What Are Horn Strobes?
A horn strobe is a combination audible and visible notification device intended to alert occupants of a building emergency.
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Light and Sound Characteristics
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Strobes are available in various candela (cd) ratings and horns have various decibel (dB) ratings.
Importance of Decibel and Candela Ratings
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Higher cd and dB ratings enable horn strobes to provide notification to larger spaces. In spaces where the ambient sound pressure level is high, the dB level of horns must be at least 15 dB higher than the ambient sound pressure level to compensate.
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Testing and Approval
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Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) and FM Global are two organizations recognized by the National Fire Protection Association that conduct performance tests on fire protection devices. A properly working device is given a listing in the UL or FM Global directories of tested and approved devices.
Locations
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Weather-resistant horn strobes are designed for building exteriors, while certain other horn strobe models are listed for ceiling-mounted installation. Wall-mounted horn strobes must be placed between 80 inches and 96 inches above the finished floor, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Systems
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Most often, horn strobes are part of a low-voltage fire alarm system, but they can also be used in security systems.
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