Emergency Horn

FW2971 - High-Output Audible Signal

Clear Audible Alert • Temporal Code 3 Pattern • Weather Resistant

HIGH-OUTPUT AUDIBLE SIGNAL
UL Listed

Emergency Horn

FW2971

UL Listed
85 dB Output
Quality Tested
Easy Install

The FW2971 Emergency Horn is a high-output audible signaling device designed for fire alarm and emergency evacuation systems. It provides clear, penetrating audible alerts to ensure effective notification for all building occupants, with temporal code 3 pattern for fire alarm compliance.

Technical Specifications

Model NumberFW2971
Product NameEmergency Horn
CategoryAudible Signal Device
CertificationUL Listed (UL464)
ManufacturerMaple Armor / Tongfang
Warranty2-Year Standard
Horn TypeElectronic Piezo Horn
Sound Output85 dB(A) minimum at 10 ft (3m)
Tone Frequency520 Hz ± 10%
Tone PatternTemporal Code 3 (Standard)
Operating Voltage24VDC Nominal (15-32VDC range)
Current ConsumptionStandby: 0mA, Active: 35mA typical
Power Consumption0.85W (at 24VDC)
Operating Temperature-10°C to +55°C (14°F to 131°F)
Storage Temperature-20°C to +70°C (-4°F to 158°F)
Humidity10% to 93% RH (Non-condensing)
Weatherproof RatingIP54 (Dust and Water Splash Protected)
Enclosure MaterialPolycarbonate (UL94 V-0)
Mounting TypeSurface Mount (Wall or Ceiling)
Dimensions (HxWxD)4.5" x 4.5" x 2.0" (114mm x 114mm x 51mm)
Weight0.8 lbs (0.36 kg)
Wire Gauge14-22 AWG
Terminal TypeScrew Terminals
ColorWhite (Standard), Red available
Field SelectableTone pattern, Volume adjustment
NFPA 72 ComplianceYes (2019 Edition)
Expected Life10 years minimum
Audibility DistanceUp to 200 ft (61m) in open areas
Sound Output Levels
70 dB
85 dB
Standard
100 dB
High Power
120 dB
70 dB: Quiet Areas | 85 dB: Standard Requirement | 100 dB: High Ambient Noise | 120 dB: Industrial

Product Overview

The FW2971 Emergency Horn is a high-performance audible signaling device engineered for modern fire alarm and emergency notification systems. Using advanced electronic piezo technology, it delivers clear, penetrating sound with minimal power consumption while maintaining reliability in demanding environments.

High Output

85 dB minimum output ensures audibility in all conditions with temporal code 3 pattern.

UL Listed

Certified to UL464 standards for audible signal appliances.

Weather Resistant

IP54 rating for indoor/outdoor use in various environmental conditions.

Key Characteristics

Clear Sound: 85 dB output with penetrating 520 Hz frequency

Standard Pattern: Temporal code 3 for fire alarm compliance

Low Power: 35mA current draw maximizes system capacity

Field Selectable: Tone pattern and volume adjustment

Durable: Polycarbonate construction with UV stabilization

Compact: 4.5" square design for space-efficient installation

Temporal Code 3 Pattern: The standard fire alarm evacuation signal consists of three half-second pulses followed by a one and one-half second pause, repeating. This distinctive pattern helps distinguish fire alarms from other audible signals and provides clear direction for evacuation.

Product Features

Acoustic Features
  • Electronic piezo horn technology
  • 85 dB(A) minimum output at 10 ft
  • Temporal Code 3 pattern (standard)
  • 520 Hz nominal frequency
  • Clear, penetrating tone
  • Field-selectable tone patterns
  • Volume adjustment capability
Construction Features
  • Polycarbonate enclosure (UL94 V-0)
  • IP54 weatherproof rating
  • UV stabilized for color retention
  • Impact resistant design
  • Screw terminal connections
  • Knockouts for conduit entry
  • Tamper-resistant construction
Electrical Features
  • 24VDC operation (15-32VDC range)
  • Low current draw: 35mA typical
  • Compatible with standard NAC circuits
  • Polarity insensitive design
  • Short-circuit protected
  • Reverse polarity protection
Installation Features
  • Wall or ceiling mounting
  • Standard 4" octagonal box compatible
  • Field-selectable DIP switches
  • Visual configuration indicators
  • Easy access for maintenance
  • Mounting hardware included
Sound Level Planning: Proper placement and spacing is essential for effective audibility. Consider ambient noise levels, room acoustics, and NFPA 72 requirements when planning horn placement. In areas with high ambient noise (over 85 dB), consider supplementary signaling or higher output devices.

Installation & Configuration

Wall Mount
Standard wall mounting 80-96" height
Ceiling Mount
Overhead ceiling mounting
Corridor Mount
Corridor and hallway installation
Installation Guidelines
  • Follow NEC and NFPA 72 requirements
  • Mount 80-96" (2.0-2.4m) above floor
  • Ensure clear sound propagation path
  • Avoid mounting near obstructions
  • Consider ambient noise levels
  • Set appropriate volume level for area
  • Verify audibility at all room locations
Wiring & Configuration
Circuit Requirements

24VDC Notification Appliance Circuit (NAC).

DIP Switch Settings

Set tone pattern and volume level.

Load Calculation

Include 35mA per device in NAC calculations.

Audibility Testing

Verify 85 dB minimum at 10 ft distance.

Installation Steps
  1. Select mounting location per NFPA 72 requirements
  2. Set DIP switches for appropriate tone pattern and volume
  3. Mount back box (if used) or prepare surface mount
  4. Route wiring to device location in approved conduit
  5. Connect wires to screw terminals (polarity insensitive)
  6. Secure emergency horn to mounting surface
  7. Ensure device is level and securely mounted
  8. Verify electrical connections are tight
  9. Test device operation from fire alarm control panel
  10. Measure sound levels at various room locations
  11. Document installation and testing results
Audibility Guidelines
Sleeping Areas

75 dB minimum at pillow level.

General Areas

85 dB minimum at 10 ft.

High Noise Areas

15 dB above ambient noise level.

Compatibility & Applications

Compatible Systems
  • Maple Armor FW2000 Series
  • Maple Armor FW2100 Series
  • Maple Armor FW2200 Series
  • Most 24VDC NAC fire alarm systems
  • Compatible with standard sync modules
Typical Applications
  • Hotel and motel corridors
  • Hospital hallways and common areas
  • Office building corridors and lobbies
  • Educational facility hallways
  • Residential apartment corridors
  • Commercial retail spaces
Application Scenarios
Hotels

Corridors and common areas for guest notification.

Healthcare

Hallways outside patient rooms and treatment areas.

Education

Classroom corridors and assembly areas.

Benefits

Clear Audibility: 85 dB output ensures effective notification

Code Compliance: UL, NFPA 72 compliant

Flexible: Field-selectable tone patterns

Reliable: Weatherproof construction

Efficient: Low power consumption

Serviceable: Easy maintenance access

System Design: When designing fire alarm systems, consider using a combination of horns and horn strobes. The FW2971 Emergency Horn is ideal for areas where audible notification is sufficient, while combination devices may be preferred in areas requiring both audible and visual notification. This approach optimizes both system performance and cost-effectiveness.