Caddx NX-8E Control Panel

The NX-8E is the largest panel in the Caddx NetworX family. The same product was later sold under the GE Security and Interlogix names, so you may see any of those on the keypad or the box. It was a common dealer-installed panel in homes and small businesses, and many are still in service. The manufacturer's support site has since been taken down; this page collects what you need from the official manuals.

At a glance

Smaller siblings: the NX-8 / NX-8V2 (48 zones), NX-6 / NX-6V2 (16 zones) and NX-4 (8 zones). The commercial fire version is the NX-8E-CF.

Official manuals

Interlogix's document library is no longer online. These links open archived copies of the original manufacturer PDFs on the Internet Archive.

• NX-8E installation manual (Rev C)
• NX-8E user manual (Rev B)
• NetworX NX-8E user addendum
• NetworX control panels data sheet (NX-4, NX-6, NX-8, NX-8E)

NetworX LED keypads show troubles with the Service light. Press * 2 and the zone lights tell you what is wrong:

The NetworX service light guide explains how to clear each one. On an LCD keypad such as the NX-148E, the event log shows the detail: press * 9 0 and enter the master or installer code.

These are the problems the NX-8E installation manual lists, with its fixes in brief.

Service light right after leaving programming

This is normal. For about 12 seconds after you exit, the panel scans the data bus and enrolls keypads and modules. Wait before entering codes; user codes are not accepted while it enrolls.

Over-current

Total current from auxiliary and keypad power must stay under 1 A with a 40 or 50 VA transformer (500 mA with a 25 VA one). Power extra devices from an NX-320E power supply. To find a short, disconnect everything but one keypad and reconnect devices one at a time. An internally shorted backup battery can also cause it: remove the battery, and if the fault clears, replace it.

Fire light flashing

Press * 7. It resets smoke detectors and clears most trouble conditions.

Communication failure

Check the phone number and format programming (locations 0, 1 and 2). Then power the panel down completely, removing AC and the battery. Power up with AC first, reconnect the battery, and try again. On VoIP phone service, the manual suggests trying the SIA format, but a cellular or IP communicator is the reliable answer.

Wireless zones "lost"

Usually a wireless sensor that is no longer checking in. Delete the zone and learn it in again, then check the signal strength in the receiver (location 200 on an NX-548E receiver, location 400 on an NX-148E-RF keypad). Below 6, move the sensor or the receiver.

Siren does not sound

The siren output is a speaker driver by default. For a self-contained siren, turn on location 37, segment 2, bit 1 to switch it to voltage output.

Interior zones bypass themselves

That is auto bypass, on by default. If you arm and no entry door opens during the exit delay, the panel assumes you stayed home and bypasses interior zones. Turn it off at location 23, segment 1, bit 3 if you do not want it.

Wireless plus a cellular module

The NX-8E can enroll only one bus device besides keypads. To use wireless and a cell module together, use an NX-148E-RF keypad (which has a built-in receiver) instead of a separate receiver.

Normal voltages

• Keypads: LED keypads NX-108E, NX-116E, NX-1208E; LCD keypads NX-148E, NX-148E-RF (with a built-in 48-zone receiver) and the NX-1192E.
• Zone expansion: NX-216E 16-zone expander; NX-200 zone doubling kit.
• Wireless receivers: NX-548E (48 zones), NX-408E (8 zones), NX-416E and NX-448E.
• Outputs: NX-507E relay expander, NX-508E output expander.
• Communication: NX-592E GSM, NX-595E IP, NX-590E internet interface; NX-540E "Operator" telephone interface.
• Power: NX-320E smart power supply and bus extender.

Default codes

Six-digit codes are a panel option. With them, the system holds fewer user codes (the user manual gives 99 four-digit or 66 six-digit codes for keypad-entered users), and all codes must be six digits. Change both defaults on every install.

Entering program mode

1. With the system disarmed, press * 8. The five function lights flash.
2. Enter the go to program code (default 9713). The Service light flashes.
3. Enter the module number followed by #: 0 # for the panel itself.
4. Enter a location number and #, change the data, and press * to save each segment.
5. Press Exit twice to leave. The panel then enrolls all bus devices (about 12 seconds).

To load factory defaults: in program mode, select the module (0 for the panel), then enter 9 1 0 #. The keypad beeps three times, and loading takes about 6 seconds.

User codes

Press * 5, the master code, the two-digit user number (02, 03…), then the new code. Press # to finish. In a partitioned system, a code can only add users to partitions it has itself, so keep at least one code with access to all partitions.

Keypad wiring

The maximum keypad wire run depends on wire gauge and on how many keypads share the run. The installation manual has a table for one keypad at the end of the wire; several keypads on one run need heavier wire. For long runs or more current, use an NX-320E power supply and bus extender.