Addressable Ceiling Base Sounder + VAD, 96 dB, C-3-8 VAD, BF456A/CX/W

Introduction to the C-TEC BF456A/CX/W and its key features

The C-TEC BF456A/CX/W is an addressable ceiling base that combines a 96 dB(A) sounder with an integrated white visual alarm device (VAD). Designed for indoor ceiling mounting, this unit is compatible with C-TEC XFP/ZFP systems and with XP95/Discovery compatible addressable panels. It also includes an on-board short-circuit loop isolator and status LEDs, making it a compact and robust choice for modern fire alarm installations. With EN54-3 (sounder), EN54-23 (VAD) and EN54-17 (short-circuit isolator) LPCB approvals, it meets recognised European standards for audible and visual alarm devices.

Detailed description of specifications and benefits

Certifications and approvals

• The BF456A/CX/W is LPCB approved to EN54-3, EN54-23 and EN54-17. These approvals confirm compliance with European performance standards for sounders, VADs and loop isolators — an important consideration for commercial and residential projects that must meet regulatory requirements.

VAD performance and visibility

• The visual alarm device is rated C-3-8, delivering a minimum of 0.4 lux over a 3 × 8 m cylindrical area. The white strobe flashes at 0.5 Hz, providing effective visual signalling for occupants, people with hearing impairments and noisy environments where an audible alert may be missed.

Audible signalling

• The nominal sound level is 96 dB(A) at 1 m (tone 1), which is sufficiently loud for many commercial and residential areas. The sounder offers 7 selectable volume levels and up to 15 selectable tone pairs, allowing installers to tailor the alert to the environment and comply with local standards regarding audibility and nuisance management.

Electrical performance and reliability

• Supply voltage for the sounder is 17–28 V DC (21–28 V DC when both sounder and VAD are active), suitable for standard addressable loops. The unit’s low quiescent current (~550 µA at 24 V DC) minimises power consumption on the loop, helping system designers manage device counts and battery standby capacity.
• When in alarm (VAD lit and sounder at maximum), alarm current is approximately 14 mA — a modest draw that supports denser installations without needing oversized power supplies.
• An on-board short-circuit loop isolator (EN54-17) protects the loop if a wire fault occurs, maintaining network integrity and preventing single faults from taking down whole sections of the system.

Physical and environmental

• Physical dimensions are compact at Ø122 × 46 mm (excluding an optional detector), with a weight of about 170 g. The IP21C rating means indoor ceiling mounting only — appropriate for corridors, offices, flats and public buildings but not for damp or external locations.
• Operating temperature range is −10 °C to +55 °C with up to 95% RH non-condensing, covering the ambient conditions typically encountered inside commercial buildings.

Compatibility and accessories

• Designed to work with C-TEC XFP/ZFP and XP95/Discovery compatible addressable systems, permitting straightforward integration into many common panel platforms.
• Included with the base are a BF431QCP quick-connect plate and detector spur wires, simplifying installation. Optional locking caps (BF330CTLIDW white, BF330CTLIDR red) are available for tamper resistance and aesthetic matching.

• Integrated sounder + VAD saves ceiling space and simplifies wiring compared to separate devices.
• Low quiescent and alarm currents help optimise loop loading and battery calculations.
• On-board isolator improves system resilience and reduces downtime from wiring faults.
• Selectable tones and volumes provide flexibility to minimise nuisance alarms while ensuring appropriate audibility.
• EN54 approvals provide confidence for specifiers and building safety compliance.

Use cases and scenarios where the product excels

The BF456A/CX/W is well suited to a broad range of installations where combined audible and visual signalling is required. Typical use cases include:

• Commercial offices and retail spaces:The integrated approach reduces ceiling clutter and wiring runs, while the 96 dB(A) sounder and C-3-8 VAD ensure occupants are both seen and heard in open-plan offices, meeting rooms and shop floors.
• Residential complexes and student accommodation:Addressable systems with visual indicators are increasingly specified in communal corridors and common areas. The low current draw helps manage the power budget on long loops servicing many flats or rooms.
• Hotels and hospitality:The selectable volume and tone options allow installers to choose signals that are effective without being unnecessarily disruptive to guests. Visual alarms help alert sleeping occupants and those with hearing loss.
• Refurbishments and retrofits:Because it mounts as a ceiling base and can be stacked with compatible detectors, the BF456A/CX/W is convenient for upgrading conventional systems to addressable technology without major rework.
• Systems demanding high availability:The built-in short-circuit isolator is valuable in installations where maintaining network sections during wiring faults is critical — for example, in schools, healthcare facilities and multi-tenant buildings.

Comparisons with similar products in the market

When specifying an addressable sounder + VAD base, buyers typically consider function, approvals, power consumption, and installation ease. Against that backdrop, the BF456A/CX/W stands out for several reasons:

• Integrated isolator:Not all bases include an on-board loop isolator. Devices without isolators can leave sections of the loop vulnerable to single wire faults. The BF456A/CX/W’s EN54-17 isolator enhances fault tolerance without adding separate components.
• Low current draw:Some alternatives have higher quiescent or alarm currents, requiring larger power supplies and batteries for the same device count. The BF456A/CX/W’s modest currents help reduce overall system cost and complexity.
• VAD coverage and regulation compliance:With EN54-23 VAD approval and C-3-8 coverage, this unit meets stringent visibility criteria. Some cheaper units lack formal VAD certification or have lower flash performance, which can be a compliance risk in regulated projects.
• Sounder flexibility:The combination of multiple volume settings and a large selection of tone pairs gives greater control than basic single-tone sounders, assisting compliance with local audibility requirements and reducing nuisance alarms.
• Value for money:At a suggested price of around 56.00 (with a cost price of 47.50 listed for trade), the BF456A/CX/W is competitively positioned against other EN54-approved addressable bases, offering a strong mix of approvals and practical features for many projects.

Customer feedback and installer perspectives

Public, attributable customer reviews for specific fire alarm components are often limited because installations are performed by contractors rather than end consumers. However, typical feedback from installers and specifiers familiar with devices of this type emphasises a few recurring points:

• Ease of installation:Quick-connect plates and clear wiring options reduce on-site time. Installers report that integrated bases simplify deployments compared with separate sounder and strobe fittings.
• Reliability and resilience:The on-board isolator and robust EN54 approvals are frequently cited as reasons for selecting this model in multi-tenant or critical environments.
• Low power draw:Systems designers appreciate the low quiescent current, which helps fit more devices on a loop and keeps battery-sizing conservative.

If you require documented case studies or site-specific testimonials, ask your C-TEC distributor or systems integrator; they can often provide project references demonstrating the device in real-world installations.

Conclusion: why the BF456A/CX/W is a strong choice

The C-TEC BF456A/CX/W addressable ceiling base delivers a balanced mix of certified performance, installation practicality and system-level benefits. Its EN54 approvals for sounder, VAD and loop isolation offer assurance for projects that must meet recognised standards. The combination of a 96 dB(A) sounder, C-3-8 VAD coverage, multiple tones and volume settings, plus a low power footprint and built-in short-circuit isolator, makes it a versatile option for commercial, residential and hospitality installations.

For specifiers and installers looking for a compact, compliant and cost-effective addressable sounder + VAD base, the BF456A/CX/W represents a practical choice. Its compatibility with common addressable protocols and the availability of accessories such as locking caps and quick-connect plates add further installation flexibility. Whether for new builds or refurbishment projects, this unit helps deliver clear, reliable alarm signalling while helping to keep power and maintenance demands under control.

Product snapshot:Addressable ceiling base sounder + VAD, 96 dB(A), C-3-8 VAD (0.5 Hz white flash), EN54 approvals, built-in short-circuit isolator, low quiescent current, XP95/Discovery compatible. Suggested retail price: 56.00 (trade cost listed: 47.50).