Eaton Solista Maxi LED Beacon, Shallow Base, Red Body, Red Lens 811021FULL-0037

Overview

A beacon is a flashing light that shows an alarm has been raised. It helps where a sounder alone may not be enough, for example in a noisy space or where someone cannot hear it.

Eaton's Solista Maxi lets the user pick the choice between economy and performance. It is also a discrete option where building design is a priority.

How it works

• Economy settings: the lower current settings suit a job where current consumption is a key consideration.
• Higher output: it can be switched to a higher light output where visibility comes first.
• Double flash: greater effectiveness can be achieved by selecting this sequence.

LED technology and long service life ensure high efficiency and longer life.

What the figures mean in practice

• Candela (cd): a measure of how intense the light is in a given direction. A higher setting is easier to spot, and it draws more current.
• Adding up current: multiply the chosen setting by the number of beacons on the circuit, then compare the total with the panel output.
• Reverse polarity: a common way for a panel to watch its alarm circuit for faults, reversing the supply when the device should run. Check the panel works this way.

Where to use it

IP21C is a modest rating, so treat this shallow base version as an indoor device in dry areas. The rated temperature range is -10ºC to +55ºC.

As a rule, a damp or exposed position calls for a device with a higher IP rating than this one.

Planning your system

Whether a beacon can count as a visual alarm device in a fire strategy depends on coverage data. Check the approvals you need against the unit's documentation before specifying it. Ask whoever designs the system to confirm it.

As a rule, the job also needs a control panel with a monitored output. The wider range of fire alarm sounders and beacons is the place to compare other signalling devices.