Introduction to the C‑TEC ActiV Hi‑Output BF430C Wall Sounder
C‑TEC ActiV Hi‑Output BF430C/CC/SRis a conventional, wall‑mounted fire alarm sounder designed to deliver a powerful and reliable audible alert for evacuation and life‑safety applications. Housed in a red plastic enclosure with a shallow base, the BF430C combines a nominal 100 dB(A) peak output with selectable tones and low current consumption. It is third‑party certified to EN54‑3 (sounders) and built to integrate with C‑TEC conventional panels as well as compatible third‑party control panels, making it a versatile option for many commercial and light‑industrial installations.
Key features at a glance
- EN54‑3 third‑party certification for sounders.
- High audible output: 100 dB(A) peak at 1 m (nominal).
- Supply voltage range: 18–30 V DC.
- Selectable tones: 31 primary/secondary tone pairs via an 8‑way DIP switch.
- Two selectable volume levels (High/Low).
- Very low alarm current: 3.8 mA @ 18 V DC; 5.5 mA @ 30 V DC.
- Shallow wall base suitable for indoor mounting; compact footprint.
- Manufactured by C‑TEC (UK) with industry‑standard compliance.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the technical specifications helps clarify where the BF430C excels and why it is a practical choice for many projects. Below are the principal specifications and the benefits each delivers in real‑world installations.
- Part number:BF430C/CC/SR
- Product type:Conventional wall sounder (ActiV Hi‑Output)
- Rated sound output:100 dB(A) peak @ 1 m
- Supply voltage:18–30 V DC
- Alarm current:5.5 mA @ 30 V DC; 3.8 mA @ 18 V DC
- Selectable tones:31 primary/secondary tone pairs (8‑way DIP)
- Volume levels:Two (High / Low)
- IP rating:IP21C (indoor) — variant dependent
- Operating temperature:−10°C to +55°C
- Dimensions:Diameter ≈ 108 mm; depth ≈ 99–132 mm (shallow/deep base variants)
- Weight:Approx. 215–315 g (variant dependent)
- Certification:EN54‑3 (third‑party certified)
- High output for clear audibility:At 100 dB(A) peak the BF430C provides strong, intelligible alarm signals suitable for common evacuation scenarios in schools, retail spaces, offices and light‑industrial sites.
- Wide voltage range:Compatibility with 18–30 V DC makes the sounder easy to integrate with a broad range of conventional fire panels and power supplies.
- Low current draw:Alarm currents under 6 mA mean more devices can be fitted to a conventional circuit without overloading the panel’s supply capacity — an important consideration in cost‑sensitive installations.
- Tone flexibility:With 31 selectable tone pairs and two volume levels, installers can match the sounder to local audible alarm standards or customer preferences, improving occupant recognition and reducing nuisance alarms.
- Ease of installation:The shallow base and compact footprint simplify mounting in confined spaces and reduce the need for deep back boxes while keeping a neat aesthetic.
- Standards compliance:EN54‑3 certification ensures the BF430C meets recognised performance and testing criteria, which supports regulatory compliance and specification confidence.
Use cases and scenarios where the BF430C excels
The BF430C is a general‑purpose evacuation sounder engineered for indoor applications where robust audibility and reliable operation are priorities. Typical scenarios include:
Open‑plan offices and retail floors require alarm signals that are audible over background noise such as HVAC systems, foot traffic and in‑store music. The 100 dB(A) output ensures occupants hear the alarm and can respond quickly to evacuation instructions.
Schools and colleges benefit from selectable tones so that different areas (e.g., classrooms, corridors, gyms) can have tones suited to the environment. Low current draw enables installers to design economical conventional circuits covering multiple devices.
In light‑industrial settings where machinery and forklifts increase ambient noise, a high‑output sounder is essential. The BF430C’s rugged, compact design and temperature tolerance make it suitable for many indoor industrial applications that don’t require higher IP protection.
Because it is compatible with common conventional control panels and has a shallow base, the BF430C is often chosen for retrofit projects where minimal wall depth is available and fast, cost‑effective replacement of older sounders is required.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When specifying a fire sounder, installers and specifiers typically balance standards compliance, output, power consumption, tone flexibility, mounting options and cost. Here’s how the BF430C compares in key areas.
The BF430C’s third‑party EN54‑3 certification places it in the same compliance category as many established sounders from other reputable manufacturers. This certification is essential when demonstrating compliance with building and fire regulations in many jurisdictions.
At 100 dB(A) the BF430C is classed as a hi‑output conventional sounder. Comparable models from other manufacturers (for example, popular conventional sounders from major brands) offer similar outputs, but some competitors provide multi‑stage or higher output variants for very large or noisy spaces. For typical retail, office and educational applications, the BF430C’s output is more than sufficient.
Many competing sounders offer a range of tones, but the BF430C’s 31 selectable primary/secondary tone pairs via an 8‑way DIP switch is notable for its versatility. This level of tone choice helps meet diverse customer preferences and regulatory requirements for distinct alarm signals.
Low alarm current (3.8–5.5 mA depending on voltage) is a strong advantage for conventional systems. Competing hi‑output sounders sometimes draw more current, potentially increasing wiring and power supply costs or limiting the number of devices on a circuit.
With a suggested retail price around 19.99, the BF430C sits in a competitive price bracket for third‑party EN54‑3 sounders. Its combination of certification, tone flexibility and low current consumption typically delivers strong value for contractors and building owners working to budget constraints.
Customer feedback and installer perspectives
While individual experiences vary, common feedback from installers and end users for the BF430C tends to highlight a few recurring themes:
- Reliable performance:Installers appreciate consistent operation and the reassurance of EN54‑3 certification for compliance projects.
- Easy installation:The shallow base and compact size make mounting and wiring straightforward, saving time on site.
- Good value:Buyers often note the competitive pricing relative to comparable certified sounders, especially when factoring in low ongoing system load due to modest current draw.
- Tone flexibility:The large selection of tones is praised for enabling better differentiation between alarm types or zones.
As with any fire‑safety device, customers also stress the importance of following the manufacturer’s datasheet and local regulations during selection and installation to ensure the chosen tone and volume meet local audible guidance.
Conclusion: Why choose the C‑TEC ActiV BF430C?
The C‑TEC ActiV Hi‑Output BF430C/CC/SR is a solid, practical choice for many conventional fire alarm projects. It combines a high nominal output (100 dB(A)), wide voltage compatibility, low current draw and flexible tone selection in a compact, easy‑to‑install package. EN54‑3 third‑party certification further reinforces its suitability for regulatory‑sensitive applications.
Whether you are specifying for offices, retail outlets, schools or light‑industrial premises, the BF430C offers a balance of performance, compliance and affordability. Its selectable tones and volume settings add adaptability across diverse environments, while low alarm current helps keep system design efficient and cost‑effective.
For exact installation guidance, mounting options, wiring diagrams and details on UKCA/CE marking, consult the official C‑TEC datasheet and ensure all work is carried out in accordance with local regulations and best practices. If youre seeking a dependable conventional sounder with strong audibility and flexible configuration, the BF430C is well worth considering.
