Eaton’s Fulleon Business, a manufacturer of alarm devices, is stepping up its campaign to help organisations comply with a new European standard for fire alarm beacons inside their buildings. The business has developed a range of training and information resources to improve understanding of the the EN 54-23 manufacturing standard, which came into force in January.
The available resources include an online specifying tool to help professionals determine which products are required for a given installation, as well as a beacon placement guide, a pocket guide to the EN 54-23 standard and a certifed CPD seminar, ‘Implications of EN 54-23 on visual alarm devices (VADs), which is aimed at risk assessors, specifiers and installers throughout the UK. For groups of six or more, experts from Eaton’s Fulleon Business offer to visit organisations to conduct training on site.
The EN 54-23 standard came into force in January to formalise a set of specifications for visual alarm devices (VADs), which are being used increasingly to ensure people are alerted even if they cannot hear an audible alarm, either because of a hearing impairment or noise interference. However, customer feedback received by Eaton suggests that there is limited awareness of the new standard and its stipulations.
Eaton’s Fulleon Business has developed a range of VAD products that comply with EN 54-23. The LX range, with patented lens technology, overcomes the challenge of creating a device that distributes sufficient light without compromising energy efficiency.
Peter Regan, product marketing manager at Eaton’s Fulleon Business, said: “With the arrival of EN 54-23, the growth in the use of VADs is set to continue. They offer the reassurance of a visual indication of fire and help to mitigate the risk to building occupants. However, the industry feedback we’re receiving is that many remain unaware of EN 54-23 and its precise requirements. We’ve taken proactive steps to address this by publishing guidance, offering training and leading the way in bringing to market a range of compliant lighting.”
Prior to the introduction of EN 54-23 there was no fire industry standard that defined the light output criteria and installation requirements for VADs, which caused a confusing array of different specifications to be quoted by manufacturers.
The new standard specifies the requirements, test methods and performance criteria for VADs in fire detection and fire alarm systems. One of the key specifications is that all VADs must meet a minimum light output of 0.4 lux and the distance over which this level of illumination is met – the coverage volume – must be quoted.
Eaton’s LX range of visual alarm devices are based on familiar product platforms, providing easy recognition and the reassurance that high reliability and efficiency is guaranteed. The range consists of six products, all of which boast a coverage of 7.5m, apart from the Squashni G4 LX Ceiling device, which features the largest coverage of 15m.
