3D Planning for Fire Coverage: The Performance-Based Alternative

By: Jacob Vernon, Product Manager – Audible and Visual Signaling, Pfannenberg

Considering Impact over Output

Fire safety is paramount in any building or industrial setup, and ensuring effective signaling during emergencies is a critical component of safety protocols. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards provide guidelines for the size and placement of signaling devices based on either visual luminosity (candela rating) or performance metrics. Pfannenberg takes a unique approach by focusing on the actual performance of its signaling devices. This performance-based approach, particularly through its innovative 3D Planning for Fire Coverage, offers significant advantages in terms of cost, efficiency, and safety.

When a performance-based approach, such as Pfannenberg’s 3D-Coverage, is utilized, environmental factors such as ambient noise (like machinery) are taken into consideration from the onset of the planning process. Not only does this result in a more cost-effective procedure, but more vitally, the resulting system design is safer for personnel. Utilizing a performance-based approach means designing devices based on the actual performance in alerting individuals, on how far away someone can be reached by a combination of audio and visual signaling. This 3D coverage approach ensures everyone in a given facility can clearly see and hear emergency signaling, so that no person is left unalerted during critical times.

Increased Efficiency and Decreased Costs

A focus on performance-based metrics means considering several variables for both audible and visual signaling devices. For audible devices, factors such as tone, frequency range, environmental noise, and the required distance for effective signaling are taken into account. For visual signaling devices, minimum illuminance levels are set based on operating modes, technology in use, and visual perceptibility. This comprehensive approach allows for optimized placement and number of devices, not only leading to enhanced effectiveness but also lower costs.

Implementing a company like Pfannenberg’s performance-based signaling devices offers several safety and cost-related benefits. Pfannenberg optimizes the amount of signaling devices for a given area, ensuring there are not more devices than necessary. Wiring is often the most expensive aspect of installation, and with fewer potential devices, the associated wiring costs can be greatly reduced. Additionally, fewer devices mean lower labor costs for installation. Pfannenberg’s devices can be mounted on steel I-beam columns, walls, or ceilings, ensuring versatile and effective coverage. Their strategic positioning ensures that the coverage area is maximized, further reducing the number of devices required.

Pfannenberg’s Performance-based Tools & Planning

To help users implement a performance-based approach effectively, Pfannenberg provides its customers with two main tools: Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Active Support. BIM creates a digital CAD model of the area being outfitted with signaling devices, allowing users to simulate and evaluate the coverage of a device in a digital environment. For both audible and visual alarms, BIM shows 3D coverage and offers feedback on optimal positioning. This powerful tool is available for free, making it accessible to all customers.

Active Support incorporates the expertise of Pfannenberg team members and involves comprehensive project evaluation. Pfannenberg team members offer detailed PDFs showing the number and placement of devices needed, extensive training on performance-based methods, as well as consulting on international and domestic standards. Detailed documentation ensures compliance with NFPA standards and provides proof of a compliant design.

Pfannenberg’s PATROL and PYRA signaling devices are industry-leading solutions designed to provide effective and reliable auditory and visual alerts for various safety and emergency scenarios. These devices are renowned for their performance, versatility, and innovative design, making them suitable for a wide range of applications including fire alarming, gas alarming, workplace safety, and machinery safety.

Pfannenberg’s PATROL series is celebrated for its exceptional audible signaling capabilities. These devices are engineered to produce the loudest sound levels in their class, making them ideal for large industrial spaces or areas with high ambient noise. These devices can generate a wide range of tones and frequencies, allowing them to be customized to specific alert needs. This versatility ensures that the signaling devices can meet various regulatory requirements and user preferences. Built to withstand harsh industrial environments, the PATROL series is durable and reliable, ensuring long-term operation even under challenging conditions. Additionally, the design of the PATROL series facilitates straightforward installation on various mounting surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and steel I-beam columns, providing flexible deployment options.

The PYRA series is designed to deliver superior visual signaling performance. Known for its bright and highly visible light output, the PYRA series ensures that visual alerts are seen clearly over large areas. The PYRA series devices produce the brightest light output in their class, making them highly effective in both indoor and outdoor settings. These devices offer various flash patterns and frequencies, allowing them to be tailored to specific signaling requirements. The design of the PYRA series maximizes the coverage area, ensuring that the visual alerts are seen from greater distances and across wider angles. Like the PATROL series, the PYRA devices are built to endure tough industrial conditions, providing reliable performance over time.

Conclusion

Pfannenberg’s 3D Planning for Fire Coverage leverages a performance-based approach to optimize the number and placement of signaling devices for its customers. By considering factors such as distance, environmental conditions, and projected performance, Pfannenberg proves that performance-based safety measures provide a cost-effective and efficient solution that meets NFPA standards and enhances safety.

For more information, visit https://www.pfannenbergusa.com.