Vimpex Banshee Excel CH Fire Alarm Sounder, 32 Tones, Red 902CHA6AO

What this sounder does

When a fire panel goes into alarm, a sounder is what tells people to leave. This Vimpex unit sits on a conventional sounder circuit and produces its alarm through a capsule driven horn.

It suits both new jobs and replacements. Being able to choose a tone is especially useful where one failed unit has to match the rest.

How it works

• Tone setting: each tone has a five digit code, such as 10000 for tone 2. These codes are how you choose the sound, so keep the code with the job file.
• Low and high frequency: tones are marked LF or HF. Lower tones often travel better through walls, while higher tones can stand out against low background noise.
• Base and head: the base fixes to the wall and the sounder twists onto it, then a locking screw holds it in place.

Where to use it

On the standard base it is rated Type A, which is the category used for indoor devices. Rooms and corridors in commercial buildings are the usual places.

For exposed or wet positions a deep base brings a Type B rating. That base is sold separately, and without it this code stays at its standard rating.

What the figures mean in practice

• dB at 1 m: figures are typical sound on axis, one metre away. Level falls with distance and doors, so a sound survey settles how many are needed.
• Tone changes current: the same unit draws 12 mA at 24V on a low sweep and 39 mA on the continuous 2900Hz tone. Use the figure for your chosen tone in the circuit load.
• Volume steps: Medium and Low take 10 and 20 dB(A) off, which gives you room to quieten a unit in a small space.

Installing it

• Terminals: the two in, two out layout lets a sounder circuit loop through each unit. Follow the end of line arrangement your panel asks for.
• Fixing: use the slots or holes in the base, and bring cable in from the side or rear.
• Flush fitting: use the 8502900 Flush Mounting Ring where a recessed look is wanted.

Planning your system

The sounder needs a dc supply, which normally comes from a fire alarm panel sounder output. Where there is no such supply, use the 8502700 Mains Pack.

Upgrading to IP 66 takes the BA87341/P red deep base. Add the 8503100 clip if you want to avoid drilling through that base.

Standards and ratings explained

• EN 54-3: the European standard for fire alarm sounders. The approved voltage range is narrower than the full operating range, so check your circuit's end voltage.
• EN54-3 tones: only the tones marked EN54-3 are approved. The rest of the 32 are for general signalling or local needs.
• IP 45: the 4 means protection against objects over 1mm, and the 5 against water jets.