The WiLAS (Wireless Alert Siren) System, developed by Emergency Alert Systems (EAS), is a wirelessly networked alert siren system designed to deliver loud, easily distinguishable "Lockdown" and "Evacuation" alerts, or other site-specific warnings. It offers a rapid response time and a significantly lower installed cost compared to traditional hard-wired systems with central control panels. The system's wireless nature eliminates the need for extensive cabling for power and control signals, allowing warning devices to be placed optimally for maximum effect. Its compact, wireless remote controls can be carried or fixed in various locations.
Function Description:
The WiLAS System is designed to improve site safety by providing clear and easily understood warnings during emergencies. It comprises several key components:
- Wireless Remote Control: A handheld device that allows authorized personnel to activate alert warnings, test and diagnose system performance, and configure other networked devices. It features four buttons: "Lockdown" (also used for learning), "Evacuate" (also used for teaching), "All Clear" (also used for deleting), and "Deactivate" (also used for exiting). A tri-colour LED on the front face indicates the remote's status.
- Control Stations: These are wirelessly activated units that receive and relay radio messages from remotes, fixed control panels, or other control stations within the same network. They drive the remotely mounted sirens and charge an internal battery via mains power or an optional solar-powered charger. Control Stations are crucial for extending the wireless signal coverage across a site.
- Sirens: Connected in pairs to Control Stations, sirens provide high-output audio alerts through distinct alert tones and spoken "voice-overs." They are supplied with cables and J-Bar mounts for external wall installation.
- Indoor Wireless Beacon Station (Optional): Provides supplementary visual warnings in areas with high ambient noise or for hearing-impaired personnel. These beacons deliver warnings via three colour-coded strobe (flashing) lights and can be wall or ceiling mounted.
- Outdoor Wireless Beacon Station (Optional): Similar to indoor beacons, these provide supplementary visual warnings via three colour-coded strobe (flashing) lights, but are designed for wall or pole mounting outdoors.
- Solar Power Kit (Optional): Connects to a Control Station (one kit per station) to enable installation in locations without mains power, ensuring continuous operation.
- Control Station Mounted Control Panel (Optional): Integrated into a Control Station door, this panel provides additional alert activation locations.
- Stand-Alone Wireless Control Panel (Optional): A fixed control panel that can be remotely located at strategic points throughout a site for additional alert activation. Unlike Control Stations, these do not extend the wireless system signal coverage.
- Advisory Wall Plaque: A wipeable wall poster for recording details such as site safety warden, safe zones, and evacuation assembly points. It is ideal for classrooms, meeting rooms, or locations where personnel may be unfamiliar with site-specific procedures.
The system's network robustness is enhanced by using security-coded radio signals. Each wireless remote control, Control Station, and optional warning Beacon Station is keyed to a site-specific network. Control Stations are equipped with dual siren horns for greater audio output and redundancy. Back-up batteries in Control Stations and optional solar charging systems ensure maximum uptime, even during power outages.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Wireless Network Range: Each Control Station should be within 300-400 metres (maximum) of at least one other Control Station (preferably two or more) to ensure signal propagation. Remote controls have a maximum range of 100-150m to a Control Station.
- Alert Tones and Announcements:
- EVACUATE: Red beacon, "Evacuate! Go to your nearest evacuation assembly area."
- LOCKDOWN: Orange beacon, "Lockdown. Go to your nearest safe zone."
- ALL CLEAR: Green beacon, "All Clear! Wait for instructions from safety warden."
- Automatic Deactivation: All alerts automatically de-activate after 10 minutes of continuous activation to minimize noise pollution.
- Remote Control Battery: Uses 2 x AAA Alkaline batteries.
- Siren Mounting: Sirens are mounted using supplied J-Bars and require 4 x M10 corrosion-resistant fasteners (not supplied), each rated to a minimum of 25 Kg load capacity. Sirens must be mounted in an upright position with the bracket at the bottom to allow water drainage.
- System Configuration: One "Master" Control Station and one "Master" Remote Control (or fixed control panel) per network. All other Control Stations and Remotes are configured as "Slaves."
Usage Features:
- Alert Activation: To activate an alert, press and hold the corresponding button on the remote control or fixed panel for at least one second to prevent accidental activation.
- Alert Deactivation: Press the "DEACTIVATE" button to disable an active alert. Pressing the same button again while the alert is active will have no effect.
- Signal Transmission: Remotes and fixed control panels continue to transmit for approximately 8 seconds after a button is released to ensure good signal reception. During this transmission period (approximately 10 seconds), other activation controls will be ignored by the network.
- Remote Status LED Indicator:
- RED: Remote has not received an acknowledgment from the Master Control Station. If persistent for more than 3 seconds, move the remote closer to a Control Station.
- GREEN: Remote has received an acknowledgment from the Master Control Station.
- ORANGE: Low battery warning. The LED will also flash approximately once every 10 seconds when not in use to indicate a low battery condition.
Maintenance Features:
- Remote Battery Replacement: The 2 x AAA Alkaline batteries in the remote control should be routinely replaced every 3 months or when the status LED illuminates orange. To replace, remove 3 screws from the rear casing and ensure correct polarity.
- Siren Cable Management: Siren cables should be neatly routed, properly strain relieved, and tamper-proofed (using protective conduit if necessary).
- Pre-Installation Checks: Before permanent installation, verify the designated position for the Master Control Station, ensure each Control Station (or Beacon Light Station) is within 300m of at least one other, and confirm satisfactory audio coverage and remote signal reception (line of sight between antennae is desirable).
- Safety Procedures:
- Wear hearing protection when near sirens.
- Wear a safety harness when installing components at height.
- Always connect the siren cable at the siren end first.
- Quarantine remotes and activation panels during installation to prevent accidental activation.
- Disconnect the Control Station fuse before removing or replacing the battery.
- Installation Procedure: Install the Master Control Station first, followed by performing system checks on each station as they are installed. Then, install Slave Control Stations one at a time, working away from the Master Station. Validate system functionality and performance, finalize installation, and perform acceptance tests and sign-off.
Need help?
General
To Next Page