results with pass/fail, signed by both KNX integrator and fire system engineer.

Panel wiring: D306 installation

The D306 module mounts inside the FPA-5000 panel enclosure (or in a separate DIN-rail enclosure near the fire panel). KNX TP bus enters D306 via spring terminals. Cable: YCYM 2×2×0.8 from the KNX TP bus. Run KNX cable in fire-rated conduit or separate from fire alarm wiring. Fire-rated cable is not required for the KNX bus cable itself — KNX is not a life-safety circuit; its outputs (lights, HVAC) are secondary effects. The D306 power is from the FPA-5000 aux supply (24V, EN 54-4 certified, battery-backed) — the KNX bus provides the 29V for bus communication.