What is commonly used to describe the loudest alarms available in systems?

The commonly used measurement to describe the loudest alarms available in alarm systems is 120 dB. Alarms that reach this decibel level are often designed to be extremely effective in grabbing attention and alerting individuals to immediate dangers, such as break-ins or fire emergencies. This level of sound is significantly above normal conversation levels and can be perceived as alarming to anyone nearby, thus helping ensure that the alarm does its job of warning and prompting action.

While there may be alarms that reach levels over 120 dB, such as 130 dB, 120 dB has become a standard reference point in industry discussions and specifications. This allows for a common understanding of what can be expected from high-intensity alarm systems. Therefore, the recognition of 120 dB as a key threshold for alarm effectiveness is vital in understanding how alarm systems operate in safety and security contexts.