Electronic fire and security products developer Elmdene International (a subsidiary of Potter Electric Signal, LLC) is bringing to market an EN54-23:2010 compliant, ceiling-mounted Fire Alarm Beacon.
The indoor ‘Type A’ VAD (Visual Alarm Device), which will be on show at IFSEC International 2014 (ExCeL London, 17-19 June) – running alongside FIREX International – is built around low power consumption LED technology and, crucially, has already completed a rigorous testing process to secure a certificate of approval from the LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board).
Looking in more detail at the standout features of the LPCB-approved beacon, it has an input power range of 18-30V DC (24V DC nominal) which is not only used to power the device but also to synchronise multiple devices, avoiding issues associated with epilepsy.
In addition, having the same coverage as a standard smoke detector (15 m) it offers the installer a simple design method by matching these devices within an area – vitally important in these early stages of implementation.
The new Fire Alarm Beacon (FBC100-3-15) provides coverage in line with EN54-23 to C-3-15, which means it’s a ceiling device with a maximum ceiling height of 3 m, providing a 15 m diameter cylindrical volume covered by the light radiated from the built-in strobe.
Elmdene’s new Fire Alarm Beacon
The rationale for Elmdene adopting the C-3-15 configuration is, the company confirms, to ensure that the design of an EN54-23 compliant solution is as straightforward as possible.
For smaller areas or where current consumption may be limited there is added flexibility to switch the beacon to C-3-12 coverage if required (from 15 m to 12 m), in turn reducing the device’s current consumption by 10 mA.
Making life easier for specifiers and installers
“We’re delighted that our Fire Alarm Beacon has just achieved LPCB approval in line with EN54-23,” stated Ian Moore, managing director at Elmdene International. “In fact, during testing it actually surpassed our claimed C-3-15 coverage.”
Moore continued: “Basically, with the Fire Alarm Beacon we are keen to make life easier for specifiers and installers when it comes to deciding how many strobes they should fit to satisfy the minimum light coverage requirements of EN54-23. This cannot be done with ‘Open Class’ strobes as every manufacturer’s strobe coverage could be different. The reality is that this is still proving to be a challenge as the industry becomes acquainted with the standard. In my view, anything that can address this situation has to be welcomed.”
In addition to meeting the requirements of EN54-23:2010, the Fire Alarm Beacon is ROHS compliant, CE marked and comes complete with a three-year warranty.
*For more information on Elmdene’s Fire Alarm Beacon (Part Number FBC100-3-15), which is now available through the usual distribution channels, visit Stand F1165 at IFSEC International 2014