Since the primary purpose of most audible fire alarm notification appliances is to notify building occupants of a fire it is important that everyone recognize the fire alarm signal. Fire alarm systems installed after July 1, 1996 must use the Audible Emergency Evacuation Signal described in ANSI standard S3.41. This three-pulse temporal pattern fire alarm signal is intended to provide a standard method of signaling the need to evacuate. The signal may be produced by a bell, chime, horn or any other listed fire alarm notification appliance. It is the pattern that is important, not the actual sound. This signal is used only when evacuation of the building is intended.

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