NORTHFORD, Conn., June 29, 2011 – Gamewell-FCI by Honeywell (NYSE: HON) has expanded its emergency communications systems capabilities with a second version of its Local Operator Console (LOC) used to remotely control emergency messaging and system operation. As major components of mass notification systems, LOCs are required by the Department of Defense (DoD) on all U.S. military installations, and prescribed by NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code for commercial facilities.
Gamewell-FCI’s original LOC comprises a microphone for live announcements and 16 programmable switches to enable authorized users to choose specific pre-recorded messages to broadcast or disseminate messages to particular zones within a facility. A third LOC component is a network graphic annunciator (NGA), designed to provide remote access to information on an entire fire alarm and ECS network, plus distribute text messages to all LOC units on the network. The NGA includes a bright, touchscreen display and intuitive layered menu structure for easy human interface.
The new LOC-TEL version from Gamewell-FCI offers a lower-cost alternative that also meets the mass notification requirements of Local Operating Consoles as mandated by the DoD in its Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) document 4-021-1. A telephone and 16 programmable switches allow this LOC-TEL to direct pre-recorded and live voice messages to any designated area within a facility.
“We designed these units to the UFC’s exact specifications,” says Bob Gomersall, product manager for Gamewell-FCI. “Pretty much all military posts are required to install LOCs every 100 feet in every building, but in many areas the functionality of this lower-cost version is really all that’s needed.”
According to Gomersall, the company’s LOCs are also being sought after by more than military facilities.
“With NFPA’s emergency communications codes being so similar to the UFC requirements, schools, hospitals and a lot of local government facilities are beginning to understand the advantages of integrated fire alarm and emergency communications systems such as ours,” exclaims Gomersall.
As a General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule No. 84 supplier , Gamewell-FCI has noted a huge increase in the number of federal agencies and local governments considering an update of their current fire alarm systems with plans to phase-in emergency communications capabilities over a few years time. Under GSA contract number GS-07F-0087X, Gamewell-FCI’s nationwide network of Platinum Engineered Systems Distributors can supply federal and local government entities with the latest fire protection and emergency communications systems under the GSA Co-op Purchasing Program.
Contact a regional Gamewell-FCI representative for more information on its fire alarm, emergency communications and GSA offerings. More technical product information, including data sheets and drawings, is available online at www.gamewell-fci.com.
EDITOR’S NOTE: High- and low-resolution images of Gamewell-FCI’s LOCs and emergency communications systems are available in the online pressroom. Download a Word® doc. of this press release here. Please direct all Gamewell-FCI leads to Melanie Cobb at melanie.cobb@honeywell.com.
Gamewell-FCI, part of the Honeywell (NYSE: HON) Life Safety Group, is a manufacturer and single-source provider of fire alarm and emergency communication systems. In cooperation with a global network of Engineered Systems Distributors, Gamewell-FCI delivers cutting-edge technology designed for a broad scope of public, private and military applications. For more information, visit www.gamewell-fci.com.
Honeywell International (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.
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