A: Electronic sirens generate higher sound pressure levels and are therefore significantly louder than motor sirens, such as the E57. The Kockum Sonics Delta-8 reaches up to 118 dB(A) SPL at a distance of 30 m, while motor sirens typically reach around 101 dB(A) SPL at this distance. However, some people perceive a motor siren as louder. This is because the sound of the E57 is directed more towards the ground due to the mushroom-shaped siren protection roof – especially in the immediate vicinity of the siren.

A: The volume of a sounder does not increase linearly with increasing output power, but logarithmically. Doubling the power (in watts) results in an increase in the sound pressure level of 3 dB. Doubling the membrane area also results in an increase in the sound pressure level of 3 dB. An example: The Delta 2 siren generates a sound pressure level of up to 106 dB(A) at a distance of 30 m, and the Delta 4 siren up to 112 dB(A). A Delta 2 has 2 loudspeakers with an output of 250 watts, a Delta 4 has 4 loudspeakers with an output of 500 watts. A Delta 4 siren therefore has twice the output power and, with 4 loudspeakers, also twice the membrane area. This explains the difference of 6 dB(A). For further information, see: Blog article – Sound pressure level explained

A: Electronic sirens sound different from motor sirens because they generate sound in a different way. Motor sirens use mechanical parts such as rotating discs or pistons to move air and produce a characteristic continuous tone. Electronic sirens generate sounds digitally via loudspeakers, which allows for a greater variety of sound patterns and results in a different sound characteristic.

A: Our siren system basically consists of the Delta siren horns (Delta 2 – Delta 8), the siren control unit (AT or AT-Global) including amplifier, batteries, cables and protective housing, as well as the necessary system cabling. In addition to the standard scope of delivery, the siren system can be expanded with accessories such as lightning protection, IoT module, microphone for voice announcements, external key switch and solar panel for autonomous operation.

A: Thanks to their unique design, Kockum Sonics Delta sirens have a small windage area and can generate high sound pressure levels with relatively low energy consumption (118 dB(A) for the Delta 8 with 1000 watts of power). Another advantage of Delta sirens is that they are delivered fully assembled, which saves installation time. In addition, all Delta siren models are compatible with the supplied siren control unit, making it very easy to adapt them to changing requirements. We are the only manufacturer to offer comprehensive protection against false alarms with our system.

A: Once all cables have been connected correctly, the upper LED on the red control unit to the left of the display should light up green and the lower red LED should not light up. If the upper LED does not light up, the control unit is not connected to the mains. If the lower LED (red) lights up, there is a fault.

A: By default, the languages German, Italian, French and English can be set on the siren control via the menu item ‘Settings’ ‘Languages’.

A: Thanks to the display and user-friendly interface of the AT and AT Global siren control units, you can see what kind of fault has occurred directly on the siren control unit. Detailed fault messages can be read out via the ‘Info’ menu function. In addition, with our IoT solution ks.Alert, a remote triggering and monitoring system, fault messages can be sent directly to a stored email address or via SMS. This enables real-time monitoring of the siren system.

A: Faults with the siren control unit should be reported to us as soon as possible. We will be happy to advise you on how to resolve the problem efficiently. You can reach us by email at info@kockum sonics.ch or by phone at 0041 44 820 31 91. Alternatively, you can submit fault reports digitally using the ‘Fault report’ web form on our website: www.kockumsonics-ag.ch/en or via the ‘Open ticket’ customer portal. With the ks.Alert IoT solution, fault reports are automatically sent to a predefined email address or a stored telephone number.

A: In principle, an interruption in the mains power supply is not a problem, as the sirens are equipped with batteries that ensure that the alarm is triggered independently of the mains power supply. However, we recommend that you inform us if the mains power supply is to be interrupted for a period of 2 days or longer, as fault messages will be registered in the system.

A: The quickest and most effective way to shut down a Kockum Sonics siren in an emergency is directly at the siren control unit. To do this, disconnect the two upper plugs (battery connections) on the left side of the siren control unit. These cables supply power to the tone generators, so disconnecting the cables shuts down the siren immediately. Kockum Sonics must be informed immediately after a false alarm. For safety reasons, it is recommended that Kockum Sonics be commissioned to restart the system.

A: An alarm can be triggered by turning the internal key switch on the control unit (depending on the siren model) clockwise with the appropriate key. It is also possible to trigger alarms via the siren control menu using the appropriate access data and authorisations. To trigger an alarm, select item 1 ‘Alarm’ using the ‘ESC’ button, the arrow keys and the ‘OK’ button. Within the alarm menu, the correct alarm can now be selected using the same buttons. After selecting the alarm, its activation must be confirmed with the OK button. The alarm can be deactivated again by pressing the OK button again.

A: Triggering an alarm via the ks.Alert IoT solution is very easy. In the menu of the ks.Alert app or the ks.Alert web application, select ‘Alarm’ from the navigation bar. In the ‘Alarm’ menu, you can now select the desired alarm or voice message. Selecting the alarm or voice message does not trigger the alarm. Once the correct alarm or voice message has been selected, press the ‘Activate alarm’ button to start the alarm. The alarm can then be paused for another 5 seconds. In another window, you can also select which sirens should play the signal and which users should be informed. If no selection is made within 5 seconds, all predefined sirens in a group are automatically activated and the relevant users are informed of the activation.

A: Remote key switches offer a radio-independent and self-sufficient way of manually activating sirens. The key switch is usually installed outside the building in a protected location that is easily accessible to emergency services. The siren can be triggered by turning the key clockwise with the appropriate key. The AT and AT-M siren control unit models, which have been in use since 2017, feature intelligent, digital key switch monitoring to prevent false alarms and ensure operational reliability at all times.

A: Mobile sirens have a wide range of applications. Due to their mobility and lower cost compared to stationary sirens, they are particularly useful in sparsely populated areas, at major events and for emergency services. Although emergency vehicles are often already equipped with acoustic warning devices, these are tied to a specific location in an emergency and are therefore less flexible and often less loud.

A: Yes – the mobile siren can be mounted on non-magnetic roofs using the appropriate accessories (suction cup base). As an additional safety measure, we recommend using the safety cables supplied in accordance with the operating instructions. It is also possible to mount the siren independently of the vehicle on an external tripod.

A: The mobile siren has protection class IP54. This means that the internal components remain dry when exposed to splashing water from all directions and are also protected against dust. The mobile siren can also be used in heavy rain. The housing of the mobile siren is made of ABS plastic and is therefore also resistant to salt water.

A: The mobile siren can be used with the safety cables at speeds of up to 130 km/h. However, for optimum audibility, we recommend a maximum speed of 30 km/h.

A: The siren control unit menu can be set to German, French, Italian or English.

A: Voice messages can be recorded and stored directly on the siren control unit. Alternatively, pre-recorded voice messages can be stored and played back. A total of up to 6 voice messages can be stored on the siren control unit.

A: Yes, the engine must be running in order to provide the mobile siren with optimal power via the vehicle connector.

A: The IoT solution ks.Alert from Kockum Sonics can be used with the following communication interfaces:

– Digital mobile networks such as (GSM, EDGE, 3G and 4G)

– Digital trunked radio (TETRA)

– Radio paging (POCSAG)

– Short Message Peer to Peer communication protocol (SMPP)

A: Depending on customer requirements, users of our IoT solution can be notified via push notification and in the app when the siren is activated, as well as via the web-based application, by email and also by text message.

A: With the Kockum Sonics IoT solution, multiple different types of feedback can be received from the siren control system. In addition to the feedback that the receivers receive directly, the Kockum Sonics IoT solution also provides an event log where all past events can be viewed with the most important information.

A: Whenever an event (alarm or fault message) is triggered, the following data is logged:

– Event ID

– Event name

– Time of activation (date & time)

– Time of deactivation

– Duration of the event

– Location of the siren

– Siren model

– List of users who were alerted

– Channels via which users were alerted

– Devices through which users were alerted

– Time at which users were alerted

– User response to the alert (I’ll take care of it / I can’t take care of it)

– Group view – response (confirmed, rejected, no action)

A: Our IoT solution ks.Alert shows how many sirens there are and where they are installed. In addition, as described in the two previous questions, you can see when, for how long and which sirens were triggered. If there is a fault in a system, this is indicated by a feedback message in ks.Alert. As a rule, at least one of the following fault messages is displayed: collective fault, mains voltage fault or sounder fault.

A: Users can be grouped differently depending on requirements and assigned different user rights. This makes it possible for some users to manage the IoT solution and its users themselves, while other users can trigger and respond to alarms, and yet other users can only respond to alarms.

A: The number of users of ks.Alert is unlimited and can be selected as required.

A: The price for the IoT solution consists of the one-time costs for the hardware, project management and customised configuration of the software, as well as the annual usage fees (per siren and per user) and any variable costs for SMS activation or SMS feedback (per SMS). The price per user per year decreases significantly as the number of users increases.

A: The range specifications for a siren can be used to estimate which siren model might be suitable for a particular location. However, for effective sound and lighting planning, the mounting height of the siren, the optimal alignment and the topographical conditions in terms of absorption and attenuation of the sound pressure level must be taken into account. We therefore recommend professional sound planning, e.g. using our sound planning software.

A: We only need a few details to plan the sound system. For civil protection, we need to know the exact locations for a siren system. For industrial companies, we need to know the size of the area to be covered and the normal background noise level.

A: We want to find the best solution for our customers and therefore offer free sound system planning. If a project for which extensive sound system planning has been carried out is not commissioned, we reserve the right to charge for the costs incurred.

A: In addition to sound system planning, project planning includes product selection, ordering the necessary materials, project coordination, evaluating local subcontractors, and scheduling appointments with all parties involved (customer, owner, technicians, lifting platform, electricians, authorised access personnel, etc.). Our project managers have interdisciplinary knowledge and skills and, if necessary, prepare detailed analyses, system installation concepts, lightning protection and earthing concepts, surge protection concepts and visualisations (photo montages).

A: Depending on the scope of delivery and project, normally 1-3 months.

A: The following services are provided as part of the project implementation: Coordination with contact persons and third parties (subcontractors) for project implementation, work preparation in the workshop and warehouse, delivery and transport of all materials, installation and fastening of the system, commissioning, functional testing, and disposal of old materials. We guarantee transparent project communication and project management in line with our motto: everything from a single source with local added value provided by local and specialised subcontractors.

A: Most projects can be completed on site within a few hours. A new siren system can usually be installed and put into operation within one day. Careful and efficient project planning and work preparation, as well as the mechanical design of the sounders (delivered as a complete unit and fully assembled), enable efficient installation on site. Only larger projects require several days of work.

A: Upon acceptance, the siren system is handed over ready for use. For testing purposes, an alarm is triggered at reduced volume (1%) and, if available, the key switch is tested for proper functioning and all settings and configuration parameters are checked.

A: As part of the project completion, an acceptance test is carried out in the presence of the client to check that the system is complete and in working order. In addition, training and instruction in the operation of the siren control system is provided. Information on operating the siren control system can also be found in the operating instructions supplied with the siren control cabinet.

A: Proper and professional maintenance and periodic servicing increase the availability and operational reliability of the system. Risks are minimised or eliminated through preventive measures. This is particularly important for sirens, which are safety-critical systems and therefore subject to particularly high availability requirements. With a maintenance contract, we guarantee short response times in emergencies and in the event of malfunctions. In addition, optimisation potential can be identified at an early stage and appropriate measures taken.

A: We offer service contracts with regular maintenance and on-site inspections. In addition, we also offer monitoring and data management for your systems as a service. We detect any problems with your system and keep your system data up to date at all times.

A: Kockum Sonics guarantees a service life and spare parts warranty of at least 15 years for siren systems under normal operating conditions. Modernisation, also known as retrofit, can bring the siren system up to the latest state of the art in a sustainable and efficient manner and extend its service life. Modernisation is often the more economical and efficient solution compared to a complete replacement.

A: The Swiss siren test takes place annually on the first Wednesday in February.

A: Both sirens and other warning devices are tested to ensure they are in working order. The ‘general alarm’ is usually tested first – a rising and falling wailing sound lasting one minute. This is followed by the ‘water alarm’ in the areas at risk below dams. The water alarm consists of twelve low-pitched tones lasting 20 seconds each, at intervals of 10 seconds.

A: If there is a danger in one or more regions, the cantons affected are primarily responsible for triggering the alarm. This could be due to severe weather, a chemical accident or even a terrorist attack. The water alarm sounds in the event of a dam breach and impending flood waves.

In national emergencies, such as increased radioactivity, the federal government can activate the sirens by pressing the red button at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC).

> Listen to the radio or consult the warning app.

> Follow the instructions of the authorities and inform your neighbours.

> In the event of a water alarm, leave the area immediately and seek safety at a higher location or at the designated assembly point.

A: The mobile sirens are used in particular for sparsely populated areas or as a short-term replacement for stationary sirens in the event of failure. Mobile sirens can also be used to broadcast voice messages. They are therefore suitable for disseminating information and instructions to the population, for example in the event of drinking water contamination.

A: We are available to answer questions and provide support to our customers before and during the test alarm. We also offer training courses for emergency personnel prior to the siren test. If necessary, we carry out sound level measurements using calibrated measuring devices.

After the test alarm, we receive reports of faults or malfunctions affecting the sirens from the individual cantons, civil defence organisations or municipalities.

After an initial triage, our technicians are dispatched to rectify the faults and malfunctions as quickly as possible. Here, we focus on sustainable route planning and speedy execution of the work.

A: The Swiss siren network comprises a total of around 7,200 sirens, including around 2,200 mobile sirens.

A: The history of public alert systems in Switzerland goes back a long way. Pneumatic siren systems have been in use since 1962 and electronic sirens since 1983.

In 2018, the siren network was connected to the national Polyalert network and the AlertSwiss app was launched.

A: Sirens remain an effective and important element of warning and alerting the population in emergencies. In the event of a blackout, the siren network can operate independently of the power grid for up to five days. This means that alarms can still be sounded even during prolonged power outages. Sirens are also useful and necessary for visually impaired people or those without modern means of communication (smartphones). The wake-up function is equally important at night when many people have their smartphones switched off.