Alarm Devices

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

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

What is AS 7240-23?

AS 7240-23 now provides clarity by standardizing the requirements, test methods and performance criteria of Visual Alarm Devices (VADs) and ensures all device parameters are measured in a uniform manner across Australia & New Zealand. Prior to this release, misinterpretation and confusion over specific product performance was a common issue in the industry as no standards existed for VADs.

The main requirements of AS 7240-23 are:

• The volume of coverage (i.e. the volume at which the required illuminance 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.
• The flash speed should be expressed between 0.5Hz and 2Hz.
• Devices should be classified as Type A, indoors and Type B, outdoors.

Wall Category

Coverage volume code:  

W – (x) – (y)   W = wall mounted

x = maximum mounting height  

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

Ceiling Category

Coverage volume code:  

C – (x) – (y)  C = ceiling mounted

x = maximum mounting height   

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

Open Class Category 

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

Faster Reaction to Alarm Activation with 20ms Pulse Length

Xenon beacons are highly effective visual alarm indicators, however, as they require high levels of power, it can be challenging when designing fire detection systems to accommodate the power requirements on the loop in the most effective way. In the last decade, the more power-efficient LED technology has significantly evolved and become more common as most manufactures now use this light source 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 Xenon lamps. Independent laboratory tests show that the pulse duration in visual alarm devices affects how people react to them. Interestingly, the shorter the pulse duration, the faster the reaction. Therefore, a shorter pulse duration in LED devices would result in a better reaction because attention to the light is faster.

Vigilant's new line of devices captures this latest innovation and breakthrough in light technology to operate LED devices with a pulse duration that does not exceed 20ms. This can have an effect on the human eye comparable to Xenon light.

Optimized Cost for More Devices in a Loop

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

Vigilant's new visual alarms and indication devices operate with low levels of current consumption, meaning more devices can be used on the loop with the same amount of energy, easing system design and installation. Now with our MX1 Fire Control Panel, we have high-power loops up to 1 amp and 250 addresses, allowing 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) are ISO 7240.23 compliant or registered with SAI Global. Each VAD has a unique lens design that distributes red or white light to achieve the required illumination using minimum current consumption. VADs are ideal for a variety of applications, including bedrooms, bathrooms and restrooms, and plant rooms. Addressable VADs can be used on MX1, Solista, and ROLP VADs can be used on MX1, 4100ESi, QE20, or any panel that provides a supervised 24V output.

P80AVB & P81AVB Addressable VAD Sounder Base

The P80AVB and P81AVB are indoor addressable base sounders with a dedicated Visual Alarm Device (VAD) for use with MX addressable detectors connected to CIE's MX1. The P81AVB has a higher intensity visual indication for wider coverage compared to the P80AVB. Each has an address so they can be monitored and controlled from the fire alarm control panel, which is separate from the base-mounted detectors. Power and communications for the sounder, VAD and detector are provided by a two-wire MX digital loop.

Part Number:

576,080,006 P80AVB, Addressable Base, VAD Sounder, Standardized Intensity

576,080,014 P81AVB Addressable, VAD Sounder Base, High Intensity

557,080,001 B-CAP Discharging Cap, For White Sounder/VAD Base

557,080,002 A-CON Conduit, Adapter For Sounder / VID / VAD, White Base

Features:

• VAD approved for AS7240-23 two models P80AVB standard intensity and P81AVB high intensity flashes
• One mounting point for detectors, sounders and visual indicators without additional wiring
• Independent addressable control for sounder and beacon
• Built-in duct insulator
• 2 selectable volumes
• 2 selectable flash speeds
• Can be used on MX1

VAD Sounder Base Addressed P80SB

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

Features:

• One mounting point for detector and sounder
• Addressable control independent of the sounder
• Internal duct insulator
• 2 selectable volumes
• 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.

Part Number:

576,080,001 80DSB Detector, Basic Speaker

557,080,001 B-CAP Discharging Cap for White Sounder/VAD Base

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

Features:

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

VAD Addressable Wall Sounders P80AVW, P80AVR

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

Features:

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

All Addressable & Conventional VADs or AADs can connect to MX1 Panel

VAD - Conventional Loudspeakers / Beacons approved AS740.3/23

Solista and ROLP visual alarm devices (VADs) are US ISO 7240.23 approved and registered with SAI Global. Each VAD has a unique lens design that distributes red or white light to achieve the required illumination using minimum current consumption.

VADs are ideal for a variety of applications, including bedrooms, bathrooms and toilets, and plant rooms. The VAD can be used on the MX1, 4100ESi, QE20 and QE90. A range of corresponding “Tag” plates are also available so that visual alarm devices can be installed in accordance with AS 1670.1: 2018 and AS 1670.4: 2018.

Features:

• Low current consumption 10-25mA
• Wide operating voltage, with internal diodes
• Coverage area up to 7.5 m x 7.5 m
• 0.5Hz or 1Hz flash speed, high & low intensity flashes
• US Approved ISO 7240.23
• Registered with SAI Global - License Number: SMK40585
• The 102dBA sound output can be used on the MX1, 4100ESi, QE20 and QE90.

Solista LX Ceiling Beacon

Types of Ceiling Installation

Voltage 9 - 60VDC

Current 10 - 25mA (depending on settings)

Coverage (y) 7.5m (Switchable to 3m)*

Mounting Height (x) 3m (max)

Coverage Code Vol. C-3-7.5

Vol. 132m3 (21m3) Coverage

1Hz Flash Speed (Switchable to 0.5Hz)

Operating Temperature. -25ºC to +70ºC

Reverse Polarity Monitoring

Shallow Base IP33C Protection

100g weight

White Body Color

Flash Color White or Red

Synchronization Synchronization Auto flash speed

Solista LX Wall Beacon

Wall Mounting Type 

Voltage 9 - 60VDC

Current 10 - 25mA (depending on settings)

Coverage (y) 7.5m (Switchable to 2.5m)* 

Mounting Height (x) 2.4m (max)

Code Volume Coverage W-2,4-7,5

Coverage Volume 135m3 (15m3)

Flash Speed 1Hz (Switchable to 0.5Hz) 

Operating Temperature. -25ºC to +70ºC 

Reverse Polarity Monitoring

Shallow Base IP33C Protection

IP65 Inside and U Base

100g weight

White or Red Body Color 

Flash Color White or Red 

Synchronization Automatic synchronization of flash rate

RoLP LX Wall Speaker Beacon

Wall Mounting Type

Voltage 18 - 28VDC (Fire Use)

Current 22 - 37mA (depending on settings)

(Loudspeakers and beacons; tone 3)

Range (y) 7.5m (Switchable to 2.5m)* 

Mounting Height (x) 2.4m (max)

Volume Code Coverage W-2,4-7,5

Volume Coverage 135m3 (15m3)

Flash Speed 1Hz (Switchable to 0.5Hz) 

Operating Temperature. -25ºC to +70ºC

Reverse Polarity Monitoring

IP65 protection

200g weight

White or Red Body Color 

Red Flash Color

Sound Output 102dB(A) (Typical tone 3 - RoLP)

Synchronization Independent synchronization of flash speed and tone

RoLP Sounder

Voltage 18-28Vdc

12mA current (Typical Tone 3)

Sound Output 102dB(A) (Typical Tone 3) 

Tone 32

10dB Volume Control

Reverse Polarity Monitoring

Temperature - 25ºC to +70ºC 

Protection IP54(s)* IP65(d)*

ABS Construction

Weight 0.25Kg

Red or white color

Auto Synchronization Synchronization

(s) *Shallow Bottom 

(d)*Inner Base/U