scope:

This white paper addresses the need for and development of the low-frequency audible alarm signal used in fire alarms, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, and fire or CO alarm systems. It documents the signal's waking effectiveness for those who are hard of hearing or deaf, school-age children, and the elderly. It also summarizes the voluntary national consensus requirements for the application, installation, location, and performance for these products when employing the low-frequency audible signal.

Purpose

The purpose of this white paper is to clear up confusion in the fire alarm industry related to application of the low-frequency audible alarm signal defined in NFPA 72. It is ideally suited for installers, the fire service, building code officials, end users, fire protection engineers, and electrical engineers.