Visual alarm devices (VADs) are an essential component of fire alarm systems, providing a visual alarm to those who wouldn’t be alerted by audible-only sounders or bells. For example, VADs ensure those with impaired hearing are alerted.
The disability discrimination Act of 1995 made the inclusion of VADs mandatory in all public buildings, specifically in areas where people with impaired hearing might work in isolation, or in noisy environments where staff might be wearing ear defenders such as factories, foundries etc.
Unfortunately, the Act made no stipulation regarding the light output of a VAD, leaving the market open to sub-standard devices. Therefore, in 2010, BS EN 54-23 was introduced to standardise the performance of VADs across Europe. This new the standard became mandatory for all VAD manufacturers on 31st December 2013.
All devices are EN54-23 approved, ensuring reliability and superior quality.
We offer both addressable & conventional VADs for additional flexibility
'W', 'C', and 'O' category VADs are available to suit any fixing position or application
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Both white or re LEDs are available in all addressable variants, allowing for customisation and dynamic visible solutions
Both addressable & conventional VADs have a choice of casing colours, enabling you to tailor your visual alarms for aesthetic appeal.
LED Brightness cam be controlled from the panel, permitting the appropriate visibility levels for diverse environmets (dependant on control panel compatiblity)
Our addressable devices are all loop-powered making installation quick and simple
Conventional waterproof and weatherproof variants are available, ensuring alignment with various environmental conditions.
The requirement for VADs will be identified as part of a risk assessment. As with other fire alarm system components, there are a number of challenges that must be considered in the layout, design and installation of VADs. One challenge is the illumination of the entire volume of the open space where the alarm must be visible. VADs must produce sufficiently intense light so that an individual located anywhere in the space, looking either towards or away from the VAD, would be alerted in the event of an emergency.
The performance of VADs under the standard is assessed against a minimum required illumination of 0.4 lux on surfaces perpendicular to the direction of the light emitted from the device.
VADs are generally classified into three categories based on their application: W and C mounted categories pertain to specific installation heights and patterns of coverage – see the below table for more information. Within these two categories, the shape of the volume covered is fixed by the standard – a cylinder for the celling mounted category and a cube for the wall-mounted category. The dimensions of this coverage volume and the mounting height are specified by the manufacturer. For all categories, the volume covered can be used to determine VAD spacing within the building.
Wall mounted VADs cover a cuboid volume with a square floor area. The coverage volume is presented as a code in the form of W - X -Y, where -
W= Wall-mounted category
X= The maximum mounting height (m)
Y= The width and length (m) of the coverage floor area
The Minimum mounting height allowable by the standard is 2.4m. For example, one of Hochiki’s wall mounted VADS has a classification of W-2.4-5. This means it should be mounted at 2.4m from the floor and will cover an area of up to 5m by 5m.
Ceiling mounted VADs cover a cylindrical area. The coverage volume is presented as a code in the form of C - X -Y, where -
C= Ceiling-mounted category
X= The maximum mounting height (m)
Y= The diameter (m) of the coverage volume's floor area
The maximum mounting height can only be specified as 3,6 or 9m. For example, one of Hochiki’s ceiling-mounted VADs has a classification of C-3-15. This means it can be mounted up to 3m from the floor and will cover a cylindrical area of 15m diameter. Therefore, the width of the room is Y/1.414
Examples of our addressable VADs.
An Addressable Loop-Powered Ceiling Beacon, with a high intensity LED and a custom designed free-form optic which produces a highly visible flash. Coverage diameters include 6.5m, 7.9m, 9.5m, 10m, 11.4m and 15.1m diameter*. The unit is designed to fit the YBN-R/3, YBN R/3 (SCI), YBO-BS or the YBO-R/(SCI), and is available in Ivory, White or Red case with either Red or White LEDs (six variants).
An Intelligent Loop-Powered Wall Beacon with a high intensity LED and a custom designed free-form optic which produces a highly visible flash. Variants available in 5m, 7.5m and 10m area coverage.
An Addressable Loop-Powered Wall Sounder Beacon, featuring an integral beacon within the horn which utilises high intensity LED technology. Available in Red or White case with either Red or White LEDs (four variants). The CHQ-WSB2 requires one of the following special bases; YBO-R/3 (RED), YBO-R/SCI (RED), or YBO-R/SCI(WHT-SNDR).
Model YBO-BSB2 is an addressable loop powered Base Sounder with integral Beacon, innovatively designed to give a range of tones and volumes with a maximum output of up to 98 dB (A) (±2dB (A)) with low current consumption. The unit is designed to fit to the Standard Base (YBN-R/3) or the Isolator Base YBN-R/3(SCI) and can be fitted with any of the ESP Range of Sensors, Beacons or remote Indicators. The unit can also be converted into a wall sounder beacon with the simple addition of a Cap (SI/CAP2). The sounder is Ingress Protection rated to IP21 and for internal use only.
Examples of our Conventional VADs.
A range of Conventional Beacons, which can be used as wall or ceiling devices. All variants feature high output LEDs, advanced optics and an innovative lens design, providing outstanding omni-directional light coverage at low current draw. Coverage volumes include 194m3 and 92m3 (wall mounted at 2.4m) between 208m3 and 638m3 (celling mounted between 3m and 9m). The range includes 8 variants, which are determined by case colour (red or white), LED colour (red or white) and black box standard or weatherproof (IP65)).
