Potter PE-STWC Fire Alarm 170006

The Potter PE-STWC (Part #170006) is a professional-grade, high-performance fire alarm notification appliance designed for mission-critical audible and visual signaling. In the event of a fire or emergency, clear communication is the difference between an orderly evacuation and chaos. The PE-STWC integrates a high-intensity xenon strobe with a multi-cadence horn, providing a dual-sensory alert system that ensures every occupant—regardless of hearing or visual ability—is promptly notified of the hazard.

Manufactured by the Potter Electric Signal Company, a leader in fire safety since 1898, the PE-STWC is engineered for maximum reliability in commercial, institutional, and industrial environments. Its sleek, low-profile design is intended for wall mounting and is finished in a high-visibility fire red with "FIRE" lettering. This device is not merely a signal; it is a code-mandated life-safety tool that helps your facility stay compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and NFPA 72 standards.

Audible and Visual Synergy: How It Works

The Potter PE-STWC utilizes a "Universal" mounting plate that allows for fast installation on standard electrical boxes. Once energized by the fire alarm control panel (FACP), the device performs two simultaneous functions:

• Audible Horn Output: The device produces a loud, piercing tone that can be configured for various patterns. This ensures that even in high-ambient-noise environments, such as warehouses or school cafeterias, the alarm is unmistakable.
• Synchronized Visual Strobe: The integrated strobe light provides a high-intensity flash that is designed to be visible from any angle within a room. This is critical for alerting individuals with hearing impairments or for use in areas where ear protection is required.

The Potter Engineering Advantage: Synchronization and Logic

• Sync Protocol Compatibility: The PE-STWC is designed to be synchronized with other Potter notification appliances. Synchronization is an NFPA requirement; it prevents multiple strobes in a single field of view from flashing at different rates, which can trigger photosensitive seizures.
• Temporal 3 Patterning: The horn is capable of producing the Temporal 3 (T3) cadence—the international standard for fire evacuation signals. This rhythmic "three-pulse" sound is instantly recognizable and reduces the risk of occupants confusing the fire alarm with a general security alert.
• Low Current Draw: Potter's engineers have optimized the internal circuitry to minimize the current draw on the Notification Appliance Circuit (NAC). This allows for more devices to be placed on a single wire run, reducing installation labor and material costs.
• Impact-Resistant Lens: The strobe lens is made of high-durability polycarbonate, ensuring that the light maintains its "candela" (brightness) rating over time and resists damage from accidental impacts in high-traffic hallways.

The Potter PE-STWC is the preferred choice for facility managers who need to meet rigorous local building codes:

• Educational Facilities: Essential for school hallways and classrooms, providing clear notification during noisy transitions or quiet testing periods.
• Healthcare & Hospitals: Designed for patient areas where visual and audible alerts must be reliable and synchronized to support ADA compliance.
• Public Assembly & Retail: High-intensity strobes are required in large open spaces where the sound of the horn might be muffled by crowds or high ceilings.
• Industrial & Warehouse: Durable enough for light industrial use, with a mounting system that resists the vibration of heavy ventilation equipment.

Notification appliances like the Potter PE-STWC are subject to strict NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) regulations.

• Visual Mounting Height: Strobes must be mounted between 80 and 96 inches above the floor to ensure they are visible over the heads of occupants and furniture.
• Audible Audibility: The horn must produce a sound level at least 15 decibels above the average ambient sound level or 5 decibels above the maximum sound level.
• Annual Testing: Per code, every notification appliance must be tested annually. This involves a "walk-test" to verify that the horn sounds at the correct volume and the strobe flashes at the correct frequency.
• ADA Accessibility: The PE-STWC's strobe brightness is calibrated to meet the ADA's requirements for visual notification in all "public use" and "common use" areas.

Can I mount this device on the ceiling?
The PE-STWC is specifically designed and listed for wall-mount applications. Mounting a wall-rated device on the ceiling can negatively impact the strobe's light distribution and may result in a failed fire inspection. For ceiling applications, use the Potter "PE-STCC" series.

Do I need a separate sync module?
Potter devices are designed to synchronize using the Potter Sync Protocol. If your fire alarm control panel does not have the protocol built-in, you will need a separate Potter SMD10-3B Sync Module to ensure all strobes flash in unison.

How do I change the brightness (candela)?
The PE-STWC features a field-selectable switch on the back of the unit. This allows you to choose the brightness (e.g., 15cd for a small office vs. 110cd for a large lobby) without needing to purchase a different device.