11.             Conclusions

This project did not attempt to answer specific scientific questions, such as what threshold level of illumination over what area was necessary to alert occupants.  Instead, it sought to simply find out if strobe systems could effectively alert persons in certain large volume spaces.

This project demonstrated that use of performance based design methods for strobe alerting systems is viable in large warehouse and super store type occupancies.  The results showed that both direct and indirect signaling contribute to occupant notification, but only where strobes could penetrate into the aisles. 

The tests identified variables that are important to the successful design and installation of strobe systems in these types of spaces.  As a direct result, NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm Code, has been modified to incorporate some of the findings of this project.