Alarm Device

Visual Alarm Device (VAD) and Audible Alarm Device (AAD)

VADs are used to complement loudspeakers, providing an effective way to warn and evacuate building occupants, as part of a fire safety strategy.

What does AS 7240-23 mean?

AS 7240-23 now provides clarity by standardizing requirements, test methods, and performance criteria.Alarm DeviceVisual (VAD) and ensure all device parameters are measured in a uniform manner across theAustralia & New Zealand. Prior to this release, misinterpretation and confusion over the performance of certain products was a common problem in the industry because there was no existing standard for VAD.

The main requirements of AS 7240-23 are:

The coverage volume (i.e. the volume over which the required illumination is achieved) must be stated on the product or supporting documentation.
VADs must meet the coverage volume requirements of at least one of the following categories: W (Wall), C (Ceiling), O (Open Class).
The required illumination is 0.4 lux on a surface perpendicular to the direction of light emitted from the VAD.
Flash speed should be stated between 0.5Hz and 2Hz.
Devices must be classified as Type A, indoor and Type B, outdoor.

Wall Category

Coverage volume code:

W (x) – (y) W = mounted on the wall

x = maximum installation height

and= length and width in meters of the covered cubic volume (up to a minimum level of 0.4 lux) when the device is mounted to a wall at a height x

Ceiling Category

Coverage volume code:

C (x) – (y) C = mounted on the ceiling

x = maximum installation height

and= diameter in meters of the covered cylindrical volume (up to a minimum level of 0.4 lux) when the device is mounted to the ceiling at a height x

Open Class Category

The coverage volume and shape are determined by the manufacturer and include the mounting position and orientation in addition to mounting height limitations.

Faster Reaction to Alarm Activation with 20ms Pulse Length

Xenon beacons are highly effective visual alarm indicators, however, due to their high power requirements, they can be challenging when designing fire detection systems to accommodate the loop’s power requirements most effectively. In the last decade, more energy-efficient LED technology has advanced significantly and become more common, with most manufacturers now using these light sources in the majority of their visual indicating and alarm devices. Recent research has shown that

The effect of LED light on the human eye is influenced by the length of the light pulse, and this may not be the same as that emitted by a xenon lamp. Independent laboratory tests have shown that the pulse duration in visual alarm devices influences how people react to them. Interestingly, the shorter the pulse duration, the faster the reaction. Therefore, a shorter pulse duration in an LED device will result in a better reaction because attention to the light is drawn more quickly.

Vigilant’s new line of devices captures this latest innovation and breakthrough in light technology, enabling LED devices to operate with pulse durations of no more than 20ms. This can produce an effect on the human eye comparable to xenon light.

Optimized Costs for More Devices in One Loop

Power consumption is the biggest consideration when complying with AS 7240-23.

Vigilant’s new visual alarms and indicating devices operate at low current consumption, meaning more devices can be used on a loop with the same amount of energy, simplifying system design and installation. Now with our MX1 Fire Control Panel, we have high-power loops up to 1 amp and 250 addresses, enabling the use of more sounders and VADs – meaning fewer loops to protect a site, reducing installation costs while maintaining compliance.

Solista, ROLP, and addressable visual alarm devices (VADs) meet ISO 7240.23 standards or are SAI Global listed. Each VAD features a unique lens design that distributes red or white light to achieve the required illumination while using minimal current consumption. VADs are ideal for a variety of applications, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and plant rooms. Addressable VADs can be used on the MX1, Solista, and ROLP VADs can be used on the MX1, 4100ESi, QE20, or any panel that provides a supervised 24V output.

P80AVB & P81AVB Addressable VAD Sounder Bases

The P80AVB and P81AVB are indoor addressable sounder bases with Visual Alarm Devices (VADs) specifically for use with MX addressable detectors connected to the MX1 CIE. The P81AVB features higher intensity visual indication for wider coverage compared to the P80AVB. Each is addressable so it can be monitored and controlled from a fire alarm control panel, separate from the base-mounted detector. Power and communications for the sounder, VAD, and detectors are provided by a two-wire MX digital loop.

Technical Specifications	P80AVB	P81AVB
Coverage Volume Code	C-3-8	C-3-15
Device per loop	Up to 86 (*)	Up to 54 (*)
Flash speed	0.5 / 1Hz	0.5 / 1Hz
Dimensions (Diameter x Height)	135 x 45 mm	135 x 45 mm
Sound output @ 1m	Up to 90dBA	Up to 90dBA
Body color	Clear	Clear
Flash color	White	White
Code IP	IP21C	IP21C
Agreement	AS7240-3, 23, 17	AS7240-3, 23, 17

Part Number:

576.080.006 P80AVB, Addressable Base, VAD Sounder, Standard Intensity

576.080.014 P81AVB Addressable, VAD Sounder Base, High Intensity

557.080.001 B-CAP Blanking Cap, For Sounder/VAD Base White

557.080.002 A-CON Conduit, Adapter For Sounder/VID/VAD, White Base

Feature:

VAD approved to AS7240-23 two models P80AVB standard intensity and P81AVB high intensity flash
One mounting point for detector, sounder and visual indicator without additional wiring
Independently addressable controls for sounder and beacon
Built-in channel isolator
2 volumes to choose from
2 selectable flash speeds
Can be used on MX1

VAD Sounder Base Address P80SB

The P80SB is an indoor VAD addressable sounder base specifically for use with MX addressable detectors connected to the CIE MX1 and 4100ESi. The base is equipped with a self-addressed sounder so it can be monitored and controlled from a fire alarm control panel, independent of the detectors installed on the base. Power and communication for the sounder and detectors are provided by a two-wire digital loop.

Technical Specifications	P80SB
Device per loop	Up to 231 (*)
Flash speed	N/A
Dimensions (Diameter x Height)	114x45mm
Sound output @ 1m	Up to 90dBA
Body color	Clear
Flash color	N/A
Code IP	IP21C
Agreement	AS7240-3, 17

Feature:

One mounting point for detector and sounder
Independently addressable control of the sounder
Internal channel isolator
2 volumes to choose from
Can be used on MX1 and 4100ESi

80DSB Detector Sounder Base / Detector Activated Sounder Base

The 80DSB is an indoor detector base specifically for use with MX-addressable detectors connected to the CIE MX1 and 4100ESi. The base is equipped with a sounder that is activated directly by the detector plugged into the base.

Technical Specifications	P80DSB
Device per loop	Up to 250 (*)
Dimensions (Diameter x Height)	114x45mm
Sound output @ 1m	Up to 90dBA
Body color	White
Code IP	IP21C
Agreement	AS7240-3

Part Number:

576.080.001 80DSB Detector, Basic Loudspeaker

557.080.001 B-CAP Blanking Cap for Sounder Base / VAD White

557.080.002 A-CON Channel, Adapter for Sounder/VAD Base White

Feature:

One mounting point for detector and sounder without additional wiring
Low power with up to 175 speakers in a single loop
Replaces the old 802SB and is compatible with the 800 series detectors.
Can be used on MX1, & 4100ESi

VAD Addressable Wall Loudspeakers P80AVW, P80AVR

The P80AV series of compact, addressable wall-mounted loudspeakers with Visual Alarm Devices (VADs) can be connected to the MX1 CIE. Each VAD includes two models with the same low-current, high-output specifications; a red and a white indoor model.

Technical Specifications	P80AVW	P80AVR
Coverage Volume Code	W-2.4-7.5	W-2.4-7.5
Device per loop	Up to 73 (*)	Up to 73 (*)
Flash speed	0.5 / 1Hz	0.5 / 1Hz
Dimensions (Diameter x Height)	89x135x40mm (Without back box)	89x135x40mm (Without back box)
Sound output @ 1m	Up to 100dBA	Up to 100dBA
Body color	White	Red
Flash color	White	White
Code IP	IP21C	IP21C
Agreement	AS7240-3, 23, 17	AS7240-3, 23, 17

Feature:

Can be installed semi-flush or on the surface
Power and data from the MX loop. No additional cables or power supplies required.
Internal channel isolator
2 volumes to choose from
2 selectable flash speeds
Independent addressable control for sounder/beacon
Can be used on MX1

All Addressable & Conventional VADs or AADs can be connected to the MX1 Panel.

VAD – Conventional Loudspeaker / Beacon approved AS740.3 / 23

Solista visual alarm devices (VADs) and ROLPs are AS ISO 7240.23 approved and SAI Global registered. Each VAD features a unique lens design that distributes red or white light to achieve the required illumination while using minimal current consumption.

VADs are ideal for a wide range of applications, including bedrooms, bathrooms and toilets, and plant rooms. They can be used on the MX1, 4100ESi, QE20, and QE90. A range of matching Tag plates are also available, allowing visual alarm devices to be installed in accordance with AS 1670.1:2018 and AS 1670.4:2018.

Feature: