Cranford Controls – Development of an innovative visual and audible alarm device for fire alarm applications that meets EN 54- 23:2010
Lead Participant:
CRANFORD CONTROLS LIMITED
Abstract
Our aim is to develop an innovative visual and audible alarm device for fire alarm
applications with a CPD – EC Certificate of Conformity that meets EN 54-23. This Standard
has been introduced to ensure Visual Alarm Devices (VADs) are standardised in their light
output, ensuring there is a visual warning of an emergency situation. This ensures compliance
with the DDA and in areas of high ambient noise or where people have to wear ear defenders.
The proposed visual and audible alarm will have the following benefits:
• LED beacon that meets the optical performance required by EN54-23
• Audible alarm with adjustable tone and voice messages that can be easily understood
• Universal base plate containing LEDs with ‘click on’ modular fittings for conformity
with other manufacturers’ detection and alarm devices
• Remote control for individual testing and setting of each alarm using wireless
technology
To deliver the benefits the following enabling innovations have been identified:
• LED and optical lens design will ensure maximum output to comply with EN 54-23
with minimal power demand
• Piezo-electric sound transducer reduces the power demand whilst have the right
frequency response and sound pressure level for tone and voice; Tone, voice messages and
volume can be adjusted; device can be self-testing
• Unique modular design allows ‘component building’ to suit client’s specification and
budget
• New software protocols allow for universal integration of alarms with existing
sensors/detectors and control panel boards
Visual and audible alarms are used extensively worldwide. All VADs for the European
market must comply with EN54-23 by July 2013; Cranford Controls who already have a
portfolio of established products have recognised the opportunity to not only meet the new
Standard but also to create a step change in visual and audible alarm technology. This will
create new jobs within the UK, reduce client costs and substantially improve public safety.
applications with a CPD – EC Certificate of Conformity that meets EN 54-23. This Standard
has been introduced to ensure Visual Alarm Devices (VADs) are standardised in their light
output, ensuring there is a visual warning of an emergency situation. This ensures compliance
with the DDA and in areas of high ambient noise or where people have to wear ear defenders.
The proposed visual and audible alarm will have the following benefits:
• LED beacon that meets the optical performance required by EN54-23
• Audible alarm with adjustable tone and voice messages that can be easily understood
• Universal base plate containing LEDs with ‘click on’ modular fittings for conformity
with other manufacturers’ detection and alarm devices
• Remote control for individual testing and setting of each alarm using wireless
technology
To deliver the benefits the following enabling innovations have been identified:
• LED and optical lens design will ensure maximum output to comply with EN 54-23
with minimal power demand
• Piezo-electric sound transducer reduces the power demand whilst have the right
frequency response and sound pressure level for tone and voice; Tone, voice messages and
volume can be adjusted; device can be self-testing
• Unique modular design allows ‘component building’ to suit client’s specification and
budget
• New software protocols allow for universal integration of alarms with existing
sensors/detectors and control panel boards
Visual and audible alarms are used extensively worldwide. All VADs for the European
market must comply with EN54-23 by July 2013; Cranford Controls who already have a
portfolio of established products have recognised the opportunity to not only meet the new
Standard but also to create a step change in visual and audible alarm technology. This will
create new jobs within the UK, reduce client costs and substantially improve public safety.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| CRANFORD CONTROLS LIMITED | £273,161 | £ 116,913 |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Katy Green (Project Manager) |