ATEX beacons and sounders for hazardous area safety systems
20 February 2025
When it comes to ensuring safety in public, commercial and industrial spaces, ATEX sounders and beacons are essential for their immediate and unmistakable alerts, which are crucial in emergency situations and effective safety systems. The distinct combination of audible and visual signals ensures that everyone, regardless of their sensory abilities, noise levels or visibility onsite, receives timely warnings. Beacons and sounders remain as relevant today as they always have done throughout the history of safety systems – and this article explains at least five reasons why.
Primary alert devices in hazardous areas
Sounders and beacons remain the primary devices for delivering immediate alerts during emergencies in most non-domestic settings. The need to communicate emergencies is no different in hazardous areas, but the system and devices should be explosion proof.
Did you know? Standard beacons and sounders feature many different sources of ignition and could therefore cause an explosion in the case of a flammable material release (something that it may be alerting personnel to in the first place!).
Explosion proof sounders, with varying levels up to 115 decibels, can cut through ambient noise, ensuring that the alert is heard over loud industrial noise, such as the SD125 from Ex-tech Signalling. Beacons then provide a visual signal that is hard to miss, flashing brightly to draw attention. This dual-alert system significantly boosts the effectiveness of emergency notifications, especially in chaotic environments or situations.
Enhancing reliability and inclusivity
Regulatory standards often mandate the use of both sounders and beacons to ensure comprehensive safety coverage. Standards like BS 5839-1 and EN 54-23 require the incorporation of visual alarm devices (VADs) in certain environments.
What is BS 5839-1?
Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings – Code of practice for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises
What is EN 54-23?
Fire detection and fire alarm systems – Fire alarm devices. Visual alarm devices
These standards are designed to ensure that everyone, including those with hearing impairments, are adequately warned in case of an emergency. Compliance with these standards is not just about meeting legal requirements, it’s about ensuring the safety and well-being of all personnel.
Versatility in diverse environments and hazardous areas
Sounders and beacons are versatile and can be deployed in a wide range of environments, from industrial settings with high noise levels to public buildings where clear communication is essential. In formally classified Zone 1, 2, 21 or 22 hazardous areas however, businesses need explosion proof versions that comply with ATEX (in Europe) or IECEx (worldwide). In addition, many hazardous areas are tough environments that need much more rugged devices.
The flameproof beacons and sounders manufactured by Ex-tech Signalling for example are built to withstand harsh conditions, for both indoor and outdoor use and in saline environments offshore. Their IP66/67 robust design ensures they function optimally even in the most challenging environments when they are needed most in an emergency.
Psychological impact and urgency
The combination of sound and light in explosion proof alert systems is not just about ensuring everyone is notified, it also has a psychological impact. The dual sensory input creates a sense of urgency, prompting quicker responses from individuals working in the hazardous area. The sudden noise combined with flashing lights can jolt people into action, which is crucial during emergencies where every second counts.
Integration with Modern Safety Systems
In today’s technologically advanced world, sounders and beacons can be seamlessly incorporated into automated monitoring and control systems, enhancing the overall effectiveness of safety protocols. For instance, in a connected building system, an alarm triggered by a smoke detector can automatically activate the sounders and beacons, ensuring a swift response.
For harsh or hazardous environments, or where there is explosion risk, the flameproof and weatherproof beacons and sounders designed and built by Ex-tech Signalling are ATEX / IECEX certified, II 2 GD Ex db IIC T4 ~ T6 Gb, Ex tb IIIC T135°C ~T85°C and are SIL2 compliant. These certifications assure high quality and reliability, making them a trusted choice for safety systems worldwide. Materials include stainless steel and glass re-enforced plastic (GRP), so although the need for the devices hasn’t changed, the product specifications have been developed for the best performance whatever the hazardous area application.
Summary: Why use ATEX Sounders and Beacons
ATEX sounders and beacons are more than just alert devices, they are critical components of modern safety systems and an essential part of operational safety processes in hazardous areas. Their ability to deliver immediate, unmistakable alerts through both sound and light ensures comprehensive coverage. By adhering to regulatory standards and leveraging their versatility, these devices play a pivotal role in safeguarding lives. The psychological impact they create further highlight their importance in emergency response.
As we continue to advance in technology, the integration of sounders and beacons into automated systems will further enhance their effectiveness, ensuring that safety measures keep pace with the evolving needs of our environments.
For Ex-tech Signalling, the commitment to quality and reliability in safety systems remains a top priority, ensuring that everyone is protected and the devices themselves cannot be the source of an explosion in the case of a potentially explosive atmosphere.
About the Author
Paul Maddern is an explosion protection instrumentation expert with more than 35 years’ worth of experience in the industry.
For more information on how to integrate our Ex signalling products into your safety system, email Paul Maddern or contact your local distributor.
