Alert staff, security, and the public in even the loudest and most distracting environments with the RS reliable, versatile, and function-rich electronic sounders. Our range, comprising audible alarms, multi-tone sounders, piezoelectric sounders and more, is ready to augment any workplace setting, from offices to industrial plants.

Produced by leading lights in audible alarms such as Mallory Sonalert, Floyd Bell, Edwards Signaling, and our own brand RS PRO; each electronic sounder in our range can be trusted to keep your people and facility safe. Various ingress protection (IP) dust and water protection ratings are available for a variety of different environmental conditions, and select by decibels, tone, and mounting style to suit your needs.

Explore our audible alarms below, tapping the PDF icons for in-depth technical information. For more information, read below to learn what electronic sounders are, their uses, benefits, and types, and if you have any questions, please get in touch. To learn more about electronics and automation, be sure to take a look through our expert hub of articles.

What is an electronic sounder?

Electric sounders are components that emit a sound when powered via an electrical circuit.

They most commonly form the audible element of alarm systems such as emergency, proximity, fire, security, or gas detection alarms, and can be used to inform users and the public when potentially dangerous machinery or vehicles are in use. They are also often used in electronics projects or devices that require an audible alarm.

Audible alarms are typically made from a durable exterior housing that protects the electronic sounder from water, dust, and damage. Within this is the sounder's circuit board, wiring to connect it to its circuit, and a siren, buzzer, horn, piezoelectric sounder, or other component that generates sound. They are commonly used alongside beacons, which provide an accompanying visual alert.

What are the benefits of electronic sounders?

Electronic sounders are beneficial for a whole host of reasons:

Keep staff and the public safe - With high decibel outputs and a relatively low cost, installing electronic sounders can be a simple way of protecting people and ensuring your business is operating in line with relevant health and safety regulations.
Protect business investment - Inexpensive audible alarms like multi-tone sounders are a good way of protecting your equipment and facilities, whether you use them within security systems or proximity alerts.
A versatile choice - Alarm sounders can be added to all types of equipment and application, with flexible mounts and universally beneficial features.
Can withstand tough treatment - Sounders are designed with hard-wearing materials and components with long lifespans, so you can depend on these components to keep performing - even when placed outdoors in adverse environmental conditions.
Inexpensive - For electronics prototyping and production, electronic sounders are a low-cost way to incorporate alarm functionality into a device.

What types of electronic sounder are available?

Several varieties of audible alarm are on offer in the RS range:

Piezo sounders - Piezoelectric sounders feature a piezoelectric element produced from a crystalline or ceramic material. When a current is run through this element, it vibrates in accordance with the frequency of the current. This generates sound that is typically amplified using a strip of metal attached to the element.

Piezo sounders are relatively low cost to purchase and use a limited amount of electricity, reducing their running costs in kind.

Multi-tone sounders - These allow users to choose from a range of tones, depending on the signal frequency sent to the sounder.

Multi-tone alarm sounders can be a good solution if staff need to be made aware of several different messages or alerts, such as an emergency followed by an all-clear.

Why the RS range of electronic sounders?

For decades, RS has worked closely with businesses of all sizes to distribute the best quality audible alarm components available.

For such operationally critical components as electronic sounders, you need dependable and hard-wearing components. That's why we only work with the top manufacturers in the sector: leaders like ICC, Intervox, WERMA and Dwyer Instruments. On top of that, our high-quality yet cost-efficient RS PRO range is always to hand.

Alongside unbeatable quality, choose the largest automation and control distributer in North America and find the products with the features you need most. We offer single and multi-tone sounders from IP moisture and dust ratings from IP30 to 65, rated from 80 to 120dB in all types of tones, including continuous, pulse and siren. Mounting styles including bracket, panel, and screw, ensuring you can install your audible alarms without a hitch.

Take a look through out extensive selection of electronic sounders below. If you need any extra information on our products or ordering process, please get in touch today. While you wait for your order to be speedily dispatched, be sure to explore our expert advice hub for guides on all sorts of electronics and automation topics.