Klaxon Sonos Sounder Beacon, 17-60V DC, White Shallow Base, Amber Lens PSC-0040

What this sounder beacon is for

A sounder beacon combines an alarm sounder and a flashing light in one unit. This Klaxon Sonos model is a general purpose electronic sounder with a low current LED beacon, for fire, security and industrial alarm applications.

It suits installers working on a building's alarm system, and anyone replacing a like-for-like unit on a site that already uses DC-powered devices.

How it works

• TimeSaver base: connections go to the base during the initial wiring phase. The head then goes on at commissioning, so it stays clean while other trades finish.
• Separate control: because sounder and beacon have their own connections, a system can use them differently, for example a light first and sound later.
• Choice of tones: with 32 tones to pick from, the unit can match the tone already in use on a site.

Where to use it

The shallow base has an IP21 rating, so it belongs in dry indoor areas such as corridors, offices and plant rooms. The -25ºC to +70ºC range gives scope in unheated spaces that stay dry.

Amber is a common choice to set a security or process warning apart from a fire signal. As a rule, the alarm plan for the building decides what each colour means.

What the figures mean in practice

• Up to 106dB (A) at 1m: this is measured close to the unit. Sound falls away with distance and doors, so space sounders using the system designer's plan.
• 4-45mA: the sounder's current changes with the tone and volume you select, so size the circuit for the setting you use.
• 20dB volume control: useful where the full output would be too loud, such as a small room.

Installing it

• First fix: wire the bases first, then fit heads at commissioning.
• Supply: check the circuit gives 17-60V DC at the furthest device, allowing for voltage drop along the cable.
• Same tone: as a rule, set every unit on a system to the same tone so that occupants hear one clear signal.

Planning your system

Check the panel's sounder circuit can supply the total current of every device. The compliance given for this unit is EN54 3 Type A, which covers its sounder.

Where a fire strategy calls for visual alarm devices to EN 54-23, choose a device certified to that standard. The person responsible for the fire strategy can confirm what the building needs.

Standards and ratings explained

• EN54 3 Type A: the standard for fire alarm sounders. Type A means indoor use.
• IP21: protected against finger-sized objects and vertically dripping water, but not against dust or spray.