Audible evacuation sign

The Zoneworks Sound Escape system is designed to provide an enhanced solution for evacuation from buildings combining both visual and sound cues.

In the event of a fire, the effectiveness of exit and emergency lighting is severely reduced, even in relatively low smoke densities. Exit signs are also installed typically at heights of 2.1 to 2.7 m above the floor "” right in the smoke layer, so visual direction alone is not enough to ensure adequate evacuation.

Zoneworks has a localised, directional sound built into the exit luminaires so it can be heard as well as seen, allowing individuals to distinguish the origin of the sound attached to the sign, therefore defining the evacuation path and the final point of exit.

Only certain types of sounds are inherently localisable to the human brain, which must be emitted as a broadband sound to be effective. Pure tones, simple tone combinations or narrowband noise cannot be localised.

The system is supplied as a complete kit for installation, commissioning and configuration of the devices. Integrity of the system is ensured through real-time monitoring and automated testing of both light and sound.

The system can be configured for specific broadband pulse length and gaps depending on the position of the exit sign in relation to the exit; various annunciation messages: "exit here', "exit left', "exit right', or "exit ahead'; and automatic testing of the directional exit signs and their interface with existing fire and evacuation systems.