Introduction to the C-TEC CFP702-4 2‑Zone Conventional Fire Alarm Panel
C-TEC CFP702-4 Standard 2‑Zone Conventional Fire Alarm Panelis a compact, installer‑friendly control panel designed for small commercial and retail premises. Certified to LPCB EN54‑2 and EN54‑4, the CFP702‑4 combines two monitored detector zones with four conventional sounder circuits, a 1.5 A EN54‑4 compliant power supply, and a range of installer functions in a neat plastic enclosure suitable for flush or surface mounting. Priced competitively (suggested retail around 130.45), it provides an economical, standards‑compliant choice for sites that require EN54 certification without the complexity or cost of larger addressable systems.
Key features at a glance
- 2 monitored detector zones with flexible zone programming (delays, coincidence/double‑knock, non‑latching zones, walk‑test).
- 4 conventional sounder circuits, each with individual resettable fuse, providing up to 200 mA per circuit (800 mA total).
- Integral 1.5 A switch‑mode PSU compliant with EN54‑4 and space for two 12 V VRLA batteries (recommended 3.2 Ah each).
- Volt‑free Fire & Fault relays, open‑collector Reset/Remote outputs and a fused 24 V auxiliary output.
- Compact IP30 plastic enclosure (RAL7035) suitable for small offices, shops and light commercial installations.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The CFP702‑4 is LPCB certified to EN54‑2 and EN54‑4, making it suitable for installations where EN54 compliance is mandated. This certification assures installers and end users that the panel meets recognised European standards for fire detection and control equipment and for power supplies. Installers should still follow local codes such as BS 5839‑1 in the UK and confirm any regional marking requirements (UKCA/CE) when selling or installing outside the EU/UK.
With two monitored detector zones, the CFP702‑4 is optimised for small premises. Each zone can be programmed with features such as entry/exit delays, coincidence (double‑knock) for nuisance reduction, non‑latching options for certain detector types, and a walk‑test mode to simplify commissioning. Typical loading is up to 25 detectors per zone, or up to 32 devices when manual call points are included, which is usually sufficient for small offices, retail units or storage areas.
Four conventional sounder circuits provide flexible notification coverage. Each circuit supports up to 200 mA (with a total of 800 mA across all circuits), and individual resettable fuses improve serviceability if shorting or overcurrent occurs in field wiring. The specification allows up to 500 m cable runs per sounder circuit, enabling installations across modestly sized premises without the need for additional power extenders.
The integral 1.5 A switch‑mode power supply complies with EN54‑4 requirements and includes a smart charger for VRLA batteries. The enclosure accommodates two 12 V VRLA batteries; 3.2 Ah units are recommended for typical standby and alarm duration targets, with a minimum supported battery size of 1.2 Ah if constraints require it. Quiescent current is low (approximately 25 mA), which helps preserve battery life and reduce maintenance frequency.
System integration options include two volt‑free changeover relays for Fire and Fault (suitable for interfacing with remote annunciators or building management systems) and open‑collector Reset/Remote outputs. A fused 24 V auxiliary output is provided for powering small ancillary devices. These outputs make it straightforward to interface the CFP702‑4 into a wider site control or reporting environment where simple relay signalling is required.
The CFP702‑4 is housed in a textured RAL7035 plastic enclosure (380 × 235 × 96 mm) that can be surface or flush mounted. Weighing 1.75 kg without batteries and rated to IP30, it is intended for indoor protected environments and operates across a standard temperature and humidity range (−5°C to +40°C; RH ≤95% non‑condensing).
Use cases and scenarios where the CFP702‑4 excels
- Small offices and professional suites: Two zones are ideal for separating general office space from server rooms or kitchens, while four sounder circuits let you manage different notification tones or areas.
- Retail units and shops: Compact size and EN54 certification make the panel well suited to shop floor and stockroom coverage where compliance and discreet installation are required.
- Small manufacturing or light industrial sites: Simple, reliable detection arrangements for workshops or storage areas that do not require addressable zoning complexity.
- Outbuildings and secondary premises: Where a small but compliant fire detection system is needed for ancillary buildings, the CFP702‑4 provides a cost‑effective solution.
- Refurbishments and upgrades: Its compatibility with conventional detectors and call‑points makes it a straightforward swap into existing conventional wiring schemes during phased upgrades.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When selecting a fire panel for a small site, installers typically consider several classes of product: basic single‑zone or 2‑zone conventional panels, compact addressable panels, and larger multi‑zone conventional panels. The CFP702‑4 sits in the sweet spot for small commercial sites that require EN54 certification but do not need the cost, configuration complexity or wiring of addressable systems.
Compared with very basic single‑zone panels, the CFP702‑4 offers added flexibility with two programmable zones and four sounder circuits, making it more adaptable to slightly larger or more complex small premises. Its EN54‑4 compliant power supply and LPCB certification are advantages over some low‑cost, non‑certified hobbyist panels.
Addressable systems provide far greater granularity, diagnostics and multi‑device control, but at higher hardware and installation cost and with a steeper programming requirement. For installations with only a handful of devices and simple zone requirements, the CFP702‑4 is usually the more economical and pragmatic option while still meeting EN54 standards.
Larger conventional panels with many more zones and greater output capacity are necessary for bigger premises but bring added expense and physical footprint. The CFP702‑4 is better matched to small to medium footprint sites where a compact enclosure, modest current capacity (800 mA total sounder), and simple programming are sufficient.
Installer and user feedback
While individual testimonials vary by installer and end user, common positive feedback about the CFP702‑4 from installers and small business owners typically includes:
- Ease of installation and commissioning: Clear wiring access, space for batteries, and intuitive zone programming reduce onsite time.
- Compact and unobtrusive form factor: The plastic enclosure is easy to mount in plant rooms or behind counters without occupying valuable space.
- Reliable power‑supply behaviour: The EN54‑4 compliant switch‑mode charger and modest quiescent current are appreciated for predictable battery endurance.
- Good value for money: The panel is seen as cost‑effective for EN54‑compliant small installations, especially compared with pricier addressable alternatives.
Constructive feedback sometimes highlights the panel
s inherent limitations for larger sites — notably the two‑zone limit and total sounder current — which are not shortcomings for its intended small‑site use but are important considerations during system design.
Conclusion: Why the CFP702‑4 is a great choice for small EN54 applications
The C‑TEC CFP702‑4 Standard 2‑Zone Conventional Fire Alarm Panel is a practical, standards‑compliant solution for small commercial, retail and light industrial premises. It balances essential installer features — programmable zones, four separately fused sounder circuits, robust EN54‑4 power supply, relay outputs and compact mounting options — with a modest price and low running overhead. For projects that need EN54 certification but do not require the scalability or complexity of addressable systems, the CFP702‑4 delivers a clear, reliable and cost‑effective option.
When specifying the CFP702‑4, ensure correct battery sizing and cable routing to meet required standby and alarm durations and to comply with EN54‑4 guidance and local installation codes. For small buildings that demand regulatory compliance, straightforward operation and minimal maintenance, the CFP702‑4 is an attractive and economical choice.
