Basic Guide: Fire Siren for Alarm System Use in Europe

Fire siren is a notification device that forms part of a larger fire alarm & security system. It can operate as audible and/or visual signals to alert the occupants nearby of impending danger.

Traditionally, these siren alarms are deployed in locations of high ambient noise. Such places are often combined with visual signals for alerting those with hearing impairment.

Because of its life-saving properties, some countries require specific testing standards for use in conjunction with a fire alarm system, while others do not. Most standards today revolve around European EN54 standard & American UL standards. In this article, we will focus on the European standard:

In Europe, EN54-3 is the common standard for fire sounders. To ensure its effectiveness, multiple tests are undergone by the testing labs to ensure the physical & electric characteristics are performed as it should be. One area of attention is the required sound propagation from all vertical & horizontal angles of the signaling device must be checked thoroughly to meet the approval.

Diagram 1: Example of EN54 Audible Alarm Device and sound angles (Please see diagram below)

Some of the common sound tones include Saw tooth, PFEER, slow whoop, continuous, intermittent, alternating & NF tones as listed below:

Table 1: Common European standard EN54-3 Sound Tones & Frequency (Please see table below)

With above considerations in mind, it is important that any project have coverage sufficient fire alarm sound volume. A well-designed installation of sirens will reduce the time to escape in case of fire or emergency.

Key Security manufactures and supplies professional high sound volume sounders with low current consumptions. For any inquiry or OEM/ODM projects, please contact one of our specialists for more information.