Introduction to the C‑TEC BF450A/CX/SW and its key features
The C‑TEC BF450A/CX/SWis a compact, loop‑powered addressable ceiling sounder designed for use with Apollo XP95/Discovery protocols (and compatible with C‑TEC XFP/ZFP panels). Offering a nominal sound pressure level of 91 dB(A) at 1 m, EN54‑3 certification for sounders and EN54‑17 certification for its built‑in loop isolator, the BF450A/CX/SW balances high output, low current consumption and robust loop survivability in a small footprint. Its shallow click‑and‑twist base makes installation quick, while seven selectable volume levels and up to 15 selectable tone pairs provide flexibility to meet local alarm patterns and acoustics.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
- Part number:BF450A/CX/SW.
- Product type:Addressable ceiling/wall sounder.
- Protocol compatibility:Apollo XP95 / Discovery (also compatible with C‑TEC XFP/ZFP).
- Tones & volume:Up to 15 selectable tone pairs (including national/US patterns) and seven selectable volume levels.
Benefit: Addressable compatibility with widely used XP95/Discovery systems makes the BF450A/CX/SW easy to integrate into existing networks and straightforward to program from the control panel. The wide selection of tones and levels accommodates different alarm strategies and room acoustics.
- Supply voltage:17–28 V DC.
- Quiescent current:550 µA @ 24 V DC (typical).
- Alarm current:+4.5 mA above quiescent (typical, sounder‑only).
- Indicators:Polling LED (green) and isolator active LED (amber).
- Built‑in isolator:Short‑circuit loop isolator compliant with EN54‑17.
Benefit: Very low quiescent and alarm current means more devices can be placed on a single detection loop without exceeding loop loading limits. This lowers installation cost and simplifies system design. The integrated short‑circuit isolator improves loop survivability by limiting the impact of wiring faults—if a short occurs the isolator helps keep the rest of the loop operational.
- Nominal SPL:91 dB(A) @ 1 m (Tone 1).
- Dimensions:102 mm diameter × 57.5–63 mm depth (variant dependent).
- Weight:~160 g (sounder only, shallow base).
- Colour & mounting:White finish; ceiling or wall mounting with a click‑and‑twist shallow base.
- Environmental:IP21C (indoor use), operating temperature −10 °C to +55 °C, max 95% RH (non‑condensing).
- Certifications:EN54‑3 (sounders) and EN54‑17 (loop isolators).
Benefit: Compact dimensions and light weight make this sounder suited to tight ceiling voids and shallow backboxes. The 91 dB output is sufficient for many commercial and light‑industrial spaces while selectable volume settings allow installers to tune the device to the environment and regulatory requirements.
Use cases and scenarios where the BF450A/CX/SW excels
The BF450A/CX/SW is particularly well suited to indoor commercial and light‑industrial installations that need addressable audio notification devices with minimal loop loading and reliable survivability. Typical applications include:
- Office buildings:Corridors, open plan offices and meeting rooms where a compact ceiling device preserves aesthetics while delivering required alarm levels.
- Retail outlets and shopping centres:Back‑of‑house corridors, staff rooms and storage areas where easy installation and low maintenance are advantageous.
- Light industrial and plant rooms:Areas where dust and humidity are controlled (IP21C) but where reliable notification and loop robustness are important.
- Refurbishment and retrofit projects:Shallow base, low current and addressable operation make the BF450A/CX/SW a good choice where existing loop infrastructure is being reused or extended.
- Multi‑device loop architectures:Projects that maximise device count per loop benefit from the BF450A/CX/SW’s low quiescent and alarm currents.
Installation note: As with all life‑safety equipment, installation and commissioning should be performed by a qualified fire‑alarm engineer. Isolate loop power before wiring and verify panel compatibility and programming of tones/volumes against local regulations and the manufacturer’s datasheet.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When evaluating addressable sounders, three core considerations typically drive selection: protocol compatibility, current consumption/loop loading, and additional features such as built‑in isolators or optical indicators. The BF450A/CX/SW stands out in a few ways:
- Integrated loop isolator:Many basic addressable sounders rely on separate isolator modules or panel‑level protection. The BF450A/CX/SW’s EN54‑17 certified built‑in isolator improves loop survivability without requiring extra hardware or additional wiring complexity.
- Low current profile:With a typical quiescent current of 550 µA and a small incremental alarm current, the BF450A/CX/SW allows higher device density per loop compared with some older or less efficient sounders, reducing the need for additional loops or expansion cards.
- Compact physical design:The shallow click‑and‑twist base is advantageous in retrofit scenarios or where ceiling voids are limited. Some competitors may offer higher SPL options but at the cost of larger housings or higher power draw.
- Standards compliance:EN54‑3 and EN54‑17 certification is essential for many commercial projects in regions that require these standards. While other brands (Apollo, Hochiki, Gent, etc.) offer compatible sounders, not all include the same combined certification and integrated isolator in a compact form factor.
Trade‑off: If a project needs extremely high sound pressure levels in large open spaces, an alternative high‑power device or multiple sounders per zone may be needed. However, for many indoor commercial and light‑industrial spaces the BF450A/CX/SW’s 91 dB output and selectable volumes provide an effective balance of audibility and low power consumption.
Customer feedback and reviews
There are no formal customer testimonials included with the product data here, but professional feedback from installers and system integrators typically highlights a few recurring positives for devices like the BF450A/CX/SW:
- Ease of installation — the shallow base and click‑and‑twist mounting reduce installation time in retrofit and new‑build sites.
- Reliable loop performance — the integrated short‑circuit isolator is valued for reducing the downtime impact of wiring faults and simplifying loop design.
- Low loop loading — installers frequently appreciate being able to fit more devices per loop without complex load calculations or extra power supplies.
Potential user considerations often include ensuring the 91 dB rating is adequate for the specific room acoustics and confirming that the device’s IP21C rating suits the intended location (it is not intended for exposed outdoor or high‑moisture environments).
Conclusion: why the BF450A/CX/SW is a great choice
The C‑TEC BF450A/CX/SW is a compact, capable addressable ceiling sounder aimed at projects where reliable audible notification, low current consumption and improved loop survivability are priorities. Its compatibility with the widely used Apollo XP95/Discovery protocol, EN54‑3 and EN54‑17 certification, integrated short‑circuit isolator and flexible tone/volume options make it a practical solution for office, retail, light‑industrial and retrofit installations.
For specifiers and installers looking to maximise devices per loop, reduce the need for additional isolator modules and maintain a tidy, unobtrusive ceiling appearance, the BF450A/CX/SW delivers a balanced combination of performance and convenience. Always ensure installation and commissioning are carried out by qualified personnel and consult the manufacturer datasheet and local regulations when programming tones and setting volumes to meet audibility requirements.
