Table of Contents
General Alarm Technology
An electronic audible alarm produces an audible warning sound using electronic means. This is in contrast to electro-mechanical alarms that produce sound by mechanical means. Examples of electro-mechanical alarms include the old clapper type alarm clocks, school bells, and car horns. Examples of applications that use electronic audible alarms include smoke detectors and microwave ovens.
Buzzers, beepers, audible signals, piezo’s, sounders, alerts, audio alarms, indicators, transducers, and various combinations of these terms (audio alerts, piezo indicators, etc.).
Audible alarms work by using electronic components to convert the user’s input voltage into an appropriate oscillating signal that drives a metal sounder diaphragm. This metal sounder diaphragm then physically flexes up and down producing air pressure waves that the human ear interprets as sound. For a more detailed description, please read the Article titled, “Audible Alarm Basics” and see Technical Application Guide, "Piezoelectric Alarm Operation".
Piezoelectric type alarms utilize a piezoelectric transducer which consists of a metal disc that has a ceramic material bonded to it. When voltage is applied to the ceramic material, it causes the metal disc to physically flex. If the piezoelectric transducer is physically flexed at an appropriate frequency, the air pressure waves are produced that are heard as an audible sound.
Electro-magnetic type alarms utilize an electro-magnet and a nearby bare metal disc that is mounted to the housing. When the electro-magnet is energized, the resulting magnetic field physically deflects the bare metal disc. If the bare metal disc is flexed at an appropriate frequency, an audible sound is produced.
Alarms that use piezoelectric technology draw less current, are capable of louder sound levels, and do not generate magnetic fields (possible EMI/EMC concerns). Alarms that use electro-magnetic technology excel at producing low frequency pitch sounds in small packages. This is why many miniature board mount or surface mount audible alarms use electro-magnetic technology.
Electronic audible alarms are considered components by equipment designers, but in actuality, they are a complex electromechanical assembly. See Technical Application Guide, "Piezoelectric Alarm Construction".
An indicator is an electronic alarm that has internal circuitry. The user only needs to apply an input voltage, and the alarm will automatically sound.
A transducer does not contain any internal circuitry. The user has to supply the complex AC signal that will make the sounder diaphragm flex at the appropriate rate and amplitude.
Indicators are always appropriate to use. Mallory’s design engineering (which holds over a dozen active patents) has already designed the most efficient circuit needed to produce the required sound and has tested that circuit against a wide variety of environmental conditions.
Transducers may be justified to use when there is sufficient volume to the application to justify the time and expense required to design, de-bug, test, re-design, and validate the circuit design needed to drive the transducer under the environmental extremes that will be seen in the application. While the operation of the transducer may seem simple from the outside, there are many potential application problems that can arise unexpectedly.
Electrical Application Issues
A piezoelectric or electromagnetic alarm generates sound by physically deflecting a metal disc. It does take a small amount of time once the voltage signal is applied to the part before the metal disc is flexing to its fullest potential. Our recommended minimum pulse duration is 50 msec. but some customers have reported being able to use even shorter durations without affecting the sound level. At some point as the pulse duration continues to decrease, the "beep" sound will become a "click" sound and the sound level will decrease.
For Mallory Alarms and buzzers that use piezoelectric transducers, we have never had a report of these devices being affected by EMC/EMI. However, there have been a few reports of electromagnetic type buzzers being effected. If you are worried about the alarm being affected by EMC/EMI, you can consider using an EMC protective product such as 3M EMC tape or fabric that could be wrapped around the alarm. Google "3M EMC Products" to find 3M's website with information on these products.
Mechanical Application Issues
Yes, but the alarm will be attenuated 15-20 decibels. This means that the sound level will be about ½ to ¼ as loud as it would be if it was mounted externally or if there were openings made in the enclosure so that the sound could radiate out. For a full discussion on mounting alarms inside of equipment, read the article titled, “Audible Alarm Use and Equipment Integrity Issues.”
Yes! Visit our contact page on the website or email info@mallory-sonalert.com or call 317-612-1000
Soldering & Washing Issues
330ºC for 1.5 seconds or 270ºC for 4 seconds.
270ºC for 3 seconds.
Users have found our alarms not to be the critical component for setting up the re-flow oven profile. Unless you deviate significantly from the profile recommended by the solder paste manufacturer or other component suppliers, you should not have any problems.
Unlike resistors, capacitors, IC’s, or other components, electronic alarms are actually a complex electro-mechanical assembly. Unless you are using a transducer or buzzer unit that utilizes spring clip connections, there are usually a multitude of solder joints internal to the audible alarm. If you put too much heat for too long of a time on the audible alarm terminals, you can cause a variety of problems including:
- The solder joint connecting the audible alarm terminal to the PC board may re-flow causing a cold solder joint.
- Components on the circuit board near to the terminal may heat up and fail due to either thermal shock of the component or cold solder joints.
- The solder plating on the terminals may fail.
It is only recommended to wash those audible alarms that are sealed in the back and have a wash label over the sound opening. Not all board mount audible alarms are available in this configuration, so it is recommended to view the part data sheet or visit our contact page on the website or email info@mallory-sonalert.com or call 317-612-1000
If the part does not have a wash label, the cleaning solution will get into the front of the part through the front hole acoustic opening. This will not likely damage the part, but an audible alarm will likely not sound (or barely sound) if there is liquid solution in this front chamber. The cleaning solution may dry out over time on its own, or it can be removed more quickly by using an air circulating oven. However, the time it takes for the part to dry out depends on many different factors.
If the part is not sealed in back, several things may happen. The cleaning solution may get trapped inside the part and may seep out over time or at an inappropriate time. If the part has a circuit board, the cleaning solution may get up on the circuit board and cause electrical shorting and possibly permanent damage to the part or the circuit board the part is mounted on. Finally, the cleaning solution may cause corrosion internally to the audible alarm which could result in the part failing catastrophically or slowly over time.
Sound Issues
Sound level is measured in decibels (abbreviated dB). The dB scale is an arbitrary scale that reflects the loudness of the sound that is being measured. It ranges from 0 dB (threshold of hearing) to 130 dB (threshold of pain). For a better understanding of the decibel sound level scale, see Technical Application Guide, "Decibel Sound Level Scale".
The audible alarm should be at least 10 dB louder than the ambient back ground noise so that it can be easily heard. You can estimate the ambient background noise by using the chart found in the Technical Application Guide, “Decibel Sound Level Scale" or you can use a sound level meter to measure the actual ambient noise level.
Every time the sound level increases by 10 dB, it will sound twice as loud to the human ear. For example, an alarm specified as 90 dB at 2 feet will sound half as loud as one specified as 100 dB at 2 feet.
Sound level falls off over distance. We intuitively know this because we have to talk louder (or even shout) when people are farther away. The rule of thumb is that every time the distance doubles, the sound level drops off by 6 dB. For example, if an audible alarm measures 60 dB at 2 feet, by the time it reaches 4 feet, it will only be 54 dB. By the time it reaches 8 feet, it will only be 48 dB, and so on.
Unfortunately, there is no one standard distance for specifying the sound level for audible alarms. However, there are some common distances such as 2 feet (60 cm), 1 foot (30 cm), and 10 cm (4 in). An excel spreadsheet has been developed to convert among the most common distances used. The link for the spreadsheet is in our TECHINCAL RESOURCES webpage.
For example, if you want to compare an alarm that is specified as 100 dB at 10 cm and one specified as 88 dB at 2 feet, you must choose one distance that you want to use to compare the parts. Using the distance conversion spreadsheet, you would find that 88 dB at 2 feet equates to 103 dB at 10 cm, so the alarm specified as 88 dB at 2 feet is actually louder than the other one when they are compared apples to apples.
Most people can only distinguish a sound level change only when it increases or decreases by 3 decibels. For example if a person was listening to an audible alarm that changed from 90 to 92 dB, that person would most likely say that the alarm did not get louder. If the sound level changed from 90 dB to 93 dB, the person would say that the sound level is slightly louder. If the sound level changed from 90 to 96 dB, the person would say that the sound level is significantly louder. If the sound level changed from 90 to 100 dB, the person would say that the sound level is twice as loud as before.
Pulsing tones are more easily distinguished than constant tones. Also, pulsing tones convey typically convey more urgency to a person than a constant tone. On the other hand, it takes more electronic circuitry to make a tone pulse, so pulsing audible alarms are usually more expensive than constant tone alarms. If a more pleasant sounding tone is needed, a chime sound may be preferred.
You can listen to the various sounds that Mallory audible alarms make on our SOUNDS webpage.
dB is the abbreviation for decibels which is how the sound level of audible alarms is measured. The “a” in dBa means that the sound level was measured on an A-Weighting scale. The A-Weighting scale was developed to compensate for the fact that the human ear is not a perfect microphone. By applying the A-Weighting scale to sound level measurements, you put the different frequencies (pitches) that the audible alarms produce on an even basis (i.e. comparing apples to apples). Mallory always uses A-Weighting for their sound level measurements, but not all audible alarm manufacturers are this diligent.
Yes! Visit our CONTACT US webpage or email info@mallory-sonalert.com or call 317-612-1000
Environmental Issues
The alarms, buzzers, transducers, speakers, and other products & accessories sold by Mallory Sonalert Products, Inc. are individual components that must be incorporated into final equipment in order to be useful. Since their safety and use depends to a very large extent on how they are incorporated, they are not covered by the various European Directives, and need not be CE marked. In fact, per the Low Voltage Directive, components must not be CE Marked.
While a vast majority of Mallory's alarms are used in industrial and non-aerospace applications, Mallory's alarms have been used by the aerospace industry for over 30 years, and end customers include nearly all major and minor jet, airplane, and helicopter manufacturers. All the various alarm models used in these applications have been certified with the FAA by the alarm user. While Mallory has not been directly involved with the FAA during the PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) process, Mallory has (and will) supply all needed information for any certification and/or approvals that are required by the application to the alarm user. It is up to the alarm user to work with the FAA to gain approval.
Mallory is not aware of anyone who has ever had a shelf life issue with our alarms. That being said, some alarm models contain aluminum electrolytic capacitors. The recommended shelf life for these capacitors is 5 to 10 years depending on how they are used. Our application of these capacitors is not especially sensitive to the shelf life issues of these components, so we would expect that they would last 8-10 years or longer in our alarms just sitting on the shelf (no voltage applied during that time).
MTBF data has only been generated for the SC, SNP, and SBM Series. Historical life test data at maximum temperature and voltage has resulted in the following failure rates for a majority of the models in these series that we sell when calculated per Mil-Handbook-217:
F.R. = 0.08% per 1000 hrs @ 60% confidence level
MTBF = 1,250,000 hrs @ 60% confidence level.
Mallory Sonalert Products alarms, buzzers, and speakers do not require an ECCN Number. However, if you absolutely need to assign an ECCN Number, use EAR99 (which means that our product is not regulated).
For our Rugged/Military panel mount models, these alarms are already at the limits of the technology (-55 C). However, it is likely that our other alarms will work at colder temperatures. Visit our CONTACT US webpage, email info@mallory-sonalert.com or call 317-612-1000
Design Engineering uses a variety of tests during the verification and validation design phases. These tests can include: surge voltage, reverse voltage, hot & cold life tests, room temperature life test, humidity, vibration, shock, salt spray, and terminal strength. The Environmental Tests for each alarm are listed in that alarm’s Environmental Durability PDF available on the website.
MSL 1 (Unlimited)
Yes! Use our CONTACT US webpage, email info@mallory-sonalert.com or call 317-612-1000
Warranty
The seller warrants the goods to be supplied hereunder will conform to the pertinent specifications, drawings and approved samples, if furnished, and that such goods will be of good materials and workmanship and free of defects if properly installed and used as sold by Seller. If within one-year period from the date of shipment to Purchaser such goods, not having been subject to misuse, alteration, modification, neglect. Improper installation or unauthorized repairs not exposed to an abnormal environment, are shown not to be in conformity or are shown to be defective in workmanship or materials, Seller’s sole and exclusive obligation under this warranty is to repair or replace such goods, provided return is made prepaid to Seller or its designated representative with the following tagged information: (i) date of shipment of such goods to Purchaser; (ii) date such goods are determined to be non-conforming or defective; and (iii) specifying the apparent non-conformity or defect. No claim will be allowed under this warranty unless Purchaser notifies Seller of such claim within 30 days after Purchaser learns of facts giving rise to such claim. Purchaser’s failure to test, inspect and make claim within such one-year period shall be conclusive evidence that the goods shipped were satisfactory in all respects. The liability of Seller under the forgoing warranty shall not exceed the price charged by Seller for the goods which give rise to the Purchaser’s claim. THE AFORESAID WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED (INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PURPOSE), EXCEPT OF TITLE. SELLER ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR OTHER DAMAGES OF ANY TYPE (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DAMAGES RELATED TO LOST SALES AND PROFITS, EXCESSIVE OR INCREASED COSTS AND EXPENSES, FIELD RECALL AND RETROFIT, COSTS AND EXPENSES , DOWNTIME COSTS AND CLAIMS OF CUSTOMERS OR PURCHASER FOR SUCH DAMAGES) RESULTING FROM NON-CONFORMING OR DEFECTIVE CONDITION OF ANY GOODS SOLD BY SELLER TO PURCHASER HEREUNDER, AND PURCHASER ASSUMES ALL LIABILITY FOR ALL CONSEQUENCES ARISING OUT OF ITS USE OR SALES OF SUCH GOODS. THE AFORESAID REMEDY OF PURCHASER IS EXCLUSIVE AND THIS LIMITATION OF LIABILITY PROVISION SHALL APPLY TO ANY AND ALL CLAIMS OR SUITS BASED UPON NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF CONTRACT, BREACH OF WARRANTY, STRICT LIABILITY, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY UPON WHICH LIABILITY MAY BE ASSERTED AGAINST SELLER BY PURCHASER OF OTHERS.