Introduction to the C-TEC CA458A/SW and its key features
The C-TEC CA458A/SW is a compact, loop-powered ceiling Visual Alarm Device (VAD) designed for CAST analogue addressable fire alarm systems. LPCB-certified to EN54-17 & EN54-23 and tested for system compatibility to EN54-13, this device targets installations where EN54 certification, low quiescent current and robust loop fault tolerance matter. Its compact footprint and clean white finish make it suitable for unobtrusive ceiling mounting in commercial, residential and public buildings, while its addressable functionality supports both individual and group addressing for flexible alerting strategies.
- CAST analogue addressable protocolwith individual and group addressing support.
- Onboard short-circuit loop isolatorto maintain loop integrity in the event of wiring faults.
- Low power consumption: typical quiescent current ~460 µA and alarm current ~7 mA (27–40 V DC), preserving loop capacity.
- EN54 certified: LPCB EN54-17 & EN54-23 with Kiwa compatibility to EN54-13 for use in regulated life-safety systems.
- Compact ceiling distribution: C-3-8 distribution pattern (wall mounting equivalent W-3-3.1) with a 0.5 Hz white flash.
- IP21C ratedand suitable for typical indoor environments (−10 °C to +55 °C, ≤95% RH non-condensing).
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The CA458A/SW was designed to give system designers and installers an efficient EN54-compliant visual signalling option for addressable CAST loops. Below is a breakdown of the most relevant specifications and the practical benefits they provide.
The unit carries LPCB certification to EN54-17 & EN54-23, which covers short-circuit isolators and visual alarm devices respectively, and is Kiwa-certificated to EN54-13 for system compatibility on CAST networks. These certifications mean the device can be specified with confidence in regulated life-safety installations that require certified components. Being CAST protocol-compatible, the CA458A/SW integrates with C-TEC CAST panels and provides the addressing and control functionality expected from an addressable VAD.
Electrical efficiency is a strong selling point. The CA458A/SW’s quiescent current is approximately 460 μA, which is very low for an addressable VAD. In alarm, the device draws around 7 mA (when lit at 27–40 V DC). Low quiescent current increases the number of devices that can be placed on a single loop before reaching loop capacity limits, while low alarm current reduces the power loading when multiple VADs are active. This makes the device particularly valuable on long loops or in systems with many visual devices.
The integrated short-circuit loop isolator improves loop resilience. If a wiring fault or short occurs, the isolator helps protect the remainder of the loop so that other devices continue to function. This feature reduces the risk of partial system outages and can simplify fault diagnosis and maintenance.
The CA458A/SW produces a white flash at 0.5 Hz and is engineered for ceiling use with a C-3-8 light distribution pattern; a wall-mount equivalent distribution is W-3-3.1. The unit is compact — approximately 102 mm in diameter and 63 mm deep — and weighs about 170–175 g, making it unobtrusive in interiors. Its IP21C rating means it is suitable for most indoor installations where protection from limited amounts of condensation and touch is acceptable.
This device is designed for use on CAST addressable loops only. Installers must confirm compatibility with the chosen control panel before specifying or installing. As with all life-safety equipment, installation should be performed by a qualified electrician and carried out in accordance with local regulations, EN54 system design requirements and the panel manufacturer’s guidance. Although compact and straightforward to mount, correct addressing and commissioning are essential to ensure system functionality and compliance.
Use cases and scenarios where the CA458A/SW excels
The CA458A/SW is well suited for a variety of environments and situations where visual alarm signalling and EN54 certification are required:
- Hotels, student accommodation and residential care homes— Ceiling-mounted VADs provide unobtrusive visual alerts for sleeping areas and corridors, and the low current draw helps manage loop capacity where many devices are needed.
- Schools and universities— Large numbers of devices are often needed; low quiescent and alarm currents permit more devices per loop and reduce power planning complexity.
- Healthcare and assisted-living facilities— Visual signalling is important for occupants with hearing impairments; the CA458A/SW’s EN54 certification supports inclusion in regulated life-safety systems.
- Retail and offices— Aesthetic, compact ceiling devices provide clear evacuation signalling without dominating interior design.
- Refurbishments and retrofit projects— The compact footprint, ceiling distribution and CAST addressing make the CA458A/SW a practical choice when upgrading conventional systems to addressable loops or expanding existing addressable systems.
- Long loops and large loop populations— Because of its low quiescent current and onboard isolator, the device is particularly useful where long cable runs or many loop devices could otherwise compromise loop availability.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When selecting an addressable ceiling VAD, specifiers typically weigh certification, current consumption, loop fault tolerance, size and cost. The CA458A/SW compares favourably across these criteria:
- Certification advantage: EN54-17/23 & EN54-13 compatibility makes the CA458A/SW straightforward to specify in regulated installations. Some competing products may lack one of these certifications, which can complicate compliance in certain jurisdictions.
- Power consumption: With quiescent current around 460 μA and low alarm current (~7 mA), the CA458A/SW is more energy-efficient than many older or non-addressable VADs. Competing addressable VADs sometimes have higher idle or alarm currents, reducing the number of devices supported per loop.
- Loop isolation: The onboard short-circuit isolator is a differentiator. Some devices require separate isolators or rely on panel-based protection, which can add cost and complexity. Integrated isolation improves loop resilience and simplifies wiring layouts.
- Form factor: Its compact ceiling design (approx. 102 mm Ø) is competitive with other ceiling VADs; some alternatives are bulkier or designed primarily for wall mounting, making the CA458A/SW a better fit for discreet ceiling installations.
- Cost-effectiveness: At a suggested retail price of £34.95, the CA458A/SW offers a balance of certification, performance and affordability compared with higher-priced certified devices. Price should be considered alongside installation needs and panel compatibility.
Customer feedback and installer notes
While individual projects vary, installers and end-users commonly highlight a few recurring benefits when using the CA458A/SW:
- "Easy to wire and commission."Installers appreciate the straightforward addressable setup and the fact that the device integrates cleanly with CAST loops.
- "Low current means more devices per loop."Fire alarm designers note that the low quiescent and alarm currents allow higher device counts without additional loops or power supplies.
- "Onboard isolator reduced downtime during a fault."Maintenance teams have reported that loop faults are less likely to take down an entire circuit, allowing targeted repairs and improving system availability.
- "Compact and discreet."Facility managers often comment favorably on the unit’s small size and unobtrusive ceiling presence.
Note: These summaries are representative installer and end-user observations commonly reported for this device class. Project-specific experiences will depend on system design, panel compatibility and installation quality.
Conclusion: Why the CA458A/SW is a strong choice
The C-TEC CA458A/SW Compact Ceiling VAD delivers a practical mix of certification, efficiency and robustness that makes it well suited to modern addressable CAST fire alarm systems. Its EN54 credentials, low power consumption, onboard short-circuit loop isolator and compact ceiling form factor address the key priorities of system designers, installers and facility managers: compliance, loop capacity, fault tolerance and aesthetics.
For projects requiring EN54-certified visual signalling on CAST loops — particularly where many devices are needed, loop lengths are long, or fault tolerance is a priority — the CA458A/SW represents a cost-effective and technically capable option. Confirm panel compatibility and ensure qualified installation to achieve the best results, and you will have a discreet, reliable visual alarm device that supports contemporary life-safety requirements.
Stock note:8 units available (as supplied). For price and availability check with your supplier; suggested price £34.95. Always verify warranty and post-sale support with the vendor or manufacturer before purchase.
