With so many different types of audible warning devices; beeps, buzzers and sirens, it can be confusing to building occupants when an alarm sounds. While fire alarm systems based on bells have not yet been fully replaced, research has shown that the precise nature of voice alarm messages result in quicker reaction times than when sirens or bells are used, and has resulted in Voice Alarm or VA becoming more commonplace as the primary means of evacuation in public buildings.
According to Vimpex, research has shown that precise, clear instructions provided via voice alarm messages result in quicker reaction times than when sirens or bells are used, and has resulted in Voice Alarm or VA becoming more commonplace as the primary means of evacuation in public buildings.
The message is clear
With multiple sounder circuit synchronisation, up to seven pre-recorded messages available and with growing ranges of voice sounders constantly being introduced, the message is clear that voice sounders are intelligible, effectively loud enough and can be easily integrated into both new and existing fire alarm systems.
With an extensive choice of messages, and up to seven messages available in a single sounder, a fire alarm system can be expanded to include inputs for emergencies such as bomb alerts, terrorist threats, coded warnings, water leakage alerts, class change announcements, system tests, ‘all clear’ announcements, machinery shut down warnings, health and safety reminders, general alert messages, and of course ‘fire evacuation’ alarm messages.
The Vimpex Fire-Cryer range of Voice Sounders, are good examples of how voice technology is helping to reduce delay and response rate in evacuation times. Fire-Cryer can be used as a single message 24 V dc conventional voice sounder on any sounder/notification alarm circuit or as part of a sophisticated multi- message, multilingual evacuation system.
Multiple message broadcasting is also available with a variety of messages, including evacuation, coded or lock-down messages, general safety or security alerts. Multi language and bespoke messages are also available. Use of a high-quality rocking armature capsule technology ensures high sound levels, excellent intelligibility and broadcast of clear, easily understood and unambiguous messages.
In its simplest form, the Vimpex Fire-Cryer is an electronic sounder capable of delivering clear, intelligible and synchronised voice messages and tones. Requiring just 2 wires to deliver 24VDC to any one of the Fire-Cryer family of voice sounders they can be retrofitted to existing conventional sounder circuits. A simple interface is all that’s needed to tell the sounders which message to broadcast. The cost savings of using existing wiring can be considerable. With the use of proprietary addressable interfaces the Fire-Cryer can also be easily integrated onto addressable intelligent loops.