C‑TEC CFP708‑4 Standard 8‑Zone Conventional Fire Alarm Panel, 4 Sounder Circuits, 1.5 A PSU CFP708-4

Introduction: Meet the C-TEC CFP708-4

C-TEC CFP708-4 8-Zone Conventional Fire Alarm Panelis a compact, standards-compliant conventional fire alarm control panel designed for small-to-medium premises. LPCB and EN54 (parts 2 & 4) certified, the CFP708-4 supports up to eight conventional detector zones, provides four fully monitored sounder circuits and includes an integral EN54-4 compliant 1.5 A switch-mode power supply. Supplied in a flush or surface-mountable plastic enclosure with space for standby batteries and a combined keypad/keyswitch, the unit is intended to be installer-friendly while meeting regulatory expectations for many commercial and institutional applications.

Key features at a glance

• EN54-2 & EN54-4 (LPCB) certification — suitable for standards-compliant installations
• 8 conventional detector zones to cover multiple areas or floors
• 4 fully monitored sounder circuits for flexible alarm signalling
• Integral 1.5 A EN54-4 switch-mode power supply with space for 2 × 12 V VRLA batteries
• On-board fire and fault volt-free relays and open-collector remote/reset outputs
• Installer-friendly features: zone test, selectable delays, coincidence and non-latch options
• Low quiescent current (~25 mA) for efficient standby operation

Detailed specifications and benefits

The CFP708-4’s specification sheet gives a clear picture of where it fits in the market. Key technical details include:

• System type:Conventional panel with eight detection zones.
• Sounder circuits:Four conventional monitored circuits, allowing separate signalling zones (for example reception, stairwells, plant rooms and offices).
• Power:Integral 1.5 A EN54-4 compliant switch-mode PSU (mains 230 V AC) with space for two 12 V VRLA batteries — vendors commonly quote support for up to 3.2–3.3 Ah batteries each.
• Device capacity:Up to 25–32 devices per zone depending on detector type and wiring; confirm with detector and wiring choices when commissioning.
• Outputs/Inputs:Fire and Fault volt-free changeover relays, open-collector remote and reset outputs, and class change/alert inputs for simple integration with building systems.
• Physical:Plastic enclosure for flush or surface mounting (typical footprint ~380 × 235 × 96 mm), IP30, weight ~1.75 kg (without batteries).
• Environment:Rated for −5 °C to +40 °C and up to 95% RH non-condensing (confirm with full datasheet).

Benefits derived from these specs include regulatory confidence (EN54 approvals), straightforward sizing for small-to-medium systems, and energy efficiency thanks to the low quiescent current. Installer-oriented features such as zone test, configurable delays, coincidence and non-latch options help reduce nuisance alarms while simplifying commissioning and maintenance. The monitored sounder circuits and relay outputs make the CFP708-4 easy to interface with secondary alarm systems, door hold-open devices or building management systems.

Use cases and scenarios where the CFP708-4 excels

The CFP708-4 is tailored to a range of environments where conventional detection remains the most cost-effective and practical choice:

• Small commercial premises and offices:Multi-room offices, single-floor retail spaces or small warehouses where eight zones are sufficient to segregate areas and provide zoned alarm evacuation.
• Shops and hospitality outlets:Independent shops, cafes or small restaurants that require a standards-compliant alarm panel without the complexity or cost of addressable systems.
• Care homes and small healthcare facilities:Buildings where reliable detection and monitored sounder circuits are required, and where simple, robust panels are preferred by maintenance teams.
• Schools and educational buildings:Classrooms, administration areas and ancillary spaces can be split across zones to help pinpoint alarm locations while keeping installation and maintenance straightforward.
• Cost-sensitive installations:Projects that need EN54 certification for compliance but where the budget or scale does not justify addressable technology.

In each of these scenarios, the CFP708-4’s combination of on-board power, monitored outputs and flexible configuration options helps installers deliver a compliant system quickly and keep ongoing maintenance simple.

How it compares with similar products

When considering the CFP708-4, it helps to view it in the context of alternative solutions:

• Conventional vs addressable panels:Conventional panels like the CFP708-4 are typically less expensive and simpler to install than addressable systems. For smaller sites with limited zones and straightforward layouts, a conventional panel is often the most cost-effective and practical choice. Addressable panels offer finer fault and location diagnostics and are better for very large or complex buildings, but they come at higher initial and maintenance costs.
• Compared with other conventional panels:The CFP708-4’s EN54-2 & EN54-4 LPCB certification, four monitored sounder circuits and 1.5 A PSU put it squarely in the mid-range of conventional panels for small-to-medium sites. Some competing panels may offer more zones or higher PSU currents, or metal enclosures, but those options often target larger installations or different regulatory contexts.
• Value proposition:For customers who want LPCB/EN54 certification with installer-friendly commissioning features (zone test, delays, coincidence, non-latch) and monitored sounder circuits built-in, the CFP708-4 presents a balanced mix of capability and simplicity. Installers should compare device capacities per zone and battery sizing with other models to ensure the panel aligns with the chosen detectors and system layout.

Customer feedback and installer perspectives

No formal customer testimonials were provided with the product brief, but typical feedback themes from installers and end users for panels in this category usually include:

• Ease of installation:Installers often appreciate the CFP708-4’s compact enclosure, clear on-board labelling and space for two standby batteries, which speed up installation and reduce site time.
• Commissioning features:Zone test and configurable options (delays, coincidence, non-latch) reduce false alarms and help tuning the system to building use — a frequent installer highlight.
• Reliability and compliance:EN54 certification provides reassurance to building owners and compliance officers; installers commonly choose EN54 panels to meet regulatory demands.
• Value for money:For small-to-medium projects that don’t need the granularity of addressable systems, users report that conventional panels like the CFP708-4 deliver a good balance of features and budget suitability.

If procurement or facilities teams require formal reviews, seek certified installer testimonials or case studies from C-TEC or authorised distributors, as these will reflect real-world performance for similar site types.

Installation notes and regulatory reminders

As with any life-safety system, correct installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance are essential. The CFP708-4 datasheet and user manual should be consulted for wiring details, mounting cut-outs, device counts per zone and battery sizing. Installation must be carried out by a competent person in accordance with local regulations and the manufacturer’s instructions. Confirm device counts per zone and battery Ah with your chosen detectors and the official datasheet before finalising any design.

Conclusion: Why choose the CFP708-4?

The C-TEC CFP708-4 is a practical, standards-compliant conventional fire alarm panel that suits a wide range of small-to-medium premises. Its EN54-2 & EN54-4 certification, eight zones, four monitored sounder circuits and integrated 1.5 A PSU make it a complete package for sites that require reliable detection and zoned alarm signalling without the complexity of addressable networks. Installer-friendly features—such as zone test, selectable delays, coincidence and non-latch options—help reduce false alarms and simplify commissioning, while the low quiescent current and space for standby batteries support efficient standby operation.

For projects where compliance, simplicity and cost-effectiveness are priorities, the CFP708-4 is a strong choice. For larger or more complex buildings where detailed location reporting and advanced integration are needed, an addressable solution should be considered instead. Always consult the official C-TEC datasheet and work with a competent installer to ensure the panel is the right fit for your building and regulatory requirements.