Introduction to the C-TEC C4414 ActiV Multi-Sensor Fire Detector
C-TEC C4414 ActiV Multi-Sensor Fire Detector (Optical + Heat)is a conventional multi-sensor detector designed to deliver reliable, balanced fire detection across a wide range of fire types while minimising false alarms. Combining an optical (smoke) sensor with a heat sensor, the C4414 uses independent sensing channels that also influence each other to improve response to freely burning fires and to reduce nuisance activations. The detector is third-party certified to EN54-5 and EN54-7 (Intertek 0359-CPR-00183) and has been tested to prEN54-29, making it suitable for installations where recognised standards and regulatory compliance are required.
Key Features at a Glance
- Combined optical (smoke) + heat detection for improved detection and reduced false alarms
- EN54-5 & EN54-7 certified; tested to prEN54-29 (Intertek 0359-CPR-00183)
- Wide supply voltage: 6633 V DC; 2-wire monitored, polarity sensitive
- Automatic drift compensation for consistent sensitivity and extended service life
- Two ultra-bright 8 d7 2 mm red LED strips for 360de visual indication
- Compatible with ActiV bases: C4408, C4408D (diode) and C4408R (relay)
- Compact and lightweight: 82.2 mm diameter, shallow profile, easy to mount in conventional systems
Detailed Description of Specifications and Benefits
- Combined sensing: By integrating optical and heat sensors, the C4414 can detect smouldering fires (where smoke is the primary signature) and fast, hot flaming fires (where temperature rise is a dominant indicator). The sensors operate independently but also influence detection logic to reduce false alarms from non-fire aerosols, steam or cooking fumes.
- Optical sensitivity: The detector has a nominal alarm threshold of 0.16 dB/m in accordance with EN54-7. This ensures dependable smoke sensitivity for a wide range of smoke characteristics.
- Heat response: Static response temperature is specified between 54de and 65deC, providing reliable operation for fires that exhibit a strong thermal signature.
- Supply voltage: Broad compatibility across 6633 V DC makes the C4414 suitable for many conventional fire alarm panels and supply arrangements.
- Low quiescent current: With just 30 b5A at 24 V DC quiescent, the detector is energy-efficient and well-suited to battery-backed systems where standby current matters.
- Alarm currents: Alarm current varies with voltage: 19 mA @ 123 V DC, 11 mA @ 9 V DC and 2.5 mA @ 6 V DC. This helps designers assess load on notification circuits and power budgets in multi-device systems.
- Wiring & monitoring: The unit is 2-wire monitored and polarity sensitive, and remote LED signalling is available via the compatible base (remote LED output max 2.7 V DC). Alarm reset is below 1 V DC with a reset time of approximately 0.5 s.
- Construction: White polycarbonate (UL94 V-2) with nylon parts provides a durable enclosure suitable for many interior environments. Ingress protection is IP42.
- Visual indication: Two ultra-bright 8 d7 2 mm red LED strips provide 360de visibility to quickly identify an activated detector on the ceiling.
- Automatic drift compensation: The detector compensates for gradual sensor contamination over time, maintaining stable sensitivity and extending service intervals. This reduces nuisance maintenance calls and ensures detection performance between routine cleanings.
- Size & weight: At approximately 99 g and 102.2 mm diameter with a shallow 37 mm depth (57.5 mm with base), the C4414 is compact and quick to install in standard ceiling layouts.
Use Cases and Scenarios Where the C4414 Excels
- Commercial offices and retail spaces: These environments often contain sources of benign aerosols (kettles, HVAC dust) that can trigger optical-only detectors. The combined sensing and inter-influence logic of the C4414 reduces false alarms while maintaining sensitivity to genuine fires.
- Hotels and hospitality areas: Multi-sensor detectors are well-suited to corridors, lobbies and kitchen-adjacent areas where distinguishable smoke and heat patterns occur. The visual LED indication also helps staff locate an incident quickly.
- Educational and healthcare facilities: Where uninterrupted operations are important and false alarms are especially disruptive, the C4414 provides stable sensitivity (automatic drift compensation) to lower nuisance alarms while detecting both smouldering and flaming fires.
- Warehouses with mixed risk zones: In storage areas where some activities produce dust or steam, the multi-sensor approach offers improved selectivity compared with optical-only units. The wide supply voltage range simplifies integration with existing conventional systems.
- Conventional panel upgrades and refurbishments: For projects retaining conventional wiring, the C4414 is a modern multi-sensor option compatible with ActiV bases and presents an easy upgrade path to more intelligent detection behaviour without reworking wiring topology.
Comparisons with Similar Products on the Market
When considering a detector for a conventional system, buyers often weigh optical-only detectors, heat-only detectors, and multi-sensor options. The C4414 sits in the multi-sensor category and offers several clear advantages:
- Versus optical-only detectors: Optical detectors can be very sensitive to smouldering smoke but are vulnerable to nuisance alarms from dust, steam or cooking. The C4414 adds heat sensing and cross-channel logic to reduce false positives while preserving smoke detection capability.
- Versus heat-only detectors: Heat detectors are reliable for high-temperature or flaming fires but slow to respond to smouldering or slow-developing fires. The C4414 picks up low-signature smoke earlier through its optical channel while still responding to thermal events.
- Versus other multi-sensor devices: Compared with some competitor multi-sensors, the C4414 offers the benefit of EN54-5 and EN54-7 certification and testing to prEN54-29, ensuring adherence to recognised performance standards. Its wide supply voltage (6633 V DC) and low quiescent current make it flexible for many conventional systems. The automatic drift compensation and strong visual LED indication are practical features that reduce lifecycle maintenance and improve fault-finding.
- Conventional vs addressable: Addressable multi-sensors give panel-level location and more advanced event handling. The C4414 is intended for conventional systems and is best chosen where conventional wiring and monitoring match project requirements or where simplicity and cost are priorities. For projects needing zone-by-zone pinpointing or integration with sophisticated control logic, addressable alternatives would be considered instead.
Customer Feedback and Installer Observations
While specific customer reviews are not provided here, the typical feedback themes from installers and system designers using the C4414 often include:
- Reduced false alarms: Installers commonly report fewer nuisance activations in areas prone to transient aerosols after switching to multi-sensor detectors like the C4414.
- Ease of installation: Compatibility with standard ActiV bases and a compact profile make mounting and wiring straightforward for experienced technicians.
- Reliable indication: The 360de LED strips are frequently cited as helpful for rapid visual identification during routine checks or incidents.
Note: For verified, location-specific customer testimonials consult supplier review pages or request references from distributors and manufacturers. Professional installation and configuration are recommended to ensure performance and compliance with local regulations.
Conclusion: Why the C-TEC C4414 Is a Strong Choice
The C-TEC C4414 ActiV multi-sensor detector offers a balanced solution for conventional fire alarm systems that need reliable detection across a range of fire types while keeping nuisance alarms to a minimum. Its EN54-5 and EN54-7 certification, tested compliance with prEN54-29, and practical features such as automatic drift compensation and wide voltage tolerance make it suitable for a broad set of installations—from offices and retail to education and healthcare.
For customers and specifiers looking for an upgrade over single-sensor detectors, the C4414 combines proven sensing methods with robust construction, low standby current, clear visual indication and easy compatibility with ActiV bases. When correctly installed by a qualified technician and integrated according to manufacturer guidance and local standards, the C4414 is a dependable component for conventional fire detection strategies.
Suggested retail: a319.99 (cost price a314.14). For detailed wiring, installation and performance information, always consult the official datasheet and the manufacturer's installation instructions.
