Introduction to the C‑TEC BF430A/CX/DR/65 and its key features
C‑TEC BF430A/CX/DR/65is a high‑output, addressable wall sounder engineered for commercial and public building fire alarm systems that require robust audible warning in exposed or semi‑external locations. Combining a nominal 103 dB(A) sound output with an IP55 weatherproof deep base, XP95/Discovery compatibility, on‑board short‑circuit loop isolation and LPCB certification to EN54‑3 and EN54‑17, this unit is designed for reliable performance, simplified wiring and compliance with recognised European standards.
The BF430A addresses several common installer and designer requirements: high acoustic performance for clear alerting, selectable tones and volumes for site‑specific needs, low quiescent current for energy‑efficient operation, and a weatherproof enclosure for areas where full outdoor protection is not required but splash and dust resistance are essential.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The technical specification of the BF430A/CX/DR/65 underpins its practical benefits. Below is a concise breakdown of the most relevant properties and how they translate to real‑world advantages for installers, system designers and end users.
- Part number:BF430A/CX/DR/65
- Sound output:103 dB(A) @ 1 m (tone 1 nominal)
- Addressing:Addressable (XP95/Discovery compatible); supports group addressing
- Supply voltage:17–28 V DC
- Quiescent current:≈550 µA @ 24 V DC (low standby drain)
- Alarm current:≈5 mA @ 24 V DC (sounder on, maximum)
- Volume levels:7 selectable levels
- Tones:Up to 15 selectable tone pairs
- Loop isolator:On‑board short‑circuit loop isolator (EN54‑17 compliance)
- Ingress protection:IP55 (weatherproof deep base variant)
- Dimensions:114 mm diameter × 131 mm deep
- Weight:≈300 g
- Operating temperature:−10 °C to +55 °C; humidity up to 95% RH non‑condensing
- Standards & certification:EN54‑3 (sounders) & EN54‑17 (isolators) — LPCB third‑party certified
- High acoustic output:The 103 dB(A) rating ensures the sounder is audible across noisy or partitioned spaces — useful in stairwells, plant rooms and busy circulation areas.
- Addressable functionality:Compatibility with XP95/Discovery panels enables precise location reporting, easier fault finding and advanced programming such as group addressing and custom evacuation patterns.
- On‑board loop isolation:Built‑in short‑circuit isolators minimise system downtime and reduce the need for additional external isolator modules, simplifying wiring and cutting material costs.
- Selectable tones & volumes:Seven volume levels and up to 15 tone pairs allow site‑specific configuration to meet behavioural guidance, local regulations or integration with multi‑zone alarm strategies.
- Low power consumption:Minimal quiescent and alarm currents help preserve backup battery life and reduce total energy draw on large loops of addressable devices.
- Weatherproof base (IP55):The deep base protects against dust ingress and water spray, making the sounder suitable for semi‑external locations such as covered walkways, loading bays or perimeter buildings where a fully outdoor rated device (IP65/66) is not required.
- Third‑party certification:LPCB approval for EN54‑3 and EN54‑17 provides confidence in compliance with European fire alarm standards and supports regulatory acceptance in many projects.
Use cases and scenarios where the BF430A/CX/DR/65 excels
The BF430A is targeted at applications that need a combination of high acoustic output, addressability and some level of environmental protection. Typical scenarios include:
- Commercial buildings:Office blocks, shopping centres and leisure venues where loud, intelligible audible warnings are required across multiple floors and zones. Addressability helps pinpoint the triggering device.
- Public buildings:Hospitals, schools and civic centres that benefit from selectable tones (e.g. distinct evacuation vs. alert tones) and group addressing for staged evacuation procedures.
- Semi‑external and sheltered external areas:Loading bays, covered walkways, external plant enclosures and car park perimeters where protection against dust and spray is necessary but full outdoor housings may be over‑specification.
- Industrial premises:Warehouses and production floors with high ambient noise where 103 dB output helps ensure alarms are perceived throughout large open spaces.
- Refurbishments and retrofit projects:The XP95/Discovery compatibility eases integration into existing addressable loops, and onboard isolation reduces the need for additional loop hardware in space‑constrained installations.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating addressable wall sounders, installers and specifiers typically compare acoustic output, environmental rating, electrical behaviour, addressing scheme compatibility, and third‑party certification. Against these criteria, the BF430A stands out in several ways:
- Addressable versus conventional sounders:Conventional sounders require separate zone wiring and cannot provide device‑level status. The BF430A’s addressability (XP95/Discovery compatible) provides device‑level reporting and programming flexibility, which is essential for modern networked fire systems.
- Weatherproofing:Many addressable sounders come in standard indoor housings. The BF430A’s IP55 deep base makes it more suitable for semi‑external applications than typical indoor‑only units while avoiding the bulk and cost of fully outdoor IP66/IP67 enclosures.
- Loop isolator integration:Some competing devices rely on separate loop isolators; the BF430A’s on‑board isolator simplifies design and can reduce BOM and labour costs.
- Tone and volume flexibility:With 7 volume levels and up to 15 tone pairs, the BF430A offers greater configurability than many simple fixed‑tone sounders, enabling better adaptation to local acoustic environments and regulatory needs.
- Certification:LPCB certification to EN54‑3 and EN54‑17 places the BF430A on par with other reputable brands used in commercial projects and provides a compliance advantage where certification is mandated.
In short, the BF430A offers a balanced specification for projects that require both addressability and some environmental protection without the premium of fully outdoor rated devices. For fully external, exposed installations, users should consider IP65/66 rated sounders; for very cost‑conscious, non‑addressable systems, conventional indoor sounders may be cheaper but lack the functional benefits of addressability and isolators.
Customer feedback and installer observations
At the time of writing there are limited publicised customer testimonials specific to this part number. However, feedback commonly reported by installers and specifying engineers for similar C‑TEC addressable sounder models includes:
- Appreciation for theon‑board loop isolatorwhich reduces system downtime and simplifies wiring runs during both new build and retrofit work.
- Positive comments on theacoustic output— 103 dB is typically sufficient for noisy environments where intelligibility and perceived loudness are important.
- Recognition of thelow standby and alarm currents, which help preserve battery backup times on larger networks of devices.
- Noted usefulness of multiple tones and volume settings when integrating sounders into multi‑zone or staged evacuation strategies.
If exact user reviews are required for procurement decisions, request site references from the supplier or consult installer forums and case studies for comparable C‑TEC installations.
Conclusion: why the BF430A/CX/DR/65 is a strong choice
TheC‑TEC BF430A/CX/DR/65offers a compelling package for projects that need an addressable, high‑output audible device with modest environmental protection. Its mix of 103 dB(A) sound pressure, XP95/Discovery compatibility, selectable tones and volumes, built‑in loop isolation and LPCB certification deliver practical benefits for designers and installers: clearer alarms, easier commissioning, reduced ancillary hardware and compliance with recognised standards.
Choose the BF430A when you need reliable audible warning in indoor to semi‑external locations, want the advantages of addressable device management, and prefer the convenience of integrated loop isolation. For fully exposed outdoor sites or where a different acoustic profile is required, evaluate alternative IP‑rated or higher‑power devices, but for many commercial, public and light industrial applications the BF430A represents a balanced, standards‑compliant and cost‑effective choice.
Note:Always ensure installation is carried out by a competent installer in accordance with local regulations and the manufacturer’s installation manual, and verify panel compatibility if integrating into an existing XP95/Discovery type loop.
