Fire alarm sounders, beacons and visual alarm devices (VADs) for addressable, conventional and wireless systems: wall, ceiling, base-mounted, voice and weatherproof models from Apollo, Hochiki, C-TEC, Eaton and more.
Sounders, beacons and VADs we stock
- Wall and ceiling sounders, e.g. the C-TEC Hi-Output 103dB wall sounder and Eaton Fulleon Roshni.
- Sounder beacons and VADs, e.g. the Hochiki CHQ-WSB2 sounder VAD and Global Fire Valkyrie, plus beacon-only VADs.
- Sounder bases that fit beneath a detector, such as the Apollo XP95 sounder base. See all detector bases.
- Voice sounders with spoken evacuation messages, e.g. the C-TEC Hi-Output voice sounder.
- Weatherproof and intrinsically safe: IP65 deep-base models and C-TEC Moflash I.S. beacons.
- Wireless sounders and site alarms from EMS SmartCell, Electro Detectors and Evacuator; see wireless fire detection.
- Fire bells, such as the Apollo 6" conventional bell.
Shop by brand: Apollo, Hochiki, C-TEC, Eaton, Notifier, Global Fire Equipment, Fike and EMS.
How to choose a fire alarm sounder or beacon
- Match the panel. Addressable devices must use the panel's protocol (e.g. Apollo XP95/Discovery or Hochiki ESP); conventional devices wire to monitored sounder circuits.
- Check the sound level. BS 5839-1 generally calls for at least 65 dB(A), or 5 dB(A) above persistent background noise, and 75 dB(A) at the bedhead where people sleep.
- VAD or VID? For a visual warning, choose an EN 54-23 VAD and check its category (C ceiling, W wall, O open class) and coverage, e.g. C-3-8. Devices marked VID or "non EN54-23" are indicators only.
- Mounting and environment. Base sounders avoid a separate device; deep bases allow surface cable entry; IP65 models suit outdoor or damp areas.
Why buy from JEM Systems UK
JEM Systems UK supplies genuine Apollo, Hochiki, C-TEC and Eaton products, all brand new and factory sealed, to trade installers across the UK. Part numbers are in every product title for easy like-for-like replacement. Buy online with fast, tracked UK delivery, or contact us for help matching a device to your fire alarm panel.
Fire alarm sounder FAQs
What is a fire alarm sounder?
The audible warning device in a fire alarm system. When the panel goes into alarm, sounders produce a loud tone, or a spoken message on voice sounders, telling occupants to evacuate.
What does VAD stand for in a fire alarm?
Visual alarm device: a flashing beacon tested to EN 54-23 to give a visual warning over a defined area. VADs supplement sounders where people may have hearing loss or background noise is high.
What is a sounder base?
A detector mounting base with a built-in sounder, and sometimes a VAD, giving detection and alarm from one ceiling position. A cap can usually be fitted where no detector is needed.
What is the difference between addressable and conventional sounders?
Addressable sounders sit on the detection loop and are controlled individually by the panel. Conventional sounders are wired to the panel's sounder circuits, monitored by an end-of-line device.
