Aiding escape
October 1st 2004

In an attempt to reduce the confusion often experienced by those evacuating a building, and thereby increasing their chances of survival, Klaxon Signals has introduced a new directional sounder.

Featuring broadband sound technology, the E-ZExit allows building occupants to locate instantly their nearest exit during an emergency.

The device emits pulses of broadband sound whose frequency increases as evacuees get nearer to the exit. A series of rising or falling tones is also used to indicate whether an evacuation route leads up or down.

Trials involving visuallyand hearing-impaired subjects have shown that, with the help of E-Z-Exit directional sounders, evacuation time from a smoke-filled environment was reduced by as much as 75% compared to trials with no directional units (but still using mandatory emergency signage).

Even without smoke, evacuation time was cut by up to 35%.

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