EN 54-3 Fire detection and fire alarm systems – Part 3: Fire alarm devices – Sounders
1 Scope
This European Standard specifies the requirements, test methods and performance criteria for fire alarm sounders, including voice sounders, in a fixed installation intended to signal an audible warning between the fire detection and fire alarm systems and the occupants of a building (see EN 54-1:2011).
This European Standard provides for the assessment and verification of constancy of performance (AVCP) of fire alarm sounders to this EN.
This European Standard is not intended to cover:
a) loudspeaker type devices primarily intended for emitting emergency voice messages that are generated from an external audio source;
b) supervisory sounders, for example, within the control and indicating equipment.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 54-1:2011, Fire detection and fire alarm systems – Part 1: Introduction
EN 50130-4:2011, Alarm systems – Part 4: Electromagnetic compatibility – Product family standard: Immunity requirements for components of fire, intruder, hold up, CCTV, access control and social alarm systems
EN 60068-1:1994, Environmental testing – Part 1: General and guidance (IEC 60068-1:1988 + Corrigendum 1988 + A1:1992)
EN 60068-2-1:2007, Environmental testing – Part 2-1: Tests – Test A: Cold (IEC 60068-2-1:2007)
EN 60068-2-2:2007, Environmental testing – Part 2-2: Tests – Test B: Dry heat (IEC 60068-2-2:2007)
EN 60068-2-6:2008, Environmental testing – Part 2-6: Tests – Test Fc: Vibration (sinusoidal)(IEC 60068-2¬6:2007)
EN 60068-2-27:2009, Environmental testing – Part 2-27: Tests – Test Ea and guidance: Shock (IEC 60068-2¬27:2008)
EN 60068-2-30:2005, Environmental testing – Part 2-30: Tests – Test Db: Damp heat, cyclic (12 h + 12 h cycle)(IEC 60068-2-30:2005)
EN 60068-2-42:2003, Environmental testing – Part 2-42: Tests – Test Kc: Sulphur dioxide test for contacts and connections (IEC 60068-2-42:2003)
EN 60068-2-75:1997, Environmental testing – Part 2-75: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer tests (IEC 60068-2¬75:1997)
EN 60068-2-78:2013, Environmental testing – Part 2-78: Tests – Test Cab: Damp heat, steady state (IEC 60068-2-78:2012)
EN 60529:1991, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)(IEC 60529:1989) EN 60529:1991/A1:2000, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code) (IEC 60529:1989/A1:1999)
EN 60695-11-10:2013, Fire hazard testing – Part 11-10: Test flames – 50 W horizontal and vertical flame test methods (IEC 60695-11-10:2013)
EN 60695-11-20:1999, Fire hazard testing – Part 11-20: Test flames – 500 W flame test methods (IEC 60695¬11-20:1999)
EN 60695-11-20:1999/A1:2003, Fire hazard testing – Part 11-20: Test flames – 500 W flame test methods (IEC 60695-11- 20:1999/A 1:2003)
EN 61672-1:2003, Electroacoustics – Sound level meters – Part 1: Specifications (IEC 61672-1:2002)
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations
For the purposes of this European Standard, the following terms, definitions and abbreviations and those given in EN 54-1 apply.
3.1 Definitions A-weighted sound pressure level
sound pressure level, expressed in dB(A), which is 20 times the logarithm to base ten of the ratio of the A- weighted sound pressure level to the reference pressure of 20 ^Pa at 1 kHz
Note 1 to entry: The A-weighting characteristics are given in EN 61672-1:2003.
delta sound pressure level A(LpA)
decrease in the mean A-weighted sound pressure level between measurements on the same specimen (Annex B)
Note 1 to entry: In this standard A(LpA) is used to compare the sound pressure level measured during environmental tests with that first measured on the same specimen during the reproducibility test.
equivalent sound pressure level
the value of the sound pressure level, in dB(A), of continuous sound that, within a specified time interval, T, has the same mean-square sound pressure as a sound that varies with time
fire alarm sounder
sound generating device intended to signal an audible warning of fire between a fire detection and fire alarm system and the occupants of a building
maximum sound pressure level
LAFmax,T
the maximum value of the sound pressure level, in dB(A), measured within a specified time interval, T and with a specified time weighting
Note 1 to entry: For application within the framework of this standard the time weighting Fast applies. Refer to EN 61672-1:2003.
3.1.6
mode (of operation)
one of a possible number of pre-defined sounds (or sound outputs) of the sounder which can be selected by means specified by the manufacturer
EXAMPLE Sound patterns, sound pressure levels. reference point
point representing the origin of the sound within or on the surface of the sounder as specified by the manufacturer
Note 1 to entry: The reference point is used in Annex A. sound pattern
pre-defined acoustic alarm signal
Note 1 to entry: Sound pattern is also often referred to as tone. supervisory sounder
audible device on a piece of equipment used for drawing attention to a change of status
Note 1 to entry: Supervisory sounders are often mounted within the fire detection and fire alarm control and indicating equipment.
3.1.10
type A sounder
device primarily intended for indoor applications
Note 1 to entry: Type A sounders may be suitable for some protected outdoor situations.
3.1.11
type B sounder
device primarily intended for outdoor applications
Note 1 to entry: Type B sounders may be more suitable than type A sounders for some indoor situations where high temperature and/or humidity are present.
3.1.12
volume control
means for adjusting sound pressure level
4 Requirements
4.1 Compliance
In order to comply with this standard, sounders shall meet the requirements of this clause, which shall be verified by visual inspection or engineering assessment and shall be tested as described in Clause 5 and shall meet the requirements of the tests.
4.2 Operational reliability
4.2.1 Duration of operation
The sounder shall be rated for at least 100 h operation. No limitation by the manufacturer on duty factor or maximum on-time shall prevent the device from operating the 1 h ‘on’ 1 h ‘off cycle required by the test procedure described in 5.2.1.
This requirement does not apply to the capacity of batteries which may be used within sounders as a means of local storage of operating power. The capacity and charging requirements of such batteries need to meet the requirement of the system.
4.2.2 Provision for external conductors
The sounder, unless it is a radio-linked component not using wires, shall provide space within its enclosure for external conductors to be brought in and terminated. Entry holes for conductors or cables shall be provided or the location where such holes are to be made shall be indicated, by providing a template or some other suitable means.
Terminals for connecting external conductors to the sounder shall be designed so that the conductors are clamped between metal surfaces without being damaged.
This requirement shall be assessed as specified in 5.2.2.
4.2.3 Flammability of materials
Plastic materials used in the construction of sounders shall comply with the following flammability requirements:
4.2.4 Enclosure protection
The degree of protection provided by the enclosure of the sounders shall meet the following requirements:
4.2.5 Access
Means shall be provided to limit access for removal of parts or the whole device and to make adjustment to the mode of operation, e.g. special tool, codes, hidden screws, seals, etc.
NOTE The use of a special tool is intended to discourage unauthorised persons from easily accessing the equipment.
This requirement shall be assessed as specified in 5.2.5.
4.2.6 Manufacturer’s adjustment
It shall not be possible to change the manufacturer’s settings or to access the message recording function of voice sounders except by special means (e.g. the use of a special code or tool) or by breaking or removing a seal.
This requirement shall be assessed as specified in 5.2.6.
4.2.7 On-site adjustment of the operation mode
If there is provision for on-site adjustment of the mode of operation of the sounder:
4.2.8 Software controlled sounders
4.2.8.1 General
For sounders which rely on software control in order to fulfil the requirements of this standard, the requirements of 4.2.8.2, 4.2.8.3 and 4.2.8.4 shall be met.
4.2.8.2 Software documentation
4.2.8.2.1 The manufacturer shall submit documentation which gives an overview of the software design. This documentation shall be in sufficient detail for the design to be inspected for compliance with this standard and shall include at least the following:
4.2.8.2.2 The manufacturer shall have available detailed design documentation, which only needs to be provided if required by the testing authority. It shall comprise at least the following:
4.2.8.3 Software design
In order to ensure the reliability of the sounder, the following requirements for the software design shall apply: a) the software shall have a modular structure;
4.2.8.4 The storage of program and data
The programme necessary to comply with this standard and any pre-set data, such as manufacturer’s settings, shall be held in non-volatile memory. Writing to areas of memory containing this program and data shall only be possible by the use of some special tool or code and shall not be possible during normal operation of the sounder.
Site-specific data shall be held in memory which will retain data for at least two weeks without external power to the sounder, unless provision is made for the automatic renewal of such data, following loss of power, within 1 h of power being restored.
4.2.8.5 Assessment
This requirement shall be assessed as specified in 5.2.8.
4.3 Performance parameters under fire conditions
4.3.1 Sound pressure level
The sounder shall produce A-weighted sound pressure levels as declared by the manufacturer.
The manufacturer may declare different sound pressure levels for operation under different conditions, for example, when operating on different voltage ranges or with different sound patterns. If this is the case the sound pressure level of each specimen shall be measured under each mode of operation (see 5.1.2).
When tested in accordance with 5.3.1 the sounder shall produce A-weighted sound pressure levels of at least 65 dB(A) in one direction and the sound pressure level measured at each of the specified angles is not less than that declared by the manufacturer.
4.3.2 Frequencies and sound pattern
This standard covers sounders which produce different frequencies and sound patterns and, therefore, does not specify a minimum and maximum frequency or specific sound pattern. The main sound frequency(ies), frequency range(s) and sound pattern(s) shall be as declared by the manufacturer when tested as specified in 5.3.2.
NOTE Annex D gives information on some of the sound patterns and frequencies used in different European countries and on the international evacuation signal specified in ISO 8201.
4.3.3 Synchronisation
Sounders may interact acoustically when they are installed in close proximity. To prevent this, sounders may have provision for synchronising warning signals and messages with that of other devices. If a synchronisation function is provided, it shall meet the compliance criteria of 5.3.3.
When power interruption is used for synchronisation purposes, this shall not adversely affect the warning signal or the voice message.
NOTE Synchronisation can be achieved by internal circuitry, the addition of a trigger wire connected between devices or by other means as defined by the manufacturer.
4.3.4 Performance of voice sounders
Voice sounders shall be capable of producing an attention-drawing signal, and a voice message or messages. The output level of the voice message relative to the attention drawing signal shall meet the compliance criteria of 5.3.4.
4.3.5 Voice sounders sequence timing
For messages that require immediate action, the broadcast sequence and timings of voice sounders shall be as specified in The periods of silence may need to be longer than indicated in certain circumstances, for example in spaces with long reverberation times, but shall not be such that the time between the start of each cycle exceeds 30 s.
For messages that do not require immediate action, it is permitted to extend either the silence period after the voice message has ended, or the period within which the message is repeated, or both.
Persons trained in the proper use of microphones should be used to record the messages. The recordings should be made in a room with a controlled acoustic environment having an ambient noise level not greater than 30 dB(A) and a reverberation time not greater than 0,5 s from 150 Hz to 10 kHz.
Voice sounders sequence timing shall meet the compliance criteria of 5.3.5.
4.4 Durability of performance parameters under fire conditions
4.4.1 Temperature resistance
4.4.1.1 Dry heat (operational)
Type A and type B sounders shall function correctly at high ambient temperatures as specified in 5.4.1.1.
4.4.1.2 Dry heat (endurance)
Type B sounders shall be capable of withstanding long term exposure to high temperature as specified in 5.4.1.2.
4.4.1.3 Cold (operational)
Type A and type B sounders shall function correctly at low ambient temperatures as specified in 5.4.1.3.
4.4.2 Humidity resistance
4.4.2.1 Damp heat, cyclic (operational)
Type A and type B sounders shall function correctly at a high level of humidity as specified in 5.4.2.1.
4.4.2.2 Damp heat, steady-state (endurance)
Type A and type B sounders shall be capable of withstanding long term exposure to a high level of continuous humidity as specified in 5.4.2.2.
4.4.2.3 Damp heat, cyclic (endurance)
Type B sounders shall be capable of withstanding the effect of cyclic humidity levels as specified in 5.4.2.3.
4.4.3 Shock and vibration resistance
4.4.3.1 Shock (operational)
Type A and type B sounders shall operate correctly when submitted to mechanical shocks as specified in
5.4.3.1.
4.4.3.2 Impact (operational)
Type A and type B sounders shall operate correctly when submitted to mechanical impacts as specified in
5.4.3.2.
4.4.3.3 Vibration, sinusoidal (operational)
Type A and type B sounders shall operate correctly when submitted to sinusoidal vibration as specified in
5.4.3.3.
4.4.3.4 Vibration, sinusoidal (endurance)
Type A and type B sounders shall be capable of withstanding the effect of sinusoidal vibration as specified in
5.4.3.4.
4.4.4 Corrosion resistance 4.4.4.1 SO2 corrosion (endurance)
Type A and type B sounders shall be capable of withstanding exposure to an SO2 corrosive atmosphere as specified in 5.4.4.1.
4.4.5 Electrical stability
4.4.5.1 EMC, immunity (operational)
Type A and type B sounders shall operate correctly when submitted to electromagnetic interference as specified in 5.4.5.1
5 Testing, assessment and sampling methods 5.1 General
5.1.1 Atmospheric conditions for tests
Unless otherwise stated in a test procedure, the testing shall be carried out after the test specimen has been allowed to stabilize in the standard atmospheric conditions for testing described in EN 60068-1:1994, as follows:
a) temperature: 15 °C to 35 °C;
b) relative humidity: 25 % to 75 %;
c) air pressure: 86 kPa to 106 kPa.
The temperature and humidity shall be substantially constant for each test where these standard atmospheric conditions are applied.
5.1.2 Operating conditions for tests
If a test method requires a specimen to be sounding, then the specimen shall be connected to suitable power supply equipment as specified in the data provided by the manufacturer. Where, in order to be sounding, a specimen also requires the application of a control signal or signals, this shall be provided in accordance with the manufacturer’s specification.
If a test method requires a specimen to be in the quiescent state, then the specimen shall not be supplied with power unless it is a sounder of the types which have electronic circuits for analysing control signals and triggering the sound operation, in which case the specimen shall be connected to suitable power supply and control equipment as specified by the manufacturer and the control signals shall be arranged so that the specimen is in a non-sounding state.
Unless otherwise specified in the test procedure, the supply parameters applied to the specimen shall be set within the manufacturer’s specified range(s) and shall remain constant throughout the tests. The value chosen for each parameter shall be the nominal value, or the mean of the specified range.
If the manufacturer has declared different sound pressure levels for operation under different conditions, then, unless otherwise specified in the test procedure, the tests shall be conducted under one selected mode of operation only. Selection of the mode of operation shall be made with the aim to use that which consumes the most power. This will normally be the most continuous or the loudest mode.
NOTE All modes of operation and all voltages are tested in 5.3.
5.1.3 Mounting arrangements
Unless otherwise specified, the specimen shall be mounted by its normal means of attachment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions on a flat rigid backing board. If these instructions describe more than one method of mounting then the method considered to be most unfavourable shall be chosen for each test.
The detailed mounting arrangements are given in Annex A or Annex B for the different sound pressure level tests used.
5.1.4 Tolerances
The tolerances for the environmental test parameters shall be given in the basic reference standards for the test (e.g. the relevant parts of EN 60068).
If a specific tolerance or deviation limit is not specified in a requirement or test procedure, then a deviation limit of ± 5 % shall be applied.
5.2 Operational reliability 5.2.1 Duration of operation 5.2.1.1 Object of the test
To show that the sound pressure level does not change significantly after prolonged operation of the sounder.
5.2.1.2 Test procedure
The specimen shall be subjected to the following durability cycle 100 times: the specimen shall be operated for 1 h at the maximum of the supply parameters declared by the manufacturer (see Clause 8) and then shall be left in the non-operating condition for 1 h. The sound pressure level shall be measured as described in Annex B within 1 h of the final period of operation.
When testing radio-linked sounders, an external power supply set to either the lowest or highest working voltage of the internal batteries may be used in place of the normal internal batteries on radio devices. This external power supply should be such that the maximum current is taken by the alarm device during the test.
5.2.3 Flammability of materials
Verification of compliance to the flammability of materials requirements specified in 4.2.3 shall be carried out by examination of test report(s) for the material(s) used in the construction of the enclosure.
NOTE 1 Many manufacturers of plastic materials provide certificate of conformity or test reports against the requirements and tests methods specified in UL 94. These certificates or test reports can be used where they provide equivalent classification to those specified in 4.2.3.
NOTE 2 See Annex E for comparison of the test requirements and flammability classes given in the EN standards specified in 4.2.3 and equivalent flammability categories in UL 94.
5.2.4.1 Object of the tests
To demonstrate that the degree of protection provided by the enclosure of the sounder with regard to the ingress of solid foreign objects and the harmful effects due to the ingress of water, meets the minimum requirements of this European Standard (see 4.2.4).
5.2.4.2 Test procedures
5.2.4.2.1 General
The test apparatus and procedures shall be as described in EN 60529:1991 as amended by EN 60529:1991/A1:2000 and in 5.2.4.2.2 to 5.2.4.2.4. The following tests shall be conducted:
a) protection against solid foreign objects indicated by the first characteristic numeral;
b) protection against access to hazardous parts indicated by the additional letter;
c) protection against water indicated by the second characteristic numeral.
For the purpose of this test, the enclosure of the sounder shall be taken as comprising any parts of the outer physical envelope of the device which prevent or restrict access of solid foreign objects to the sound transducer, internal components and cable termination block.
NOTE Due to the invasive nature of the tests, it is preferable that different specimens are used for the test for protection against solid foreign objects and the test for protection against water.
Ingress of liquid inside the enclosure may be possible, but should not adversely affect the operation of the device.
5.2.4.2.2 State of the specimen during conditioning
The specimen under test shall be:
a) un-powered during the test for protection against access to hazardous parts;
b) powered during the test for protection against water.
c) un-powered during the test for protection against solid foreign objects;
The specimen under test shall be mounted as specified in EN 60529:1991 as amended by EN 60529:1991/A1:2000 and shall include all wiring termination boxes which form part of the sounder when installed.
5.3 Performance parameters under fire conditions
5.3.1 Sound pressure level
5.3.1.1 Object of the test
To check that the sound pressure levels declared by the manufacturer can be achieved within the specified range(s) of supply parameters (e.g. voltage).and is not unduly dependent on these parameters.
The sound pressure level of the specimen shall be measured in free field conditions using the test method described in Annex A with the supply parameters at the maximum and minimum of the specified range(s) [see 8 f].
If the manufacturer has declared different sound pressure levels and different operating frequencies for different modes of operation, then the sound pressure level of the specimen shall be measured under each mode. the sound pressure level measured at each of the specified angles is not less than that declared by the manufacturer.
5.3.2 Frequencies and sound patterns
Check of the evidence provided by the manufacturer shall be conducted to verify that frequencies and sound patterns are provided as specified in 4.3.2.
5.3.3 Synchronisation
5.3.3.1 Object of the test
To show the ability of sounders that provides a synchronisation function to remain synchronised over time.
5.3.3.2 Test procedure
Install two specimens in separate areas that have no significant acoustic interaction, have a low background noise level and have low reverberation.
If required by their mode of synchronisation, connect a trigger between the two specimens under test.
Place identical microphones 100 mm in front of each specimen. Connect the two microphones to a dual- channel measuring instrument (see Figure 1).
Connect the specimen to a suitable power supply and set it to the minimum voltage declared by the manufacturer.
Carry out the following test cycle:
a) activate the specimens such that they operate the same sound pattern or message sequence continuously;
b) over a period of 15 min, measure the time differences between the sound patterns or message sequence from the two specimens at a representative point in the sequence every 5 min;
Repeat the above test cycle with the power supply set to the maximum voltage declared by the manufacturer.
5.3.4 Performance of voice sounders
5.3.4.1 Object of the test
To verify that the output level of the voice message in relation to the output level of the attention-drawing signal is sufficiently loud.
Measure the sound pressure level of the voice message and that of the attention-drawing signal as specified in Annex A, except that measurements at only 15° and 90° from the axis of the specimen are required. (see Figures A.2 and A.3).
A voice sounder will normally provide a range of messages. Testing for compliance with this test should use a typical message agreed between the manufacturer and the testing authority.
The entire speech message, including any silence periods between word components, should be used when measuring the sound pressure level of the voice message.
For each angle, record the voice message measurements as equivalent sound pressure level, LAeqj, over the period of the voice message (see 4.3.5).
5.4 Durability of performance parameters under fire conditions
5.4.1 Heat resistance
5.4.1.1 Dry heat (operational)
5.4.1.1.1 Object of the test
To demonstrate the ability of the sounder to function correctly at high ambient temperatures that may occur for short periods in the service environment.
5.4.1.1.2 Test procedure
5.4.1.1.2.1 Reference
The test apparatus and procedure shall be as described in EN 60068-2-2:2007, Test Bb for non-heat dissipating specimens or Test Bd for heat dissipating specimens, except that the test shall be conducted in a reverberation chamber as described in Annex B, and as described in 5.4.1.1.2.2 to 5.4.1.1.2.5.
5.4.1.1.2.2 State of specimen during conditioning
The specimen shall be mounted in a reverberation chamber as described in Annex B. The specimen shall be maintained in the quiescent state during the conditioning period except during the last hour when it shall be sounding (see 5.1.2).
5.4.1.2 Dry heat (endurance)
5.4.1.2.1 Object of the test
To demonstrate the ability of the sounder to withstand long term ageing effects.
5.4.1.2.2 Test procedure
5.4.1.2.2.1 Reference
The test apparatus and procedure shall be as described in EN 60068-2-2:2007, Test Bb for non-heat dissipating specimens or Test Bd for heat dissipating specimens, and in 5.4.1.2.2.2 to 5.4.1.2.2.5.
5.4.1.2.2.2 State of the specimen during conditioning
The specimen shall not be supplied with power during the conditioning.
5.4.1.2.2.3 Conditioning
The air temperature in the reverberation test chamber shall be increased to the test temperature at a rate not exceeding 1 °K/min. The test conditions in Table 4 shall be applied.
5.4.1.3 Cold (operational)
5.4.1.3.1 Object of the test
To demonstrate the ability of the sounder to function correctly at low ambient temperatures appropriate to the anticipated service environment.
5.4.2.1 Damp heat, cyclic (operational)
5.4.2.1.1 Object of the test
To demonstrate the immunity of the sounder to an environment with high relative humidity, where condensation may occur on the device.
5.4.2.1.2 Test procedure
5.4.2.1.2.1 Reference
The test apparatus and procedure shall be as described in EN 60068-2-30:2005, using the Variant 2 test cycle and controlled recovery conditions and in 5.4.2.1.2.2 to 5.4.2.1.2.5.
5.4.2.1.2.2 State of the specimen during conditioning
The specimen shall be mounted in a reverberation chamber as described in Annex B. The specimen shall be maintained in the quiescent state during the conditioning period except during the last half-hour when it shall be sounding (see 5.1.2).
5.4.2.1.2.3 Conditioning
The test conditions in Table 6 shall be applied.
5.4.2.2 Damp heat, steady-state (endurance)
5.4.2.2.1 Object of the test
To demonstrate the ability of the sounder to withstand the long-term effects of humidity in the service environment (e.g. changes in electrical properties due to absorption, chemical reactions involving moisture, galvanic corrosion, etc.).
5.4.2.2.2 Test procedure
5.4.2.2.2.1 Reference
The test apparatus and procedure shall be as described in EN 60068-2-78:2013, Test Cab and in 5.4.2.2.2.2 to 5.4.2.2.2.5.
5.4.2.2.2.2 State of the specimen during conditioning
The specimen shall not be supplied with power during the conditioning.
5.4.2.2.2.3 Conditioning
The test conditions in Table 7 shall be applied.
5.4.2.3.2.1 State of the specimen during conditioning
The specimen shall not be supplied with power during the conditioning.
5.4.3 Shock and vibration resistance
5.4.3.1 Shock (operational)
5.4.3.1.1 Object of the test
To demonstrate the immunity of the sounder to mechanical shocks, which are likely to occur, albeit infrequently, in the anticipated service environment.
5.4.3.2 Impact (operational)
5.4.3.2.1 Object of the test
To demonstrate the immunity of the sounder to mechanical impacts upon its surface, which it may sustain in the normal service environment, and which it can reasonably be expected to withstand.
5.4.3.2.2 Test procedure
5.4.3.2.2.1 Reference
The test apparatus and procedure shall be as described in EN 60068-2-75:1997 Test. Eh and in 5.4.3.2.2.2 to 5.4.3.2.2.5.
5.4.3.2.2.2 State of the specimen during conditioning
The specimen shall be maintained in the quiescent state during the conditioning period (see 5.1.2).
5.4.3.2.2.3 Conditioning
Impact shall be applied to each accessible surface of the specimen at any point(s) considered likely to suffer damage or to impair the operation of the specimen. The test conditions in Table 10 shall be applied.
Table 10 — Conditions for Impact (operational) test
5.4.3.2.2.4 Measurements during conditioning
The specimen shall be monitored for false operation, including alarm or fault signals during the conditioning period and for a further 2 min. after the end of the conditioning period.
5.4.3.2.2.5 Final measurements
The sound pressure level of the specimen shall be measured as described in Annex B after the conditioning.
5.4.3.2.3 Test requirements
The sounder shall be deemed to comply with the requirements of this clause if:
a) no false operation or fault signals are detected (see 5.4.3.2.2.4) during the conditioning period; and
b) A(LpA) between measurements after the conditioning period (see 5.4.3.2.2.5) and the measurement during the reproducibility test (see 5.1.7) for that specimen is smaller than or equal to 6 dB.
5.4.3.3 Vibration, sinusoidal (operational)
5.4.3.3.1 Object of the test
To demonstrate the immunity of the sounder to vibration at levels considered appropriate to the normal service environment.
5.4.3.3.2 Test procedure
5.4.3.3.2.1 Reference
The test apparatus and procedure shall be as described in EN 60068-2-6:2008, Test Fc and in 5.4.3.3.2.2 to 5.4.3.2.2.5.
5.4.3.4 Vibration, sinusoidal (endurance)
5.4.3.4.1 Object of the test
To demonstrate the ability of the sounder to withstand the long term effects of vibration at levels appropriate to the service environment.
5.4.3.4.2 Test procedure
5.4.3.4.2.1 Reference
The test apparatus and procedure shall be as described in EN 60068-2-6:2008, Test Fc and in 5.4.3.4.2.2 to 5.4.3.4.2.4.
5.4.3.4.2.2 State of the specimen during conditioning
The specimen shall be mounted on a rigid fixture and the vibration shall be applied in each of three mutually perpendicular axes, in turn. The specimen shall be mounted so that one of the three axes is perpendicular to its normal mounting axis.
The specimen shall be un-powered during the conditioning.
5.4.3.4.2.4 Final measurements
The sound pressure level of the specimen shall be measured as described in Annex B after the conditioning. 5.4.3.4.3 Test requirements
The sounder shall be deemed to comply with the requirements of this clause if A(LpA) between the measurement after the conditioning period (see 5.4.3.4.2.4) and the measurement during the reproducibility test (see 5.1.7) for that specimen is smaller than or equal to 6 dB.
5.4.4 Corrosion resistance, SO2 corrosion (endurance)
5.4.4.1 Object of the test
To demonstrate the ability of the sounder to withstand the corrosive effect of sulfur dioxide as an atmospheric pollutant.
5.4.4.2 Test procedure
5.4.4.2.1 Reference
The test apparatus and procedure shall be as described in EN 60068-2-42:2003, except for the relative humidity of the test atmosphere, which shall be maintained at (93 ± 5) % instead of (75 ± 5) % and in 5.4.4.2.2 to 5.4.4.2.4.
5.4.4.2.2 State of the specimen during conditioning
Specimens that rely on cables for signal and/or power for their operation shall have un-tinned copper wires, of appropriate diameter, connected to sufficient terminals to allow the functional test to be made after conditioning, without making further connections to the specimen.
5.4.5 Electrical stability
5.4.5.1 EMC, immunity (operational)
5.4.5.1.1 Object of the tests
To demonstrate the immunity of the sounder to electromagnetic disturbances appropriate to the service environment.
5.4.5.1.2 Test procedures
5.4.5.1.2.1 Reference
EMC, immunity tests shall be carried out as described in EN 50130-4:2011. The following tests shall be conducted:
a) Electrostatic discharge;
b) Radiated electromagnetic fields;
c) Conducted disturbances induced by electromagnetic fields;
d) Fast transient burst;
e) Slow high energy voltage surges.
f) no false operation or fault signals and, when sounding, no interruption of sound output are detected during the conditioning period (see 5.4.5.1.2.4), and
g) A(LpA) between measurements after the conditioning period (see 5.4.5.1.2.5) and the measurement during the reproducibility test (see 5.1.7) for that specimen is smaller than or equal to 6 dB.
6 Assessment and verification of constancy of performance (AVCP)
6.1 General
The compliance of the sounders with the requirements of this standard and with the performances declared by the manufacturer in the DoP shall be demonstrated by:
— determination of product type,
— factory production control by the manufacturer, including product assessment.
The manufacturer shall always retain the overall control and shall have the necessary means to take responsibility for the conformity with its declared performance(s).
6.2 Type testing 6.2.1 General
All performances related to characteristics included in this standard shall be determined when the manufacturer intends to declare the respective performances unless the standard gives provisions for declaring them without performing tests. (e.g. use of previously existing data, CWFT and conventionally accepted performance).
Assessment previously performed in accordance with the provisions of this standard, may be taken into account provided that they were made to the same or a more rigorous test method, under the same AVCP system on the same product or products of similar design, construction and functionality, such that the results are applicable to the product in question.
NOTE Same AVCP system means testing by an independent third party under the responsibility of a notified product certification body.
For the purpose of assessment manufacturer’s products may be grouped into families where it is considered that the results for one or more characteristics from any one product within the family are representative for that same characteristics for all products within that same family.
Products may be grouped in different families for different characteristics.
Reference to the assessment method standards should be made to allow the selection of a suitable representative sample.
In addition, the determination of the product type shall be performed for all characteristics included in the standard for which the manufacturer declares the performance:
— at the beginning of the production of a new or modified sounders (unless a member of the same product range), or
— at the beginning of a new or modified method of production (where this may affect the stated properties); or
they shall be repeated for the appropriate characteristic(s), whenever a change occurs in the sounder design, in the raw material or in the supplier of the components, or in the method of production (subject to the definition of a family), which would affect significantly one or more of the characteristics.
Where components are used whose characteristics have already been determined, by the component manufacturer, on the basis of assessment methods of other product standards, these characteristics need not be re-assessed. The specifications of these components shall be documented.
Products bearing regulatory marking in accordance with appropriate harmonized European specifications may be presumed to have the performances declared in the DoP, although this does not replace the responsibility on the manufacturer to ensure that the sounder as a whole is correctly manufactured and its component products have the declared performance values.
6.3.2.2 Raw materials and components
The specifications of all incoming raw materials and components shall be documented, as shall the inspection scheme for ensuring their compliance. In case supplied kit components are used, the constancy of performance system of the component shall be that given in the appropriate harmonized technical specification for that component.
6.3.2.3 Traceability and marking
Individual products shall be identifiable and traceable with regard to their production origin. The manufacturer shall have written procedures ensuring that processes related to affixing traceability codes and/or markings are inspected regularly.
6.3.2.4 Controls during manufacturing process
The manufacturer shall plan and carry out production under controlled conditions.
6.3.2.5 Product testing and evaluation
The manufacturer shall establish procedures to ensure that the declared performance of the characteristics is maintained. The characteristics, and the means of control, are indicated in Clauses 4 and 5.
6.3.2.6 Non-complying products
The manufacturer shall have written procedures which specify how non-complying products shall be dealt with. Any such events shall be recorded as they occur and these records shall be kept for the period defined in the manufacturer’s written procedures.
Where the product fails to satisfy the acceptance criteria, the provisions for non-complying products shall apply, the necessary corrective action(s) shall immediately be taken and the products or batches not complying shall be isolated and properly identified.
Once the fault has been corrected, the test or verification in question shall be repeated.
The results of controls and tests shall be recorded. The product description, date of manufacture, test method adopted, test results and acceptance criteria shall be entered in the records under the signature of the person responsible for the control/test.
With regard to any control result not meeting the requirements of this European Standard, the corrective measures taken to rectify the situation (e.g. a further test carried out, modification of manufacturing process, throwing away or putting right of product) shall be indicated in the records.
6.3.2.7 Corrective action
The manufacturer shall have documented procedures that instigate action to eliminate the cause of non¬conformities in order to prevent recurrence.
6.3.2.8 Handling, storage and packaging
The manufacturer shall have procedures providing methods of product handling and shall provide suitable storage areas preventing damage or deterioration.
Sound pressure level for fire alarm sounders
A.1 General
This annex specifies the test conditions that apply to the performance tests in 5.3.1 and 5.3.4. The specimen to be tested shall be mounted as described in A.2 and placed in a free field or simulated free field condition.
An environment shall be considered to be equivalent to a free-field environment if the sound pressure decreases with the distance r from a point source according to a 1/r law, with an accuracy of ± 10 %, in the region that will be occupied by the sound field between the specimen to be tested and the measuring microphone. Free-field environment conditions shall be deemed to exist if this requirement is met along the axes joining the measuring microphone and the reference point on the specimen to be tested.
NOTE An anechoic room or quiet outdoor spaces are regarded as being free-field environments. Free-field conditions shall exist over the whole frequency range of measurement.
A.2 Mounting arrangements
A.2.1 The manufacturer’s normal mounting conditions shall be simulated.
A.2.2 For surface mounted devices, the specimen shall be rigidly mounted on a smooth flat block with dimensions as specified in Figure A.1. The mounting block shall be of a material of thickness adequate to ensure negligible vibration such as plywood of at least (19 ± 2) mm The surface of the mounting block shall be reflective with a coefficient of absorption less than 0,15 at 1 kHz.
NOTE A suitable mounting arrangement is shown in Figure A.1.
A.2.3 For pole mounted devices, the specimen shall mounted by its normal means to a suitable rigid structure with sufficient mass to resist the inertial effect of the specimen to be tested. Care shall be taken to ensure that the mounting structure does not obstruct the measurement field.
A.3 Instrumentation
A sound level meter conforming to EN 61672-1:2003, Class 2 or better shall be used. A.4 Background noise level
Measurement shall be deemed valid if, at the microphone positions, the background A-weighted sound pressure level is at least 10 dB below the nominal A-weighted sound pressure level of the device under test.
A.5 Measurement of sound pressure level
A.5.1 Two different methods apply to sound pressure level measurement:
a) for sounder tones including the attention-drawing signal of voice sounders, the LAFmaxJ shall be measured during at least a complete cycle of the sound pattern
NOTE A measurement using a Fast Time weighting characteristic gives a more accurate result.
b) for messages from voice sounders, the LAeq,T shall be measured over the period of the voice message (see 4.3.5).
A.5.2 One value of sound pressure level shall be taken at a radius of 3 m from the reference point of the device for each of the following microphone positions:
a) surface mounted device: at 30° intervals from 15° to 165° through a semi-circular arc centred at the reference point of the device for two perpendicular planes corresponding to the horizontal and vertical planes of the device in its designed position (see Figure A.2).
b) pole mounted device: at 30° intervals through a 360° circle centred at the reference point of the device, for two perpendicular planes corresponding to the horizontal and vertical planes of the device in its designed position (see Figure A.3).
Comparative sound pressure level test during environmental
conditioning
B.1 General
B.1.1 The test chamber and sound pressure level measurement method described are for carrying out comparative assessment of the performance of fire alarm sounders before, during and following the environmental conditioning specified in this standard (see 5.1.7, 5.2.1, 5.2.4, 5.4.1.1, 5.4.1.2, 5.4.1.3, 5.4.2.1, 5.4.2.2, 5.4.2.3, 5 4.3.1, 5.4.3.2, 5.4.3.3, 5.4.3.4, 5.4.4.1 and 5.4.5.1).
B.1.2 The specimen to be tested shall be placed in a reverberation test chamber as described in B.2 which shall have a sufficiently uniform repartition of sound energy throughout its volume to ensure consistent reading of sound pressure for differing environmental conditioning.
NOTE As the test method is concerned with establishing comparative test results on a single device, some of the parameters which would apply to the design of reverberation chambers for precision measurement have been relaxed.
The same test chamber construction and the same mounting conditions shall be used for all tests carried out on a given specimen and these shall be fully described in the test report.
B.2 Test chamber B.2.1 Size
The volume of the test chamber expressed in m3 shall not be less than 0,5 or 125 x 106/f3 where 90 % of the sound power is at frequencies above f, whichever is greater.
The specimen to be tested shall not exceed 5 % of the volume of the test chamber.
B.2.2 Shape
The test chamber shall have six walls and shall be constructed so that either:
a) no surfaces are parallel, the angles between each surface are such as to minimize the resonant mode and the maximum length, width and height are the same; or
b) it is rectangular and the ratio of the length of each side, yx and zlx conforms to the value in Table B1.
B.2.3 Rigidity
The materials used, the thickness of each wall and the way the walls are joined shall be adequate to minimize measuring uncertainties caused by induced vibrations.
For example, a chamber constructed of marine plywood with a minimum thickness in mm of 25 or 25V13 (where V is the volume of the chamber in m3) whichever is greater, and with walls joined together using a recognized carpentry joint supplemented by a suitable waterproof adhesive and screws is suitable.
Where removable panels are provided to permit the mounting of the specimen under test and other measuring equipment, these shall be of the same material and thickness as the rest of the chamber and be secured in place along the perimeter of the aperture at intervals not greater than 100 mm.
B.2.4 Surface treatment
The inner surface of each side of the chamber shall be equally reflective with an average absorption coefficient not exceeding 0,06 within the frequency band of interest. For example, the use of a Formica laminate bonded to plywood walls is suitable.
B.3 Mounting arrangements
The specimen to be tested shall be rigidly mounted by its normal means to the centre of one of the walls of the chamber.
B.4 Instrumentation
The basic instrumentation shall consist of a rotating microphone, an amplifier with A-weighting network, a squaring and averaging circuit and an indicating device. A sound level meter conforming to EN 61672-1:2003 Class 2 or better is suitable.
NOTE If, at extremes of environmental conditioning, e.g. temperature or humidity, the sensitivity of the complete instrument including the microphone is outside the specified value for the type of equipment used, it will be necessary to take into account the correction information provided by the manufacturer of the instrument.
B.5 Background noise level
Measurements are deemed valid if, at the microphone positions, the background A-weighted sound pressure level is at least 10 dB below the nominal A-weighted sound pressure level of the device under test.
B.6 Test procedure
B.6.1 Number and positioning of microphones
In order to reduce the effect of non-uniformity within the chamber, measurements shall be made with a rotating microphone over a circumference having a diameter of not less than 300 mm.
The microphone traverse shall not lie in any plane within 10° of a surface of the chamber. No point on the traverse shall be closer than X/4 where A is the wavelength of the lowest frequency range of interest, to any wall of the chamber.
The minimum distance in m between any microphone position and the specimen under test shall not be less than 0,3V13 where V is the volume of the test chamber in m3.
The same microphone arrangement shall be used for all the tests carried out on a given specimen and this shall be fully described in the test report.
Care should be exercised in mounting the microphone to eliminate interferences from connecting cables and from vibrations that may be induced by the test chamber and/or the rotating mechanism.
B.6.2 Measurement of sound pressure level
The sound pressure level shall be measured by averaging the A-weighted sound pressure level for a whole number of revolutions of the microphone, either in a continuous sweep or at, at least, eight evenly distributed positions per revolution. For voice sounder the attention-drawing signal, not the message shall be used.
If the measurement is made in a continuous sweep, then the measuring path shall be traversed by the microphone at a constant speed, such that a single period of the microphone traverse shall not be less than 60 s. The average sound pressure level expressed in
Data supplied with sounders
To ensure correct operation of sounders, manufacturers should make available, in addition to the marking information listed in Clause 8, the following data:
a) operating voltage range(s) where applicable;
b) maximum and/or average current consumption, where applicable;
NOTE For sounders used in an addressable system, it may not be relevant to declare the current consumption as the system configuration and the loading of addressable circuit(s) is configured at the control and indicating equipment.
Sound patterns used in some European countries
c) for all specified modes of operation for which compliance with this standard is claimed, the minimum A- weighted sound pressure level in dB(A) at a distance of 1 m from the reference point of the device for the following directions of radiation:
1) surface mounted device: at 30° intervals from 15° to 165° through a semi-circular arc in front of the device and centred at the intersection of its normal mounting surface and its principal axis, for two perpendicular planes corresponding to the horizontal and vertical planes of the device in its designed position (see Figure A.2),
2) pole mounted device: at 30° intervals through a 360° circle centred at the intersection of the horizontal plane containing its principal axis and the vertical line through the geometric centre of the sound diffusing assembly, for two perpendicular planes corresponding to the horizontal and vertical planes of the device in its designed position (see Figure A.3);
d) frequency(ies) and sound pattern(s) that comply with this standard and, where applicable, sound pattern(s) that comply with national standards;
e) IP code to EN 60529:1991 as amended by EN 60529:1991/A1:2000;
f) instructions on the method for recording and loading messages, where applicable;
g) instructions on the method for synchronising sounders, where the synchronisation option is provided;
In addressable systems, synchronisation of sounders may be an automatic function provided by the control and indicating equipment and specific instructions are not required.
h) any other information necessary to allow correct installation, operation and maintenance of the device.
This data may be supplied with the device, or may be given in a data sheet or technical manual identified on, or with each device.