The use of alarm systems is intended to increase the level of safety of people in the building and its vicinity. Depending on the role assigned to the alarm system, its individual elements may be subject to different requirements and guidelines. Regardless of the purpose, the installation usually includes, among others: alarm signals. Their most important task is to provide information about the threat by generating an alarm signal. Signaling devices can be found, among others, in fire alarm systems, burglary and attack detection systems, and in the automation sector.
Alarm devices used in fire alarm systems (FAS)
The main task of fire protection devices is to effectively transmit information about the occurrence of a fire hazard, most often using acoustic and optical signals. There are various types of alarm beacons available on the market, which can be divided in several ways. The first one, due to the method of operation, includes addressable and conventional devices. Alarm signals can also be divided according to the type of working environment, i.e. indoor and outdoor. In accordance with the harmonized standards EN 54-3, EN 54-23, indoor alarm signals must have a protection level provided by the housing at the IP21C level, while for devices intended for external alarms the IP33C level is required. The last division covers how to warn against a threat:
Factory-available alarm sounds from acoustic sirens may, in some cases, prove important when selecting the appropriate device. Acoustic devices generate a tone signal with a variable or constant frequency, the intensity of which often exceeds 100 or even 110 dB. It is worth mentioning that the use of volume control using microswitches or a potentiometer allows you to improve the functionality of the siren and adjust the sound intensity to the level required in a given room.
Visual alarm devices are usually equipped with built-in LEDs, which allow for very good parameters combined with relatively low power consumption. If it is necessary to provide external alarming, check the IP protection level of the device and whether the certificate issued by an accredited body contains information about the environmental category - Type B. It is worth mentioning that in the market are available visual alarm devices classified as C (ceiling mounting), W (wall mounting) and O (mounting on the ceiling or wall).
Sounder with VAD is a combination of the solutions described above. It is worth mentioning that in the case of such a solution, both the acoustic and optical elements must be certified.
There are also voice sounders available on the market that generate acoustic tone signals and a announcement. These are the so-called voice sounders, which allow for providing clear information about the situation in the building. They are able to generate both warning and appeal messages in many languages, which allows people on the premises to obtain information.
Alarm devices used in burglary alarm systems
Podobnie jak w przypadku urządzeń ostrzegawczych stosowanych w SSP, również w instalacjach Burglar Alarm System Similarly to warning devices used in FAS, sounders, voice, VAD, sounder with VAD or voice sounder with VAD can also be used in burglary alarm systems. Signaling devices used in burglary alarm systems have mainly a deterrent and informative function. Violation of the protected zone triggers alarm devices which, depending on their construction, generate acoustic, optical signals or a announcement. In this way, they inform about a potential burglary or other possible threat depending on the type of activity that has been detected. In many cases, the generated alarm sounds of acoustic sirens and flash signals generated by built-in LED diodes can discourage the intruder and force him to stop his activities (the device serves as a deterrent). Additionally, the alarm siren warns other people nearby about a possible threat or potential burglary (the siren has an information function).
Devices used in the automation sector
In industrial facilities, you can most often find signaling devices, whose purpose is to convey information about the operational status of a machine or production line (they serve an informational function). In industry, signaling devices are most often equipped with optical modules that allow for the generation of light in various colors as well as different acoustic signals. These are so-called towers, or signal columns, that make it easier for operators to obtain information about the operation of individual machines. For this purpose, configurations with 3 colors (green, yellow, red) are perfect, as they allow you to clearly define whether the machine is working, in a state of pause or a failure has occurred. In addition to towers or columns in halls, alarm signals can also be used, the principle of operation of which is similar to those used in FAS or burglary alarm systems.
What to choose?
As you can see, there are various types of signaling devices available on the market, from which you should choose a solution that meets your specific needs. The use of the device should be preceded by an analysis of its features and parameters and a determination of the conditions in which the equipment is to operate. For example, in the case of FAS installations, device certification is an inherent element. Each fire alarm device should have a valid certificate of constancy of performance and an approval certificate issued by an accredited body. Signals that are mechanically durable, have a high IP protection level, and have anti-sabotage elements that make them difficult to damage or deactivate are perfect for burglary alarm systems. When it comes to industrial facilities such as production halls, signal towers and columns are most often used. They allow for providing clear information (due to the noise level, usually using optical signals) regarding the operation of the machine or technological line. This allows appropriate actions to be taken without unnecessary delay.
