Introduction to the C-TEC CFP708-2 8-Zone AlarmSense Fire Alarm Panel
Product:C-TEC CFP708-2 8-Zone AlarmSense Panel (CFP 8-zone AlarmSense)
The C-TEC CFP708-2 is a compact, LPCB-certified conventional fire alarm control panel designed to deliver reliable fire detection and alarm management for small to medium commercial installations. Built to EN54-2 and EN54-4 standards, the CFP708-2 supports Apollo AlarmSense two-wire detectors, call points and sounders, and combines installer-friendly features with reduced cabling needs and a robust set of outputs and expansion options.
Key Features at a Glance
- 8 AlarmSense two-wire zonesthat support up to 25 devices per zone (installation dependent)
- 4 conventional sounder circuitsto manage evacuation tones and separate sounder groups
- Integral 1.5 A EN54-4 switch-mode PSUwith space for 2 × 12 V VRLA batteries (typically 3.2 Ah)
- On-board relays and outputsincluding Fire & Fault relays and open-collector Remote & Reset outputs
- Expandable and flexible— supports CFP repeaters and optional relay/expansion cards
- Compliance— LPCB certified to EN54 parts 2 & 4
Detailed Specifications and Benefits
The CFP708-2 supports 8 AlarmSense two-wire zones. AlarmSense technology reduces the cabling required compared with traditional four-wire systems by allowing detectors and conventional devices to share a two-wire loop for both detection and signalling. Each zone can typically accommodate up to 25 devices and run lengths of up to 500 m (installation dependent). This makes the panel well suited to installations where cable runs are long or access for installation is constrained.
Four conventional sounder circuits let you segment evacuation zones or create separate audio circuits for phased evacuation or multiple tenant buildings. The separate circuits provide flexibility in configuring different sounder tones, alert stages or silencing strategies as required by site-specific evacuation procedures.
The panel includes an integral switch-mode power supply rated at 1.5 A to EN54-4, ensuring reliable power delivery for the control electronics and connected sounders (within design limits). There is space for up to 2 × 12 V sealed VRLA batteries (typical 3.2 Ah); installers should verify battery fitment and size according to the CFP installation manual and EN54-4 battery sizing requirements.
Outputs include on-board fire and fault relays plus open-collector remote and reset outputs, enabling straightforward integration with building management systems, remote annunciators and other ancillary equipment.
Designed with installers in mind, CFP708-2 offers two-wire AlarmSense compatibility which reduces cable runs and labour. The panel supports CFP repeaters for remote indication and control, along with optional expansion and relay cards for added I/O. Controls include keypad and keyswitch entry, zone testing, selectable delays, coincidence configurations and non-latching zones for pragmatic site tuning.
The CFP708-2 is LPCB certified to EN54 parts 2 and 4. This certification standard is important for many commercial installations across Europe and other EN54-recognising regions. Always install in accordance with the CFP installation and maintenance manual and local fire regulations, and verify AHJ acceptance in jurisdictions where EN54 is not the normative standard.
Use Cases and Scenarios Where the CFP708-2 Excels
- Small to medium commercial premises:Offices, retail stores, and small shopping units where reliable conventional detection and segmented sounder control are required without the complexity of full addressable systems.
- Light industrial sites:Workshops and light manufacturing where environmental conditions and process layouts benefit from flexible zoning and simple fault/isolation management.
- Multi-room or multi-tenant buildings:The four sounder circuits and 8-zone layout make it straightforward to separate tenants or departments for tailored alarm responses.
- Refurbishments and upgrades:When replacing older conventional panels, the CFP708-2 can reduce cabling costs through two-wire AlarmSense while bringing systems up to EN54 standards.
- Locations needing certified compliance:Sites requiring LPCB/EN54 certification for insurance or regulatory reasons—such as schools, healthcare clinics (non-critical), and small commercial buildings—will benefit from the CFP708-2’s approvals.
Comparisons with Similar Products on the Market
When choosing a conventional panel, buyers often weigh the CFP708-2 against other conventional and addressable solutions. Key comparative considerations include wiring complexity, expandability, compliance and cost.
Addressable panels provide per-device identification and advanced diagnostics, which is highly valuable on large or complex sites. The CFP708-2, as a conventional panel, is simpler and typically less expensive to purchase and commission. Its AlarmSense two-wire capability narrows the gap by reducing cabling demands and delivering more flexible wiring than traditional four-wire conventional panels, offering an economical middle ground for many small-to-medium sites.
Traditional conventional four-wire panels require separate detection and sounder wiring which can increase installation Labour and material costs. The CFP708-2’s two-wire AlarmSense reduces these cable runs and simplifies installation while maintaining conventional zone architecture, making it attractive for retrofit and new-build projects where cost-efficiency is a priority.
Many manufacturers offer 8-zone conventional panels with similar credentials; however, the CFP708-2’s combination of LPCB EN54-2/4 certification, built-in 1.5 A EN54 PSU and ready support for Apollo AlarmSense devices positions it strongly for installers already specifying AlarmSense components. The panel’s built-in expansion options and repeater compatibility also give it an edge where modest future growth or remote indication is anticipated.
Customer Feedback and Installer Perspectives
While individual experiences vary by installation complexity, installers and system specifiers consistently highlight a few practical benefits of the CFP708-2:
- Reduced cabling and faster commissioning when using AlarmSense devices compared with older four-wire systems.
- Solid EN54 certification that simplifies specification for compliance-focused projects.
- Practical onboard outputs and support for repeaters—helpful where remote indication or additional I/O is required without immediately upgrading to an addressable system.
Some installers note that battery capacity must be carefully checked for installations with heavy sounder loads or extended standby requirements; following the EN54-4 battery-sizing guidance in the CFP manual is essential. Overall, feedback emphasizes the CFP708-2 as a pragmatic, cost-effective solution for the right-scale buildings.
Conclusion: Why the CFP708-2 Is a Strong Choice
The C-TEC CFP708-2 8-Zone AlarmSense fire alarm panel offers a balanced mix of cost-efficiency, compliance and installer-focused features. With LPCB EN54-2 and EN54-4 certification, eight AlarmSense zones, four sounder circuits and a 1.5 A integrated EN54-rated PSU, the panel targets small to medium commercial, retail and light industrial applications where reliable detection and sensible expandability are required.
For projects seeking to reduce cable runs and on-site labour without sacrificing conformity to EN54 standards, the CFP708-2’s two-wire AlarmSense compatibility and support for repeaters and expansion cards make it a compelling choice. At a suggested retail price of approximately 299.00, it represents a competitively priced option for certified conventional fire alarm systems. Always confirm battery choices, local regulatory acceptance and installation details with the CFP installation manual and the local authority having jurisdiction before commissioning.
In summary:the CFP708-2 is a well-specified, EN54-certified conventional panel that combines the practical benefits of two-wire AlarmSense with the predictable performance and simplicity expected from a conventional fire detection control panel—an excellent option for many small to medium-sized sites requiring certified, installer-friendly solutions.
