Visual Alarm

Optical alarm systems are suitable for many applications. Especially in environments where acoustic signals are too loud or difficult to hear. A visual alarm is a warning signal that is transmitted via:

• Signal lights
• Flashing lights
• Blinker lights
• Permanent light
• Luminous signs

is broadcast to elicit a visual response. Like the silent alarm, for example, it should reach all employees and affected persons immediately.

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A visual alarm often consists of different colored lights mounted on a wall or ceiling. They can be battery operated or connected to the mains. Once the alarm is triggered, the lights can be on continuously or flash/pulse at a specific frequency. Visual alarms are used in a variety of environments, including nursing homes, workplaces, and public spaces such as airports and train stations.

The effectiveness of a visual alarm depends on the positioning of the signal illumination. To achieve the best performance, the system must be configured according to the spatial conditions.

For example, to ensure the best visibility, the light intensity or brightness can be adjusted for different spaces. The flashing frequency must also be adjusted to the size and complexity of the room. This allows for quick detection of potential threats.

The effectiveness of visual alarms depends on variables such as location, brightness and color contrast with the environment. It is important that they are installed in highly visible areas. When choosing signal colors, care must be taken to ensure that they stand out sufficiently from the surroundings. This will make the alarm stand out enough to be noticed when it is activated.

The primary purpose of the visual alarm is to visibly draw attention to a danger. This can be e.g. fires, forced entry or other emergency situations. In principle, all persons concerned benefit from this. However, the visual alarm proves to be particularly effective for people with impaired hearing.

This applies both to the hearing impaired and to people who wear hearing protection at work, such as in the steel industry. They often do not perceive acoustic warning signals clearly. Therefore, they can benefit greatly from a visual alarm system and be informed of hazards in good time.
Furthermore, a visual alarm attracts attention without directly panicking people. An audible alarm is also very effective in informing people about a danger as quickly as possible. However, a loud signal increases the stress level more than a visual signal.

Thus, a visual alarm can be particularly helpful in commercial establishments as well as nursing homes or educational institutions. There are usually a lot of people in these places. With a visual alarm, nursing home residents have more time to prepare and adjust to the evacuation without being startled by sudden noises. Finally, a visual alarm system can help facilitate evacuations. It does not emit loud audible signals that can cause general panic.

Visual alarms provide an additional level of security and protection and are an important component of modern alarm systems. In conjunction with conventional audible alarms, visual alarms provide an effective pre-warning system.
Visual alarms serve as the first warning stage in multi-stage alarm concepts before the audible alarm sounds. This gives people more time to prepare for a hazard and take appropriate action.

For example, visual alarms can be used to warn people of a fire before the audible fire alarm sounds. Overall, visual alarms can play an important role in multi-stage alarm concepts. They first provide a warning before the audible systems are activated. This concept allows to react appropriately and act safely while there is still time.

A visual alarm can also be linked to our IDERI note notification software. As part of a modern alerting plan, this not only provides visual signals as a warning.

With IDERI note, all employees receive a push message directly on their screens, for example. In doing so, they receive all relevant information about the emergency situation. As a result, all affected persons can react even better to the hazardous situation.