Sleeping just got a little more sound

Low frequency sounders

Building upon nearly a century of expertise in the delivery of life safety notification appliances, Eaton offers several solutions, Eluxa low frequency sounders, our latest solution, Exceder LED3 low frequency sounders, and SAFEPATH systems that enable motels, hotels, universities, and apartments to effectively awaken guests and residents in the event of a fire or CO detection, all while meeting the latest codes.

5 things you should know about 520 Hz requirements

Codes for sleeping rooms

According to a US Fire Administration study, researchers found that 50% of residential fire fatalities occur when people are sleeping, between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Across a range of populations (children, young adults, older adults, alcohol impaired adults, and adults who are hard of hearing), the Fire Protection and Research Foundation found low frequency tones (520 Hz) to be more effective in awakening individuals than the current fire alarm signals. Thus, audible appliances provided in sleeping areas are now required to produce different low frequency alarm signals – T3 for fire and T4 for Carbon Monoxide (CO) detection.

Review NFPA codes

Wheelock Exceder LED3 low-frequency sounders and sounder strobes center view

Most fire alarm and smoke alarm tones use sounders that produce high frequency tones on the order of 3150 Hz. That frequency band is also the one at which most adults experience hearing loss. The research project has shown that a low frequency 520 Hz signal can awaken and alert people with hearing loss and alcohol-impaired adults.

NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm & Signalling Code, 2019

Want to learn more about low frequency sounders?

Exceder LED3 low frequency sounders

In a single device, Exceder LED3 low frequency sounders can provide alarm signals for dual applications – T3 (Fire) and T4 (CO) tones. Low (110) and high (177) candela models are available to meet NFPA sleeping room requirements for both retrofits and new construction.

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We chose the Wheelock Exceder LED low frequency sounders since it meets both codes with one device.

Dennis Dooley, President, PowerComm Systems

SAFEPATH in-building emergency communications system

For applications requiring verbal communications, Eaton’s SAFEPATH system is designed to provide low-frequency tones, followed by voice instructions with clear, intelligible messages to help ensure that the complete message will be understood in order to direct people to safety.
When packaged together with SAFEPATH audio boosters and Wheelock speakers, Eaton’s SAFEPATH SP40S provides a complete solution, approved for sounding 520 Hertz (Hz) low frequency tones in sleeping room accommodation.

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eLearning course

In this course, you will learn about low frequency sounder codes for both NFPA 72 for fire signals and NFPA 720 for Carbon Monoxide (CO) signals – as it relates to sleeping room applications. Additionally, you will understand different applications for sleeping rooms, solutions available and elements of system design.

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Case study

Read how one integrator installed Eaton’s Exceder LED frequency sounders at the Apartments of Remington Pond, Warwick, RI to meet the NFPA sleeping room codes, including challenges, solution and results.