Fire Alarm Strobe Synchronization: Why Is This NFPA Requirement So Important?

Have you witnessed a Fire Marshal inspection lately? If so, then you’ve noticed a very strong interest by the marshal to insure that the fire alarm strobes are in synchronization while the system is in alarm condition.

By synchronization, we’re talking about how the strobes flash in unison with each other.

If you’re a building engineer or manager, you might already know that if two or more strobes are visible at the same time, by fire alarm code requirements they must be synchronized, but do you understand the reason why?

Americans with Disabilities Act

In the 1996 edition of NFPA 72, a new code was added concerning strobe synchronization to comply with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

As of today’s date , strobe synchronization is also required by ANSI 117.1 (National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities and UL Standard 1971 (Signaling Devices for the Hearing Impaired).

The reason behind this code requirement is to help prevent what is called photosensitive epilepsy.

According to the Epilepsy Foundation’s website, three percent of epileptics that are exposed to flashing lights (at certain intensities or to certain visual patterns) can trigger seizures.

Three percent may not sound like a lot, but there over 3 million people who suffer from epilepsy in America alone. This equates to around 90,000 people who are affected.

Without getting into technical jargon, such as hertz and candelas, let me quickly explain this in simple, layman’s terms.

Normally, fire alarm strobes flash around once per second, but if a room or hallway has, let’s say, two or three strobes within sight, now we’re talking two to three flashes per second.

Without these strobes having any synchronization, the chances are good that these flashes would be spiratic and not in any particular flash sequence.

If you have any construction such as upgrades/build-outs being performed in your building, check with your fire alarm company to insure that new strobes comply with these requirements.

If you’re not sure whether your fire alarm system complies with proper Federal, state, and local codes, Houston Fire Safety will be happy to check this out for you. Just call our office or fill out our contact form and set up a fire alarm inspection. There are no lengthy contracts to sign and no further obligations, such as service or monitoring agreements.