What is a Fire Alarm Horn Strobe? Why should you use a fire alarm horn strobe instead of two separate devices?

In today’s fire protection infrastructure, delivering fast and accurate warning signals to everyone in a building is the key to minimizing casualties. Instead of using separate notification devices, the Fire Alarm Horn Strobe has become the preferred choice for engineers and developers. This article provides a detailed analysis of its construction, operating principles, and why this “2-in-1” device is superior to traditional methods.

What is a Fire Alarm Horn Strobe?

Definition of Fire Alarm Horn Strobe

A Fire Alarm Horn Strobe is a peripheral notification appliance that integrates multi-modal warning methods. It combines a high-intensity audible sounder (Horn) and a powerful visual flashing signal (Strobe) within a single housing.

The core purpose of this integration is to create a comprehensive warning system, ensuring that the emergency message reaches:

• General occupants: Alerted via both sound and light.
• Hearing-impaired individuals: Alerted via the flashing Strobe.
• Visually-impaired individuals: Alerted via the audible Horn.
• High-noise environments: Where visual flashes act as the primary signal when sound is drowned out by machinery.

Technical Construction of Fire Alarm Horn Strobe

The device is engineered for durability in harsh conditions with a four-part structure:

1. Audible Component (Horn): Utilizes electronic speakers or piezoelectric diaphragms. It offers selectable tones (steady, warble, or temporal) with intensity typically ranging from 75dB to 110dB at 10 feet.
2. Visual Component (Strobe): Traditionally used Xenon bulbs, but high-end brands like Mircom have shifted to LED technology. Light output is measured in Candelas (cd), typically from 15cd to 185cd, with a flash rate of approximately 1Hz to avoid triggering seizures while remaining highly visible.
3. Control PCB: Contains reverse polarity protection, noise filters, and jumpers/switches that allow technicians to set sound levels or light intensity to match the room’s dimensions.
4. Protective Housing: Usually molded from flame-retardant Polycarbonate or ABS (UL94-V0). Outdoor models are rated IP65 or NEMA 4X for water and dust resistance.

Operating Principle of Fire Alarm Horn Strobe

When the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) detects an incident, it provides 24V DC power (for conventional systems) or sends a data command (for addressable systems) to the device. Immediately, the internal circuitry activates the flash trigger for the strobe and the sound oscillator for the horn. The device operates continuously until it receives a “Silence” or “Reset” command from the control panel.

Why Use a Horn Strobe Instead of Two Separate Devices?

The shift from separate installations to integrated units is driven by both technical and economic benefits:

Reduced Total Investment Cost

While the unit price of a horn strobe might be higher than a single horn, the total cost of (1 Horn + 1 Strobe) plus separate mounting hardware is typically 15-20% more expensive than an integrated unit.

Optimized Wiring and Installation

This is the biggest advantage for contractors:

• Material Savings: Reduces the number of back boxes, conduits, and signal cables by 50%.
• Faster Installation: Technicians only need to wire a single point, accelerating project completion.
• Space Saving: Walls and ceilings remain clean and professional without cluttered devices.

Absolute Signal Synchronization

In emergencies, consistency is vital. Integrated devices ensure that sound and light are emitted in the same rhythm, reducing information confusion and improving human reaction times.

International Compliance

Safety organizations such as NFPA (USA) or EN54 (Europe) now encourage or mandate the use of both audible and visual signals in public areas. Using integrated devices makes it easier to pass fire safety inspections.

Leading Brands in the Industry of Fire Alarm Horn Strobe

Mircom (Canada) – The Peak of LED Technology and North American Reliability

Mircom is a global leader in life safety equipment, renowned for its innovative application of LED technology in notification systems.

• Breakthrough LED Technology: Mircom pioneered the replacement of traditional Xenon bulbs with LEDs. This reduces current draw by up to 50%, allowing engineers to install more devices on a single loop without voltage drop issues.
• FHS-400 Series (New Generation):
  • Ultra-Slim Design: Enhances the aesthetics of modern projects like Grade A offices and 5-star hotels.
  • Flexible Customization: Allows on-site adjustment of Candela settings (15, 30, 75, 110, 150, 185) via a simple slide switch.
  • FHS-400-WP: Weatherproof version rated NEMA 4X, perfect for outdoor rain or dusty industrial environments.
• Global Quality Certification: All Mircom products are UL/ULC listed, ensuring precision in the most extreme conditions. This is the gold standard for projects involving FDI or national key infrastructure.

Popular Brands (GST, Hochiki, Horing)

• GST: Widely used in Asia for its affordability, suitable for small factories and mid-range residential buildings.
• Hochiki / Horing: Japanese and Taiwanese brands providing stable solutions with readily available replacement parts at reasonable costs.

High-End Systems (Notifier, Siemens, System Sensor)

• System Sensor (Honeywell): Famous for the durable SpectrAlert Advance series.
• Notifier / Siemens: Typically integrated with smart addressable systems in large-scale projects like airports, Data Centers, or oil refineries.

Servo Dynamics Engineering: Authorized Distributor of Mircomin Viet Nam 

Choosing fire safety equipment is not just about the brand; it is about the provider. Servo Dynamics Engineering (SDE) is proud to be the official authorized distributor of Mircom in Vietnam.

By choosing our solutions, customers receive:

1. International Standard Products: 100% genuine imports from Canada with full CO/CQ certification.
2. In-depth Technical Consulting: Our engineers assist with voltage drop calculations and layout planning to ensure perfect system operation.
3. Competitive Pricing: As a direct distributor, SDE offers the best rates for dealers and subcontractors.
4. Fast Warranty Support: Local stock is available for quick replacements, ensuring no interruption to your building’s safety.

Don’t leave your safety to chance with low-quality equipment.

Contact Servo Dynamics Engineering today for the best quote on Fire Alarm Horn Strobes!