Sounders are still an important part of many domestic and commercial security systems – and just as vital to fire systems, which many installers are branching into. Here we present a round up of these and associated products ...

Keeping a low profile

The Sonos Universal Base Sounder from Klaxon Signals is a low profile unit designed to be installed beneath a variety of smoke and heat detectors in existing fire alarm systems. It enables detection and alarm at the same point, eliminating the need to have separate sounders in the circuit. Klaxon says this will reduce wiring and installation costs.

The new Base Sounder has been designed to complement a wide variety of detectors, providing installers with a greater choice of devices. With two large cable entry locations and keyhole fixing points, installation is both quick and easy, Klaxon says. It can be used as a stand alone sounder if required – coverplates are available. It is available in a choice of colours to coordinate with different detectors.

Reader Service No102

Shining beacon

Klaxon is also offering its standard ultra-bright DC LED beacons, part of its Flashguard Series.

They have been designed for applications where low current consumption, reliability and synchronised beacon flashing are important, meaning they're ideal for security and fire installations.

All the LED beacons use eight high reliability, ultra-bright LEDs. The 11/35v DC version has zero power consumption when connected in reverse polarity for fire alarm applications.

Flashguard LED beacons are compact and modern in appearance, with a Fresnal lens for greater visibility and an exceptionally long life. They are lightweight, easy to install and weatherproof to IP66.

Reader Service No 103

Aesthetics and functionality

The Reson8 Bell Box from ADE brings together aesthetics and functionality in a product designed to exceed the requirements of EN50131-4 Security Grade 2, Environmental Grade III.

It includes fully integrated sounder/strobe, self activating cut-off timer and twin status indication. Dual anti-tamper operation means the circuitry will operate if either the cover is opened or the bell box is removed from the wall.

It has 15dB siren with high visibility xenon flashes. Twin internal LEDs identify power supply and tamper status. It can be configured to red to reset itself after a preset time interval. An additional test mode allows short alarm bursts.

Reader Service No 104

Coming of age

Stockport-based Audio Design Services Ltd produces special loudspeakers for voice evacuation systems. Chairman David Hopkins believes "public address systems have come of age".

"They are no longer a means to give messages and relay background music, but a life support system working side by side with fire alarm systems," he says.

He believes special patented design features have made some of ADS's voice alarm products very popular with specifiers and installation engineers, where both ease of installation and aesthetics go hand in hand.

Reader Service No 105

A modern classic

The eurosec XS3D external sounder from GardTec is a modern, low profile design in a classic Delta shape.

It is available in single piezo with a sound output of 111dB or twin piezo with a sound output of 113dB.

Further features of the polycarbonate sounder include a strobe current of 95mA. Average sounder current at 12V is 290mA (single piezo) and 490mA (twin piezo) with all electronics protected by a waterproof inner cover.

Twin flashing LEDs emphasis the smooth lines and modern style. There is a choice of cover and lens cover options with a screen printing facility.

Reader Service No 106

A new concept

Multibox from CQR is said to be a new concept for external sounders, offering a fully-featured self-contained central box, together with a choice of four different covers. Company logos can be designed and printed by CQR and, when finalised, covers will be delivered direct to the installer's premises within 72 hours.

Conforming to EN 50131, the audible alarm sounds in the event of an electrical change in the connections to the panel. CQR now provides sounder and strobe trigger monitoring on all its bell boxes, giving customers the extra assurance that even with the system unset, the bell box will also indicate if either the sounder or strobe wires are cut or removed.

The only change in installation procedure is the fitting of two small resistors in the control panel prior to power up, and these are supplied with all sounders. This change is achieved without affecting any of the other installer-friendly features.

Reader Service No 107

Robust and attractive

The Aztech external sounders from Kinetic Products are fully featured sounders combining ultra low profile design with competitive pricing.

The Aztech 3000 is suitable for commercial and residential applications. Constructed with 3mm polycarbonate, it provides robust protection of the sounder and the electronics. Front and rear tamper via levered microswitch provides tamper protection even when mounting services may be uneven.

Sealed electronics ensure effective performance in the harshest of environment, says the company.

Reader Service No 108

Belle of the ball

The Belle sounder from Pyronix is said to offer value for money combined with an innovative design. When our experts bench tested it we said: "It has been designed for easy installation and easy maintenance with all components easily replaced … it is reasonably priced representing good value for money". Among its features are :

  • Panoramic strobe effect illuminating the full bell box
  • Easy mounting and connections reduces installation time
  • Covers can be removed and re-attached elsewhere on the Belle
  • Twin piezo sounders with 118dB at 1m
  • Stand-by cut-off timer set at 15 minutes
  • Service-friendly due to modular plug-on/off replacements
  • Surface mount technology
  • Three-way tamper action: back, front & cut-off power supply
  • Standby indication by alternate flashing LEDs
  • Negative & positive triggering inputs
  • Optional metal shroud.

Reader Service No 109

For demanding applications

Suitable for the most demanding of residential and commercial applications, the Odyssey 3 from Texecom has a low profile 3mm polycarbonate construction that effectively shields the electronics and piezos.

Triple tamper protection of wall, lid and screw tampers, using high quality lever microswitches, maintains maximum security.

IP65 sealed electronics prevent the ingress of moisture, allowing the Odyssey 3 to perform in even the harshest environmental conditions. Twin piezo sounders produce an exceptionally loud alarm, suitable for the most remote locations.

Reader Service No 110

Source

Security Installer