Purpose
Murray Library had an antiquated process to alert visitors that there was an emergency or it was closing time. The need to be able to modernize their system while at the same time adding new features to create a safer environment for their students. The new solution required a more forcible and distinctive mass notification alert and ability to be heard in every comer of the library. There also need to be a function to add programmable messages but also real time announcements.
Challenge
Creating a mass notification system in such a large space with multiple levels and many rooms TOA’s system design team worked closely with the onsite integrator Flyer Electric to work through the issues such as speaker location and system connection and especially sound intelligibility which was hampered due to the many types of sound barriers like book stacks, concrete walls and a variety of floor covering, all of which augmented the sound.
Solution
The VM-3000 mass notification system was chosen to cover the vast space in Murray Library. The VM-VA AMQ Voice Alarm System Amplifier was chosen as the main emergency broadcasting equipment. It was combined with multiple VM-3240E AMQ Extension Amplifiers to ensure power was sustained throughout the building. A variety of speakers were chosen to effectively cover the sound requirements to overcome some location barriers. Along with a message programmer timer and remote microphone the solution.
Feedback
The University was ecstatic with new mass notification system and the fact it provide all the functions required to improve student safety. They walked zone to zone in the building while testing and found the volume of an intelligibility was perfect in every space. The library regularly does fire alarm drills and has seen improvement of building evacuation by 50% The also found the process from concept to design to install went very smooth and was very thankful to work with TOA Canada and Flyer Electric.
We also were quite grateful to be able to visit the site and record a video aspect to this installation profile, you can view it here.
About TOA Canada
TOA Corporation was founded in Kobe, Japan over 80 years ago. TOA operates in over 100 countries worldwide, with manufacturing facilities found in nearly every major market area. These facilities have a reputation for precision design and fabrication, resulting in a proven track record of TOA product reliability.
TOA Canada Corporation was formed in 1990 as a complete sound solutions provider, specializing in commercial audio, including, public address, voice communications, voice evacuation and emergency paging requirements. TOA Canada offers complete solutions for all corporate and commercial audio communications and intercom security requirements.
