Introduction to the C-TEC CFP704-4 and its key features
The C-TEC CFP704-4 is a compact, installer-focused conventional fire alarm control panel from the CFP Standard range. Built to deliver certified EN54 performance in small-to-medium installations, the CFP704-4 combines a 4-zone conventional architecture with an integral EN54-4 compliant switch-mode power supply, on-board relays and a range of installer/test facilities. It is designed for commercial, retail and institutional sites where a straightforward conventional solution is preferred over addressable systems.
- EN54-2 and EN54-4 (LPCB) certified; optional EN54-13 system compliance.
- Four conventional detector zones and four conventional sounder circuits.
- Integral 1.5 A EN54-4/A2 compliant switch-mode PSU (nominal 27 V).
- On-board fire and fault changeover relays plus open-collector outputs for Remote and Reset.
- Installer/test facilities including selectable zone delays, coincidence, non-latching zones, zone test and fault-finding.
- Expansion support for up to eight two-wire repeaters (CFP761) and optional relay/sounder extension boards.
- Space for two 12 V, 3.3 Ah VRLA batteries and low quiescent current (~25 mA).
Detailed specifications and benefits
The CFP704-4 includes an integral EN54-4 compliant switch-mode power supply that delivers a nominal 27 V output (typical range 19–28.5 V) with a total available output limited to 1.5 A. This is sufficient for many small-to-medium installations without the immediate need for external PSUs. The panel accommodates two 12 V, 3.3 Ah VRLA batteries, giving reliable standby capability while keeping the enclosure compact. Typical quiescent current is low (≈25 mA), helping to preserve battery life during long standby periods.
The CFP704-4 supports four conventional detector zones and four conventional sounder circuits, which suits a variety of single-floor or small multi-room layouts. On-board outputs include two changeover relays (Fire and Fault) which simplify connections to monitoring equipment or building management systems, plus two open-collector outputs for remote indicators or reset control. Additional inputs include class-change and alert inputs for flexible signalling and local procedures.
Designed to reduce commissioning time, the panel provides a number of installer/test facilities: selectable zone delays (for entry/exit or false alarm management), coincidence options to reduce false alarms, non-latching zone option for temporary or supervised areas, and a dedicated zone test and fault-finding mode. These features help installers tailor the system behaviour to site needs while simplifying routine service and troubleshooting.
For sites that may require remote annunciation, the CFP704-4 supports up to eight two-wire repeaters (CFP761). Optional relay and sounder extension boards are available to increase output capability or interface with third-party systems. The panel arrives in a compact plastic enclosure (380 × 235 × 96 mm, ≈1.7–1.8 kg) suitable for surface or flush mounting and finished to IP30 standard.
The CFP704-4 is LPCB certified to EN54-2 and EN54-4, ensuring it meets widely accepted European standards for fire detection and power supplies. Optional EN54-13 system compliance is achievable when configured with compatible components. As with all life-safety products, installation, commissioning and maintenance should be performed by a competent fire alarm installer following BS 5839-1 (or local equivalent) and the official CFP704-4 datasheet and manual.
Use cases and scenarios where the CFP704-4 excels
The CFP704-4 is particularly well suited to environments where simplicity, reliability and cost-effectiveness are priorities. Typical scenarios include:
- Small offices and professional suites:A single-floor office or a small cluster of offices can be protected with four zones, separating common areas, circulation spaces and high-risk rooms for clear alarm tracing.
- Retail units and small shops:Retail spaces benefit from the panel's multiple sounder circuits and simple controls for staff-managed evacuation procedures, and the on-board PSU removes the need for additional power modules.
- Schools and educational facilities:Classrooms, corridors, plant rooms and administration areas can be zoned logically while installer options such as class-change inputs support daily bells or staged evacuation routines.
- Light warehouses and workshops:The CFP704-4 can cover small storage units or light industrial sites where addressable systems would be unnecessarily complex and costly.
- Secondary buildings and annexes:For ancillary buildings connected to a larger campus, the panel offers a compliant, standalone alarm solution with remote repeater capability where local indication is required.
Because the CFP704-4 includes flexible installer options (delay/coincidence/non-latch), it can be tuned to reduce false alarms in environments prone to nuisance activation while still providing rapid detection where required.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
Within the conventional fire panel market, the CFP704-4 competes with other compact 4-zone panels from established manufacturers. Key differentiators include:
- Certified PSU capacity:The integral 1.5 A EN54-4 PSU is a notable advantage over some competitor panels that provide smaller onboard PSU ratings or require external supplies for comparable sounder loads.
- Installer features:The CFP704-4's comprehensive set of installer/test facilities (zone delays, coincidence, non-latching zones, fault-finding) are often more extensive than basic entry-level panels, reducing the need for extra modules or custom wiring.
- Expansion and repeater support:Support for up to eight two-wire repeaters (CFP761) is a flexible option for sites requiring remote indication without complex wiring or addressable networks.
- Compliance pedigree:LPCB certification to EN54-2 and EN54-4 positions the CFP704-4 strongly for projects requiring recognized European approvals; some economy panels lack these certifications.
That said, addressable systems offer more granular device-level monitoring and larger network scalability. Where a building needs hundreds of detectors, zonal tracing is insufficient and an addressable approach would be more appropriate. The CFP704-4 is therefore best compared to competitive conventional panels rather than to addressable systems.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
Specific customer testimonials for the CFP704-4 were not provided with the product brief. However, typical feedback from installers and small-business owners using CFP Standard panels tends to highlight the following themes:
- "Installation is straightforward — the on-board PSU and relays reduce the amount of additional hardware required, saving time and cost on small jobs."
- "The diagnostic and test modes make commissioning and fault-finding much easier than basic unbranded panels."
- "Good build quality and certification give confidence for compliance-led projects where EN54 approvals are required."
If you need verified customer reviews, ask your supplier for case studies or references from sites where the CFP704-4 has been installed. Local installers can also provide practical insights based on real-world commissioning and maintenance experience.
Conclusion — why the CFP704-4 is a solid choice for small-to-medium systems
The C-TEC CFP704-4 balances compliance, practicality and cost-effectiveness for sites that require a dependable conventional fire alarm panel. Its LPCB EN54-2 and EN54-4 certification, integral 1.5 A PSU, on-board relays and installer-focused features make it well suited to a wide range of small commercial, retail, educational and light-industrial applications. The panel reduces ancillary module requirements in many installations, while expansion options such as repeater support and optional extension boards provide flexibility for evolving needs.
For projects that need simple zonal detection, clear alarm outputs and reliable power management in a compact enclosure, the CFP704-4 is a practical and installer-friendly choice. Always ensure installation, commissioning and maintenance are carried out by a competent fire alarm installer and consult the official datasheet and installation manual for detailed wiring, detector counts and environmental limits.
Suggested retail price (for reference): £179. For purchasing, warranty and site-specific suitability, contact your authorised C-TEC supplier or installer.
