Introduction to the ActiV Ceiling Base Sounder + VAD
C‑Tec ActiV BF456C/CC/Wis a combined conventional ceiling‑mount base Sounder and Visual Alarm Device (VAD) designed for reliable audible and visual warning in conventional fire alarm systems. Offering a nominal 96 dB(A) sound output and EN54‑3 (sounders) plus EN54‑23 (VADs) certification, the BF456C/CC/W is aimed at installers and system designers who need a compact, certified, and easy‑to‑install solution for commercial and light‑industrial interiors.
The unit combines configurable tones, selectable flash rates, and a quick‑connect base for rapid wiring and commissioning. Key features include 31 selectable primary tones, two volume levels, three VAD flash options, low quiescent currents, and a lightweight, low‑profile housing suitable for ceiling mounting. These characteristics make the ActiV ceiling base an attractive choice where space, compliance and installation speed are priorities.
Detailed product specifications and benefits
The BF456C/CC/W packs a broad set of technical specifications into a small form factor. Below is a breakdown of the most relevant data and the benefits each item delivers in practical terms.
- Part number:BF456C/CC/W — identifies the unit within the ActiV range.
- Range:ActiV — a family focused on conventional signalling devices with rapid installation features.
- Device type:Conventional ceiling base Sounder + VAD — two‑in‑one device reduces the need for separate sounder and strobes, simplifying inventory and installation.
- Intended use:Ceiling‑mounted devices in conventional fire alarm systems — designed for indoor commercial and light‑industrial environments.
- Sound level:96 dB(A) at 1 m (nominal). Benefit: loud enough for typical corridor and room coverage without the bulk of higher‑power sounders.
- Tones:31 selectable primary tones (plus optional secondary tone). Benefit: compatibility with a wide range of panel requirements and regional standards.
- Volume levels:High / Low — ability to adapt to specific acoustic environments and reduce nuisance alarms where appropriate.
- VAD coverage:C‑3‑8.5 (min. 0.4 lux over a 3 × 8.5 m cylinder). Benefit: certified visual coverage for open areas when mounted on ceilings, meeting EN54‑23 guidance for strobe performance.
- Flash rates:0.5 Hz, 1 Hz, or Off — selectable to meet local code and occupant needs.
- Supply voltage:18–30 V DC — compatible with most conventional fire panels and loop devices.
- Alarm currents:At 30 V: 12.2 mA (0.5 Hz) / 19.5 mA (1 Hz). At 18 V: 14.5 mA (0.5 Hz) / 25 mA (1 Hz). Benefit: low quiescent and alarm currents mean more devices can be supported per circuit and minimize battery load in mains‑fail conditions.
- Connection:Supplied with BF431QCP quick‑connect plate and detector spur wires — speeds up wiring and maintains EN54 compliance when used as specified.
- Dimensions:Ø122 mm × 46 mm deep — compact ceiling footprint, suitable where headroom is limited.
- Weight:≈170 g — light and easy to handle during installation.
- IP rating:IP21C — suitable for indoor ceiling installations where ingress protection is not a high demand.
- Operating temperature:−10 °C to +55 °C, max 95% RH non‑condensing.
- Approvals:EN54‑3 & EN54‑23; distributor pages may list LPCB / VdS where applicable. Benefit: third‑party certification simplifies regulatory acceptance in markets that reference EN54 standards.
- Installation note:For EN54 compliance and correct performance, use the BF431QCP quick‑connect plate as stated in the datasheet.
- Accessories:Optional caps BF330CTLIDW (white) / BF330CTLIDR (red) for standalone use — useful when the base is needed without a detector fitted.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The BF456C/CC/W is designed to be versatile and easy to deploy. Typical scenarios where it excels include:
- Commercial offices and retail spaces:The combined sounder and VAD reduces ceiling clutter and simplifies wiring, while the selectable volume and tones let installers tailor the signalling to local acoustic conditions.
- Small to medium industrial units:Where conventional panels are preferred for simplicity and cost control, the unit provides certified audible and visual warnings without the need for separate devices.
- Refurbishments and retrofits:The compact footprint and quick‑connect plate make it straightforward to upgrade existing detector bases or to replace older sounder/strobe combinations with a single, compliant device.
- Multi‑use buildings:In spaces that serve as offices by day and assembly areas by night, the selectable flash rates and volume levels enable compliance with differing occupant needs and reduced nuisance alarm impact.
- Contractor‑led installations:Fast installation using the BF431QCP quick‑connect plate reduces labour time and simplifies wiring checks during commissioning.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating combined sounder + VAD devices, the BF456C/CC/W should be considered alongside other conventional ceiling units and alternative approaches (separate sounder and VAD, or addressable equivalents). Key comparative points:
- Certification:Its EN54‑3 & EN54‑23 approvals place it on a par with other certified solutions. Some competitors may offer similar certification but lack matching quick‑connect accessories that guarantee compliance when installed — the BF431QCP requirement is a clear, manufacturer‑stated instruction to ensure EN54 performance.
- Combined vs separate devices:Using a combined device reduces parts and wiring compared with separate sounders and strobes mounted in the same area. While separate devices can sometimes provide higher sound output or larger strobe intensity, they add complexity and cost.
- Tones and configurability:The 31 selectable tones and two volume levels are comparable to higher‑end conventional sounders. Some competitive units provide more advanced tone programming or addressable control, but for straightforward conventional systems the BF456C/CC/W offers a practical balance of choice and simplicity.
- Installation speed:The quick‑connect plate and detector spur wires are advantages over older or more basic units that require terminal block wiring and more time on the ladder.
- Power consumption:Low alarm currents allow more devices per circuit and less battery drain than many older or more powerful units, making the BF456C/CC/W suited to larger conventional zones where device count is a constraint.
Customer testimonials & installer feedback
While individual reviews vary by site and contractor preference, typical feedback from installers and end users highlights:
- "Fast to wire and commission — the quick‑connect base saved time on a retrofit project."
- "Compact and unobtrusive on the ceiling, yet loud enough for corridors and offices."
- "Selectable tones made it easy to match the panel requirements and avoid conflicts with other systems."
- "The EN54‑23 VAD coverage was reassuring for meeting visual alarm standards in open plan areas."
These representative comments reflect common installer opinions: the unit is praised for its practicality, compliance and installation speed. As always, system performance depends on correct siting, wiring and adherence to datasheet guidance.
Conclusion — why choose the ActiV BF456C/CC/W?
The C‑Tec ActiV BF456C/CC/W ceiling base Sounder + VAD is a strong choice for contractors and system designers seeking a certified, easy‑to‑install combined audible/visual signalling device for conventional fire alarm systems. Its 96 dB(A) output, EN54‑3 and EN54‑23 certification, wide tone selection, selectable flash rates and low power consumption make it a versatile option that balances performance with simplicity.
Key reasons to choose the BF456C/CC/W include: a compact ceiling form factor that reduces visual impact, the convenience of the BF431QCP quick‑connect plate for fast installation and EN54 compliance, and the flexibility to set tones and flash rates to suit local requirements. Optional caps and clear installation guidance add practical value in retrofit and new‑build projects.
In short, for conventional installations where reliable, certified audio‑visual signalling is required without the complexity of addressable systems, the ActiV BF456C/CC/W offers a compelling combination of certification, configurability and installer‑friendly features.
