From catastrophic natural disasters to the threats college students face, there has been a heightened demand for Mass Notification Systems (MNS) that provide clear, concise and intelligible voice messages that communicate how people should respond in an emergency. The magnitude and diversity of today’s threats have influenced the federal government and other organizations to develop intelligibility requirements in order for an MNS to be effective.

NFPA 72 2013 defines intelligible as “Capable of being understood; comprehensible; clear.” Intelligibility is the degree to which we understand what is being said. Basically, if a voice message cannot be understood by the intended audience, then the MNS has failed and may have caused more harm than good. 

Understanding that intelligible voice messages are critical for life safety, Eaton has developed industry-leading solutions, including WAVES High Power Speaker Arrays (HPSA), part of its ALERiTY integrated mass notification solution platform. Eaton’s HPSAs broadcast intelligible voice messages and tones, covering large geographic areas. Using leading-edge amplification technology, the HPSA’s vertical line arrays provide a narrow vertical output pattern for focusing sound directly at the audience, which produces better sound pressure and higher intelligibility. By creating a nearly cylindrical sound propagation pattern, the system allows messages to be clearly understood whether a person is 100 ft. or 1,500 ft. away.

ALERiTY features a suite of critical communication solutions, including RF, IP and direct hard-wired networks. One option is the HPSA-7100-R series, which provides a simple upgrade path to expand emergency communications coverage to outdoor areas. The HPSA-7100-R can be integrated and controlled by an organization’s existing audio source, including voice-capable fire alarm systems and Eaton’s SAFEPATH in-building MNS.

Whether it’s a public venue, school yard or college, or corporate campus, these giant voice speaker arrays ensure that you get the right message to the right person at the right time.

 Visit www.eaton.com for more information.