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!

PYRA® Flashing Strobe Lights & Sounders – Bright Versatile Alarms that Installs Anywhere

Pfannenberg range of PYRA® Flashing Strobe Lights and Sounders are the best solution for many applications worldwide. Due to the large signaling coverage provided by Pfannenberg’s alarms, the amount of signaling devices required is significantly reduced. This supports an application that is economical while ensuring industrial safety.

Pfannenberg range of PYRA® Flashing Strobe Lights and Sounders offers:

  • Visible field of 180° x 360°
  • Surface or flush/panel installation
  • Extremely robust enclosure for any outdoor and indoor applications
  • Mounting atop metal conduit with standard 1/2 NPT compression fitting

Extremely Bright Strobe Lights

Signaling devices with XENON technology, such as Pfannenberg’s PYRA® series (PYRA® X-SPYRA® X-M and PYRA® X-L), as a rule cover a wider area than comparable products with different technologies and installation locations. Flashing beacons utilize glass tubes filled with xenon gas to produce a bright flash of light when energized.

A typical flash rate is once per second – but this can vary by device. Units with multiple flash capability offer a variety of flash sequences and rates.

Ranging from 5 to 15 Joules, the PYRA® flashing lights belong to a new generation of powerful signaling devices which are convincing because of many advantageous product features.

For example:

PYRA–M Flashing Strobes (5 or 10 Joules)

These devices have a ratio between the signaling range and the power consumption which is more than twice as good as that of LED-based lights.

PYRA flashing light sounder

These devices reach a huge visual 3D-coverage area, which is more than double that of the 10 Joule flashing light.

Modern Alarms for Industrial Hazards

Pfannenberg’s PYRA visual and acoustic signaling devices can easily be installed on existing systems. Satisfying numerous alarm, warning, and indication requirements, including: machinery operating status, process monitoring, system startup, and building or area evacuation due to fire, toxic gas leak, spills, or intruder alert. These devices offer extensive certifications including UL and CE in support of worldwide requirements. They also include a standard 10-Year Warranty, guaranteed to protect man, machine and the environment.

 

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 Offers Vibration-Resistant, Shockproof Flashing Lights & Sounders

Pfannenberg’s PATROL, PYRA and DS series Flashing Lights and Sounders meet the highest standards in terms of impact and vibration-resistance in a range of different protection classes. These devices have passed vibration tests conducted under DNV-GL guidelines. DNV-GL certification assures the operators of our signaling devices that they are of the highest quality and reliability.


Product Advantages

Outstanding impact and vibration-resistance
Our DNV-GL-certified signaling devices are impervious to vibration, jarring and impact. Their PCB components are attached very firmly to prevent damage from vibration. Furthermore, they are fitted with metal brackets which absorb or attenuate oscillation and vibration.

Higher resistance to impact and shock
In heavy industry or logistics, for example, signaling devices are exposed to particularly high levels of mechanical stress. For applications in these and other challenging areas, we offer DNV-GL certified signaling devices which also have IK08 protection classification. Even without a protective cage, they resist high levels of mechanical stress and are guaranteed to function reliably at all times.

Dust and water resistant, UV-stable, heat tolerant and frost proofed
Many of our DNV-GL-certified signaling devices are equipped with other features such as aluminum housing and have high protection classifications such as IP 66 or IP 67 which means that they are impervious to strong jets of water and short periods of immersion in water and to aggressive media. All this qualifies them for use in particularly challenging conditions.

Easy and safe planning: Pfannenberg Sizing Software PSS
Our Pfannenberg Sizing Software (PSS) is a cost-free and very user-friendly tool which delivers an immediate and informed recommendation on devices, avoiding expensive over-specification and risky under-specification at the planning stage or in a review of the configuration.

Immediately see device performance for a given space: Pfannenberg 3D Coverage
Our signaling devices are outstandingly efficient. The 3D-Coverage planning method along with the Pfannenberg Sizing Software provides reliable values for the length, width and height of the area guaranteed to be covered by the signal in relation to different environmental conditions.


Application Examples

Automotive Industry (production conveyors, painting lines, engine test benches…)

PATROL Flashing sounders
Visual-audible signaling devices for start-up warnings and malfunction indicators. Highly effective with optimized sound emission and Xenon technology. The light intensity adjusts to any sound level. 10 year guarantee.


Packaging (conveyors, sorting and filling systems, packaging systems…)

DS Series Sounders
Robust signaling devices with die-cast aluminum housing for start-up warnings and reliable indication of malfunctions with a particularly high level of ambient noise. 32 selectable basic tones, 10 year guarantee.


Mechanical Engineering (printing and paper, processing machines, machine tools…)

PYRA Flashing Lights
Xenon technology for high light intensity and excellent perception even of blue light signals to indicate material supply status. Impact resistant and dust proof housing. 10 year guarantee.


Logistics (loading ramps, moveable racks, distribution centers, traffic control…)

DS Series Sounders
Multipurpose hazard warning for use in tough indoor and outdoor environments. Cold resistant, suitable for temperature alerts in cold stores. Very good penetration of acoustic barriers such as walls and doors. 10 year guarantee.


Docks / Shipyards / Ships ( on board, loading cranes, harbor facilities… )

PATROL Flashing Sounders
Visual-audible signaling devices for warning of gas or fire alerts on board ship. Extremely broad spectrum of frequencies for very good penetration of acoustic barriers such as walls and doors. Tones for every area of application in any country. 10 year guarantee.


Bulk Goods (silos, belt and conveyors, bulk containers, sorting and cleaning systems…)

PATROL Sounders
Powerful audible signaling devices with impact resistant, dust-proof housing with protection from strong jets of water. Extremely broad spectrum of frequencies for excellent penetration of acoustic barriers such as walls and doors. 10 year guarantee.


Download our new brochure to see more application examples

Pfannenberg’s Visual and Audible Signaling Devices prove their quality through the most stringent testing and under the harshest conditions presented by everyday operations in industry.

Pfannenberg offers a wide range of DNV-GL-certified signaling devices to offer companies in every sector of industry greater protection for man, machine and the environment.

Topics: Industrial Safety & Signaling Solutions, Maritime Alarms, Marine Alarms, Alarms

Pfannenberg Industrial Alarms light up your Valentine’s Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day from Pfannenberg!

To celebrate Valentine’s Day our engineering and marketing teams collaborated to create this fun light up heart display using our BR 50 Signal Towers (stack lights) Check out the video here. Our signaling solutions help to protect you and your loved ones.

>> Click here to learn more about our Visual and Audible Signaling Devices!


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

Topics: Industrial Safety & Signaling SolutionsAlarms

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!