C-TEC ActiV Fire Alarm Sounder with W-2.75-9 VAD, 100dB(A), IP55C Deep Base, Red BF433C/CC/DR/65

Overview

A sounder with a visual alarm device, or VAD, warns people in two ways at once. The flash helps people who may not hear the sound, or who are in a noisy place.

This unit belongs to the ActiV family of conventional devices, and is one of a wider range of C-TEC sounders. A conventional system wires its devices in zones instead of giving each one its own address.

How it works

• Tones: you pick one of the primary tones, and can add a secondary tone as an option. A second tone is commonly used so that two different alarm stages sound different.
• Light: the VAD flashes white, and can be set to either flash rate or switched off where only sound is wanted.
• Volume: high and low settings let the output be matched to the room rather than set at full volume everywhere.

Where to use it

It is designed for walls, and its IP55C rating is weatherproof. Keep it within -10°C to +55°C and max. 95% RH, non-condensing.

As a rule, the positions of sounders and VADs come from the system design and the fire risk assessment. The fire alarm system guide explains how a design is put together.

What the figures mean in practice

• W-2.75-9: W stands for wall. It means C-TEC's unit lights a cuboid 2.75 x 9m to at least 0.4 lux when wall mounted.
• W-4-4: this is a second certified way of reading the same VAD, for a cuboid with different proportions. Your designer chooses which rating applies to the room.
• Current at low voltage: at 18Vdc it draws 14.5mA (0.5Hz) or 25mA (1Hz). Voltage falls along a cable, so check the far end of a long circuit too.

Installing it

Allow 132mm of depth in front of the wall. Check the fixing centres and cable entry on the unit itself before first fix.

Set the tone, volume and flash rate before the system goes live, then confirm every device responds together.

Planning your system

C-TEC's CFP, FP, MFP and EP203 panels are compatible. On another maker's panel, follow its advice and test the device before use.

As a rule, add up the alarm current for every device on a circuit and check it against the panel's limits. Compare other fire alarm sounders and beacons if a different housing or a ceiling mount suits the job better.

Standards and ratings explained

EN54-3 covers fire alarm sounders and EN54-23 covers visual alarm devices. The first 5 in an IP55 rating means protection against dust, and the second 5 means protection against water jets.

It is certified by the LPCB, a third-party certification body, and manufactured in the UK.