Spring 2026 Sigcom Factory Radio School Dates Announced

    

SigCom announces Spring 2026 Factory Training and certification sessions

Sigcom Factory Radio Alarm School – In House Training & Certification

Each 3-day session includes hands-on training for programming, installing and troubleshooting SigCom systems: Alarm Reporting, Event Management Software, Mass Notification, Voice Evacuation, 1-way, 2-way Radio for alarm transmission and command/control plus voice.

When: April 7th – 9th, 2026 (8:30AM-4:00PM)
Students must attend all 3 days to receive certificate for class completion.

Where:
Signal Communications HQ, 4 Wheeling Ave, Woburn MA 01801

Who Should Attend:
Programmers, Operators of the Command / Control Center Engineers, Technicians who perform maintenance, troubleshooting and commissioning of systems, System Operators, Dispatchers, Mass Notification Operators

Cost:
Your cost for the 3-day session is $1250.00 per student, includes lunch
Payment may be made by purchase order or credit card

3 Day Training Topics (may be tailored to audience):
• Alarm Reporting Systems, DTX/DTX2-Series, TRX50 Series
• Radio Reporting Systems, 1-Way, 2-Way, Voice
• Legacy Systems, 100mil Telegraphic
• Solar Powered Radio/Master Boxes
• Integration with Fire Alarm Control Panels
• Integration with Head End Systems, Software
• Mass Notification Systems, MNS-100 Series
• Voice Evacuation Systems, VECP Series
• Audio Products – Speakers & Power Boosters

UPDATE: The Spring 2026 Training Class is now FULL. Please reach out to sales@sigcom.com to be placed on the waiting list in the event of any cancellations.

Sign Up Now!
**Registration recommended 60 days before session begins**
• To reserve a seat in class and for registration information, please contact
Customer Service at 781-933-0998, customerservice@sigcom.com

• Class sizes are limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis*.
• Attendees are responsible for all travel, lodging, food and car rental expenses. There are several hotel options within a short distance of the SigCom facility. Boston Logan Airport “BOS” is approximately 15 miles from SigCom.

Date: April 7th – 9th, 2026
** Please Reserve by February 8 **

Download the Application form here: SigCom Technical Training Spring 2026

To reserve a seat in class and for registration information, please contact
Customer Service at 781-933-0998, customerservice@sigcom.com

Signal Communications Corporation
4 Wheeling Avenue • Woburn, MA 01801 • T: 781-933-0998 • F: 781-933-5019 www.sigcom.com

The Critical Role of Voice Evacuation and Mass Notification in Modern Fire Safety

    

The Critical Role of Voice Evacuation and Mass Notification Systems in Modern Fire Safety

In today’s complex building environments — from military bases and schools to healthcare facilities and industrial sites — life safety systems must do more than just sound an alarm. They need to clearly communicate, direct, and inform occupants during emergencies of all types, not just fires. That’s where voice evacuation systems and mass notification systems (MNS) come into play, working alongside traditional fire alarm systems to provide comprehensive, real-time protection.

Why Pair Voice Evacuation and Mass Notification with Fire Alarm Systems?

While fire alarms effectively alert occupants with strobes and horns, they often lack the ability to convey specific instructions or adapt to different emergency scenarios. A siren alone cannot differentiate between a fire, severe weather event, or security threat. Voice evacuation and mass notification systems fill this gap by delivering clear, intelligible messages — both pre-recorded and live — tailored to the situation.

This is not just an added feature; in many jurisdictions and building types, voice evacuation is a code-driven requirement. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code outlines where voice evacuation and mass notification systems are mandated or recommended to improve life safety outcomes.

Capabilities of the Sigcom VECP-50 and MNS-100EXP

Sigcom, a respected name in life safety signaling, offers robust solutions for integrating voice messaging and mass notification into existing or new fire alarm systems. Two standout products in their lineup are the VECP-50 and MNS-100EXP.

Sigcom VECP-50: Voice Evacuation Control Panel

The VECP-50 is a powerful but simple voice evacuation control panel designed to interface directly with virtually any fire alarm control panel (FACP). It adds both pre-recorded digital voice messaging and live voice paging capabilities to a building’s life safety system. These control panels are an easy solution to add voice evacuation capability to a currently installed fire alarm control panel.

Key Features:

  • 50 Watts of high-efficiency Class D audio power (expandable with additional amplifiers)
  • 4 alert tones and 2 pre-recorded voice messages with field-selectable options
  • Live voice paging via Integral supervised microphone or optional remote microphone
  • Activated via fire alarm notification appliance circuits (NACs) or dry contact relays
  • 4 field-selectable 25/70Vrms speaker loops
  • Unlimited power handling capacity with optional DAPB-100 power boosters
  • UL 864 listed for mass notification and fire alarm applications

The VECP-50 provides fast, reliable, and intelligible voice communication during an emergency, ensuring that building occupants receive clear instructions for evacuation, shelter-in-place, or relocation.

Sigcom MNS-100EXP: Mass Notification System

The MNS-100EXP is a highly modular, expandable emergency communication system offering configurable command and communication capabilities for any emergency situation, including fire and weather emergencies, shelter in place, biological, chemical and nuclear emergencies and any other threat. A variety of input and output and control options are available to accommodate any small to large-scale mass notification requirements.

Key Features:

  • 100 Watts of efficient Class D amplification across four selectable speaker circuits (expandable up to 12 with the optional MNS-8-ZONE expander card)
  • Supervised FACP NAC circuit primary input with 8 prioritized contact closure activation inputs
  • Accommodates virtually any existing fire alarm control panel
  • Up to 9 messages with 6 ½ minute capacity
  • Supervised local and remote microphone inputs
  • Unlimited power handling capacity with optional MNS-100APB power boosters
  • ETL Listed for UL 864 and UL 1711 and complies with UL 2572

This makes the VECP50 an ideal solution for educational campuses, hospitals, government facilities, and industrial facilities where different areas may require tailored messaging during emergencies.

The Safety Impact

Integrating voice evacuation and mass notification systems with fire alarms transforms a building’s emergency response capability from a simple alerting tool into a dynamic life safety communication network. Studies have shown that clear, intelligible voice instructions can significantly improve evacuation times and occupant response during emergencies, reducing injuries and potentially saving lives.

By providing real-time, situation-specific guidance, these systems reduce confusion, prevent bottlenecks, and help people make safer decisions. Whether it’s directing occupants to avoid a blocked exit during a fire or issuing shelter-in-place instructions during a severe weather event, the combination of fire alarms, voice evacuation, and mass notification offers comprehensive protection.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to safeguarding lives in modern buildings, no single system is enough. Pairing your fire alarm system with a robust voice evacuation and mass notification solution like the Sigcom VECP-50 ensures that your facility is equipped to communicate clearly and effectively during any emergency.

 

Invest in safety. Invest in communication. Because in a crisis, clarity saves lives.

Critical Role of Mass notification Blog post – White paper

filed under: News

 

5 Reasons You Need a Pull Station Cover

    

5 Reasons You Need a Pull Station Cover

Fire alarm pull stations are critical life safety devices, but they are also vulnerable to accidental damage, environmental exposure, and intentional misuse. Installing a pull station cover helps protect your investment while reducing unnecessary service calls and false alarms.

1. Protect Pull Stations from Accidental Damage

Manual pull stations are commonly installed in schools, hospitals, office buildings, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and public spaces where foot traffic is high. A pull station cover protects the device from carts, equipment, moving furniture, and accidental impacts that could damage the station or trigger an alarm.

By preventing physical damage, building owners can reduce maintenance costs and extend the life of their fire alarm equipment.

2. Reduce False Alarms and Vandalism

False alarms are costly and disruptive. SigCom’s optional alarm module sounds a powerful 104 dB warning the moment the cover is opened. The loud audible alarm discourages tampering before someone can activate the pull station.

Benefits include:

  • Discourages vandalism and prank alarms
  • Helps prevent unnecessary emergency response
  • Reduces costly false alarm fines
  • Protects schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and commercial facilities
  • Improves overall fire alarm system reliability

Many municipalities issue significant penalties for repeated false alarms, making a protective pull station cover a smart investment.

3. Weatherproof Outdoor Fire Alarm Installations

Outdoor pull stations require protection from rain, snow, dust, and harsh environmental conditions. When used with the Weatherproof Kit (ST-WPK01) and Back Plate Kit (ST-BKP01), SigCom’s Sentry Cover provides a NEMA 3R-rated enclosure designed for outdoor applications.

The optional Extender Kit (ST-XTR01) also accommodates deeper pull stations and allows convenient conduit access from the top and bottom.

Ideal outdoor applications include:

  • Parking garages
  • Loading docks
  • Schools
  • Industrial facilities
  • Transit stations
  • Exterior building entrances

4. Meet Accessibility Requirements

The SigCom Sentry Cover is designed with accessibility in mind. It complies with ADA requirements and includes Braille text, making fire alarm pull stations easier to identify and use for all building occupants.

5. Built to Last

Manufactured from high-strength UV-stabilized materials, the SigCom Sentry Cover is designed for years of dependable performance indoors or outdoors. Unlike lower-quality alternatives, it resists cracking, discoloration, and damage caused by sunlight and environmental exposure.

The result is a durable, long-lasting protective solution that minimizes replacement costs over time.

Why Choose SigCom’s Sentry Pull Station Cover?

Not all pull station covers are designed the same.

Unlike competing products that require the cover to be lifted upward, the SigCom Sentry Cover opens downward and completely out of the way. This unique design provides faster, easier access during an emergency while improving visibility of the manual pull station.

Advantages over traditional pull station covers

  • Opens downward for quick emergency access
  • Does not obstruct the pull station during activation
  • Easier one-handed operation
  • Faster installation and maintenance
  • Preferred by installers and maintenance personnel
  • Cleaner appearance after installation

Many competing covers remain hanging above the station, making activation more awkward and sometimes requiring two hands. SigCom’s design eliminates this issue for improved usability.

A Modular Pull Station Cover System

The SigCom Sentry features a modular design that allows customers to purchase only the components needed for their installation. This flexible approach reduces installation costs while providing solutions for virtually any environment.

Indoor Flush-Mounted Pull Stations

For pull stations that extend 1¾ inches or less from a smooth wall, the ST-FRC-01 Front Cover Kit provides everything needed for installation.

The kit includes:

  • Mounting base
  • Hinged protective cover
  • Complete hardware

This is the ideal solution for most standard indoor installations.

Indoor Pull Stations with Back Boxes

If the pull station extends up to 3¾ inches from the wall, simply add the ST-XTR01 Extender Kit.

Benefits include:

  • Accommodates deeper pull stations
  • Supports surface-mounted back boxes
  • Allows conduit access from top and bottom
  • Easy installation

Uneven or Masonry Walls

For brick, concrete block, textured walls, or uneven mounting surfaces, the ST-BKP01 Back Plate Kit creates a secure mounting surface while improving the overall seal of the enclosure.

Outdoor Applications

For exterior installations, combine:

  • ST-FRC01 Front Cover Kit
  • ST-BKP01 Back Plate Kit
  • ST-WPK01 Weatherproof Kit

This combination provides a NEMA 3R weather-resistant enclosure designed to protect manual pull stations from rain, snow, dust, and other environmental conditions.

Optional Alarm Module

The ST-ALM01 Alarm Module can be added to any Sentry Cover configuration.

Features include:

  • 104 dB audible alarm
  • Battery powered (9V)
  • No external wiring required
  • Easy installation
  • Helps prevent tampering and vandalism
  • Reduces nuisance alarms

Applications

SigCom Sentry Pull Station Covers are ideal for:

  • Schools
  • Universities
  • Hospitals
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Nursing homes
  • Hotels
  • Office buildings
  • Manufacturing plants
  • Warehouses
  • Distribution centers
  • Airports
  • Transportation facilities
  • Government buildings
  • Retail stores
  • Parking garages

Why Installers Choose SigCom

For more than 40 years, Signal Communications Corporation has manufactured dependable fire alarm solutions trusted throughout North America. Installers choose the Sentry Pull Station Cover because it offers superior accessibility, modular flexibility, long-term durability, and simple installation compared to traditional pull station covers.

Whether your project requires indoor protection, outdoor weatherproofing, or enhanced false alarm prevention, SigCom offers a solution that fits your application.

Contact SigCom

Protect your fire alarm system with the SigCom Sentry Pull Station Cover, a durable, installer-friendly solution designed to reduce false alarms, improve accessibility, and extend the life of your manual pull stations.

Contact Signal Communications Corporation to learn more about Sentry Pull Station Covers or to request product information.

Signal Communications Corporation
Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 USA
Phone: +1 (781) 933-0998
Email: customerservice@sigcom.com

5 Reasons You Need a Pull Station Cover 

First-of-Its-Kind Hazardous Area Loudspeaker from SigCom

    

Woburn, MA February 4, 2019

Signal Communications Corporation aka “SigCom” has engineered a unique solution that drives down the cost of hazardous area loudspeakers.

The SSP-15H is equipped with a compression driver that provides up to 15 watts RMS power handling capability with superior intelligibility and dispersion to achieve maximum sound projection.  Each loudspeaker comes with a versa­tile 25/70.7 V line multi-tap transformer that meets a variety of distributed system needs. A screwdriver-adjustable switch allows easy selection of seven power setting.

The new SigCom model SSP-15H is listed for Class 1, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, and D; Class II, Division 2, Groups F and G; and Class III.  The loudspeakers meet or exceed the UL Listed standards for audible signal appliances. Approvals include UL Standard 1480 – Speakers for Fire Protective Signaling Systems.

Download Data Sheet 

Visit Webpage

 

About SigCom, NFPA and FM

    

Radio Alarm Reporting Systems: About SigCom, NFPA, and FM

SigCom’s TRX50, DTX, and other Radio Alarm Reporting Systems are tested and approved by Factory Mutual “FM” to the standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code that covers Public and Commercial Alarm Reporting Systems. 

National Fire Protection Association, NFPA

NFPA writes the Standards for Fire Alarm Reporting Systems. 

 

Factory Mutual, FM

Factory Mutual is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, as designated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). FM writes test procedures to assess and approves Fire Alarm Reporting Systems to the NFPA Standards.  FM is equivalent to UL, ETL and other laboratories recognized by OSHA. See https://www.osha.gov/dts/otpca/nrtl/nrtllist.html .

 

Signal Communications Corporation (SigCom)

SigCom develops and manufactures life safety systems designed to meet and exceed the standards set by NFPA and other organizations. SigCom products are tested and approved by Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories including FM, UL, and ETL.

 

NFPA Chapter 27, Public Emergency Alarm Reporting Systems

SigCom systems are listed under NFPA Chapter 27. This covers Public / Municipal alarm reporting systems. Chapter 27 is the most rigorous standard for these systems. For example, Chapter 27 requires operation a wide range of temperature from -40° to +140°F and outdoor uses

[Excerpts from the NFPA Website]

27.1.1 The provisions of this chapter apply to the proper configuration, performance, installation, and operation of public emergency alarm reporting systems and auxiliary alarm systems. Public emergency alarm reporting systems shall consist of alarm boxes and alarm processing equipment that communicate on a wired or wireless network(s), one-way or two-way, meeting the requirements of this chapter. This shall include systems that use a communications infrastructure that is publicly owned, operated, and controlled or where public emergency alarm reporting systems and equipment are used in other applications. [ROP-485]

27.1.2 The installation and use of public emergency alarm reporting systems and auxiliary alarm systems shall comply with the requirements of this chapter.

27.1.3 The requirements of this chapter shall apply to systems and equipment for the transmission and reception of alarm and other emergency signals, including those from auxiliary alarm systems,

NFPA Chapter 26, Supervising Station Alarm Systems / Remote Station Signaling Systems

SigCom equipment is also listed under NFPA Chapter 26. This covers non-public / commercial operations.  Chapter 26 is a less rigorous standard.

The TRX50 is one of very few systems that is compliant with both NFPA Chapters 27 and 26.

Contact us or Download More Information including reference from Factory Mutual’s website.

Sigcom Introduces SSP-15 Series Multi-Purpose Loudspeakers

    

High Output Speakers for Fire Alarm and Emergency Communication Systems

WOBURN, MA January 30, 2018 – Signal Communications (Sigcom), a leading manufacturer of emergency reporting and communications products designed to make military, municipal, industrial, institutional, and commercial locations safer, today introduced the SSP-15 Series Multi-Purpose Loudspeakers.

SSP-15 Series signals are supervised high output loudspeakers that have been designed for high quality signaling in a broad range of industrial and life safety applications in all types of challenging environments.

With up to 15 watts of power, SSP-15 Series loudspeakers project sound over long distances and wide areas. Typical applications for SSP-15 Series include fire alarm, emergency warning, plant evacuation, process control, and public address signaling as well as voice evacuation and mass notification systems. SSP-15 Series loudspeakers are ideal for installation in commercial buildings, distribution centers, factories, schools, public access areas, civic centers, gymnasiums, athletic fields, military bases, fire stations, and recreational facilities.

SSP-15 Series loudspeakers meet or exceed the UL Listed standards for audible signal appliances. Approvals include UL Standard 1480 – Speakers for Fire Protective Signaling Systems.

SSP-15 Series loudspeakers join Sigcom’s broad line of emergency and industrial signaling products used for protecting facilities of virtually any size or type. Whether intending to reach occupants within a building or people in an outdoor stadium or across an expansive military base, Sigcom’s emergency and industrial signals deliver highly effective and attention-grabbing results.

Sigcom’s extensive product range also includes voice evacuation control panels, mass notification systems, local operating consoles, remote microphones, emergency reporting systems, and high output signals – all designed to assist military base commanders, facility managers, and security directors in guaranteeing that the right messages reach the right people in an emergency situation.

Sigcom Launches New TRX50 Emergency Reporting System

    

Highly Scalable Platform with Integrated Wide Area Mass Notification (MNS)

WOBURN, MA August 15, 2017 – Signal Communications (Sigcom), a leading manufacturer of emergency reporting, communication, and life safety products designed to make military, municipal, industrial, institutional, and commercial locations safer, today introduced the TRX50 Emergency Reporting and Wide Area Mass Notification System.

For over 30 years, Sigcom’s emergency reporting and notification systems have been used to protect thousands of buildings and many thousands of people in municipalities and on military bases from coast to coast. The new TRX50 offers a fully integrated software and hardware platform for monitoring, reporting, and management of major emergencies that endanger people and property. Each system is customized to meet the needs of the community, the local responders, and the central dispatch operations.

TRX50 options include support for combined hardwire (Telegraph) and radio box networks, ability to manage and dispatch calls at multiple stations in the emergency center, and ability to add integrated wide area mass notification to the platform.

The TRX50 system provides a long range radio backbone to report emergency incidents from a radio box to a central dispatch location and the capability to respond including initiating prerecorded and live voice messages from the head end back to any remote location.

The TRX50 system meets the stringent requirements of municipal fire protection systems and the specific requirements of the U.S. Military for security and force protection applications. TRX50 has been tested and approved to be compliant with both NFPA 72 Chapter 27 – Public Emergency Alarm Reporting Systems – and Chapter 26 – Supervising Station Alarm Systems. TRX50 is one of very few systems to be compliant with both Chapter 26 and Chapter 27.

Major Expansion to Sigcom’s Industrial Signals Product Line

    

New TMH and AMH Signals are Weatherproof and Suitable for Div 2 Hazardous Locations

WOBURN, MA December 9, 2016 – Signal Communications (Sigcom), a leading manufacturer of emergency communications products designed to make military, industrial, institutional, and commercial locations safer, has introduced the AMH Series and TMH Series signals, the newest offerings in Sigcom’s extensive industrial signaling product line.

AMH Series signals are high output continuous duty amplified speakers. TMH Series signals are high output continuous duty tone signaling amplified speakers. All AMH Series and TMH Series signals draw extremely low power while producing clear tone or audio reproduction up to 107 dBA at 10 ft.

AMH Series and TMH Series signals feature a very robust weatherproof construction and have been approved for use in NEC Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, and D; Class II, Division 2, Groups F and G; and Class III hazardous areas. They have been designed for high quality signaling in harsh environments with high ambient noise.  Applications include emergency warning, plant evacuation, general alarm, process control, public address, as well as emergency communication systems. In addition, they are UL listed for Fire Alarm Signaling.

AMH Series amplified speakers can be connected to either a 25 or 70 Vrms speaker circuit. This option is user selectable using an on board jumper – no additional modules to install as with most other products in this category.

Each TMH Series signal can be configured for one of up to 11 different tones including Fast Pulse, Whoop, HiLo, Temporal 1k, Ring, and Yelp.  These tones are user selectable via an internal dip-switch – no additional modules to install as with most other products in this category.

Sigcom Expands Voice Evacuation Systems Product Line

    

Add 100 Watts of Audio Power to any Fire/Voice System

WOBURN, MA September 12, 2017 – Signal Communications (Sigcom), a leading manufacturer of emergency communications products designed to make military, industrial, institutional, and commercial locations safer, today introduced the DAPB-100 Distributed Audio Power Booster, the newest offerings in Sigcom’s voice evacuation systems product line designed to provide an additional 100 watts of audio output power to any new or existing fire alarm/voice evacuation system.

The DAPB-100 amplifies the audio messages from the voice evacuation control system throughout a building when additional audio power is required. Typical applications include places of assembly such as schools, small retail, theatres, churches, office buildings, restaurants, health care facilities, and dormitories.

The DAPB-100 also provides 4 additional Class A or Class B supervised speaker circuits. DAPB-100 is a self- contained appliance that can be installed near the voice panel or remotely where needed in order to reduce wiring demands on the voice evacuation system. Multiple DAPB-100 distributed audio boosters can be connected together in applications requiring more audio power.

DAPB-100 joins Sigcom’s broad line of emergency communication solutions capable of protecting facilities of virtually any size or type. Whether intending to reach occupants within a building or people in an outdoor stadium, or across an expansive military base, Sigcom’s emergency communication systems deliver highly effective and attention-grabbing results.

Sigcom’s extensive product range includes voice evacuation control panels, mass notification systems, local operating consoles, remote microphones, and high output signals – all designed to assist military base commanders, facility managers, and security directors in guaranteeing that the right messages reach the right people in an emergency situation.

DAPB-100 is available now through leading security and life safety equipment dealers and distributors.

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