Introduction to the C‑Tec EVC302GS
C‑Tec EVC302GSis a Type B disabled‑refuge (emergency voice communication) outstation designed for surface mounting with a painted green steel fascia. Intended for use as part of C‑Tec SigTEL systems, the EVC302GS provides true duplex hands‑free two‑way speech, push‑to‑call/push‑to‑answer operation, visual and audible call indication, plus interfaces for hearing‑aid induction loops and external signalling devices. It is specified for building refuge areas and fire‑safety installations where a compliant disabled‑refuge system is required.
- Type B disabled refuge outstation — surface mounted with green steel fascia for high visibility and durability.
- True duplex hands‑free voice communication (built‑in microphone and loudspeaker) for natural two‑way conversation.
- Push‑to‑call / push‑to‑answer user interface with call‑in‑progress LED and audible buzzer.
- Optional audio‑frequency induction loop input to support hearing‑aid users.
- General‑purpose open‑collector output for external strobes, CCTV triggers or relay interfaces.
- Compatibility with C‑Tec SigTEL master controllers and expansion units — part of an integrated emergency communications solution.
- Suggested retail price: 199.99 (installer/contractor pricing may vary).
Detailed specifications and benefits
The EVC302GS is engineered to meet the practical and regulatory needs of disabled refuge points. Below are the principal specifications and the benefits they deliver in real installations.
- Model:EVC302GS
- Manufacturer:C‑Tec
- Product type:Type B disabled refuge outstation (EVC), surface mount
- Material / finish:Steel fascia, painted green — durable and clearly identifiable in refuge areas
- Mounting:Surface mount — simplifies retrofits where flush mounting is impractical
- Dimensions:Approximately 240 mm × 240 mm × 53 mm
- Weight:Approximately 1.3 kg
- Supply voltage:Derived from the SigTEL controller; nominal ~11 V DC (quiescent ~10.7–11 V; may drop to ~5–6 V while in use). Benefit: centralised powering simplifies outstation servicing and ensures monitored operation when used within a SigTEL system.
- Cabling:2‑core enhanced fire‑rated outstation cable, 1.0–1.5 mm² typical (refer to SigTEL manual for exact sizing and maximum run). Benefit: fire‑rated cabling helps maintain connectivity during building incidents.
- Maximum run:System runs up to 1 km are possible with correct cable and installation practices (see SigTEL documentation). Benefit: flexibility for large or complex buildings.
- Speech:True duplex two‑way hands‑free. Benefit: natural conversations without the need to hold a handset or press-and-hold, improving clarity and speed when assisting users in refuge areas.
- User interfaces:Push‑to‑call / push‑to‑answer button, call‑in‑progress LED, audible buzzer. Benefit: clear, simple controls for vulnerable occupants and easy confirmation for responders.
- Induction loop:Optional audio‑frequency induction loop connection for hearing aid users. Benefit: improves accessibility and ensures compliance with accessibility considerations where required.
- External output:General‑purpose open‑collector output (closes on activation) for strobes/CCTV/relays. Benefit: integrates with site-wide signalling and monitoring equipment for coordinated response.
- Compatibility & compliance:Designed for use with C‑Tec / SigTEL EVCS master controllers and expansion units. When correctly installed as part of a SigTEL system, the unit facilitates compliance with BS 5839‑9; CE is indicated on reseller pages (installers should consult manufacturer datasheets for UKCA status and full approval details).
- Hands‑free duplex speech removes barriers for users who may be carrying items or have reduced mobility.
- Surface-mount steel fascia painted green meets commonly used refuge area aesthetic and visibility conventions while offering robustness.
- Induction loop option makes the device more inclusive for hearing aid users, aligning with accessible design principles.
- Open‑collector output allows the outstation to trigger external devices, enabling multifunction signalling and easier integration with CCTV or visual alarms.
- Being part of the SigTEL family ensures predictable behaviour, centralised monitoring and simplified servicing across a building’s refuge system.
Use cases and scenarios where the EVC302GS excels
The EVC302GS is suitable for a wide range of environments where compliant disabled refuge communication points are required. Examples include:
Refuge locations on stair landings and dedicated refuge rooms benefit from a robust surface‑mounted outstation that provides immediate, hands‑free communication with a central control point. The induction loop option supports residents who rely on hearing aids.
Healthcare environments demand clear, reliable communication. The true duplex audio and clear visual/audible indication help staff coordinate assistance and evacuations while maintaining patient dignity and accessibility.
Large sites with dispersed refuge points need devices that integrate into a central system over long cable runs. The EVC302GS’s compatibility with SigTEL masters and potential maximum run lengths make it a practical choice for complex layouts.
Where patrons may be unfamiliar with the building layout but require assistance to reach refuge points, the intuitive push‑to‑call interface and hands‑free speech simplify interaction and speed response times.
Comparisons with similar products
When selecting a disabled refuge outstation, installers typically consider mounting style, speech mode (hands‑free vs handset), accessibility features and system compatibility. The EVC302GS is positioned to meet many common project needs:
- Surface mount vs flush mount:Surface mount units like the EVC302GS are often quicker to install and ideal for retrofits where wall cavities are unavailable. Flush units can be more discreet but require more invasive installation.
- Hands‑free (duplex) vs handset:Hands‑free duplex systems provide natural conversation without a handset; some alternatives use handsets which can be preferred in very noisy environments or to reduce ambient pickup, but handsets require a physical handling action which may be difficult for some users.
- Induction loop availability:Not all outstations offer an induction loop input. The EVC302GS’s loop option increases accessibility compared with basic units that do not support hearing systems.
- Integration features:The open‑collector output on the EVC302GS allows additional signalling and CCTV triggers. Some basic outstations lack this flexibility, limiting integration possibilities.
- System compatibility:The EVC302GS is designed specifically for SigTEL masters. If a site already uses a different EVCS master, a product matching that ecosystem may be preferable to avoid interoperability issues.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
Public customer testimonials specifically for the EVC302GS were not available in the accompanying product pack. However, feedback commonly shared by installers and facilities managers for similarly specified C‑Tec SigTEL outstations tends to emphasise the following:
- Reliability in service and predictable behaviour when integrated into the SigTEL system.
- Simplicity of the hands‑free interface — occupants and responders find it straightforward to use under stress.
- Robust steel fascia and clear green finish that meets refuge point expectations and resists everyday wear.
- Positive comments on the induction loop option where accessibility for hearing aid users is a project requirement.
Conclusion: why choose the EVC302GS
The C‑Tec EVC302GS is a practical, well‑specified Type B disabled‑refuge outstation designed to perform as part of a SigTEL emergency voice communication system. Its true duplex hands‑free speech, induction loop option, external signalling output and surface‑mount steel fascia make it a strong candidate for retrofit and new‑build projects where accessibility, reliability and straightforward integration matter.
For specifiers and installers, the EVC302GS offers the familiar advantages of SigTEL compatibility and the durability expected of a refuge outstation. While it is not a standalone alarm device and must be installed by a competent installer as part of a SigTEL system, its combination of accessibility features and integration options make it an effective choice for a wide range of buildings aiming to meet BS 5839‑9 guidance.
Before purchase and installation, consult the official SigTEL installation manuals (DAU0000091/DAU0000093) for wiring, cable‑sizing and full installation details, and confirm current approvals and UKCA/CE status from the manufacturer or authorised reseller. Suggested retail pricing is 199.99; contact a distributor or C‑Tec authorised partner for site‑specific quotations and availability.
