Find Pfannenberg’s Gas Detection Audible and Visual Alarms at IIAR Natural Refrigeration Conference & Heavy Equipment Expo 2023

Pfannenberg to Showcase Fixed Gas Detection Audible and Visual Alarms at IIAR Natural Refrigeration Expo 2023

 

Meet Us at Booth #756 to learn more about our solutions

IIAR March 12-15 Long Beach, CA

Pfannenberg will highlight our combined visual-audible signaling products at the upcoming IIAR Natural Refrigeration Conference & Heavy Equipment Expo March 12-15, 2023 at the Long Beach Convention Center. As the industry expert in ammonia gas detection alarming, we produce visual alarms, audible alarms, and combined devices. Our signaling devices are industry leaders in quality, safety, and robustness for proper ammonia coolant system design under IIAR-2A standards.

Ammonia gas leaks can be both dangerous and deadly. Ammonia leaks continue to rise due to:

  • the increased use of natural refrigerants over fluorinated gas counterparts, and
  • population growth, which increases the need for cold storage. In the face of this increased risk to worker safety, the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) has updated its standards for the safest regulation of this dangerous gas.

As of 2021, IFC refrigeration systems that use ammonia refrigerant, along with the buildings where they are used, must comply with IIAR2 for system design and installation, IIAR-6 for maintenance and inspection, and IIAR-7 for operating procedures. Though these standards help ensure safety and efficacy, guidelines for selecting the correct audible and visual alarms can be buried deep within this regulatory code and, accordingly, these standards can be difficult to adhere to.

Pfannenberg offers an effective approach to product selection, one that assists the customer in choosing the correct signaling device based on the conditions of the area where ammonia is present. This approach, known as Signaling 3D-Coverage, ensures that the workers can hear and see an alarm when it is activated, no matter where they are when ammonia is present.

Pfannenberg specifically seeks to foreground the durable PATROL PA X Series Audible and Visual Alarms, the ideal solution for alarm applications for adverse environmental conditions like high ambient noise levels or bright surroundings. The PATROL PA X Series Audible and Visual alarms range from 105 dB to 122 dB in sound output. The PA X Series is easy to install making it extremely safe. It also boasts extremely high efficiency and good penetration of acoustical obstacles, which significantly reduces the required number of sounders for a location. The alarms feature 80 tones and a 5-15J Xenon Strobe.

 

The updated IIAR-2A regulations harmonize with Pfannenberg’s cutting-edge methods for selecting proper signaling devices, such as the PA X PATROL Series Alarms. In light of the incredibly high risks of ammonia leaks, this combined effort can save lives.

 

 

Visit Pfannenberg at booth #756!

 

Download Pfannenberg’s Ammonia Gas Detection Whitepaper to learn more!

 

How to Increase Your Workers Safety with Proper Signaling?

Initially published in “Workplace Material Handling & Safety” Magazine.
September 2019 Issue

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Safety in the workplace is only as good as the systems and measures in place to keep it that way. But, let’s face it, sometimes things do go awry. When that happens, it’s important to have a signaling system in place warn and alert workers to nearby dangers. We talked to Pfannenberg Signaling about the importance of proper signaling devices for any occasion.

Here’s what Jake Vernon, Product Specialist-Audible & Visual Signaling, Pfannenberg Sales, had to say about the importance of proper signaling:

 

HOW DO SIGNALING SYSTEMS ENSURE BETTER WORKER SAFETY?

Unheard, unseen or confusing alarms can have serious consequences in some situations, and specifications on paper do not always reflect how a signal will perform in the actual location. This is why Pfannenberg focuces on providing the best solution to effectively capture the attention of personnel, and it communicate the critical information of the nature of the alarm. If a signal device isn’t properly sized for the type of event that it’s communicating, there is a high likelihood that people can get severely hurt.

 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CATEGORIZE EVENTS?

An event, as it pertains to signaling, is defined as “something that happens which has a varying degree of importance.” Not any signaling devices can be used to communicate the varying levels of severity in each situation. You wouldn’t lift a 10-ton load with a 5-ton crane; the same concept is used when selecting signaling devices.

 

WHAT TYPES OF EVERYDAY CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRE AN ALARM/SIGNALING SYSTEM?

Signaling systems and devices are used to communicate a message of an event which is happening at that very moment. They can be broken down to three types of events:

  • Alarm – Used when immediate evacuation for emergency situations
  • Warn – Used to alert of nearby danger or critical process condition
  • Indication – Used to communicate the status of process or functioning conditions

WHAT TYPES OF HAZARDOUS INCIDENTS REQUIRE SUCH SYSTEMS?

Signals don’t always need to be in hazardous areas to warrant their existence, but to understand how critical the event is will help you determine which type of signal is needed.

 

WHICH SITUATIONS ARE BEST FOR VISUAL SIGNALS VERSES AUDIBLE? WHICH ENVIRONMENTS WARRANT USING BOTH?

Visual signals can be broken down into two categories, LED and Xenon flashing strobe. Audible signals come in the form of tones and the expansive reach of how far they can be heard.

  • Status or function conditions are best used with visual LED and Xenon strobe lights, this is best categorized as an Indication type event.
  •  Nearby danger or critical process conditions would best be used with Xenon strobe and/or audible signals. Audible signals in this area should be a minimum of 5-10dB above the operating sound pressure level. This would be a Warning type event.
  • Immediate evacuation of an area must be a combination of audible and visual to effectively communicate the danger of a life critical situation. This would be an Alarm type event.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT THE  SIGNALING DEVICES BE RUGGED OR BE ABLE TO WITHSTAND SEVERE CONDITIONS?

Effective communication of an event is only as good as the ability of the device to be able to relay that information to keep personnel safe. Pfannenberg offers sounders which are suitable for use both indoors and outdoors, and are adapted to all industrial requirements.

 

DO YOU OFFER A WARRANTY ON YOUR PRODUCTS?

Pfannenberg Signaling offers the North American leading 10-Year signaling warranty, no questions asked. Much of the reason for this was due to the art illumination project where we outfitted the Eiffel Tower with 20,000 flashing strobe lights, which needed to be maintenance- free for over 10 years. Much of the signaling landscape in the Americas carry a 2-5 year warranty, which separates the parts and labor.

 

WHAT MAKES YOUR SIGNALING DEVICES DIFFERENT FROM YOUR COMPETITION?

Pfannenberg’s 3-Dimensional signaling concept sets us apart from the competition through the three most critical areas needed when specifying the correct device:

  • Personnel Dimension – The location of the personnel with regards to the safety of being notified by a signaling device.
  • Spatial Dimension – Determining the area a specific device can cover based on conditions around the alarm (i.e. Decibel level, etc.)
  • Special Conditions – Unique factors in the surrounding environment which could affect the hearing or seeing of the alarm

The Spatial Dimension sets us apart from our competition due to the area each device can cover. Pfannenberg audible and visual signaling devices can cover a larger area per device, allowing for significant cost savings in total cost of ownership to the end-user.

 

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR COMPANIES LOOKING TO INCREASE SAFETY?

Make safety a priority! Signaling products that are effectively incorporated into your workplace can reduce risks of injury or death, and allow your personnel to leave work the same way they arrived.

Pfannenberg Installs Sounders at the Distribution Hub of One of the World’s Largest Online Retailers

Standard-compliant alarm system: 96 PATROL Sounders in a  100,000 sq ft. warehouse

Pfannenberg has equipped a distribution hub of one of the world’s leading online retailers with Audible Signaling Devices for emergency evacuation. Pfannenberg used its practice-based planning system “Pfannenberg 3D Coverage” to design an ideal signaling solution for a space covering more than 100,000 sq ft. with high bay racks and high ceilings.

 

3D Coverage for Audible Signaling Devices 

It is important to plan the emergency evacuation alarm system for a noisy and hectic environment such as that of a logistics center. Early and professional planning of the signaling devices is particularly important in order to ensure emergency evacuation alarms comply with standards in a cost-efficient manner. Despite high shelves and significant noise levels, the online retailer was able to implement a signaling solution with the help of a system integrator and the use of Pfannenberg’s 3D Coverage method to meet all relevant standards and ensure that every worker in this large logistics center is effectively alerted in case of an emergency. In addition, data-based planning ensured proper sizing of the emergency evacuation alarm system: An undersized system involves a high-risk potential while over sizing represents unnecessary costs.

“Current norms state that the sound generated by acoustic signaling devices must exceed the ambient noise level by 10 dB(A) at all times. This often makes it difficult for planners and alarm specialists to determine the number of devices required to provide an alert through large spaces that will comply with standards but at the same time are cost-effective. The information traditionally supplied on technical data sheets by many manufacturers however, don’t allow conclusions to be drawn about the actual product performance in a given space. 3D Coverage shows the actual product performance and helps to achieve a safe solution, select the right products and save costs through correct sizing.”

Safety through visible signaling area

The 3D Coverage planning method makes it possible to determine and design the signaling range actually covered by acoustic signaling devices in relation to the height, width and length of the space throughout which the signal is to be heard. With 3D Coverage integrated in Pfannenberg’s free “Pfannenberg Sizing Software” (PSS), the electrical engineering specialists succeeded in designing the optimal signaling solution. The software not only calculates individual values, but also provides a qualified recommendation for suitable signaling devices and their positioning.

Planning reliability and cost savings

The calculations showed that 96 sounders of the PATROL series were required to alarm the logistics center with an area of more than 100,000 sq ft. at a calculated noise level of 85 dB(A). Furthermore, the calculations showed that PATROL sounders with 120 dB(A), were the perfect solution for this application, being powerful enough for covering the necessary signaling range and allowing for a simple and time-saving installation. This significantly reduced the number of sounders required compared to similar models available on the market.

The 3D Coverage display method used provided reliable protection against incorrect sizing and allows for reliable compliance with industrial norms and regulations, and optimum cost efficiency. Thanks to intelligent planning, the online retailer was able to save material and servicing costs.

For more information please read our TECHNICAL REPORT.

Pfannenberg’s PATROL PA X 20 Series – Highly Effective Alarming for Loud Industrial Environments

In many industrial areas the of use for signaling devices is associated with adverse environmental conditions. In louder and wider surroundings (e.g high ceilings, crane operations…) a strong sounder combined with a flashing light can ensure your personnel safety.

PATROL PA X 20 – Strong 120 dB (A) Alarm Device

PATROL Flashing Sounder

Pfannenberg’s PATROL PA X 20 Flashing Sounders offer an enhanced level of signaling by combining strong visual and a 120 dB (A) audible alarms. Such devices are particularly well suited for environments with high ambient noise levels or when the use of hearing protection may hamper a sounder’s effectiveness.

These Flashing Sounders are equipped with Electromagnetic sound capsule technology which means that the acoustic signal includes a share of low frequency side bands for excellent sound penetration of walls and doors for highly effective alarming.

When do you need a PA X 20 Flashing Sounder?

Pfannenberg offers Industrial Sounders ranging from 100 to 120 dB (A). Our 120 dB (A) sounders are considered as “Highly Effective Alarming” and have been designed for Industries with loud ambient noise level (I.E. Steel mills, shop factory floor, etc…).

Knowing that every 3dB is a doubling of sound intensity, the difference between a 100 and a 120 dB (A) sounder is huge and need to be taken into consideration when planning an alarm system. 

For a same Ambient Noise Level, a 120 dB Signaling Device will not offer only 20% more coverage than a 100 dB one but a lot wider area.

EXAMPLE:

The following diagram shows the real coverage (the area in which the required sound pressure level is achieved ) of Pfannenberg sounders with a specific ambient noise level:

> 80 dB Sound Pressure Required
> 70 dB Ambiant noise 
(plus 10 dB offset)

This diagram clearly shows that, for this specific environment, a 120 dB sounder (PA 20) will offer a 10 times better coverage (100 m) than a 100 dB sounder (PA 5 – 10 m).

In this example, the 120 dB(A) sounder performance is immediately apparent and allows to define how much devices are required based on the area to cover.

PA X 20 Flashing Sounder Specifications

Pfannenberg’s  Flashing Sounders are designed as integrated flashing sounders, rather than combining a sounder with a bolted-on flashing light. The lens cover is large, highly visible, and available in a variety of colors. The xenon strobe flash tube contains no filament to break and is secured by a steel clamp to further protect it from abuse. Users can choose from a wide selection of acoustic tones which are electronically self-generated – and since there are no moving parts, the device’s reliability is enhanced for critical applications. The housing is manufactured from a UV-resistant and flame-retardant polycarbonate/ABS blend and is offered in red or grey to meet application requirements and building decor.

Technical Data:

  • 120 dB (A) at 1 m SPL (nominal) with superior low frequency sound penetration
  • 80 alarm tones with 4 stages, selectable via internal DIP switch
  • 1 Hz single flash xenon strobe, 15 Joules
  • Internal volume control
  • IP 66 PC/ABS blend housing
  • Light is pre-wired to a common terminal strip for ease of installation
  • 10.6″ (270 mm) h x 8.4″ (214 mm) w x 7.1″ (181 mm) d

Coverage area for Required Sound Levels of 80, 85 and 90 dB (A) and clear lens:

These figures shown are mainly for a quick orientation. For an individual and precise interpretation please use  PFANNENBERG SIZING SOFTWARE (PSS)


Pfannenberg is proud to increase Industrial Safety with its robust, field-proven, visual and audible signaling devices for alarm, warning, and indication. Our business philosophy – Protection for man, machine and the environment.

Click here to learn more about our Signaling Solutions!

Pfannenberg 3D Coverage – When Alarm notification Planning Becomes Easier and more Reliable

A Holistic Approach to Alarm Notification Planning

With Pfannenberg’s 3D-Coverage approach, the design of alarm and warning notification systems becomes easier and more reliable. The methodology takes advantage of effective performance in a given space rather than relying solely on nominal output data presented in typical specifications.

The goal of 3D-Coverage is to provide a visual representation of the effective range of the signaling device, lending justification to its successful implementation in the defined space. This valuable approach helps planners define alarm systems which guarantee effective safety warnings to personnel.


Pfannenberg shows what Signaling Devices can Achieve

The information traditionally found in technical data sheets does not allow any conclusions to be drawn about the actual performance of a product in a given space. In an innovative approach, 3D-Coverage provides designers and safety officers with information about the size of the area effectively covered by a signaling device.

Perceptibility Counts

The major benefit of 3D-Coverage is that it takes factors such as ambient noise level and light intensity into account, focusing on the extent to which signals can be guaranteed to be heard and seen – an essential requirement for safe signaling solutions.

Ideal Sizing

By utilizing the 3D-Coverage concept, properly sized signaling devices are specified to ensure safety to personnel under the ambient conditions present – often leading to the most cost-efficient system in terms of number of units and installation expenses.


The differences in actual performance

3D-Coverage reveals the differences in actual performance which previously were not detected until it was too late. A frequent reason for dangerous under-sizing is the assumption that sounders of the same performance class have identical transmission characteristics in a given space. The adjacent diagram shows how very different the effective performance can actually be

Why Pfannenberg Signaling devices are better

The performance of many sounder designs focuses on their capability in the axial (forward) direction, while inadequate output levels in the radial direction (side and downwards) is often overlooked. With the optimized design of Pfannenberg sounders, the sound propagation is distributed over a wider area in all directions.

Contact us for more information!

 


Example: Spatial Performance for Audible Notification

The perception of acoustic signaling devices is determined by many factors. In particular, ambient noise and the use of hearing protection must be taken into account. 3D-Coverage shows why.

 

Ambient Noise can influence Safety

Whether or not the audible signal from a sounder is successfully perceived is not just dependent on the output sound level generated and technology used to create the alarm signal. Ambient noise levels and sounder placement location are crucial elements that should not be overlooked.

The adjacent example illustrates the effect on coverage volume of an 100 dB(A) audible signaling device due to a 10 dB(A) change in ambient noise level. Increasing from 75 dB(A) to 85 dB(A) shows that the warning signal will not be successfully perceived.

The 3D-Coverage values show that the effective covered area is significantly reduced when the ambient noise level rises. If the alarm system designer does not take all aspects into consideration, the consequences can spell danger for people in the surrounding area.


Effective Coverage – Guaranteed

Every aspect of the alarm system design process is susceptible to errors. Incomplete system requirements, inattention to environmental factors, insufficient product specifications, and lack of actual signal coverage dimensions can all contribute to an inadequate safety mechanism. The 3D-Coverage approach planners users avoid errors and achieve the optimum solution.

1. Defining Requirements

Various standards and codes are in force which influences the planning of signaling solutions. However, many of them are merely superficial.

For example, the EU Machine Directive stipulates that machinery manufacturers must put in place suitable measures to minimize the risks of operating the machinery – but if signaling is a potential solution, there are no defined requirements for the performance of such devices. Since the machinery builder is responsible for mitigating operational risks, it is imperative to utilize signaling devices which offer sufficient effective coverage to operators and nearby personnel.

The 3D-Coverage approach gives them the answers needed to deploy adequate signaling to ensure that warning signals are perceived. With fire alarm systems, performance requirements for signaling devices have been formulated. To ensure adequate alarm perception, EU directives such as EN 54-23 require that ambient conditions within the space in which the signal is to be heard or seen are taken into consideration. Utilizing the 3D-Coverage approach, planners and system designers are not only assured of adequate notification appliance performance since they can also gain confidence in designing the most cost-effective solution.

2. Taking Environmental Conditions Into Account

Many harmful situations, including fire and gas leaks, chemical spills, machinery hazards, moving equipment dangers, and other workplace safety concerns can be effectively mitigated only when signaling systems are properly designed. An examination of the space to be protected produces vital information that must not be overlooked when planning for safety.

Where are people situated? What environmental influences and risks are they exposed to? What are the particular features of the building? It is essential that these issues be considered at the planning stage in order to ensure the safety of all personnel within the space in which the alarm signal must be seen and heard.

Unfortunately, in many circumstances, the environmental conditions surrounding the application are not thoroughly examined or understood. For example, an ambient noise level that is assumed to be lower than it actually is will inevitably result in signal tones that are difficult to hear or cannot heard at all.

When the 3D-Coverage approach is utilized, environmental factors are taken into consideration at the very start of the planning process. Not only does this represent a more cost-effective procedure, but more vitally, the resultant system design is safer for personnel and guaranteed to meet with final approvals.

3. Comparing Product Information

Information supplied on technical data sheets alone often results in unrealistic assumptions about the actual performance of signaling devices. Details such as the transmission distance and coverage envelope must be obtained if they are to be taken into consideration when planning alarm systems.

For the 3D-Coverage approach, Pfannenberg supplies transparent and unambiguous information about the performance of a product in a given space, taking into account defined environmental conditions

4. Ensuring Optimal Sizing

It is only when all factors, such as environmental influences, local codes and requirements, and true overall performance of the signaling devices to be used are understood, that a properly sized and effective alarm notification system can be designed.

Possible consequences of inappropriately designed signaling systems include under-sizing, over-sizing, safety to personnel, cost overruns, system non-acceptance, and loss of machinery and assets.

Under-sizing, or using too few or less-capable devices, can be the result of relying solely on published specifications for notification appliances and not taking environmental conditions into account. This can lead to a safety risk or non-acceptance of the system by the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). When re-designs are mandated, costs will increase.

Over-sizing, or using too many devices, can unnecessarily raise costs for materials, installation labor, and maintenance. A holistic approach at the planning stage is the only way to ensure effective alarm notification, safety, and design efficiency. With 3D-Coverage, Pfannenberg emerges as the logical choice for helping planners and system designer fulfill these requirements.


The Advantages

3D-Coverage offers transparency in an area where incorrect assumptions and ambiguous performance values can have dangerous consequences. Because it delivers explicit data, 3D-Coverage provides certainty for those involved in creating signaling systems and safety for personnel who occupy spaces in which these systems are used.

Clear information about the coverage volume
3D-Coverage focuses on how signals are perceived in a given space. For example, by aking ambient noise into account, 3D-Coverage offers reliable data about the effective coverage area provided by an audible notification appliance.

The ideal solution for safety signaling
With explicit information about the effective coverage volume, 3D-Coverage provides maximum reliability in both the type and quantity of visual and audible signaling devices selected for alarm systems.

Confidence in design, costing, and acceptance
With 3D-Coverage, the optimum signaling systems are assured, leading to immediate acceptance and avoidance of potentially costly redesigns.

Prevents incorrect sizing
Using 3D-Coverage, system planners and designers are assured of using the proper number and type of signaling devices that are needed in order to safely warn personnel of dangers in the entire notification space.

Getting it right the first time
When systems are properly designed from the beginning, unforeseen and costly redesigns and delays are avoided. 3D-Coverage ensures that projects are properly designed.

Protecting man, machine and the environment
The safety of personnel and operating systems are crucial to the success of any organisation. 3D-Coverage makes it easy to be certain that protection systems are effective and efficient.

Contact us for more information!

Pfannenberg Quadro-LED-Hi : New Multifunctional Light for Industrial Applications

The NEW Quadro-LED-Hi visual alarm device is used to notify of hazardous situations and to indicate the status or fill level of machines and systems. Possible application areas include the operation of industrial machines and systems, building safety and controlling traffic on factory premises. The optical signals of the lights are created with LEDs delivering a high level of luminous efficiency.

Thanks to robust mechanical construction and categorization in high protection classes (IP 66, IP 67 and IK08), the Quadro-LED-Hi is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Modular in design and multi-functional, these visual alarms are cost-effective, versatile and powerful signaling solutions.

“The Quadro-LED-Hi has everything an industrial light needs: not only a high light intensity but also wide coverage area thanks to its well-thought-out design. Furthermore, it is extremely robust. Neither aggressive environmental conditions nor driving rain, or condensation can effect its performance. With many functions and combination options, industrial companies can cover a wide range of applications with one flexible lighting solution which can be adapted to their requirements,” says Carsten Hippler, Signaling Product Sales Manager at Pfannenberg.

Powerful signaling

The luminosity of the Quadro-LED-Hi can be adjusted up to 75 cd. However, luminosity is not a sufficient measure of the effectiveness of a signaling device.

The actual coverage area under real environmental conditions is much more decisive and this has been shown for the first time with Pfannenberg’s 3D Coverage Approach. This takes account of factors such as the type of alert and the positioning of the device.

This method indicates that, used with a clear cover, the signaling coverage of the Quadro-LED-Hi is as follows (width/height/depth):

  • Information applications – 49.5 m x 47.5 m x 36 m
  • Warning applications – 22 m x 21 m x 16 m
  • Alerting applications 11 m x 10.5 m x 8 m

Versatile in use

Users can adjust the operating modes of the LED light at any time within a flexible range of options: continuous blinking frequencies at 1 Hz /2 Hz and flashing frequencies at 0.1Hz / 0.5 Hz / 0.75 Hz / 1 Hz /2 Hz. The Quadro-LED-Hi is even more versatile used with a multi-voltage power pack. There is a 24 V variant with a functional range of 11 V to 60 V (DC) and a 230 V variant with a functional range of 90 V to 253 V (AC) at 50/60 Hz. The lights are also equipped with an inrush current limiter. The Quadro-LED-Hi is designed for ambient temperatures ranging from –40 °F to +130 °F.


Pfannenberg industrial alarms with visual and audible notifications come with a standard 10-Year Warranty, guaranteed in protecting man, machine, and the environment.

Click here to learn more about Signaling Technology and Solutions!