About this factsheet

This factsheet is part of RNID's equipment range. You will find it useful if you are deaf and want to find out about multi-alerting systems for the home. We use the term 'deaf' throughout to refer to all types of hearing loss.

Read this factsheet to find out:

What is a multi-alerting system?

A multi-alerting system lets you know about different sounds in the home – for example, the doorbell, telephone or textphone ringing, a baby crying, a smoke alarm or someone needing your attention or help. You can buy equipment to alert you to each of these sounds, but you may find it more convenient to have one system for all your alerting needs.

Most multi-alerting systems work by radio (wireless). They can be battery or mains powered or both. A few systems send signals through the mains wiring in the home.

How do radio-operated systems work?

These use a pager or a portable receiver to alert you to a wide range of different sounds. Some offer a choice of pager and portable receiver, so you can use a pager when you are moving around your home and the portable receiver if you are staying in one room. 

You need to place small battery-powered transmitters around the home, near  the sound you want to be alerted to. Depending on the system, some transmitters are connected to the sound source. For example, a telephone transmitter may plug into the telephone socket. On some systems, the doorbell transmitters pick up the sound of the doorbell or door chime, while on others, the doorbell transmitter has to be wired to your existing doorbell.
Most systems can alert you to a smoke alarm, some detect the sound of your existing smoke alarm, while others are supplied with a smoke alarm detector that has the transmitter built in to it.

Pager

You can clip the pager to your clothes or put it in your pocket. If, for example, your doorbell rings, the pager will vibrate. Most pagers use symbols, text, numbers or coloured lights to let you know which sound you are being alerted to. Most also use flashing lights and vibrating pads to wake you up.

The system may have a 'base unit' that the pager slots into. This unit may have a flashing light and a socket for a vibrating pad. These will activate when the pager/base unit receives a signal from one of the transmitters. The base unit will be mains-powered and may have battery back-up.

Portable receiver

Some radio systems have one or more battery or mains-powered portable receiver that you can move from room to room. If, for example, your doorbell rings, the portable receiver will let you know by flashing a light or making a loud sound or both. Some let you plug in a vibrating pad. A portable receiver may also use different coloured lights to let you know which sound it is drawing your attention to.  

Most battery-operated systems have a range of at least 25m, which is fine for most homes. Buildings with very thick walls, or walls that contain metal, can reduce the range by up to one third. Washing machines, fridges and other domestic appliances can also have a similar effect, so don't put the transmitters near them. Check that the equipment works properly throughout your home before you permanently fit any of the transmitters.

If your pager or portable receiver doesn't respond to one or more of the transmitters, try moving it to another position until it sets your pager off.

Neighbours with similar equipment

If your neighbour has a similar system that uses the same radio frequency, it may trigger off your system or stop yours from working. Your system may also interfere with theirs. However, most have the option to change the radio channel to prevent interference from a neighbour's system.

How do mains-operated systems work?

Multi-alerting systems that send signals through the mains wiring in your house use a flashing light, loud sounds or a vibrating pad to alert you to sounds around your home. If, for example, you want to be alerted when the telephone rings, plug your transmitter into a mains socket in the room where your phone is. You then plug the receiver into a mains socket in the room where you are, and it will alert you when the telephone rings. These receivers are not designed to be portable.

Always make sure that any equipment used in the home is safely installed and avoid trailing wires.

Smoke alarms

In 2005, the British Standards Institution (BSI) published BS5446-3, a national standard on smoke alarm systems for deaf people. If you buy a multi-alerting system marked with BS5446-3, it meets these recommendations. See our factsheet "Smoke alarm systems for deaf people" (opens new browser window).

Smoke detectors and smoke alarm transmitters should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and tested regularly.

If you have been away on holiday, make sure that all parts of the multi-alerting system, including the smoke alarm, are working when you get back, especially if they are battery-powered. Replace the batteries regularly according to the instructions.

How much do multi-alerting systems cost?

Decide how many sounds you want to be alerted to before you choose your system. One that alerts you to lots of sounds will be more expensive. A basic system that can alert you, for example, to two sounds will cost from £150, excluding VAT. Most systems let you add extra optional transmitters and features, increasing the number of sounds you can be alerted to.

Do you have difficulty using small, awkward or heavy equipment?

Try out equipment before you buy - some equipment may have small, fiddly buttons; other equipment may be an awkward shape or too heavy.

When you are choosing a multi-alerting system, look out for:

Where can I get further information?

Our Information Line offers a wide range of information about the subjects covered here. Contact us for further copies of this factsheet and our full range of information factsheets and leaflets. You can also contact us to order this factsheet on audio cassette, in braille or in large print.

RNID Information Line

19-23 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8SL
Telephone 0808 808 0123
Textphone 0808 808 9000
Fax 020 7296 8199
Email: informationline@rnid.org.uk

Buying equipment from RNID

Visit our online shop (opens new browser window) or contact the Information Line for a copy of our Solutions catalogue, full of products for deaf and hard of hearing people.

RNID Products
1 Haddonbrook Business Centre
Orton Southgate
Peterborough PE2 6YX

Telephone 01733 361199
Textphone 01733 238020
Fax 01733 361161
Email: solutions@rnid.org.uk