Eaton Askari Compact Fire Alarm Sounder, Tone 3, 97 dB, No Base, White 550002FULL-0002X

Overview

A sounder is the part of a fire alarm that tells people to leave once the panel goes into alarm. This Eaton model is the compact Askari, and this code is the white version with no base.

A job usually has many sounders, so the small current draw of each one matters when the circuit is added up.

How it works

On a conventional fire alarm system the sounder is wired to a panel output and runs when that output is switched on. It stays silent the rest of the time.

The sound pattern comes from a set of tones, and the factory setting on this code is Tone 3. The volume is adjusted on a dial. Check the unit's documentation before changing the tone.

Where to use it

• Dry indoor rooms: IP21 gives only limited protection against dripping water, so it does not suit wet or exposed positions.
• Temperature: it is rated from -10 °C to 55 °C, with humidity up to 95 % non condensing.

What the figures mean in practice

• Current: multiply 35 mA by the number of sounders on the circuit, then compare the total with the panel's output rating.
• Voltage: 24 V is the nominal figure, so check for volt drop on a long run.
• Decibels: 97 dB is the output figure. The level in a room also depends on the tone, the dial position and the distance, so measure it on site.

Planning your system

As a rule, the number and position of sounders come from the system design, because the alarm must be heard throughout the protected area. BS 5839-1 sets the levels.

See the wider range of fire alarm sounders and beacons if a position calls for a different housing or a visual signal. The job also needs a conventional control panel with a sounder output.

Standards and ratings explained

EN54 is the European standard series for fire detection and alarm parts, and each part covers one type of device.

Check the approvals you need against the unit's documentation before specifying it. This matters most where a specification requires a certified tone.