EN54-4/A2 Power Supplies

Fire legislation in most European countries states any power supply performing a mandatory function of a fire alarm system must comply with EN54-4/A2. As such, any power supply controlling a beam detector, auto-dial communicator, aspirating smoke detector, auto-open ventilation system or auxiliary sounder system must comply with this standard.

C-TEC’s range of cost-effective, third-party approved EN54-4 switch-mode power supplies include a host of user and installer friendly features. Five versions are available, four 24V models rated at 1.5A (two types), 3A and 5A, and a 12V 2A model which has an optional STU mounting plate for auto-dial applications.

All five versions are certified to EN54-4:1997/A2:2006 by the VdS or LPCB (as indicated) and are therefore fully compliant with all relevant European directives including the EMC, LVD and CPD (Construction Products) directives.

Optional ‘PCB’ and ‘caged’ PSUs with exactly the same electronics as our certified PSUs are also available - please contact our sales desk for details.

C-TEC's EN54-4/A2 power supply range

Key features of C-TEC's EN54-4 power supply range

• Low current consumption
• Deep discharge battery protection and EN54 compliant reporting of battery impedance faults
• Single-pole volt-free changeover relay that switches for any fault condition
• Three LED indicators - supply present, general fault and auxiliary fault (for optional connection to third-party equipment)
• Link selectable battery charging capacity
• Environmentally-friendly charging circuit - dissipates just 0.35W compared to the industry norm of around 2.55W.
• Optional STU mounting plate (for 12V 2A model only)
• Optional high-temperature output activates when internal box temperature reaches 55oC, for connection to ventilation fans, etc.
• Optional handheld status reader (shows internal temperature, charging voltage and current of connected PSU). Serial data link also provided for third-party OEM equipment
• All boxed versions third-party certified to EN54-4 (1997/A2:2006) by the VdS or LPCB
• Optional ‘PCB’ and ‘caged’ PSUs available with exactly the same electronics as our certified PSUs (PSUs with higher charging capacities also available to special order)

Important note regarding the PSU's standby battery supply / batteries older than 6 months

C-TEC's VdS approved power supplies are certified to EN54-4/A2. As such they measure accurately the internal battery resistance of their standby power supply down to a fraction of an ohm. This fault threshold is a function of EN 54-4/A2 and cannot be changed, otherwise the PSU would not be certifiable. Batteries stored for six months or longer suffer a progressive degradation of internal resistance the longer they are kept off charge. Contrary to popular opinion they DO NOT recover this degradation once re-charged. In order for the battery to recover it MUST be discharged and charged several times (i.e. more than once). Each time you recharge will see a reduction in the internal resistance. Therefore, if you install one of these batteries AND it shows a fault AND you just leave it AND expect the fault to go away, it will not! IN THIS INSTANCE IT IS NOT THE CHARGER AT FAULT- IT IS THE BATTERY. Should you require any further information, please contact our technical dept. for advice.

Other (non-EN54) power supplies available from C-TEC include:-

BF375M 1A REGULATED GENERAL PURPOSE PSU

A general purpose mains to regulated 24V d.c. power supply unit complete with on- board relay. It has three indicators (mains on, battery/power supply fault and output triggered) and two inputs (trigger and hold off). These functions coupled with the PSUs sophisticated fault monitoring function (battery faults, mains faults and ruptured fuse faults are all reported) makes the BF375M one of the most versatile 1A power supplies available. The unit’s very low current consumption makes it ideal for large installations where multiple units can be connected to one system without compromising the battery stand-by time of the host panel. 

BF377 2A UNREGULATED DOOR RELEASE PSU

The BF377 is designed to provide continuous d.c. power for a 24V door release magnet system controllable from a fire alarm control panel. For automatic release, the power supply requires a signal voltage of 18-30V d.c. 30mA. Manual release can also be achieved via a set of contacts using, for example via an external timer, in order to shut the doors automatically at a predetermined time.  The BF377 does not have a battery back-up facility.

BF368EN 3A REGULATED EN54-4 PSU

Supplied in a light grey metal back box with plastic lid, the BF368EN’s efficient switch mode design allows it to provide a continuous output of 3A at 185-265 V a.c.  Ideal for a variety of applications (door release systems, plant shutdown, sounder extender systems, etc), it offers very low current consumption (allowing in excess of 72 hours standby dependent on battery capacity and load) and is capable of charging 2 to 10 AHr batteries in line with the requirements of EN54. Its very low opto-isolated external hold off allows multiple units to be failsafe connected to a single fire panel without compromising the panel's stand by time.  .

BF375P 250mA UNREGULATED DOOR RELEASE PSU

Supplied on a compact double gang plate, the BF375P provides a continuous output of 24V 250mA d.c. and is ideal for locating alongside doors which require door retaining magnets. Three trigger methods are available, ‘trigger’ and ‘hold off’ (both of which require a signal voltage of 5-27V d.c. 10mA) and manual button release. Once triggered, the PSU’s output voltage is removed causing any door release magnets connected to it to de-energise. The BF375P is designed specifically for use as a door release PSU and is not suitable for battery charging or any other use. It is also available as part of the BF375PK door retainer and PSU kit.