page_title: Wheelock (brand)
section_title: History
hierarchical_section_title: Wheelock (brand) / History
context_page_description: Wheelock is a fire alarm and general signaling products brand owned by Eaton Corporation. It is known as an industry leader in fire and industrial signals.
context_section_description: Some of the earliest signals produced by Wheelock were the A-1 series of AC-powered, dual-projector electromechanical horns. In the early 1970s, Wheelock introduced the 31 (AC-powered) and 34 (DC-powered) series of electromechanical horns. Around 1976, Wheelock created the 7001 (2-wire, flush-mount DC), 7002 (2-wire, surface-mount DC), 34+WS (4-wire, surface-mount DC), and 7004 (2-wire, surface-mount AC) electromechanical horn/strobes. These were the first fire alarm signals to use xenon strobes instead of incandescent lights. The horn and strobe on the 7001 and 7002 models are wired in series, causing the horn to produce a distinctive "skipping" sound when the strobe flashes. In 1985, Wheelock redesigned the horn's grilles, making them vandal resistant. This product line became extremely popular among third-party security companies, such as Honeywell, Ademco, and Cerberus Pyrotronics (now part of Siemens AG). In 1994, Wheelock discontinued this series, because their low-intensity strobes did not meet the new light distribution requirements of the ADA. The 31T is still in production today for general signaling purposes. (The red 31T 115 does fit all the requirements for a Fire Alarm signal however, and can be placed on a strobe plate without issue.) Cooper Wheelock also produces several bells as well as speakers, synchronization modules, chimes and voice evacuation products. Cooper Wheelock does not manufacture fire alarm control panels, smoke detectors, heat detectors, or pull stations. Many fire alarm control panels are compatible with Cooper Wheelock's line of notification appliances and other products.
caption: Logo after acquisition by Cooper