Notifier's Exit Point ... smart systems.
Notifier introduces smart alert systems
01 April 2005
Notifier, a world leader in commercial fire alarm technology, has introduced an audible exit sign that the company says could potentially reduce evacuation times by up to 75 per cent.
“Onyx ExitPoint goes much further than just marking exits. It is a new technology for guided egress through directional sound,” says a company spokesman. “Onyx’s ExitPoint audible exit technology, the company’s latest advancement in life safety technology, improves building evacuation substantially – preventing injuries and saving lives.
Onyx ExitPoint that is installed near building exits or along egress routes is a compact speaker that produces broadband noise that acts as an audible “Exit” sign. The system is triggered by the building’s fire alarm control panel alerting building occupants to the location of the nearest exit using directional sound – a completely new technology in fire safety.
Currently all types of exit markings such as emergency lighting, signage, and photo luminescent guidance strips are visual in nature. However, visual aids can easily be obstructed by smoke and can be difficult to find in crowded areas such as airports and shopping malls. Also visual markings are passive, so people have to find them. They do nothing to actively assist evacuation, the spokesman points out.
Through its “interactive guidance”, Onyx ExitPoint generates noise at all frequencies across the human hearing range and this source of broadband, directional sound can be easily located by the ear. The varying tones and intensities provide distinctive directional cues and do not conflict with traditional notification devices such as horns or bells. Onyx ExitPoint emits four different field selectable sound pulse patterns used to create an egress pathway out of a building and mark perimeter exits, defining an immediate escape route even when visibility is impaired. Additional pulse patterns can be added to alert building occupants that they are approaching a stairway and need to proceed either up or down.
Part of Honeywell’s Fire Group, Notifier is headquartered in Northford, Connecticut, where it operates in a 302,000 sq ft state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
Honeywell International is a $25 billion diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials.
- Belle adds new roller to product line
- Notifier introduces smart alert systems
- Weinig to unveil innovations at expo
