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Audio induction loop systems – assisted listening and hearing devices

Metal structures

Metal in buildings - the impact on Induction Loops

The importance of designing Induction Loop systems to cope with losses due to metal structures within the fabric of buildings cannot be over-emphasised. It is absolutely critical to allow for signal loss caused by metal structures during the system planning phase of any installation. If this is not done, the installed loop system is most likely to suffer from a range of problems - insufficient signal strength, uneven signal strength - loud in places and inaudible in others, lack of high frequency detail / clarity or other problems. Metal loss problems can be overcome, but only by proper design and attention to detail.

The Ampetronic Support team can help you to assess and compensate for the metal structures in your application – contact us if you would like some assistance.

Principles

The magnetic field generated by an induction loop system, induces a current in any closed path of a metal structure placed in the vicinity of the induction loop. Further Information.

These induced currents tend to weaken the magnetic field and cause loss. This loss is dependant on the type and thickness of metal and its position in relation to the induction loop.

Examples of Metal Structures

  • Reinforced concrete floors – often containing a mesh. Further information about reinforcing meshes.
  • Lightweight floor construction with a (usually profiled) metal sheet under a thin reinforced concrete slab
  • Metal floor tiles - System floors
  • Suspended ceiling grid - 600mm x 600mm (2' x 2') or 1200mm x 600mm (4' x 2') metal grids with acoustic or metal tiles
  • Foil backed plasterboard - Vapour barrier
  • Girders, beams, constructional metalwork
  • Metal cladding, walls and roofs
  • Metal counters - Whole or part metal
  • Metal box construction - Elevators / lifts

Ampetronic News

First World Hearing Loops Conference Reveals Global Support for Induction Loop Technology

100 people from 15 nations across the globe attended the world’s first international hearing loops conference which revealed that induction loop technology is the most commonly preferred technology for assisting hearing impaired people.

First World Hearing Loops Conference Reveals Global Support for Induction Loop Technology

Hear, Hear! Ampetronic Loops Aid Stockholm City Council Debates

Stockholm City Hall is one of Sweden’s most famous buildings, not only for its National Romanticism architectural style, 10,000 pipe organ and 106 metre high bell tower, but also as the setting for the annual Nobel Prize banquet.

Hear, Hear! Ampetronic Loops Aid Stockholm City Council Debates