Introduction to the C‑TEC CA470 CAST Addressable Manual Call Point
C‑TEC CA470 CAST Addressable Manual Call Pointis a resettable, universal‑mount manual call point designed specifically for C‑TEC CAST (XFP/ZFP) addressable fire alarm systems. Compact and robust, the CA470 combines a smooth‑action resettable plastic element with a built‑in short‑circuit loop isolator and a clear red LED alarm ring for immediate visual indication. LPCB certified to EN54‑11 and EN54‑17 and Kiwa Telefication certified to EN54‑13, the CA470 is engineered for installers and specifiers who require reliable, standards‑compliant manual call points for commercial and light industrial premises.
Key features at a glance
- Compatibility:C‑TEC CAST protocol (XFP & ZFP).
- Resettable element:Smooth‑action plastic element with a glass‑break feel and supplied reset/removal key.
- Built‑in protection:Onboard short‑circuit loop isolator to maintain loop integrity.
- Visual indicators:Red LED alarm ring (steady on alarm, flashes when polled) and photoluminescent operating window.
- Mounting flexibility:Universal surface or flush mounting — surface backbox and flush adaptor supplied.
- Standards:LPCB to EN54‑11 & EN54‑17; Kiwa Telefication to EN54‑13.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the technical specifications helps explain why the CA470 is practical for many installations. Below are the primary technical details and their benefits.
- Approvals:LPCB to EN54‑11 & EN54‑17; Kiwa Telefication EN54‑13 — ensures compliance with widely recognised European fire detection standards.
- Protocol:C‑TEC CAST (XFP / ZFP) — seamless integration with C‑TEC addressable panels.
- Supply voltage:22–40 V DC — compatible with typical fire alarm loop supplies.
- Quiescent current:≈370 µA @ 22–40 V DC — low standby consumption minimises loop loading on large systems.
- Alarm current:≈5 mA @ 22–40 V DC (LED on) — modest draw when active, preserving loop capacity.
- Loop connections:Loop IN / Loop OUT (x2) — straightforward wiring for series loops.
- Mounting:Universal: surface backbox + flush adaptor supplied — reduces the number of SKUs installers must carry.
- Dimensions:≈87 × 88 × 62 mm (incl. backbox) — compact footprint for tight locations.
- Weight:≈180 g — lightweight, easy to handle during installation.
- Construction:Red ABS polycarbonate; glass‑fibre window — durable, flame‑retardant materials.
- IP rating:IP42 (IP67 variant available: CA47067) — suitable for most indoor environments, with a rugged option for harsher locations.
- Operating temp:−10 °C to +55 °C — suitable for standard building environments.
- Indicator:Red LED alarm ring (steady on alarm, flashes when polled) — immediate status recognition for responders.
- Special feature:Onboard short‑circuit loop isolator; photoluminescent window — safety and low‑light usability enhancements.
- Compliance and peace of mind:EN54 approvals mean the device meets rigorous performance and manufacturing standards — essential for public buildings, schools, and workplaces.
- Installer‑friendly:Universal mounting accessories and low quiescent current simplify both new installations and retrofits while minimising inventory complexity.
- System resilience:The integrated short‑circuit loop isolator helps keep the loop operational even when a wiring fault occurs, reducing knock‑on failures and easing maintenance.
- User safety and usability:The resettable element provides a tactile, familiar activation feel while allowing quick reset after false activations or drills — and the photoluminescent window improves visibility during power outages or smoky conditions.
- Clear indication:The LED alarm ring gives unmistakable visual confirmation of an alarm point activation, aiding rapid verification by staff and emergency services.
Use cases and scenarios where the CA470 excels
The CA470 is versatile and well suited to a wide variety of settings. Typical scenarios include:
- Commercial offices and retail outlets:The single‑unit form factor and universal mounting make placement straightforward in corridors, stairwells, and near exits.
- Education and healthcare facilities:EN54 certification supports compliance requirements in schools, colleges, hospitals and care homes, while the clear visual ring helps staff quickly locate an activation.
- Light industrial premises:The IP42 rating and optional IP67 variant (CA47067) provide options for areas with mild exposure to dust or occasional moisture; loop isolator improves uptime in noisy electrical environments.
- Refurbishments and retrofits:Low quiescent current and universal mounting reduce disruption and wiring complexity when upgrading to an addressable system.
- Contractor and national rollouts:Because the CA470 is a CAST‑protocol native device, it suits projects standardised on C‑TEC XFP/ZFP panels, simplifying procurement, training and spares management.
How it compares with similar products
When selecting a manual call point, installers weigh approvals, functionality, ease of installation and total cost of ownership. Here are some comparative points between the CA470 and other typical market options (for example, devices from manufacturers such as Hochiki, Apollo, and Gent).
- Standards and approvals:The CA470’s EN54‑11 and EN54‑17 approvals put it on par with leading brands. Differences arise mostly from product family compatibility with specific panel protocols.
- Protocol compatibility:The CA470 is built for C‑TEC CAST systems. Competing devices use protocols such as Apollo’s XP95/Discovery or Hochiki’s ESP — the right choice depends on the panel ecosystem in use. If working with C‑TEC panels, the CA470 offers seamless integration.
- Loop protection:Onboard short‑circuit loop isolation is a valuable feature that not all competitors include as standard. Where present, it increases system robustness and reduces the impact of wiring faults.
- Resettable vs. non‑resettable:Many modern call points offer resettable elements; the CA470’s smooth‑action plastic element mimics the familiar glass‑break feel while avoiding replacement glass and reducing maintenance cost compared to non‑resettable, glass‑based devices.
- Ingress protection:The CA470’s IP42 rating is common for indoor use; the availability of an IP67 variant gives it an edge in sites requiring higher environmental protection without switching product families.
- Price and total cost:Suggested retail pricing places the CA470 competitively for contractors standardising on C‑TEC systems, particularly when factoring installation speed, integrated isolator and low loop currents.
Customer feedback and installer impressions
No formal customer testimonials were supplied for this article. However, installers and system integrators typically highlight a few consistent positive points for devices like the CA470:
- Ease of installation:Universal backbox and straightforward loop wiring reduce install time.
- Reliability:Integrated isolators and EN54 approvals are frequently cited as drivers of confidence in long‑term reliability.
- Serviceability:Resettable element and supplied reset key simplify maintenance after false activations or tests.
Illustrative installer comments (for context) might include: "The resettable action and built‑in isolator saved time on site and reduced follow‑up visits" and "Clear LED indication makes troubleshooting and alarm verification quicker for building staff." These reflect common feedback themes for modern addressable call points but are provided here as general examples rather than sourced endorsements.
Conclusion: Why choose the CA470?
The C‑TEC CA470 CAST Addressable Manual Call Point is a practical, standards‑compliant choice for projects that use C‑TEC addressable panels. Its combination of EN54 approvals, built‑in short‑circuit isolator, resettable activation element, low current draw and universal mounting make it a strong candidate for commercial, educational, healthcare and light industrial environments. The availability of an IP67 variant extends its applicability to more demanding locations, while the photoluminescent window and LED alarm ring improve usability during an incident.
For contractors and specifiers seeking a reliable, easy‑to‑install manual call point that integrates tightly with the CAST protocol ecosystem, the CA470 offers a compelling balance of performance, compliance and cost‑effectiveness. For full technical and installation guidance, consult the CA470 datasheet and the manufacturer’s installation instructions, and ensure installation is carried out by a competent electrical installer in accordance with BS 5839 and local fire regulations.
