Technical Specifications
| Model Number | FW2981 |
| Product Name | Emergency Strobe |
| Category | Visual Signal Device |
| Certification | UL Listed (UL1971) |
| Manufacturer | Maple Armor / Tongfang |
| Warranty | 2-Year Standard |
| Strobe Type | Xenon Flash Tube |
| Strobe Candela Ratings | 15/75/110 cd (Selectable) |
| Strobe Flash Rate | 1 Hz (60 flashes per minute) |
| Strobe Flash Duration | 0.2 seconds (nominal) |
| Strobe Color | Clear (Pure White) |
| Operating Voltage | 24VDC Nominal (15-32VDC range) |
| Current Consumption | Standby: 0mA, Active: 30mA typical |
| Power Consumption | 0.72W (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) |
| Humidity | 10% to 93% RH (Non-condensing) |
| Weatherproof Rating | IP54 (Dust and Water Splash Protected) |
| Enclosure Material | Polycarbonate (UL94 V-0) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (Wall or Ceiling) |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 5.0" x 5.0" x 2.2" (127mm x 127mm x 56mm) |
| Weight | 1.0 lbs (0.45 kg) |
| Wire Gauge | 14-22 AWG |
| Terminal Type | Screw Terminals |
| Color | White (Standard), Red available |
| Field Selectable | Candela setting (15/75/110 cd) |
| ADA Compliance | Yes (110 cd for sleeping areas) |
| NFPA 72 Compliance | Yes (2019 Edition) |
| Expected Life | 10 years (500,000 cycles minimum) |
| Visual Coverage | Per NFPA 72 spacing requirements |
Strobe Candela Ratings
15 cd
75 cd
110 cd
ADA Sleeping
177 cd
15 cd: General Areas | 75 cd: High Ambient Light | 110 cd: Sleeping Areas (ADA) | 177 cd: High-Risk
Strobe Flash Pattern
1 Hz flash rate (60 flashes per minute)
Product Overview
The FW2981 Emergency Strobe is a high-intensity visual signaling device specifically designed to meet modern fire alarm notification requirements for hearing-impaired occupants. Using advanced xenon flash tube technology, it delivers clear, bright visual alerts that comply with ADA requirements and NFPA 72 standards for emergency notification.
High Intensity
Selectable 15/75/110 candela output with clear white light for maximum visibility.
ADA Compliant
110 cd setting meets ADA requirements for sleeping area visual notification.
Weather Resistant
IP54 rating for reliable operation in various environmental conditions.
Key Characteristics
Clear Visibility: Pure white light with no color tint
Bright Output: Selectable 15/75/110 candela ratings
Standard Pattern: 1 Hz flash rate (60 flashes/minute)
Field Selectable: DIP switch candela setting
Durable: Polycarbonate construction with UV protection
Compact: 5" square design for optimal coverage
ADA Compliance: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires visual notification appliances in sleeping areas to provide a minimum of 110 candela. The FW2981's selectable candela settings allow for easy compliance with this requirement while providing flexibility for other areas with different ambient light conditions.
Product Features
Optical Features
- Xenon flash tube technology
- Selectable candela: 15/75/110 cd
- 1 Hz flash rate (60 flashes/minute)
- Clear white light (no color tint)
- Wide-angle light distribution
- 0.2 second flash duration
- Uniform illumination pattern
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: 30mA typical
- Compatible with standard NAC circuits
- Synchronization capability
- 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
Candela Selection: Proper candela selection is critical for ADA compliance and effective visual notification. Use 15 cd for general areas with normal ambient light, 75 cd for areas with high ambient light (windows, bright lighting), and 110 cd for sleeping areas as required by ADA. Always verify candela settings during installation and commissioning.
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, NFPA 72, and ADA requirements
- Mount 80-96" (2.0-2.4m) above floor for wall mount
- Ensure clear line-of-sight for strobe visibility
- Avoid mounting near obstructions
- Consider ambient light conditions
- Set appropriate candela rating for area
- Verify visibility from all room locations
Wiring & Configuration
Circuit Requirements
24VDC Notification Appliance Circuit (NAC).
DIP Switch Settings
Set candela rating (15/75/110 cd).
Load Calculation
Include 30mA per device in NAC calculations.
Spacing Requirements
Follow NFPA 72 spacing for visual coverage.
Installation Steps
- Select mounting location per NFPA 72 and ADA requirements
- Set DIP switches for appropriate candela rating
- Mount back box (if used) or prepare surface mount
- Route wiring to device location in approved conduit
- Connect wires to screw terminals (observe polarity)
- Secure emergency strobe to mounting surface
- Ensure device is level and securely mounted
- Verify electrical connections are tight
- Test device operation from fire alarm control panel
- Verify strobe visibility from all room locations
- Document installation and testing results
Strobe Spacing Guidelines
Sleeping Areas
110 cd, max spacing 50 ft (15m).
General Areas
15 cd, spacing per NFPA 72.
High Ambient Light
Use 75 cd, reduce spacing as needed.
Compatibility & Applications
Compatible Systems
- Maple Armor FW2000 Series
- Maple Armor FW2100 Series
- Maple Armor FW2200 Series
- Most 24VDC NAC fire alarm systems
- Synchronization with system strobe sync
Typical Applications
- Hotel and motel guest rooms
- Hospital patient rooms and corridors
- Office building corridors and common areas
- Educational facility classrooms
- Residential apartment buildings
- Commercial retail spaces
Application Scenarios
Hotels
Guest rooms with 110 cd ADA compliance.
Healthcare
Patient rooms and treatment areas.
Education
Classrooms and dormitory rooms.
Benefits
Clear Visibility: High-intensity light ensures effective notification
Code Compliance: UL, NFPA 72, ADA compliant
Flexible: Field-selectable candela settings
Reliable: Weatherproof construction
Efficient: Low power consumption
Serviceable: Easy maintenance access
Visual Notification Importance: Visual notification appliances like the FW2981 Emergency Strobe are essential for hearing-impaired individuals who cannot rely on audible alarms. They also provide critical backup notification in areas with high ambient noise where audible signals may be less effective. Proper placement and candela selection are essential for ensuring all occupants receive adequate warning during emergencies.
