Sirens for Fire Stations
Sirens for fire stations to alert the fire brigade
Electronic sirens are essential for many fire brigades, despite there being digital and analogue radio receivers, SMS, mobile phones and other ways to issue warnings that may seem more modern. They are loud and drown out ambient noise, and what’s more, they are not dependent on the availability of the internet and also work in network dead zones.
The requirements for siren warning systems for fire stations are very unique. For example, there is a big difference between a single electronic siren on the roof of the fire station to alert fire fighters in the area and a siren, which is used for public warning as well as to alert the fire brigade. In this case, fire station sirens are often integrated into a city-wide siren network. The electronic sirens from HÖRMANN Warnsysteme are suitable for all requirements thanks to their performance range and diverse control options. They are compatible with all currently approved siren remote control units and can easily be integrated into existing networks.
Electronic siren as an economical alternative for a mechanical siren
In rural areas in particular, there are still lots of electromechanical sirens installed as the only siren on fire station roofs. In Germany, these sirens have been used since the end of the Second World War. The E57 was installed in the Federal Republic of Germany, while the DS977 was installed in the former GDR.
These electromechanical sirens having been serving their purpose in many fire services for decades. However, the electromechanical siren has been outdated for a long time. It requires three-phase current and is therefore dependent on a power supply. An emergency power generator is required to maintain operability in the event of a power failure. Replacing the standard siren with a modern model does not require a lot of effort or money.
It is usually very straightforward to replace a single electromechanical siren with an electronic siren. The ECI electronic siren model is recommended as a modern, high-performance alternative to electromechanical sirens. Operation is simple without compromising on performance. The electronic sirens do not require three-phase current and remain operational for up to a month thanks to the integrated battery. The technology is easy to maintain. Many fire services have already replaced their old electromechanical sirens with our modern complete system, including, for example, the Baierbrunn fire service near Munich.
National Siren Warning Systems
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
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.
Risk Management
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
Video Surveillance
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
Access Control
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
Fire Alarm Systems
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:
- Discovering fires that are just starting
- Sending fire alarms to a permanently staffed location (control centre / fire department)
- Triggering alarms to evacuate buildings
- 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
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.
Intruder Alarm Systems
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
Siren Remote Control Units
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
Electronic Siren ECN-D
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
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
| 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
| 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
Electronic siren ECN-600 D data sheet
Electronic siren ECN-1200 D data sheet
Electronic siren ECN-1800 D data sheet
Electronic siren ECN-2400 D data sheet
Electronic siren ECN-3000 D data sheet
RCS Siren Control Panel
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
