Sound attenuation of the fire alarm sounder systems in residential buildings

摘要

In many fire emergencies, the audible fire alarm signals are very important to save the occupant's life. But as the sound insulation of building elements has been improved, it is more difficult for occupant to recognize the fire alarm signals when the fire alarm sounder systems worked. In Korean residential buildings, general, the fire alarm sounder systems consist of the fire alarm and the emergency broadcasting device. The fire alarm is installed in the stair hall and the emergency broadcasting device is installed in the living room of each unit. The aim of this study is to examine the sound attenuation of the fire alarm sounder systems in residential buildings. We measured the sound level by fire alarm sounder systems in a total of 17 units, and the results were compared with the minimum sound level at sleeping area by NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 72. It was showed that the fire alarm sounder systems didn't give a sufficient sound level in bedroom to awake out of sleep.