Fike Twinflex Soundpoint Fire Alarm Sounder, White, 85dB(A), 2-Wire 313-0022

Overview

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 are changed with the device removed from the back box.
• Sound off setting: the pattern switches also have a Sound OFF position, so check the pattern switches before handing over.
• Mixed zones: Soundpoints can sit alongside other types of Twinflex device, such as Multipoint detectors, on one zone.

Where to use it

It suits dry indoor areas where a wall sounder is wanted on a Twinflex zone, away from wet or exposed spots.

As a rule, UK buildings use one agreed alarm sound throughout. Choose the pattern with whoever holds the fire strategy.

What the figures mean in practice

• 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/Pro2.
• End of line current: the extra 175 uA applies only to the device with its end of line signal switched on.
• Voltage ranges: the range depends on whether the panel runs from mains or battery, so check which applies when planning a long cable run.
• Volume: the high setting gives the louder output. Check audibility on site once the system is commissioned.

Installing it

• First fix: use at least two of the four holes in the surface back box. Zone cabling may be connected to the terminals in the back box.
• Flush fixing: fit the adaptor plate with the two screws provided, then terminate the cables into a flying terminal block.
• Test before fitting the front: prove continuity and integrity first, and do all high voltage testing before the front goes on, 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.

Planning your system

It needs a Twinflex panel, because it is made for the Twinflex 2-wire range. A Fike control panel and a detector on the same zone make up the core of the job.

The same Soundpoint is also made in red as the 313-0021, for sites that want a red sounder. Install it to the control panel installation manual, and space sounders to meet any local authority requirements.

Flush fixing sets a minimum depth for the back box, so check what is already in the wall before second fix. The guide to back box sizes explains the common depths.

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.
• Competence: training on this equipment is essential, and commissioning should only be carried out by competent persons.