C-TEC Hi-Output Wall Voice Sounder VAD, Deep Base, Red, XP95/Discovery Panels BF447A/CX/DR

What this device does

This C-TEC device gives three warnings from one point on the wall: a spoken message, a tone and a white flash. The sound and light are part of a fire alarm system, so it sits on the panel's loop.

A VAD, or visual alarm device, is a flashing light that warns people who may not hear a sounder. Spoken words can also help people act faster than a tone alone.

How it works

• Short-circuit isolator: an isolator cuts off a shorted length of loop, so the rest of the loop can keep working.
• Group addressing: several devices can be operated together, so a whole area can respond as one.
• Protocol: the panel and this device must share the same digital language, and for this one that is XP95/Discovery on C-TEC's panels.

Where to use it

It is for indoor wall positions. Check the space stays inside its rated temperature and humidity range.

Which messages are played, and where, should come from your fire strategy. Choose them before commissioning.

What the figures mean in practice

• W-2.4-8.2: the W stands for wall mounted. The figures describe the cuboid area, and 0.4 lux is the minimum light level over it.
• Two voltage ranges: the VAD needs the higher minimum. Check the far end of the loop under alarm against 21V, not 17V.
• Sound level: check the sound output against the maker's documentation before using this unit in a sound calculation.
• Alarm current: 19.5mA is with the VAD lit and sound on max, so use it for your loop load sums.

Installing it

• Deep base: the base gives a total depth of 131mm from the wall, so allow for that on narrow routes.
• Commissioning: set the voice pair, tone and volume, then listen in the space itself. Words that are clear in a corridor can blur in a large hard room.

Planning your system

It needs a compatible addressable fire panel from C-TEC's range. Check with the panel's maker before using any other panel.

If a job calls for an approved visual alarm, read the certification point below against your specification. If the job depends on a set sound level, compare other fire alarm sounders first.

Ratings explained

• IP33C: the first 3 covers solid objects over 2.5mm and the second 3 covers spraying water. This device is for indoor areas only.
• Certification: this unit shares its lens and electronics with C-TEC's certified Wall Sounder VAD. That certification belongs to the Wall Sounder VAD, so check the approvals you need against this unit's documentation.