UL 464

Audible Signaling Devices for Fire Alarm and Signaling Systems, Including Accessories

UL 464

1 Scope

1.1 This standard applies to electrically operated bells, sirens, horns, and similar audible signaling devices, rated at 300 V or less, for fire alarm and signaling systems and intended for indoor and/or outdoor installation:

• a) In Canada, in accordance with CSA C22.1, Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, Safety Standard for Electrical Installations; and with CAN/ULC-S524, Standard for Installation of Fire Alarm Systems. Refer to CAN/ULC-S541, Speakers for Fire Alarm and Signaling Systems, Including Accessories, for requirements pertaining to speakers.
• b) In the United States in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, and the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, NFPA 72.

1.2 This standard applies to audible signaling devices for use in ordinary (non-hazardous or non-corrosive) locations.

1.3 This standard also applies to protective covers and accessories used with audible signals.

1.4 This standard does not apply to door bells, buzzers and chimes used in household and similar applications and intended for operation on Class 2 signal circuits as defined in:

• a) In Canada, CSA C22.1, Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, Safety Standard for Electrical Installations,
• b) In the United States, the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70.

NOTE: In the United States, general signaling appliances are covered by the Standard for Audible Signal Appliances for General Signaling Use, UL 464A.

1.5 Audible signaling devices for use in hazardous or corrosive locations shall comply with the requirements of this Standard and the applicable requirements of:

• a) In Canada, CSA C22.1, Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, Safety Standard for Electrical Installations, with respect to the location hazard;
• b) In the United States, the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70.

1.6 A supplementary visual signal, incorporated as part of an audible signaling device which is intended for fire alarm application shall comply with the requirements of this Standard and the applicable requirements of:

• a) In Canada, CAN/ULC-S526, Standard for Visible Signaling Devices for Fire Alarm and Signaling Systems, Including Accessories;
• b) In the United States, the Standard for Visible Signaling Devices for Fire Alarm and Signaling Systems, Including Accessories, UL 1638.

2 General

2.1 Components

2.1.1 Except as indicated in 2.1.2a component of a product covered by this Standard shall comply with the requirements for that component. See Annex A for a list of Standards covering components generally used in the products covered by this Standard.

2.1.2 A component need not comply with a specific requirement that:

• a) Involves a feature or characteristic not needed in the application of the component in the product covered by this Standard; or
• b) Is superseded by a requirement in this Standard.

2.1.3 A component shall be used in accordance with rating(s) established by its manufacturer for the intended conditions of use.

2.2 Units of Measurement

2.2.1 Unless otherwise indicated, all voltage and current values mentioned in this Standard are root-mean-square (rms).

2.2.2 The metric unit shall be designated as the official unit for purposes of this standard. Where values of measurement are specified in both SI and English units, either unit is used. In cases of dispute, the metric unit shall be used. Values stated without parentheses are the requirement. Values in parentheses are explanatory or approximate information.

2.2.3 Wherever the abbreviation “AWG” appears in these requirements, it refers to American Wire Gauge.

2.3 Control Unit Interface

2.3.1 An audible signaling device incorporating circuitry for functional interfacing with a control unit for purposes such as supervision, point addressing, multiplexing, synchronization etc., shall also comply with the applicable functional requirements of standards such as:

• a) In Canada, CAN/ULC-S527, Standard for Control Units for Fire Alarm Systems;
• b) In the United States, the Standard for Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems, UL 864.