Introduction: Meet the C-TEC ActiV BF431C/CC/W
Product:C-TEC BF431C/CC/W ActiV Base Sounder — 96 dB EN54-3Subtitle:ActiV conventional base sounder, 96 dB
The C-TEC BF431C/CC/W is a compact, conventional ceiling base sounder designed for use with conventional fire alarm panels. It combines industry-recognised EN54-3 third-party approval with low operating current, versatile tone selection and a slim ceiling-mounted profile. The device can be used as a stand-alone audible unit (with an optional lid) or stacked beneath compatible detector bases to provide detection and audible alarm from the same mounting point — a flexible choice for many commercial and domestic installations.
Key features at a glance
- EN54-3 certified— third-party approval (verify certificate for your region).
- 96 dB(A)sound output measured at 1 m for reliable audibility.
- 31 selectable tone pairsvia an 8-way DIP switch and two volume settings.
- Very low alarm current— typically 5.5 mA @ 30 V DC, enabling long conventional circuits and more devices per loop.
- Compact form factor— 122 mm diameter × 46 mm depth, approx. 170 g.
- Supplied accessories— BF431QCP quick-connect plate and detector spur wires for faster installation.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The BF431C/CC/W delivers a balance of practical features that installers and system designers appreciate. Technical specifications include:
- Model:BF431C/CC/W
- Function:Conventional ceiling base sounder
- Approvals:EN54-3 third-party certified (always check the certificate for the region where it will be installed)
- Sound level:96 dB(A) @ 1 m
- Tones:31 selectable primary/secondary tone pairs via an 8-way DIP switch
- Volume:Two levels (high / low)
- Supply voltage:18–30 V DC
- Alarm current:5.5 mA @ 30 V DC; 3.8 mA @ 18 V DC
- Dimensions:122 mm diameter × 46 mm depth
- Weight:Approx. 170 g
- Operating temperature:−10 °C to +55 °C
- Humidity:Max 95% RH non-condensing
- IP rating:IP21C (indoor ceiling)
- Supplied with:BF431QCP quick-connect plate and detector spur wires
- Optional lids:BF330CTLIDW (white) or BF330CTLIDR (red) for stand-alone use
Benefits arising from these specifications:
- Regulatory confidence:EN54-3 certification gives reassurance that the sounder meets recognised European performance standards (confirm the certificate and regional applicability prior to installation).
- High audibility:96 dB(A) at 1 m ensures the sounder is loud enough for many common building environments while remaining compact.
- Flexible signalling:Thirty-one tone pairs and two volume settings mean installers can choose appropriate alarm tones for the environment, whether a continuous tone, a pulsed pattern or a specialised alert tone.
- Low current draw:Typical alarm currents around 5.5 mA make the device ideal for conventional panels where many devices share a circuit — this reduces the need for auxiliary power supplies or multiple zones.
- Installer-friendly:Quick-connect plate and included spur wires reduce installation time and support tidy wiring beneath detectors.
- Compact aesthetics:The shallow, neat design blends into ceilings without being obtrusive.
Use cases and scenarios where the BF431C/CC/W excels
This sounder is suited to a wide range of conventional fire alarm applications. Typical scenarios include:
- Commercial offices:Adequate sound output and selectable tones make the sounder suitable for typical open-plan offices, meeting rooms and circulation areas. Low current draw allows multiple units per circuit.
- Retail outlets:The compact ceiling profile and strong audibility are well suited to shops and showrooms where discreet appearance and reliable alarm signalling are important.
- Light industrial spaces:In workshops and light manufacturing areas where conventional detection is common, the robust EN54-3 approval and IP21C rating for ceiling mounting make the device an appropriate choice.
- Public buildings and education facilities:The variety of tone selections allows compliance with local signalling requirements and makes the sounder adaptable to corridors, classrooms and communal areas.
- Combined detector and sounder applications:When stacked beneath a compatible detector base, the BF431C/CC/W provides both detection and audible alarm from a single mounting — useful where space, wiring or sightlines require a consolidated approach.
Installation and compliance considerations
Although the BF431C/CC/W is EN54-3 certified, proper installation and system design are essential for safe operation. Key points to follow:
- Installation should be performed by a competent person or qualified installer.
- Always isolate power before fitting or servicing devices.
- Follow the manufacturer’s installation manual and local standards (for example BS 5839 where applicable).
- Check the device’s EN54-3 certificate for regional applicability and compatibility with the host panel.
- Observe the IP21C rating: ceiling-mounted indoor use only; avoid exposure to direct moisture or outdoor environments.
How it compares with similar products
In the market for ceiling-mounted base sounders there are many options — addressable bases, higher-volume sounders, visual alarms with combined beacons and devices with different certification footprints. Compared to typical alternatives, the BF431C/CC/W stands out in several ways:
- EN54-3 certification:Some lower-cost generic sounders lack third-party approval; where certification is required, the C-TEC device provides reassurance and compliance potential.
- Low current consumption:Many conventional sounders draw considerably more current; the BF431C/CC/W’s low alarm current lets designers populate circuits more densely without exceeding panel or wiring limits.
- Tone flexibility:With 31 selectable tone pairs, this model offers broader signalling options than some basic single-tone units.
- Compact under-detector stacking:The ability to be used under compatible detector bases reduces ceiling clutter compared with separate detector-and-sounder clusters.
- Addressable vs conventional:If you require full addressable reporting and individual device diagnostics, addressable bases from other manufacturers may be preferred. However, for straightforward conventional systems the BF431C/CC/W often provides the best value-to-performance balance.
In summary, compared with both low-end unapproved units and larger multi-function devices, the BF431C/CC/W occupies a middle ground that emphasises compliance, energy efficiency and installation convenience.
Customer feedback and installer perspectives
There are limited published public reviews for specialised fire alarm accessories, but installer feedback themes for this class of product and for C-TEC’s ActiV series commonly include:
- Positive — Low current draw:Installers appreciate being able to place more sounders on a conventional circuit without hitting current limits.
- Positive — Ease of installation:The quick-connect plate and included spur wires reduce time on-site and simplify wiring beneath detectors.
- Positive — Flexible tones:Facilities managers value the range of tones for matching local alarm protocols.
- Neutral — Indoor use only:The IP21C rating restricts the device to indoor ceiling locations; where outdoor or high-moisture use is required, a different product is necessary.
- Advice — Verify certification:Procurers are reminded to confirm the specific EN54-3 certificate applies to their country and installation standards.
If you need formal testimonials for procurement or case studies, request installer references or ask the supplier for examples of installations in similar premises.
Conclusion: Why choose the C-TEC BF431C/CC/W?
The C-TEC BF431C/CC/W ActiV conventional ceiling base sounder is a practical, cost-effective choice when you need EN54-3-certified audible signalling in conventional fire alarm systems. Its combination of96 dB(A)audibility,very low alarm current,31 tone pairsand a space-saving ceiling profile make it ideally suited to offices, retail spaces, light industrial sites and public buildings where a reliable conventional solution is desirable.
For installers and system designers the key advantages are straightforward: compliance potential through third-party certification, reduced power demands on panels, flexible alarm tones for different applications, and simplified installation with supplied quick-connect accessories. If your project requires a dependable, low-current conventional sounder for indoor ceiling mounting, the BF431C/CC/W provides a strong balance of performance, flexibility and installer-friendly features.
Before purchase or installation, verify certificate applicability and panel compatibility, and if needed consider optional lids for stand-alone ceiling-mounted alarm use. With careful specification and proper installation, the BF431C/CC/W is a solid component in many conventional fire alarm installations.
