Generally devices that are versatile, durable, and inexpensive. For instance, the Sigcom and RSG metal pulls you see everywhere, the Notifier BNG-1R, and the Gentex Commander 3.
From what I’ve heard, the Pyrotronics System 3 is damn near bulletproof but Siemens no longer makes them.
While I don’t have any real favorites, I like any vintage fire alarm device/system. I’ve always been interested in the older National Time devices, and I happen to own two examples from my collection I will be posting soon.
I am really into bells.
There’s just something I really like about them, but I really don’t know…
I should say the Potter 10" 120VAC bell is my favorite because it is the loudest of all the Potter bells.
I actually have one, but I have not tested it. When you hit the gong, it sounds pretty cool…
Bells interest me just because I’ve never lived anywhere they are particularly common. New York loves its horns and, recently, the state fire code has been requiring EVAC for more and more. The large college I did undergrad at had a couple buildings with bells (Simplex single-stroke). The university I attend for grad school has at least 5 buildings with bells, mostly (if not all) vibrating.
On the other hand, Canada has bells all over the place, probably related to strobes not being required until recently. Washington, DC also has a large concentration of bells.
Like many other enthusiasts, I’m particularly fond of rare or older devices. If I had to pick my favourite alarms, round Standard Electric Time pull stations along with Edwards Durabel bells would definitely figure at the top of my list.
AC Vibratory horns. Nothing says “fire alarm” quite like them (in my opinion). Sure they scared the living you know what out of me when I was little, but I now love their deep loud buzz now.