C-TEC CA414 Programmable CAST Multi-Sensor Detector — Optical + Thermal
OverviewThe C-TEC CA414 is a programmable, analogue addressable multi-sensor fire detector built for use with C-TEC CAST systems (XFP and ZFP panels). Combining an optical smoke chamber with a thermal sensor, the CA414 is engineered to detect a wide range of fire types while minimising false alarms through selectable sensitivity profiles, onboard drift compensation and loop short-circuit isolation. Its compact design, programmable 360° LED indication and EN54 approvals make it a strong choice for commercial and light industrial detection schemes.
- Multi-sensor detection: optical (smoke) plus thermal sensing for enhanced detection fidelity.
- Five selectable detection modes, including optical high/standard/low and heat curves (A1R, A2, B).
- Addressable CAST protocol compatibility for C-TEC XFP & ZFP panels.
- Onboard short-circuit loop isolation and low quiescent/alarm current to maintain reliable loop performance.
- Two ultra-bright 8 × 2 mm LED strips for programmable 360° status indication; optional remote LED available.
- Requires CA408 mounting base (CA408R available if relay functionality is needed).
- LPCB certified to EN54-5, EN54-7 and EN54-17; compliant with CEA-4021 and certified for system compatibility to EN54-13.
Single-sensor detectors (optical or thermal alone) can be vulnerable to particular types of fire or to nuisance alarms caused by environmental contaminants. By combining optical and thermal inputs and giving the installer five selectable sensitivity modes, the CA414 can be tailored to detect slow-smouldering, flaming or mixed fires more reliably while reducing unwanted alarms in challenging environments.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The CA414 balances detection versatility, regulatory compliance and installer-friendly features. Below is a detailed breakdown of its specifications and the practical benefits these deliver on-site.
- Detection type:Optical (smoke) + thermal (multi-sensor).
- Protocol / Compatibility:CAST — for C-TEC XFP & ZFP control panels.
- Detection modes:Five selectable modes (A1R, A2, B heat curves and optical high/standard/low).
- Supply voltage:22–40 V DC.
- Quiescent current:Typically ~370 µA at 22–40 V DC, supporting efficient loop loading.
- Alarm current:Typically ~5 mA (LEDs illuminated) at 22–40 V DC.
- Wiring:2-wire CAST loop, polarity sensitive; connections provided via the CA408 base.
- Diameter:102.2 mm.
- Depth (detector only):37 mm.
- Depth (with base):57.5 mm.
- Weight:99 g (detector); 154 g (with base).
- Body material:White polycarbonate (UL94 V-2).
- Ingress protection:IP42.
- EN54 certification:LPCB certified to EN54-5 (heat), EN54-7 (smoke) and EN54-17 (short-circuit isolators).
- System compatibility:Kiwa Telefication certified to EN54-13.
- Other:CEA-4021 compliant.
- Operating temperature:-20 °C to +85 °C.
- Mounting base:Requires CA408 CAST base; CA408R relay base option available.
- Indicators:Two ultra-bright 8 × 2 mm LED strips provide 360° status indication; optional remote LED supported for corridor/ceiling signage.
- Loop isolation:Onboard short-circuit isolator helps preserve loop integrity and maintain other devices during fault conditions.
Benefits derived from these specifications include reduced total cost of ownership (through low standby current and reliable loop isolation), simplified commissioning (CAST protocol programmability and selectable sensitivity modes) and compliance-based assurance for projects that require EN54 certification.
Use cases and scenarios where the CA414 excels
The CA414 is designed to be a versatile detector for many commercial and light industrial situations. Its multi-sensor capability and selectable sensitivity make it particularly effective in the following environments:
Areas where dust, HVAC movement or routine cooking/coffee areas can cause nuisance alarms benefit from the CA414’s ability to tune optical sensitivity while still reacting to genuine thermal signatures. The selectable modes reduce false alarms without sacrificing life-safety performance.
Environments with variable heat sources, vehicle exhaust or equipment operation require detectors that distinguish between chronic environmental effects and real fire. The thermal input and programmable heat curves (A1R, A2, B) help detect relevant fires while ignoring benign thermal fluctuations.
Places with vulnerable occupants require prompt and reliable detection but also face higher risk from false evacuation triggers. The CA414’s multi-sensor approach and drift compensation makes it suitable for continuous protection where unwanted evacuations are particularly disruptive.
For projects extending existing CAST-based systems, the CA414 offers straightforward addressable integration, low-power operation to preserve loop capacity, and certified performance to meet regulatory requirements during upgrades.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When specifying addressable multi-sensor detectors, installers typically compare performance, compatibility and total lifecycle cost. Here’s how the CA414 compares on key points:
- Detection approach:Like other multi-sensor devices from established manufacturers, the CA414 combines optical and thermal inputs. Its five selectable modes give it flexibility similar to leading multi-sensor models, allowing tailoring for smoke-prone or heat-prone environments.
- Protocol compatibility:The CA414 is specific to C-TEC CAST systems (XFP/ZFP). If you are using a different control panel family (for example, panels using Apollo or Hochiki protocols), the detector won’t be directly compatible — comparable multi-sensor detectors exist for those protocols. The CA414’s strength is seamless integration in CAST ecosystems.
- Certifications:With LPCB EN54-5/7/17 approvals and EN54-13 system certification compatibility, the CA414 matches the regulatory credentials expected in European commercial installations, putting it on par with high-end competitor devices when certification is a project requirement.
- Installation features:Onboard loop isolators and low quiescent currents are standard expectations for modern addressable detectors; the CA414 meets these with the added convenience of programmable 360° LED indication and optional remote LED — a useful advantage in corridor or atrium installations.
- Cost and value:The CA414 is positioned as a competitively priced detector within CAST product families. While prices vary by region, multi-sensor devices typically cost more than single-sensor detectors; the CA414 aims to deliver the balance of detection performance and affordability installers look for.
Overall, the CA414 is best compared to similar multi-sensor detectors produced for their respective panel ecosystems. The key decision factor is usually compatibility with the chosen control panel and the specific detection modes required by the site environment.
Customer feedback and installer impressions
While individual project reviews vary, typical feedback from installers and system specifiers about the CA414 tends to focus on a few consistent points:
- Reliable integration:Installers appreciate the straightforward programming with CAST panels and the consistent behaviour during commissioning.
- Reduced nuisance alarms:Contractors report fewer false alarms in mixed environments after selecting the appropriate sensitivity mode, particularly where dust or transient steam could trigger pure optical devices.
- Practical LEDs and serviceability:The 360° LED strips and optional remote LED make status checks easier without additional accessories. Low quiescent current and the CA414’s compact form factor are frequently mentioned as practical installation benefits.
If you are considering the CA414 for a project, asking local peers about specific site experiences or requesting trial units for a pilot area can provide direct insight relevant to your use case.
Conclusion — why choose the C-TEC CA414?
The C-TEC CA414 programmable CAST multi-sensor detector offers a pragmatic blend of sensitivity options, certified performance and installer-friendly features. Its optical plus thermal sensing capability and five selectable detection modes allow tailoring to diverse site conditions, reducing nuisance alarms while maintaining reliable fire detection. Onboard loop isolation, low power draw and LPCB EN54 approvals provide peace of mind for designers and compliance teams. For projects operating on C-TEC CAST panels, the CA414 represents a well-rounded choice: technically capable, competitively priced and backed by the system-level compatibility installers require.
Whether you are specifying detectors for a new build, a system upgrade or a retrofit within a CAST ecosystem, the CA414 is worth evaluating for its combination of multi-sensor performance, certified reliability and operational flexibility. For optimal results, pair it with the CA408 base (or CA408R if a relay is required), follow the manufacturer datasheet for installation and configuration, and select detection modes that match the environmental profile of each protected area.
