CA402 CAST Programmable Heat Detector, Addressable, EN54, ITM002023

Introduction to the CA402 CAST Programmable Heat Detector and its key features

The CA402 CAST Programmable Heat Detector (ITM002023) is an addressable heat sensor engineered for modern fire detection systems using the CAST protocol. Designed primarily for compatibility with C-TEC XFP and ZFP addressable fire panels, the CA402 brings flexible detection modes, built-in loop fault tolerance and clear visual indication into a compact, standards‑certified package. It is intended for professional installation on the CA408 base (sold separately) and is suited to a wide range of commercial and industrial environments where reliable heat detection is required.

Key features at a glance:

• Programmable detection modes: A1R (rate‑of‑rise plus fixed temperature), A2 (fixed temperature) and B (fixed temperature) — default A2.
• CAST addressable communication for use with XFP / ZFP panels.
• On‑board short‑circuit loop isolator to maintain loop integrity in fault conditions.
• Two ultra‑bright red LED strips providing 360° alarm indication and programmable multi‑function status LEDs.
• LPCB certification to EN54‑5 and EN54‑17, with an EN54‑13 performance/coverage declaration via Kiwa Telefication.
• Low quiescent current and modest alarm current to suit long addressable loops.

Detailed specifications and benefits

The CA402 is specified to meet the needs of addressable loop systems while delivering easy commissioning and robust field performance. Below is a breakdown of the important technical specifications and the practical benefits they provide.

• LPCB / EN54: EN54‑5 & EN54‑17 certified — providing confidence that the detector meets recognised European standards for heat detection performance and compatibility with system tests.
• Performance / Coverage: EN54‑13 declaration via Kiwa Telefication — this gives specifiers a performance statement that helps when assessing detector coverage in a system design.

• Selectable modes: A1R (rate‑of‑rise + fixed temp), A2 (fixed), B (fixed). Typical set points cited are: A1R ~56°C, A2 ~62°C and B ~74°C — installers should confirm certified static response temperatures from the CA402 datasheet before final specification.
• Benefit: Programmability allows the detector to be tailored for different risk areas — A1R is useful where rapid rises in temperature indicate fire, while higher fixed settings (A2/B) reduce false alarms in hotter or dustier environments.

• CAST protocol compatibility: Integrates with CAST‑based loops on XFP / ZFP panels for device‑level status, fault reporting and remote programming.
• On‑board short‑circuit isolator: Automatically isolates a shorted portion of the loop to keep the remaining loop devices operational — improving overall system fault tolerance and availability.

• Supply voltage: 22–40 V DC; quiescent current ≈ 370 µA; alarm current ≈ 5 mA (LEDs illuminated).
• Benefit: Low standby current helps maximise loop device counts and reduces strain on panel power supplies; modest alarm current keeps loop loads manageable in an event.

• LEDs: Two 8 mm × 2 mm ultra‑bright red LED strips provide 360° visual alarm indication; base supports remote LED option and programmable multi‑function status light.
• Mechanical: Detector diameter ≈ 102.2 mm, depth ≈ 37 mm (detector alone); detector weight ≈ 99 g (≈ 154 g in base). IP rating IP42.
• Installation: Requires CA408 base (CA408R relay base option available) — base sold separately. Installation and commissioning must be carried out by a qualified fire alarm technician in accordance with local regulations.

Use cases and scenarios where the CA402 excels

The CA402 is particularly well‑suited to installations that need configurable heat sensing rather than smoke detection, or where smoke detectors might be unsuitable due to atmospherics, contamination or risk of nuisance alarms. Typical applications include:

• Plant rooms and boiler houses — environments where elevated ambient temperatures and steam can cause false smoke alarms but where heat detection remains critical.
• Garages and vehicle storage — where exhaust and particulates impair smoke detection but a heat trigger is a reliable sign of fire.
• Industrial and manufacturing areas — dusty or fume‑laden atmospheres that can coat optical sensors but where heat rise still indicates developing fires.
• Kitchen extract areas and commercial kitchens — chosen detection mode and higher fixed set points can reduce nuisance alarms from normal cooking while still providing protection where temperatures exceed safe limits.
• Legacy or mixed systems using CAST panels — replacements and system expansions where CAST addressable compatibility and EN54 certification are required.

Comparisons with similar products on the market

When considering the CA402 against other detection options, it helps to compare by detection type, protocol and field features:

• Addressability: The CA402 provides individual device addressing, device‑level diagnostics and remote programming — conventional heat detectors provide a simple contact closure per zone with no granular device data.
• Fault tolerance: The built‑in loop isolator is an advantage over many conventional devices, which offer no automatic isolation for short circuit conditions.

• Appropriate application: Smoke detectors excel in free‑burning smoke detection scenarios. Heat detectors like the CA402 are superior where smoke detectors produce nuisance alarms or are unsuitable due to contamination, steam or high dust.
• Response characteristics: The programmable A1R/A2/B modes give flexibility not available from simple fixed heat devices, but smoke detectors may detect smouldering fires earlier in many room scenarios.

• Protocol compatibility and certification set the CA402 apart for projects using CAST panels and where EN54‑5/17/13 compliance is specified.
• Some competing devices offer similar programmable modes, but the CA402’s integrated loop isolator, low quiescent current and clear LED visibility are practical differentiators for installers and system designers.

Customer feedback and installer perspectives

While individual customer testimonials for the CA402 will vary by project, installers and system specifiers commonly report these practical benefits when fitting the detector into live systems:

• Ease of programming and mode selection on CAST panels allows rapid adaptation of the detector to different risk areas during commissioning.
• The on‑board short‑circuit isolator reduces disruption during wiring faults, improving uptime compared with devices requiring separate isolators.
• Bright 360° LEDs and remote LED options improve visibility for large open spaces and ceiling installations, aiding maintenance and visual alarm verification.
• Several installers note that the CA402’s low standby current and modest alarm draw help maximise loop device counts, which is useful in large installations.

If you require direct customer reviews, ask your supplier to provide project case studies or speak with end users who have installed the detector in comparable environments.

Conclusion: Why choose the CA402 CAST Programmable Heat Detector

The CA402 is a versatile, standards‑certified addressable heat detector that combines programmable detection behaviour with robust field features such as an on‑board short‑circuit isolator and ultra‑bright 360° LED indication. Its LPCB EN54‑5 and EN54‑17 certifications, together with an EN54‑13 performance declaration, make it appropriate for regulated installations where documented performance and coverage statements are required.

Choose the CA402 when you need the advantages of addressable device diagnostics, flexible detection mode selection for different environmental risks, and higher system resilience against wiring faults. As with any life‑safety product, always confirm the certified response temperatures and final electrical figures from the official CA402 datasheet and ensure installation and commissioning are carried out by qualified personnel following local regulations.

For purchasing and specification: the CA402 detector is typically specified with the CA408 base (or CA408R relay base) — remember the base is sold separately. Typical cost indicators: manufacturer cost price in trade channels is around (indicative) and suggested retail pricing will vary by supplier and region. For full technical data and to attach the official datasheet to your project documentation, request the CA402_2019..._DS_EN.pdf from your supplier or manufacturer.