Reliably warning the public of imminent threats is our main concern. This is what HÖRMANN Warnsysteme with its expertise from over 65 years of development and production of sirens stands for. Our products alert populations around the world facing threats from tsunamis, flooding, fire, toxic substances or other disasters. Founded in 1955 by Dipl.-Ing. Hans Hörmann as a two-man operation, the first sirens laid the groundwork for today’s HÖRMANN Group with over 27 companies. Today, the range of products and services offered by HÖRMANN warning systems includes electronic sirens with associated control centre technology as well as the entire field of safety technology. Our experienced employees at the Stade site plan, install and maintain safety-related systems for customers from a wide range of industries and sectors.
HÖRMANN Warnsysteme is not just THE pioneer in the development of electronic sirens. Our experience combined with delivery of outstanding quality has made us the market leader. HÖRMANN “made in Germany” sirens have already been a reliable component of mass warning systems around the world for many years. Our strength is the planning, production, installation and maintenance of tailor-made siren systems of all sizes.
We have chosen Germany as the development and production location for our sirens. Long-standing customer relationships back up our claim of unrivalled quality and our creation of sustainable, innovative, resource-saving product concepts.
Our employees are experts in planning turnkey, cost-effective solutions – from individual sirens to national siren warning systems. Carefully selected, well-trained partners around the world enhance our extensive service network. This enables us to implement and maintain optimum warning systems at any location. As part of a strong group of companies, we will continue to use our innovative spirit and drive to create modern solutions that will help our customers reliably warn their populations in the face of disasters.
You have experience in planning and installation of electrotechnical systems or sirens and would like to become a partner? Please contact us via our contact form
Anna Hörmann has been Managing Director of HÖRMANN Warnsysteme GmbH since March 2022. Before joining her parents' group of companies as Head of Strategy for the entire group in 2018, she worked in management consulting. Anna Hörmann holds a master's degree in management and technology-oriented business administration from the TU Munich.
The companies of the HÖRMANN Group are always in the best strategic and logistical locations for our customers.
The interactive map shows the locations of HÖRMANN Warnsysteme GmbH in Germany.
Die Unternehmen der HÖRMANN Gruppe finden sich immer in strategisch und logistisch bester Lage für unsere Kunden.
Auf der interaktiven Karte sind der Sitz der HÖRMANN Warnsysteme GmbH in Deutschland zu sehen.
We measure our success based on customer satisfaction as they are our biggest advocates. Customer satisfaction is achieved through high-quality products and services. It is essential for the future prospects of our company and for securing jobs. Every employee at HÖRMANN Warnsysteme is required to make the highest quality standards the measure of their work. Flawless products and services are the foundation of how we operate.
We have also developed our own guidelines and targets with regard to sustainability, which include careful use of resources and the creation of sustainable products. With our quality management process based on ISO9001 and KTA1401, we ensure that both management and employees are committed to the framework conditions defined within these standards with regard to quality, environment, occupational safety, cost-effectiveness and health, and contribute to the continuous improvement of the system through active involvement. Management commits to providing the necessary resources and ensuring a safe working environment. Occupational health and safety takes priority over other corporate goals.
The aims of our quality policy:
As part of the HÖRMANN Group, an association of 27 companies with over 3000 employees, we are committed to the Group’s compliance guidelines.
We have also developed our own guidelines and targets with regard to sustainability, which include careful use of resources and the creation of sustainable products. Our strategy is driven by the vision of a society that uses available resources in an environmentally and economically responsible way and respects the rights of every individual.
The Compliance Guidelines of the HÖRMANN Group form the common framework for HÖRMANN Holding GmbH & Co. KG as well as its subsidiaries and associates.The Boards of Management of the subsidiaries and associates are obliged to implement these guidelines in their companies in such a way that they are binding. Every employee is obliged to know and comply with the relevant laws and regulations, including these Compliance Guidelines.
In this section you will find questions and answers on the subject of warning and alerting with sirens.
If your question is not listed here, or if you require further information, we will be happy to help you personally. You can reach us under Contact.
Why batteries make electronic sirens to the most reliable warning system describes this video.
The sound pressure level (SPL) is a logarithmic figure stated in decibels [dB] to describe the intensity of the sound. As the SPL is a technical figure, correlations to the perceived volume is only possible in part. To quantify the perceived volume, assessed sound pressure levels (A,B and C) are used. The A-assessment - dB(A), which is the most similar to the frequency response of the human ear, is therefore generally used for stating the SPL.
When the sound pressure level is raised by 10 dB, this is subjectively perceived as a doubling of the volume.
The alarm signals of the electronic sirens are generated by an electronic signal generator. These signals are transmitted via a pressure chamber loudspeaker in the siren horns. Theoretically it is possible to generate almost any signal tone and to transmit this via the sirens. The selection of the correct warning signal however is a decisive factor in a siren warning system.
One of the decisive advantages of the electronic sirens is the option that allows voice announcements to be made. As voice messages, stored or live, have a wider frequency range than siren signals, these can only be transmitted at a low volume. The audible range of a voice message is therefore usually lower than a siren signal.
With the spread of digital radio networks such as TETRA and DMR, these standards are increasingly replacing the classic analogue data radio.
In addition to a dedicated radio connection, control via a dedicated line is another widespread method. Furthermore, communication channels such as LAN, mobile radio or satellite are possible. Of course, the individual media can also be combined to increase the reliability of a system or to safely reach sirens in poorly connected areas.
Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and political uncertainty is also increasing worldwide. It has been shown in the past that sirens can reliably warn people of impending danger. Even in times when almost everyone uses the Internet and has a cell phone, there is no certainty of being reachable at all times and in all places. The alarm of an electronic siren is unambiguous. Digital electronic sirens, with their alarm function, are therefore the first means in the warning chain.
Countries whose coasts are threatened by tsunamis, earthquakes or flooding, for example, have often relied on sirens for years. As a result of the changed danger situation, the importance of the siren is also increasing significantly again in Germany. Siren networks are once again being modernized, expanded and rebuilt. The importance of the electronic outdoor siren issue is also reflected in the federal government's funding program, which has earmarked 80 million euros for the expansion of Germany's siren network. This sum is often supplemented by additional funding pots from the federal states.
Especially when an old electro-mechanical siren is replaced on site with an electronic siren, it is not uncommon for some people to think that the new system is quieter than before. But this is not the case. Electronic sirens such as the ECN or ECI models are even louder than an E57, for example. The only difference is the sound characteristic.
With an electro-mechanical siren, the sound first catches in the siren canopy, i.e. under the curved bonnet, and then spreads directly downwards (vertically) towards the ground. This has the effect that the siren is perceived as very loud in the immediate area, e.g. at the fire station on whose roof it is installed.
With the electronic siren, on the other hand, the horns are designed and arranged as sound emitters in such a way that the sound spreads primarily horizontally and only falls exponentially towards the ground from a radius of approx. 30 m. This means that people who are in the immediate vicinity of the siren will perceive it as very loud. People who are in the immediate vicinity of the siren therefore initially perceive the sound as not being as loud compared to the conventional motor siren.
The difference is therefore that the electronic siren achieves a higher sound range. This means that fewer sirens are needed to cover a given area. The positive side effect is also that people who are directly below an electronic siren are no longer exposed to a potential risk of hearing damage.
The following figures can be used to substantiate this:
Maximum sound pressure level at 1 m distance:
E 57 130.50 dB(A)/1 m
ECI 600-DT 138.50 dB(A)/1 m
ECI 1200-DT 144.50 dB(A)/1 m
Average sound pressure level at 30 m distance from siren (in built-up area)
E 57 101 dB(A)/1 m
ECI 600-DT 109 dB(A)/30 m
ECI 1200-DT 115 dB(A)/30 m
Average sound range (in built-up area)
E 57 approx. 450 m
ECI 600-DT approx. 550 m
ECI 1200-DT approx. 650 m
Here, 65-70 dB(A) is generally assumed to be the limit at which the average human ear can just perceive the siren signal, provided it is not drowned out by direct ambient noise, e.g. a passing truck.
Conclusion:
Especially when an old electro-mechanical siren is replaced on the spot with an electronic siren, it is not uncommon for some people to feel that the new system is now quieter than before.
Of course, it is also the sound of the electronic siren that differs from that of an electro-mechanical siren. The reason for this is that the wailing sound of an E57 is produced mechanically and that of an electronic siren is digitally modelled on it. However, the points listed clearly show that one must not be misled here.
The ECN electronic sirens are available in various output classes. They have a characteristic sound output of 109 dB(A), 115 dB(A), 118 dB(A), 121 dB(A), 123 dB(A) in 30 metres distance. When the sound output is higher, this usually means that greater ranges can be achieved taking the surrounding conditions and environmental influences into account.
The audible range of a siren depends on many influencing factors and cannot be calculated generally. A siren with a higher sound output always achieves a greater range than a type with less output power.
Decisive for the range is the height and type of the assembly site and the geography of the surroundings.
The ideal arrangement of the siren horns is when they stand at 180° to each other. The diffraction at the gap of the siren horns ensures omni-directional 360° sound propagation. This physical mechanism ensures that the sound also enters the acoustic shadow. From a physical point of view, the diffraction of the sound waves can be explained using the Van Huygen principle.
The horns of the ECN sirens were developed in consideration of physical laws and were subjected to extensive testing so that an optimum sound propagation is guaranteed.
Our electronic sirens are supplied as standard with a power supply of 230V/50Hz. Optionally, there are solutions for 110V/60Hz available.
When triggering a siren alarm, the required power needed to operate the amplifier is supplied by the batteries. The batteries are charged via the mains supply 230V (or 110V). The output consumption of an ECN siren is approx. 10 watt in standby mode, whilst the re-charging process of the batteries requires 150 Watt from the mains supply.
Mechanical sirens, respectively motor-driven sirens have been reliably fulfilled their purpose for many years in the areas of civil defense and to alert fire brigades. However, this type of siren is technologically outdated and prone to faults. The most serious disadvantage compared to modern electronic sirens is that an electromechanical siren (motor-driven siren) cannot be used to sound an alert in the event of a power failure as it can only be operated directly with three-phase current. Replacement increases the reliability and is the most economical solution in terms of running costs.
We at HÖRMANN Warnsysteme are pioneers in the development and manufacturing of sirens in both technical fields. Therefore we have configured a complete system with an electronic siren as an alternative to and replacement for the electromechanical siren; it is specially tailored to alerting fire services. With this system, we are offering a cost-effective, future-proof, “out-of-the-box” solution in line with the current state of the art. For mechanical or motor-driven sirens that are used for public warning or in industry, our experts can develop individual solutions based on modern, electronic sirens.
Your advantages:
Even after handing over the new warning system, we continue to support our customers from civil protection, plant security or fire services. Our extensive service network in Germany is unique in the industry. This guarantees short response times nationwide in the event of a malfunction. Internationally, our well trained sales partners take over maintenance responsibilities.
Siren warning systems protect lives. To ensure that the siren warning system continues to work perfectly, we recommend an annual service. Our 60,000 sirens in Germany alone are serviced annually by our service technicians. Our service contracts give you security with fair conditions. Get in touch!
Your advantages:
Only someone who properly understands the functions of the new warning system can use it to its full potential. This is why we offer specially tailored on-site training that will teach you all there is to know about your new siren warning system. All training is customised to the particular system installed and to the target group. The required knowledge is imparted on site with practice directly on the system, starting from training for standard users all the way through to maintenance personnel.
Your advantages:
We provide turnkey siren warning systems from a single source. Our extensively trained specialists carry out all the work required for this in accordance with regulations and guidelines, including:
Where we are not on site ourselves, our carefully selected and well-trained partners perform the installation and commissioning of our outdoor warning sirens - always in close cooperation with our experts.
Your advantages:
Almost every siren warning system takes on a different form. It is very rare for a standard solution to cover all requirements. This is why we combine standard modules with individually manufactured components to create a tailored complete solution to meet your needs. The use of industry standards, such as 19" modular technology in siren cabinets, offers flexibility and ensures investment protection since installed components can be easily replaced or new functions can be added.
As a manufacturer, we know our products inside out. Your requirements may include:
No matter what, our experts will develop the perfect warning system for you and ensure flawless integration into existing infrastructures. And of course, we always take country-specific standards into account.
Both production and development of the sirens and system components take place in Germany. The involvement of the production team in the system development process guarantees targeted implementation of your requirements from the very first step. HÖRMANN Warnsysteme GmbH is certified in accordance with DIN ISO 9001:2000 and guarantees the highest possible quality standard for products and systems.
Your advantages:
Siren warning systems are rarely an off-the-peg solution. The specific requirements of each scenario are too unique for that. At HÖRMANN Warnsysteme GmbH, we have been developing and installing sirens to alert civilians, for warning systems in industrial facilities and for alerting fire services around the world for over 60 years. This makes us a trustworthy partner in the design your new warning system.
Our individual system planning comprises five steps:
This is how you get the optimum system to meet your requirements in accordance with our motto: on time, state-of-the-art, future-proof and reliable.
Your advantages:
In oil, gas or petrochemical refineries, in chemical plants and in nuclear power plants, malfunctions often entail major hazards for employees and the surrounding population. For example, there may be a risk of explosion or fires may release toxic substances that present a health hazard in the form of smoke clouds or during precipitation. Radioactive substances can escape from nuclear power plants. This is why these companies around the world are obliged to install appropriate warning systems. As these plants are often vast and have a high noise level, sirens are the most obvious and effective way of raising the alarm. Siren concepts for plants at risk of major incidents range from an alarm system for evacuating employees to networked solutions that are linked to regional or national warning systems.
Requirements for siren concepts for refineries, chemical plants and nuclear power plants
Siren concepts for plants at risk of major incidents
Siren warning systems for plants at risk of major incidents generally comprise a small number of high-performance sirens with an audio and voice output function such as our ECN-D product line. There is usually just one control centre, possibly combined with an additional option for triggering the warning system, either in the form of a second backup control centre or simply an emergency push button. The standard component in the control centre is our MCE gateway combined with a PC with CCCS software or the RCS remote control panel. Communication with the sirens usually takes place wirelessly or via internal TCP/IP networks. It is important that the solutions used have an open interface architecture. This allows other communication options such as RS485, fibre optic or other technologies to be used.
The sirens integrated into the plant’s own warning system are primarily used to warn the plant’s employees in the event of an accident. Precise sound propagation analyses created by our experts ensure that the sirens will be heard in the relevant zones prior to installing them, but that the volume of the alarm sound will not do any damage to health. Sometimes the sirens also feature flashing lights to increase visibility. Since it is not only people outside, but also employees inside the buildings that need to be warned in the event of an accident, additional interior sirens are sometimes necessary. The noise level in these settings is often so high that outdoor sirens such as the ECN-D 600 are required.
If there is a danger to the population due to an accident, the warning is usually issued via siren networks installed by the authorities. This is why sirens in refineries, chemical plants or nuclear power plants are often linked to governmental warning systems via their control centres so that the population can also be warned promptly in the event of an accident. Integration takes place via I/O interfaces as well as via dedicated lines or other network connections. Nuclear power plants generally operate the largest in-plant siren networks because in the event of an accident, the alarm zone generally covers a radius of approximately 30 km around the nuclear power plant.
HÖRMANN Warnsysteme has already successfully implemented many siren solutions around the world, including joint projects with government agencies and corporations.
