C-TEC CAST-PRO Smoke and Heat Multisensor with Tone Sounder and White VAD CP414TV

What this multisensor does

This one device covers three jobs at a single point: it detects a fire, sounds the alarm and flashes a warning light.

It belongs to the C-TEC CAST-PRO range and speaks CAST, C-TEC's own protocol. It suits new ZFP installations and extensions to them.

How it works

• Two senses: smoke and heat readings work together. The chamber and algorithms provide tolerance to false alarms while enhancing the detection of real fire conditions.
• Detection modes: the default is Mode 7 of 8, and sensitivities can differ for different times of the day.
• Drift compensation: As a rule, this adjusts for slow dust build-up in a detector, so sensitivity holds steadier between services.

Where to use it

With an IP21C rating, it is an indoor ceiling device for dry rooms. The working range runs from -10ºC to +50ºC.

As a rule, combined devices suit rooms where a separate sounder and beacon would look out of place, such as offices, hotels and care settings.

What the figures mean in practice

• Current: use the 13.2mA (max volume, VAD lit) peak and the 10.8mA (max volume, VAD lit) average when you run the loop calculation. These are for the worst case, at minimum voltage.
• VAD coverage: the efficiency of 10m2/mA and 0.5Hz flash rate matter when you plan which rooms it can light. The flash is synchronised.
• Sound level: the figure is measured at 1m at maximum voltage. Doors and furnishings reduce what reaches further away.

Installing it

• Polarity: this is polarity sensitive wiring, so follow the positive and negative through each base.
• Depth: allow for 68mm below the ceiling once it is in its base.
• Security: the base has an integrated locking mechanism and an ID tag.

Planning your system

Start with the panel, because this device needs a ZFP panel running CAST. Then allow one CA408 base per position, or the CA408R relay base where the point must also switch something.

Spacing should come from your system design, as a device like this has to satisfy the rules for detection, sound and light all at once. Check other sounders in the same area for synchronisation.

Standards explained

• EN54 parts: the listed parts cover sounders (3), heat detectors (5), smoke detectors (7), isolators (17), visual alarm devices (23) and multi-sensor detectors (29).
• KIWA: the independent body certifying the device.
• CPR: the Construction Products Regulation, which sets rules for products built into buildings.