Definition
Fire Alarm Sounder
A fire alarm sounder is an audible warning device that activates when the fire alarm control panel receives an alarm signal, alerting occupants to evacuate. Under BS 5839-1, sounders must achieve a minimum 65 dB(A) at any sleeping position, or 5 dB above prevailing background noise, and must be positioned so that no part of the premises is outside their effective range.
Terms mentioned in this definition
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View training courseRelevant UK Standards & Legislation
- BS 5839-1:2017Governs sounder positioning, output levels, and coverage requirements
- BS EN 54-3Fire alarm sounders — product performance standard
- BS EN 54-23Visual alarm devices — requirements for sounder beacons used where hearing impairment is a concern
Related Terms
- Fire Alarm Control PanelFire Alarm SystemsA fire alarm control panel (FACP) is the central processing unit of a fire alarm system, receiving signals from detectors and manual call points, triggering sounders, and indicating the zone or device address of an alarm or fault. It must be installed, commissioned, and maintained by a competent engineer in accordance with BS 5839-1:2017, and must be accessible to the fire and rescue service on arrival.View definition
- Manual Call PointFire Alarm SystemsA manual call point (MCP) is a fire alarm device that enables a person to raise the alarm manually by breaking a frangible element or pressing a button. Under BS 5839, call points must be sited at a maximum travel distance of 45 metres on every escape route, and each installed call point must be included in a regular weekly test rotation to confirm operability.View definition
- Addressable Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm SystemsAn addressable fire alarm system is a type of fire detection network in which every device — including detectors, call points, and sounders — is assigned a unique electronic address, enabling the fire alarm control panel to identify the exact location of an alarm or fault within a building.View definition
- BS 5839Fire Regulations & StandardsBS 5839 is the British Standard covering the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems in the UK. It is published by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and is divided into multiple parts, each covering specific building types or system components.View definition
Frequently Asked Questions
A fire alarm sounder is an audible warning device that activates when the fire alarm control panel receives an alarm signal, alerting occupants to evacuate. Under BS 5839-1, sounders must achieve a minimum 65 dB(A) at any sleeping position, or 5 dB above prevailing background noise, and must be positioned so that no part of the premises is outside their effective range.
Requirements for fire alarm sounder in the UK depend on the type of premises and applicable legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and relevant British Standards. The responsible person for a premises must ensure adequate fire safety provisions are in place. The British Fire Consortium can provide guidance — contact our team or search our member directory to find a qualified specialist.
Fire Alarm Sounder and Fire Alarm Control Panel are related fire safety concepts but serve different purposes. See our individual glossary entries for detailed definitions. For expert guidance on which applies to your premises, consult a BFC member company.
The British Fire Consortium offers EAL Level 3 accredited training covering fire safety systems including topics related to fire alarm sounder. Our courses are the only nationally recognised Level 3 qualifications across all fire disciplines. View our training courses or use the member directory to find a qualified trainer near you.