C-TEC ActiV Hi-Output Wall Voice Sounder, Conventional, IP55C Deep Base, Red BF446C/CC/DR/65

Overview

A voice sounder tells people what to do, where a plain sounder only warns them. This unit is one of the wider range of C-TEC sounders, built for conventional systems.

It suits end users who want a clear evacuation message, and installers who need a weatherproof wall unit.

How it works

• Tone then message: you select one message and one tone. The tone plays first, and the message follows it.
• Conventional: a conventional system signals by zone, not by a digital address for each device.

Where to use it

It is designed to be wall mounted, and it can be used in covered outdoor areas. Check with C-TEC before planning it for a fully exposed position.

Voice can help where people are unfamiliar with the building, such as a public venue. Check any covered position stays within its humidity and temperature limits.

What the figures mean in practice

• 88dB(A) nominal: dB(A) is sound level weighted to human hearing. It is a figure at 1m, so the level falls with distance.
• Current: the 8mA to 10mA range is what to add per device in a sounder circuit calculation.
• IP55C: the 5 and 5 describe protection against dust and water jets, and C-TEC describes the rating as weatherproof.

Installing it

Allow for the 132mm depth, which is a large projection from a wall in a narrow corridor. The 114mm diameter sets how much flat surface it needs.

Run a sounder circuit calculation first, and confirm message choice with the responsible person before commissioning.

Planning your system

C-TEC's CFP, FP, MFP and EP203 panels are compatible. On another maker's panel, test it before relying on it.

The fire alarm system guide explains how a design is set out. Other fire alarm sounders and beacons are worth comparing if you also need a visual warning.