Mass warning systems – tailor-made siren warning systems ensure security

National civil protection concepts aim to alert the population in the event of military or terrorist attacks, natural disasters or industrial accidents. Due to climate change, the occurrence of storms, strong winds and floods is on the rise. Earthquakes affect many regions on earth. The political situation is becoming increasingly unstable. This is why many states are choosing to upgrade their infrastructure for alerting their civilians or starting to set up or expand their national warning systems. Disaster protection solutions like these are a complex combination of various surveillance and communication media that are usually monitored and controlled via multi-level control centres.

The purpose of a national warning system is to warn AND inform the population. The warning, also referred to as the alert, makes civilians aware of the imminent risk and should motivate them to turn on media such as the radio, etc. to get more information. Siren networks are an essential and effective way to alert the population quickly as mobile networks do not work everywhere and not everyone will have their mobile phone or a radio switched on. However, modern electronic sirens not only have the ability to warn, they can also inform thanks to their voice announcement function. This allows, for example, clear instructions to be given to civilians. Establishing a national siren network often takes several years and has stringent planning requirements.

 

Special requirements for national siren networks:

  • Risk potential varies from region to region
  • No uniform terrain conditions and climate zones
  • Highly and less densely populated areas
  • Areas that are well or less well connected to the power supply or communication infrastructure
  • Multi-level control infrastructures with regional and national centres
  • Scalable triggering of individual sirens via defined groups, up to all sirens in the country
  • Option to integrate private warning systems, for example, industrial properties, mines or dams
  • Can be integrated into national warning concepts, such as the German MoWas (Federal Modular Warning System)
  • Cost-effective to operate
  • Easy to maintain and long-lasting

 

HÖRMANN Warnsysteme is the pioneer when it comes to developing and manufacturing electronic sirens. HÖRMANN sirens made in Germany have been a reliable component of national mass warning systems around the world for many years. Our employees are experts in planning cost-effective, reliable and tailor-made siren networks for civil protection. As a manufacturer, we know our products inside out and also develop our own hardware and software. This puts us in the position to implement optimum warning systems anywhere in the world for any requirement together with our competent partners on site, and to maintain them too.

Your advantages:

  • Experience from installing over 60,000 sirens
  • Trained, competent partners on site
  • Global service network
  • Development of own hardware and software
  • Quality and innovation with “made in Germany” sirens
Why mass warning and notification systems still need sirens

Why mass warning and notification systems still need sirens

Outdoor warning sirens are an indispensable part of a mass warning system - despite modern communication technologies. Why this is the case is explained in this article published in IFF magazine. 

Integration and central management of all security systems

The ability to identify risks, assess their potential impact and then take appropriate action is key to professional risk management. This is why in a security control centre, all information from individual security systems, such as intruder alarm systems, fire alarm systems, access control systems and video surveillance, converges and is displayed in a central location. For example, live images from surveillance cameras can be linked to the intruder alarm system. This is essential for efficient risk management that detects break-in and sabotage attempts quickly in order to prevent damage. A well-planned risk management system needs to provide an informative picture of the current situation in simple terms so that action can be taken quickly.

We have been designing and installing customised risk management systems based on the building management system GEMOS for many years. This solution stands out due to its modular design and the variety of available interfaces. This means that security systems from different manufacturers can be managed centrally without any difficulties.

Our services:

  • Design of integrated risk management solutions
  • Integration of existing security systems into the central monitoring concept
  • Installation of security control centres for building management
  • Maintenance and support

Cameras as preventive security measures

Video surveillance is an essential component of professional risk management. Visible surveillance cameras deter potential intruders. In conjunction with intruder detection systems, they record suspicious movements and help to track intrusion attempts and identify suspects. Video surveillance systems also support access control.

Video cameras can be installed outdoors, for example on fence systems or access roads, as well as inside the company premises. During planning, we make sure that the surveillance cameras cannot be easily dismantled, manipulated or covered.  Depending on the requirements, the video cameras can be installed discreetly or visibly and communicate with the control centre of the video surveillance system by radio or via cable. As specialists in security technology, we configure customised solutions that meet the manipulation security requirements of the surveillance cameras or the entire video surveillance system and are GDPR-compliant. In combination with other security components, we can create a security-optimised surveillance environment tailored to the individual requirements of a company.

 

Our services:

  • Planning, project management, installation, servicing and maintenance of the complete video surveillance system including location planning for surveillance cameras and design of the communication infrastructure
  • Integration of video surveillance into a risk management concept
  • Certified Geutebrück partner

Purposefully protect sensitive areas of your company

Access control systems are a form of preventive security technology. They not only protect people in the building, but also safeguard valuable business assets against industrial espionage or sabotage. The requirements are therefore multifaceted as different groups of people generally have different access rights and some areas may require special protection against unauthorised entry. In addition to this, escape routes still need to be accessible and passable in an emergency.

Our experts in security technology can draw on many years of experience in planning, installing and configuring access control systems. Every system is unique. We have a constant eye on the market and technical developments and this puts us in an excellent position to create the optimum system to meet your needs.

Our specialists in security technology in the field of access control work with products from well-established manufacturers such as Telenot, Honeywell and Maniagao & Henss.

 

Our services:

  • Planning, project management, installation, servicing and maintenance of an access concept using the “who, when, where” approach
  • Integration of escape routes and fire doors into the concept
  • Selection of compatible system components
  • Installation and configuration of access control systems
Timber port Hamburg

Prompt alarms protect people and assets

Fire poses a major risk to people, assets and buildings. Fire alarm systems are used for fire prevention. The obligation to install a fire alarm system is written into building law. It can also be requested by a building inspector or insurance company. Fire alarm systems perform the following tasks:

  1. Discovering fires that are just starting
  2. Sending fire alarms to a permanently staffed location (control centre / fire department)
  3. Triggering alarms to evacuate buildings
  4. Activating fire control systems for lifts, extinguishing systems and smoke and heat extraction systems

Systems like these are an essential component of a fire protection concept and need to be planned specifically to meet the needs of the building in question. Future viability, easy adaptability to future extensions and low life cycle and maintenance costs also need to be considered.

We build fire alarm systems in accordance with building regulations as per DIN 14675 and, if applicable, insurance guidelines (VdS) in close consultation with our customers. We examine all the special features of the building that requires protection. With over 50 years of experience in the field of fire alarm systems, we are a trustworthy partner that you can rely on in every respect – in both straightforward environments and more challenging ones involving dust and fumes. 

Fire alarm systems installed by us are used in the following applications areas:

  • Industrial plants
  • Banks
  • Warehouses
  • Office buildings
  • Small businesses and individual office
Boatyard Hatecke

Our services:

  • Analysis of the scope of protection for individual zones (full protection, partial protection, protection of escape routes)
  • Planning protection and alarm zones
  • Location planning for smoke alarms and product selection
  • Definition of alarm zones
  • Creation of alarm plans
  • Design and programming of the fire alarm system control centre
  • Installation and maintenance of the entire fire alarm system

Our specialists in security technology have been working with products from renowned manufacturers ESSER and Detectomat for years.

Prevention and damage limitation in the event of a burglary

Intruder alarm systems are used to protect property and people. They perform several important tasks:

  • Deter potential intruders and thus act as a means of prevention
  • Notify appropriate services in an emergency
  • Minimise the action time of intruders
  • Alert anyone in the immediate vicinity
  • Help with the reconstruction of the burglary or robbery

Due to differing risk potentials and diverse conditions, intrusion alarm systems are rarely out-of-the-box solutions. This is why our experts design individual intruder alarm systems based on standard components that comply with insurance guidelines (VdS – German Loss Prevention Council) and the requirements of the state police offices. The system components we use satisfy the most stringent quality and service requirements, ensuring high availability of the intruder alarm system. Particularly sensitive areas can be specifically equipped with alarm technology that can be activated separately, for example to meet demanding insurance arrangements.

We work with products from manufacturers such as TELENOT, Honeywell and DAITEM, which stand out due to their high security standard, modular design, modern technology and high level of flexibility.

Intruder alarm systems designed and installed by us are used in the following application areas:

  • Industrial plants
  • Energy providers
  • Banks
  • Warehouses
  • Office buildings
  • Small businesses and individual offices
  • Residential homes

Sample configuration of an intruder alarm system

Reliable siren control in BOS radio networks

The decades-worth of experience at HÖRMANN Warnsysteme GmbH in the area of radio communication, sirens, siren control centres and accessories has also been incorporated into the development of the TSE and DSE siren remote control units.

Siren remote control units are telecontrol receivers for BOS radio networks that are specially developed for siren control. They enable secure and simple triggering of sirens through higher-level control centres. Depending on the design and the protocol used, the communication can be unidirectional or bidirectional. If used in two-way radio networks, such as BDBOS (TETRA) digital radio, monitoring and sending feedback to the responsible authorities is possible in addition to siren triggering.

Secure operation, protection against sabotage and ease of use are fundamental requirements that are implemented as a matter of course. The devices also stand out due to their robustness in the face of high-frequency or magnetic field radiation and their wide temperature range. Depending on the model, the device can operate independently of the mains via a rechargeable battery.

Requirements for siren remote control units

  • Robust design
  • Compatibility with network components from various manufacturers
  • Malfunctions due to overlapping frequency use need to be prevented
  • Protection against accidental alarm triggering and sabotage
  • Easy to maintain

Mobile siren and speaker system for vehicles for warning and announcements

The MOBELA 150-DII is an individually deployable mobile siren and speaker system and is particularly suitable for use in cars and vans. It consists of a compact, easy-to-operate control unit and a 360° omnidirectional speaker system. However, the MOBELA 150-DII is much more than just a mobile siren. Unlike conventional mobile siren systems, which can only play back siren signals and warning tones, MOBELA offers the option of playing back warnings and PA voice announcements using a microphone. The texts are stored on a USB stick, spoken directly into the microphone or transmitted via a radio microphone. The MOBELA 150-DII is therefore an effective, mobile warning device for all authorities and organizations with security tasks to warn and inform the public.

Product benefits:

  • quickly ready for use without assembly effort
  • Powerful sound propagation to all sides and upwards
  • Command microphone for live PA announcements and text recording
  • Digital text memory for text recording and playback
  • Four different siren signals
  • Simple and logical operating structure
  • Control unit can also be operated with gloves

 

 

Application areas:

  • mobile siren and speaker system as a supplement to warning the population with stationary sirens
  • mobile siren and speaker system as a warning system for extensive industrial sites

Sound propagation Horn loudspeaker

Sound propagation Spherical loudspeaker

Description of mobile siren MOBELA 150-DII

The Mobela 150-DII is a mobile siren that can be used individually and is particularly suitable for use in cars and vans. The mobile siren system consists of a compact, easy-to-operate control unit and a special omnidirectional omnidirectional loudspeaker system. Commissioning does not require any installation work and can be carried out by one person in a very short time.

The control unit includes a 300 watt Class-D amplifier and an i.MX7 processor with Linux operating system, 4 permanently stored siren signals (fire alarm, public warning, all-clear and evacuation) and 8 freely recordable memory locations, 8 additional memory locations via USB stick, an AUX connection for external devices and a command microphone for text recording and direct announcements. All functional and connection elements are located on the front panel and are marked with easy-to-understand symbols. An internal control loudspeaker makes it possible to listen to stored alarm texts or recordings played in via AUX independently of the operation of the external loudspeaker. Power is supplied via the cigarette lighter or a standard vehicle socket.

The spherical loudspeaker is equipped with a high-performance pressure chamber system. The sound is distributed effectively and evenly to all sides and upwards via a 360º horizontal / 270º vertical reflector. In addition, the spherical shape ensures an extremely low wind load when driving. The TÜV-approved magnetic plate ensures a secure hold on the vehicle roof (sheet steel) and allows quick, installation-free positioning. Feed-throughs for quick-release straps provide additional road safety, while four screw fastening points enable stationary fixed mounting. The ball loudspeaker is optionally available with an integrated double flashing beacon (DIN 14620 yellow/blue)

Technical data control unit

Type 150 DIITechnical data: 
Amplifier performance:120 W sine wave / 180 W peak power 
Frequency response:50 Hz to 20 KHz 
Power supply:12 V/10 A, 24 V / 5 A 
Inputs:Microphone 200 Ohm, 2 mV
AUX 0.3 - 1 V
(3.5 mm jack plug)
 
Memory:Recording time 8 x 120 sec. 
Functions:Microphone direct announcements
Text recording via microphone and AUX
Internal/external text playback
External signal playback e.g.
- Fire alarm 420 Hz, continuous tone 60 sec., 2 x interrupted
- Disaster alarm 300/420 Hz, wailing tone 60 sec
- All-clear signal 420 Hz, continuous tone 60 sec.
- Object evacuation DIN signal 33 404
- Chime signals (2 and 3 tone)
- Special signal 300 Hz / 420 Hz alternating tone (siren)
- Stepless volume control
 
Dimensions without carrying handle:W = 260 mm, D = 280 mm,
H = 150 mm,
 
 
Weight:3.2 kg 
Material:Aluminum 
Color:Natural anodized / beige 

 

Technical data spherical loudspeaker

Pressure chamber system  
Electrical power:100 W sine wave
Maximum load capacity 150 W

 
Frequency response:180 Hz - 7 KHz 
Impedance:8 - 11 Ohm 
Weight:6.3 kg 
Temperature range:-20°C to +60°C 
Protection class:IP 55 
Dimensions:Height = 300 mm, diameter = 254 mm 
Material:Polystyrene (impact-resistant) 
Color:white 
Fixing:Magnetic plate 260 x 260 x 2 mm, suitable for car roofs made of smooth sheet steel. Quick-release strap as additional securing possible. 

 

Accessories Mobile siren MOBELA 150-DII

The following accessories are optionally available:

  • Dust container
    • With hinged lid and side carrying handles
    • Includes protective lining
  • LED double flash light on spherical speaker
    • Very bright flashing light of the latest LED generation according to DIN 14620
    • Available in blue and yellow
  • Loudspeaker stand plate
    • For mounting the spherical loudspeaker on stands according to DIN 14683
  • Speaker attachment with vacuum suction cup
    • For mounting the spherical speaker on smooth, non-magnetic surfaces
  • Special paint finish for the omnidirectional speaker
    • For example in RAL 3000 (fire department red)
  • Powerstation 12V / 17 Ah
    • For operating the MOBELA without a vehicle power supply
  • Ball speaker (single)
    • Single speaker as a replacement or exchange for an existing speaker
  • Warranty extension

 

Technical data

The ECN-D electronic siren is the perfect solution for siren networks and large industrial complexes

The high-performance ECN-D siren family has been designed for complex warning systems, such as national or regional mass warning and notification systems or for warning systems in refineries. The latest technology based on digital amplifiers and our many years of experience in the development of electronic sirens has been incorporated into this new siren generation.

During development, the focus was on combining functional flexibility with a high level of reliability and simple, cost-effective maintenance – for a cost-optimised and dependable warning system based on electronic sirens. This includes, for example, the extremely efficient amplifier with efficiency of over 97%. This significantly reduces power consumption in the event of an alarm and therefore allows for the use of smaller batteries. The modular design ensures that the optimum solution is always found regardless of the conditions in the area that needs to be covered.

Cost-effective

  • Efficiency of 97% for low power consumption
  • Modular design for individual configuration
  • Easy to maintain thanks to 19-inch technology
  • Durable and robust assemblies
  • Extremely low maintenance and operating costs

Reliable

  • Electronics without loose cables
  • Standby time of up to 7 days 
  • Alarm signal remains at the same output for up to 30 minutes – even in the event of a power failure
  • Automatic self-monitoring

Long-lasting

  • Siren horns made of aluminium
  • No moving parts such as fans or hard drives
  • Robust design

Applications:

  • National siren networks / mass notification systems
  • Regional siren networks / mass notification systems
  • Warning civilians in cities and municipalities
  • Tsunami early warning systems
  • Flood warning systems
  • Complex warning and notification systems, e.g. in the oil and gas industry
ECN-D Sirens in Chemnitz

Product benefits:

  • The latest digital technology
  • Low energy consumption
  • Maximum reliability
  • Modular design
  • Sound level of up to 123 dB(A)/30 m / with 360° all-around emission
  • Simple maintenance thanks to 19-inch technology
  • Customer-specific alarm signals plus voice output

Performance class technical data

Electronic siren model ECN 600-D ECN 1200-D ECN 1800-D ECN 2400-D ECN 3000-D
Volume/Sound pressure level 109 dB(A)/30 m 115 dB(A)/30m 118 dB(A)/30 m 121 dB(A)/30m 123 dB(A)/30m
No of horns 4 8 12 16 20
Weight siren head* 28 kg 59 kg 89 kg 121 kg 152 kg
Head dimensions (W/H/D) in mm* 300 x 950 x 850 300 x 1605 x 850 300 x 2260 x 850 300 x 2900 x 850 300 x 3550 x 850
Windload at 160 km/h* 522 N 1064 N 1614 N 2200 N 2650 N
Weight cabinet incl. batteries 84 kg 85 kg 86 kg 87 kg 88 kg

*Double column assembly

Specifications are subject to change without notice

System and cabinet technical data 

System
Fundamental frequency 415 Hz / 425 Hz
Sirenen sound/Alarms Customer specification
Stand-by time up to 7 days
No of alarms* up to 20
Material of horns Alloy

*within 48 hrs without power supply

Siren cabinet
Power supply 230 V or 110 V +/- 10%
Battery voltage 24 V
max. charging current 4 A
Cabinet dimensions (W/H/D) in mm 600 x 600 x 350
Protection class IP 65
Ambient temperature range -25°C .... +65°C

 

Specifications subject to change without notice.

 

Digital amplifier technical data

Class-D amplifier / PA-D8

  • Output power 300 W at 5–7 ohms
  • Bandwidth 100 Hz–20 kHz
  • Efficiency > 97%
  • Harmonic distortion < 4%
  • Derating in case of overload
  • Short-circuit-proof
  • Status LEDs
  • 19" shelf, 8 division units
  • Weight 0.3 kg 

CP1+ control panel technical data

Control panel / CP1+

  • Embedded ARM7 CPU with RTX OS
  • Real-time multi-tasking operating system
  • HÖRMANN Process System Interface
  • Interfaces: Ethernet, FC, 600 ohms, serial (USART, SSP, RS232/485)
  • LCD display for status and operation
  • Robust membrane keypad for local alerts and siren test
  • Voice memory with SD card
  • Module for live voice announcements

Downloads

Electronic siren ECN-D data sheet specifications

Electronic Siren ECN-D data sheet

Electronic siren ECN-600 D data sheet specifications

Electronic siren ECN-600 D data sheet

Electronic siren ECN-1200 D data sheet specifications

Electronic siren ECN-1200 D data sheet

Electronic siren ECN-1800 D data sheet

Electronic siren ECN-1800 D data sheet

Electronic siren ECN-2400 D data sheet

Electronic siren ECN-2400 D data sheet

Electronic siren ECN-3000 D data sheet

Electronic siren ECN-3000 D data sheet

RCS panel – complete siren control from a single device

The RCS control panel is a small, independent control unit for complete siren control. It can be used as an independent control console or integrated into a control station as an addition to PC-supported siren management. During development, the focus was on intuitive and as simple as possible operation in combination with maximum functionality and a high level of protection against accidental alarm triggering. All operational system functions are available on the touch panel via self-explanatory buttons. Complicated menu navigation has been deliberately avoided. For systems with live voice announcements, there is the RCS-M version with an integrated microphone. 

For small siren networks or individual sirens, for example in industry or for fire stations, the RCS control panel is the optimum, cost-effective solution and can easily perform all its tasks as a stand-alone console. In large siren networks, the RCS control panel can be used in addition to our CCCS siren control software. It is used as a backup system for the CCCS siren control software or as an alternative, additional operating option. In complex warning systems with multiple network nodes, the MCE gateways are also supplemented at various sites with a local RCS siren control console.

Simple operation

  • Customer-specific buttons or icons for sirens
  • Status display via colour-coded icons (green, yellow, red)

Flexible and packed with features

  • Panel with resistive touch screen
  • Backlighting with automatic switch-off 
  • Display protection sheet for extreme ambient conditions
  • Alarm signals and voice texts possible 
  • RCS-M with microphone, dynamic compressor and push-to-talk button for live announcements

Secure and reliable

  • Password protection
  • Key switch for alarm activation 
  • 12 VDC/230 VAC supply, UPS (12 VDC) from MCE

Product benefits:

  • Simple installation and operation
  • Maintenance-free
  • Customer-specific control elements
  • Display in any language
  • Security functions such as password and key switch
  • Flexible scalability
  • Voice announcements possible
RCS siren control panel for warning systems