Gamewell FCI Releases New Fire Alarm Sounders to Meet Requirements for Commercial Sleeping Spaces

Gamewell-FCI by Honeywell announced the SpectrAlert Advance Series of low-frequency fire alarm sounders and sounder strobes to meet National Fire Alarm Association (NFPA) code requirements for sleeping areas in commercial buildings, such as hotels, school dormitories and assisted living facilities. The NFPA requirements went into effect January 1, 2014.

Gamewell FCI Releases New Fire Alarm Sounders to Meet Requirements for Commercial Sleeping SpacesThe MarkeTrak series of surveys concludes 35 million Americans, or 11.3% of the U.S. population, have some degree of hearing loss. This and other similar studies estimate the number to rise to more than 40 million by 2025.

A series of research studies, titled Optimizing Fire Alarm Notification for High Risk Groups funded by the Fire Protection Research Foundation, concluded that allow frequency tone, around 520 Hz, is more effective at waking sleeping individuals including those with mild-to-severe hearing loss. Due to these findings, a code change was initiated in the 2010 edition of NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm & Signaling Code, requiring new, commercial sleeping areas to utilize low-frequency sounders. Gamewell FCI Releases New Fire Alarm Sounders to Meet Requirements for Commercial Sleeping SpacesThis new requirement is located in Section 18.4.5: Sleeping Area Requirements and has been carried over to the current 2013 edition of NFPA 72.

“As awareness and enforcement of this new code grows, we expect customer demand for these low-frequency appliances to pick-up quickly,” said Brian Carlson, Gamewell-FCI marketing manager. “We [Gamewell-FCI] always aim to produce technology to increase occupant safety, and we support those who adopt code changes quickly.”

The new SpectrAlert Advance sounders and sounder strobes from Gamewell-FCI produce a low frequency alarm signal centered around 520 Hz. Both devices are UL-listed for wall and ceiling mount installations and the strobes produce a high-candela output.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.