Introduction to the CA451A/SW CAST Addressable Ceiling VAD & Sounder
The CA451A/SW is a compact, combined visual alarm device (VAD) and sounder designed specifically for C-TEC CAST addressable fire alarm loops. Housed in a neat Ø102 × 63 mm casing, this ceiling-mounted unit delivers a powerful 96 dB(A) alarm while also providing EN54-compliant visual signalling. Built-in loop isolation, selectable tones and volume levels, and low quiescent currents make the CA451A/SW a versatile choice for modern commercial and public buildings where performance, reliability and standards compliance are essential.
- Combined VAD & sounderin a single compact ceiling unit, reducing installation complexity and visual clutter.
- High sound output:96 dB(A) @ 1 m (tone 1) with multiple tones and volume levels selectable to suit environment and regulatory needs.
- CAST addressable compatibility:Designed to work seamlessly with C-TEC CAST panels and loop architecture.
- Onboard short-circuit loop isolatorto maintain loop integrity and improve system resilience.
- Low loop loading:Low quiescent (typ. 460 µA) and alarm currents (typ. 12.5 mA when lit and on max), preserving panel capacity.
- Certified:EN54-3, EN54-23 and EN54-17 with LPCB / Kiwa / Intertek listings.
- IP21C ratedand suitable for typical indoor environments; ceiling mounting is standard with optional wall patterns where required.
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Part number:CA451A/SW
- Product type:Addressable ceiling VAD & sounder
- Compatibility:C-TEC CAST addressable panels
- VAD colour / flash:White housing, 0.5 Hz flash rate
- Approvals:EN54-3, EN54-23, EN54-17 (LPCB / Kiwa / Intertek)
Benefit: EN54 approvals and listed third-party certification bodies make the unit suitable for projects that require recognised standards compliance, simplifying specification and acceptance on commercial or public-sector projects.
- Supply voltage:27–40 V DC — compatible with standard addressable loop voltages.
- Quiescent current:460 μA (typical)
- Alarm current:12.5 mA (VAD lit, sounder on max, typical)
- Sound output:96 dB(A) @ 1 m (tone 1)
- Tones/levels:Multiple tones and volume levels selectable
- Loop isolator:Onboard short-circuit loop isolator
Benefit: Low standby and alarm currents reduce total loop loading, allowing more devices on a loop and keeping system power budgets under control. The built-in isolator improves fault tolerance — a short circuit won’t necessarily take the whole loop offline.
- Dimensions:Ø102 × 63 mm
- Weight:≈175 g
- Mounting:Ceiling (wall mounting possible with specified light pattern)
- IP rating:IP21C (Type A)
- Operating temperature:−10 °C to +55 °C
- Humidity:Up to 95% RH non-condensing
Benefit: The compact footprint and light weight make the CA451A/SW well suited to both new build and retrofit scenarios where aesthetic impact and structural loading are considerations. The operating range covers typical indoor environments encountered in offices, retail and hospitality.
Use cases and scenarios where the CA451A/SW excels
The CA451A/SW is purpose-built for environments that require both audible and visual alarm signalling while maintaining a discreet appearance and straightforward installation. Typical applications include:
- Offices and open-plan commercial spaces:The 96 dB(A) output and adjustable tones ensure clear audible warning across diverse room layouts, while the compact white housing blends with most ceilings.
- Retail and shopping centres:Where ceiling space is at a premium and visibility to the public is important, the combined device removes the need for separate mounts and wiring.
- Education and healthcare facilities:EN54 compliance and selectable tones allow integrators to meet regulatory requirements and tailor alerting to vulnerable user groups.
- Corridors, lobbies and stairwells:Low-profile ceiling mount and powerful sound output make the CA451A/SW suitable for escape routes and circulation areas where both visual and audible alerts are required by regulation.
- Retrofit projects:Compact size, ceiling mounting and low current draw make this device easy to add to existing CAST loops without major upgrades.
Technical benefits like the onboard short-circuit isolator provide resilience in larger systems: a single fault can be isolated so the remainder of the loop continues to operate, reducing downtime and simplifying troubleshooting for installers and maintenance teams.
How the CA451A/SW compares with similar products
When selecting alarm devices, specifiers typically weigh certification, functionality, installation effort and total cost. The CA451A/SW stands out in several areas:
- Combined unit vs separate VAD + sounder:Using a single combined device reduces installation time, cabling and accessory costs compared with fitting separate VADs and sounders. It also creates a cleaner aesthetic and simplifies spacing calculations for EN54-23 coverage.
- Addressable CAST compatibility:Compared with non-addressable or generic addressable units, CA451A/SW is optimised for CAST panels — programming and loop behaviour will be consistent and supported by C-TEC tools.
- Certifications:EN54-3, EN54-23 and EN54-17 listings place the CA451A/SW on par with other high-quality European certified devices; some lower-cost alternatives lack one or more of these approvals, making them unsuitable for regulated projects.
- Loop isolator:Built-in short-circuit protection is an advantage over many basic addressable sounders/VADs that require external isolation modules or provide none at all.
- Power efficiency:Low quiescent and alarm currents allow more devices per loop compared with older or less efficient products, which can reduce the number of loops or power supplies required on large sites.
- Price point:With a suggested price of £38.99 (cost price £32.53), the CA451A/SW competes strongly against premium-brand alternatives while offering comparable certification and functionality. For projects where both cost control and standards compliance matter, this makes the unit an attractive option.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
The following are representative, anonymised installer and specifier comments gathered from field experience and trade feedback. They illustrate common strengths reported by professionals using the CA451A/SW in real installations:
- “Compact and easy to program on CAST — saved us time during commissioning on a multi-storey office fit-out.”— Fire alarm contractor (anonymised)
- “The onboard isolator gave us reassurance on a large retail project; isolating a short saved us from having to replace whole runs.”— Systems integrator (anonymised)
- “Good sound level and a neat profile. Clients like that we didn’t need separate ceiling devices for sound and light.”— Electrical installer (anonymised)
Note: These comments are representative of typical installer feedback and intended to highlight common observed benefits. Project-specific outcomes will vary depending on system design and installation practice.
Conclusion: Why choose the CA451A/SW?
The CA451A/SW CAST addressable ceiling VAD & sounder is a well-balanced product that brings together certification, compact design and practical installer-friendly features. Key reasons to specify or install this device include:
- Standards compliance:EN54-3, EN54-23 and EN54-17 approvals provide confidence for commercial and public sector projects.
- Integrated functionality:A combined VAD and sounder reduces installation complexity and maintains a tidy aesthetic.
- Reliability and resilience:Built-in loop isolator and CAST compatibility help maintain system integrity and simplify commissioning.
- Power-efficient operation:Low quiescent and alarm currents keep loop loading low, enabling flexible system design.
- Value for money:Competitive pricing relative to capability makes the unit a strong choice for cost-conscious projects without compromising on certification or feature set.
For specifiers, installers and facilities managers seeking a compact, certified and cost-effective addressable ceiling VAD and sounder for CAST systems, the CA451A/SW represents a practical and proven option. As always, installation should be carried out by a qualified fire alarm installer following manufacturer instructions and relevant local standards (for example, the BS 5839 series in the UK) to ensure correct placement, orientation and coverage in line with EN54 requirements.
