Wheelock NFPA light pulse duration requirements and LED technology Q&A

safety mass solutions Branchport Avenue Branch NJ 07740 800 631 2148 732 962 7859 NFPA 72 Light Pulse Duration Requirements Latest Solutions What are the NFPA light pulse duration codes The National Fire Protection Association NFPA updated visual signal light pulse in the 2016 edition of NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code light pulse duration was reduced from 200 milliseconds 0.2 seconds to 20 0.02 seconds in the 2016 edition In the 2019 edition 18.5.3.2 states the light pulse duration shall be 20 milliseconds except as permitted in 18.5.3.3 18.5.3.3 light pulse durations greater than 20 milliseconds but not greater than 100 shall be permitted where the alerting capability of the visual notification is demonstrated to be equal to or greater than visual notification appliances a 20 millisecond pulse duration Why is the pulse duration important for fire alarm signaling The shorter light pulse requires a much brighter light output to reach the required rating The latest research shows that the brighter light output the high peak was found to be more effective at alerting people who were not looking directly the strobe indirect viewing It also indicates that the peak level of light must be to a visual signal appliance with a pulse width of 20 ms or less to be used for direct and indirect applications What is the time interval of a visual signal appliance light pulse width The light pulse width is the time interval between initial rising and final falling edge a pulsing light on time measured at 10 percent of maximum signal or peak intensity When did these codes go into effect NFPA 72 2016 went into effect January 1 2016 What is the responsibility of the integrator The light pulse duration pulse width is part of the listing process under UL 1971 for However it does not necessitate any special attention from installers or designers other than verifying that the device is listed to comply with the UL requirement Installers can check the product label and or verify that the product meets 20 ms requirement in the installation instructions Can you mix xenon visual signal appliances and LED devices in the same field of Yes by meeting the 20 ms light pulse duration requirement and passing a series of tests the new Wheelock Eluxa notification appliances and Exceder LED3 by Eaton have been listed by UL to allow mixing of Wheelock xenon devices in same field of view This means Eluxa devices are backward compatible with one of largest installed bases in the country Are the Eluxa strobes compatible with OEM fire panels Yes the Eluxa product line has been UL ULC listed as compatible with all fire alarm panels and accessories that have been determined to be compatible with RSS strobe based products Laboratories UL confirms that the Eluxa product line has been investigated meets NFPA 20 millisecond light pulse duration code requirements In addition the Eluxa product line ELHS ELST ELHN ELSPST ELST ELFHS ELFHN has listed as compatible with all Fire Alarm Control Panels and accessories that have determined to be compatible with Wheelock RSS strobe based products including RSS CH E EH ET ST HS MT S8 SA STH and Z Series Will the new Eluxa model numbers be listed in the OEM compatibility document No not necessarily The Eluxa product line has been listed by UL to be backward with Wheelock xenon RSS strobe based products and Exceder LED3 any FACP that is listed with any one of Eaton RSS strobe based products been determined to be compatible with the Eluxa notification appliances What are the advantages of using LED as a light source for visual signal appliances As in most industries LEDs provide high energy efficient technology and LED strobes the industry in low current draw which can provide substantial overall system cost This includes reduction in wire size fewer power supplies and less battery capacity required for the same coverage area LED technology as the light for strobes is an innovative approach in more ways than just cost savings The light engine can closely control and manage the light source and output It human response to a light pulse and optimizes light based on parameters of and perception of the human eye LED technology provides a way to manage this and thus optimizes light output In comparison with the xenon strobes light can controlled It is flash only In addition light source life of the LED is 50,000 to 100,000 vs the xenon strobe with 1000 to 5000 hours of life assuming steady operation Where can I find additional information on NFPA 72 2019 Visual Signal Appliance Pulse Duration Codes and Eaton latest product lines that comply with these Review NFPA 72 2019 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Handbook 18.5.3 Eaton com massnotification email LifeSafety Eaton com or speak to your local representative 2020 Eaton Rights Reserved in USA No PA450012EN 2020