---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 76.27-20"
title: "46"
number: "76.27-20"
heading: "Alarm indicators."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/76.27-20"
---

# §76.27-20. Alarm indicators.

- (a) Audible alarms must generate sound pressure levels as set forth in [46 CFR 161.002](/cfr/46/161.002.md) and must:
  - (1) Be at least 75 dBA as measured at the sleeping position in cabins;
  - (2) Be at least 10 dBA above ambient noise levels existing during normal operation with the ship under way in moderate weather when measured at a point 5 feet (1.5 meters) above the finished floor and at least 3 feet (1 meter) from the source;
  - (3) Not exceed 120 dBA; and
  - (4) The sound pressure level must be measured in the third octave band about the fundamental frequency.
- (b) Visual alarms must generate light of an intensity and period as set forth in [46 CFR 161.002](/cfr/46/161.002.md).
- (c) All audible and visual alarms must be audible and visible throughout the spaces they are intended to alert.

## Notes

### Source

Source: USCG-2012-0196, 81 FR 48255, July 22, 2016, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.

### Source

Source: CGFR 65-50, 30 FR 16940, Dec. 30, 1965, unless otherwise noted.