C-TEC launches FastConvert zone converter for system upgrades

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProducts

C-TEC FastConvert is built for retrofit upgrades

C-TEC has launched FastConvert, a four to eight-way conventional to addressable zone converter designed to upgrade multi-zone conventional fire systems to an addressable CAST system using existing wiring.

The manufacturer said the new product is fully compatible with its XFP and ZFP CAST fire systems and its CAST-PRO combined fire detection and alarm devices.

FastConvert is intended to support faster upgrades from conventional systems to addressable systems without replacing pre-existing zone wiring.

C-TEC said the product is designed to maintain zone circuit integrity without extending it into a loop or fitting end of line devices.

The company said this could reduce upgrade costs for fire alarm installers and sites.

C-TEC sets out target applications and webinar date

According to C-TEC, FastConvert is aimed at sites seeking to replace older conventional fire systems with addressable alternatives.

Andy Green, C-TEC’s Marketing Director said: “FastConvert is a clever innovation designed with the installer in mind.

“As fire detection and alarm technology has improved, more and more sites are looking to upgrade their old conventional systems to addressable, not just because the conventional devices are reaching end of life, but also because an addressable system can identify the precise location of a fire or fault, facilitate sophisticated cause and effects and reduce false alarms.

“We are definitely seeing this in schools, care homes and hotels where FastConvert is coming into its own as an ingenious retrofit upgrade solution which can utilise a conventional system’s existing zone wiring whilst maintaining compliance with BS 5839-1.”

C-TEC will host a webinar on FastConvert’s features on 23 April titled Need to upgrade your fire detection and alarm systems? We can save you thousands!.

The company has also published a datasheet covering the product’s zone circuit integrity function and installation detail.

Alerter Group to launch fire alarm devices for hearing loss at Birmingham event

by EvacuationFeatured NewsFire DetectionProducts

Fire alarm devices to be shown at Birmingham event

Alerter Group will launch its next generation Deaf Alerter devices at The Fire Safety Event, which runs from 28 to 30 April at the NEC in Birmingham.

The company confirmed that the redeveloped devices, designed to provide fire alarm notifications for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, will be displayed on Stand J36 in Hall 4.

The new devices are rechargeable and include a larger LCD backlit screen for improved readability.

Notifications sent to the devices can also be delivered to Bluetooth-connected smart phones.

Fire alarm system compliance and product details

Alerter Group stated that the Deaf Alerter systems are compliant with BS 5839-1:2025 and use a National Roaming feature.

This allows the devices to receive notifications in any UK building displaying the Deaf Alerter sign.

BS 5839-1 Section 18 covers the special requirements for fire alarm warnings for people with impaired hearing.

Section 18 is described as the minimum acceptable standard by industry experts and is considered safe to use.

Company background and wider product range

Alerter Group has 25 years of experience in designing, manufacturing and installing radio-based emergency communication systems.

Its product range also includes Refuge Alerter, a wireless Emergency Voice Communication System enabling two-way communication between building management and refuge points.