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C-TEC fire alarm panel: silence, reset and faults
For the C-TEC CFP range of conventional panels (2, 4 and 8 zone). If your C-TEC panel has a screen and menus, it is a different model: call us and we'll talk you through it.
Covers: C-TEC CFP 2/4/8 zone conventional panels. Only follow steps for your own system. If anything on your screen or panel looks different, stop and call us on 01635 938998.
Video guide coming soon
A short video showing these C-TEC steps will go here. Until then, follow the steps on this page.
After a fire alarm
Follow these steps in order. Never silence or reset before the cause is known and the building is confirmed safe.
- Follow your fire procedure first. The panel shows the zone the alarm came from.
- Find the cause, such as a pressed call point. Any sign of fire, or no cause found: get everyone out, call 999, then call us.
- Turn the access key to 'I' or use your user code.
- Once the cause is known and the building is confirmed safe, press Silence/Resound Sounders to stop the sounders, then call us on 01635 938998.
- When the cause has been cleared, press Control Panel Reset. The panel beeps twice and the fire lights go out.
- If the panel goes straight back into alarm, treat it as a real fire: get everyone out, call 999, then call us.
Afterwards
- Turn the key back to 'O' and record the alarm in your log book.
If the panel shows a fault
- Press Silence Internal Sounder to quieten the buzzer. You don't need the key for this.
- Note which yellow lights are on and write the fault in your log book.
- Call us on 01635 938998 with what the lights show. Don't try to clear it by resetting.
What the lights mean
- General Fire (red)
- Flashing: a fire alarm. Steady: the alarm has been silenced but not reset.
- Zone fire lights (red)
- Show which zone the alarm came from. Check your zone chart.
- General Fault (yellow, flashing)
- A fault somewhere on the system. Another yellow light shows which kind.
- Power Supply Fault (yellow)
- Mains, battery or charger problem.
- Sounder Status (yellow)
- Flashing: a sounder wiring fault. Steady: sounders have been disabled.
- General Disablement (yellow, steady)
- Part of the system has been switched off.
- Supply Present (green)
- The panel has power. On its own, this is normal.
When a fault is fixed, its light goes out by itself. If you press reset, any fault still there comes straight back.
Download this guide as a printable help sheet (PDF)
These are user steps only. For anything else, or if you're unsure, call us on 01635 938998. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm. Out of hours, call 01635 938998.
Book a service or repair
Tell us what you need and when suits you. It goes straight to our office and we'll confirm the details with you.
Book a serviceCall 01635 938998Common questions
How do I silence a C-TEC fire alarm?
Turn the access key to 'I' or use your user code, then press Silence/Resound Sounders. Only once the cause is known and the building is confirmed safe. Then call us.
How do I reset a C-TEC CFP panel?
Once the cause has been found and cleared, the building is confirmed safe and the sounders are silenced, press Control Panel Reset. The panel beeps twice and the fire lights go out. If it goes straight back into alarm, treat it as a real fire: get everyone out, call 999, then call us.
Why is the yellow General Fault light flashing?
The panel has found a fault, such as a wiring, power or battery problem. Mute the buzzer, note the lights and call Fortline on 01635 938998.
Can I mute the beeping without the key?
Yes. Press Silence Internal Sounder. This only quietens the panel's buzzer. The fault is still there and needs fixing.
What does a steady General Disablement light mean?
Part of the system has been switched off, so it won't detect or warn in that area. Call us unless an engineer has told you why.