Fike Twinflex Soundpoint Fire Alarm Sounder, Red, 85dB(A), 2-Wire 313-0021

What this sounder does

A sounder is the part of a fire alarm that people hear. This Fike unit gives audible indication once the system enters an alarm condition.

It takes both its power and its signal from the Twinflex zone. There is no separate sounder circuit to run, which is the main point of a 2-wire system.

How it works

• DIL switches: four small on/off switches set the end of line, the level and the pattern. They can be changed with the device powered or with the system powered down.
• Sound off setting: the pattern settings also include a Sound OFF position, so check the switches before handing over.
• Mixed zones: Soundpoints can sit alongside Multipoint detectors on one zone. Each device type has its own instructions for terminal details.

Where to use it

It suits dry indoor areas where a wall sounder is wanted on a Twinflex zone. Surface mounting needs a flat vertical surface.

UK buildings normally use one agreed alarm sound throughout. Choose the pattern with whoever holds the fire strategy.

What the figures mean in practice

• Volume test: anechoic means a room with no echoes, so real rooms will measure differently. Check audibility on site once it is commissioned.
• Loading units: these show how much of a zone's capacity one sounder uses. Add up every device against the maximum for your panel type: 27 SLU on V3, 160 DLU on Pro.
• End of line current: the extra 175 uA only applies on the device with its end of line signal switched on.
• Voltage ranges: the range differs with the panel's power source, so check which applies when planning a long cable run.

Installing it

• First fix: use at least two of the four holes in the surface back box. Zone cabling may be connected to its terminals.
• Test before fitting the front: all high voltage testing comes first, otherwise the electronics will be damaged.
• Second fix: connect the wires by colour, hook the top into the back box, push it gently home, then tighten the single fixing screw.
• Screen: keep it continuous along the zone, which protects against data corruption from interference.
• Who does it: commissioning should only be carried out by competent persons.

Planning your system

It needs a Twinflex panel, because it is made for the Twinflex range. A compatible Fike control panel and a detector on the same zone make up the core of the job.

For flush fixing, allow for the adaptor plate and the 47mm depth of back box. Fike's spacing advice points to BS5839 Pt1, so work to the current edition.

The guide to a commercial fire alarm system covers categories and zones, which come before choosing devices.

Standards and ratings explained

• EN54-3: the European standard for fire alarm sounders.
• IP 21C: the 2 means protection against fingers and objects over 12.5mm, and the 1 means protection against vertically dripping water. The C is an extra rating for access by tools.
• UL94-V2: a test of how plastic behaves in flame, and V2 is one grade on that scale.