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Autocall

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A fire-protection and customized communications equipment brand founded in Ohio in 1908 and relaunched by Johnson Controls in 2017.

Last updated August 25, 2026

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Overview

Autocall is a United States fire-protection and communications-equipment brand whose history reaches back to 1908 in Shelby, Ohio. The company originated after two businessmen associated with Shelby Electric Company saw a telegraph-based employee-communication system during a business trip. They adapted the concept into an automatic system for industrial use and established Autocall. Its early products combined signaling, communications, and fire-protection functions, including a 120-volt alternating-current coded fire-alarm system. During the first half of the twentieth century, Autocall developed a position in institutional and industrial fire detection. A 1920 advertisement referring to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire helped draw attention to the need for dependable fire protection and supported the company’s commercial growth. In 1922, Autocall introduced an automatic punch recorder that documented changes in system status on ticker tape. The company expanded its technical and commercial reach in 1933 by acquiring Chicago-based Howe Manufacturing Company. Howe’s transmitter technology became the basis for the Autocall-Howe system, a premium fire-alarm platform intended for large institutions and industrial facilities. By the 1960s, Autocall-Howe installations could be found in major factories, airports, and universities in the United States. Autocall’s later history was marked by a transition from relay-based equipment to solid-state and microprocessor-controlled systems. Beginning in the mid-1960s, the company converted its fire-alarm portfolio to solid-state technology. The NA series, introduced in 1970, used modular printed-circuit-board assemblies rather than conventional hardwired relay arrangements. Autocall subsequently developed voice evacuation equipment, firefighter communication systems, multiplex systems, remote transponders, command centers, field-programmable controls, addressable fire-alarm panels, and graphical annunciation equipment. Several of these technologies were distributed to other fire-alarm companies through original-equipment-manufacturing arrangements. Ownership changed several times after 1990. Wormald International acquired Autocall and later sold it to Thorn Security. Products were marketed as Thorn/Autocall, including addressable and conventional panels. After Tyco-owned Grinnell acquired Thorn in 1996, the brand was used as Grinnell/Autocall. In 2001, Tyco merged Grinnell with Simplex Time Recorder Company to create SimplexGrinnell, and the original Autocall company was absorbed into that combination. The Autocall name subsequently remained unused as an operating brand for a period, although Tyco retained the trademark. Following the September 2016 merger of Johnson Controls and Tyco, Johnson Controls relaunched Autocall in late 2017 as a subsidiary brand. The modern brand markets a line of fire-protection products manufactured within the Simplex product family, primarily through independent dealers. Its current offering includes addressable notification appliances sold under the TrueAlert ES name, including horn/strobes, multi-tone horn/strobes, outdoor signaling devices, speaker/strobes, and LED-based notification products. Features associated with the TrueAlert ES range include reduced wiring requirements, self-testing capabilities, configurable strobe candela from the fire-alarm control panel, and simplified expansion. The relaunch positions Autocall as a dealer-oriented fire-alarm brand within Johnson Controls’ broader life-safety portfolio.

History

Autocall was established in 1908 in Shelby, Ohio, after two businessmen connected with Shelby Electric Company observed a telegraph communication system used for employee messaging at an industrial plant. They developed an automatic version for their own commercial purposes, creating the foundation of the Autocall business. One of the company’s early products was a 120VAC coded fire-alarm system, linking the brand from its beginning to industrial signaling and life-safety applications. The company’s early growth was supported by the increasing attention given to organized fire protection in factories and public institutions. In 1920, Autocall used an advertisement referring to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire to emphasize the importance of fire-alarm protection. Two years later it introduced an automatic punch recorder, which recorded system-status changes by punching holes in ticker tape. This gave operators a physical record of alarms and other changes in system condition. In 1933, Autocall acquired Howe Manufacturing Company of Chicago. Howe’s transmitter design was incorporated into the Autocall-Howe system, a high-end fire-alarm platform directed at large institutions and industrial plants. During the following decades, Autocall-Howe systems gained installations in major American factories, airports, and universities. The brand therefore developed beyond basic alarm signaling into a supplier of complex, large-scale fire-protection infrastructure. Beginning in the mid-1960s, Autocall shifted its technology base toward solid-state electronics. Its 1970 NA series used modular printed-circuit-board assemblies in place of traditional hardwired relays. Autocall also introduced a voice evacuation system in 1973 and a firefighter communication system in 1974. These products were distributed through original-equipment arrangements to other fire-alarm companies that did not yet manufacture comparable systems. The company continued to develop increasingly sophisticated multiplex and computerized products. Auto Monitor, introduced in 1977, was a solid-state multiplex system using remote transponders to distribute initiating-device circuits and related connections. In 1978, Autocall introduced Auto Command, a remote microprocessor-controlled command center with an integrated printer. The company later produced rack-mounted systems programmed for individual customers. As systems became more complex and the customer base expanded, Autocall added field programmability during the 1980s. In 1987, it introduced a smaller one-loop, field-programmable addressable system aimed at mid-sized applications. The Autograph system, introduced in 1989, was an early color touchscreen graphic annunciator. In 1990, Autocall replaced Auto Command II with the AL-1500, a system capable of handling more than 4,000 points. The corporate identity changed during the 1990s. Wormald International acquired Autocall in 1990 and later sold it to Thorn Security. Products were marketed as Thorn/Autocall, with the TFX addressable panels and C-series conventional panels forming part of the portfolio. The C-series equipment was based on contemporary Silent Knight SK-series conventional panels. When Tyco-owned Grinnell purchased Thorn in 1996, the products were subsequently associated with the Grinnell/Autocall name. In 2001, Tyco acquired Simplex Time Recorder Company and combined it with Grinnell to form SimplexGrinnell. Autocall was incorporated into that merger and ceased operating as an independent brand, although Tyco retained the trademark. Following the 2016 merger between Johnson Controls and Tyco, the Autocall name was revived. Johnson Controls relaunched the brand in late 2017 as a subsidiary-oriented fire-protection business serving independent dealers. The relaunched brand uses products manufactured within the Simplex family. Its portfolio includes TrueAlert ES addressable notification appliances, with conventional horn/strobes, multi-tone devices, low-frequency 520 Hz signaling for sleeping areas, outdoor products, speaker/strobes, and LED devices. The systems are presented as supporting reduced wiring, self-testing, fire-alarm-control-panel selection of strobe candela, and easier addition of new signaling devices. Autocall’s modern identity consequently combines a long historical association with industrial fire alarms and communications equipment with Johnson Controls’ current life-safety product infrastructure.

  • 2017

    Autocall brand relaunched

    [1]

    Johnson Controls revives Autocall as a subsidiary brand for fire-protection products sold through independent dealers.

  • 2016

    Johnson Controls and Tyco complete merger

    [1]

    The merger brings the retained Autocall trademark into the Johnson Controls corporate structure.

  • 2001

    Autocall incorporated into SimplexGrinnell

    [1]

    The merger of Grinnell and Simplex Time Recorder Company ends Autocall’s operation as an independent company.

  • 1990

    AL-1500 replaces Auto Command II

    [1]

    Autocall introduces the AL-1500, a modernized system capable of supporting more than 4,000 points.

  • 1989

    Autograph color touchscreen annunciator introduced

    [1]

    The company introduces a color touchscreen graphic annunciator for displaying and managing fire-alarm information.

  • 1987

    One-loop field-programmable addressable system introduced

    [1]

    Autocall enters a growing mid-sized addressable-system segment with a smaller field-programmable platform.

  • 1978

    Auto Command introduced

    [1]

    The microprocessor-controlled remote command center includes an integrated printer.

  • 1977

    Auto Monitor multiplex system introduced

    [1]

    Auto Monitor uses solid-state electronics and remote transponders to distribute fire-alarm circuits and connections.

  • 1974

    Firefighter communication system developed

    [1]

    The company introduces a dedicated communication system for firefighters, also distributed to other industry participants through OEM channels.

  • 1973

    Voice evacuation system developed

    [1]

    Autocall introduces a voice evacuation system for emergency communication and occupant direction.

Products and positioning

A professional fire-protection and life-safety systems brand serving institutional, industrial, commercial, and dealer-channel applications, with an emphasis on addressable detection, notification, communications, and system integration.

  • Fire-alarm system · 1933

    Autocall-Howe

    A high-end fire-alarm system created after Autocall’s acquisition of Howe Manufacturing Company in 1933. It incorporated Howe transmitter technology and was aimed at large institutions and industrial plants. By the 1960s, systems in this family had been installed in major factories, airports, and universities in the United States.

  • Fire-alarm system · 1970

    NA series

    A solid-state fire-alarm series introduced in 1970. Its modular printed-circuit-board construction replaced traditional hardwired relay arrangements, reflecting Autocall’s broader move toward electronic system architecture.

  • Multiplex fire-alarm system · 1977

    Auto Monitor

    A solid-state multiplex platform introduced in 1977. It used remote transponders to distribute initiating-device circuits and related connections, allowing system functions to be organized over a multiplex loop.

  • Fire-alarm command center · 1978

    Auto Command

    A remote microprocessor-controlled command center introduced in 1978 with a built-in printer. It was followed by customer-specific rack-mounted systems and later field-programmable multiplex equipment.

  • Graphic annunciator · 1989

    Autograph

    A color touchscreen graphic annunciator introduced in 1989. It provided a visual interface for presenting fire-alarm information and represented an early move toward graphical operator controls in the brand’s portfolio.

  • Fire-alarm control system · 1990

    AL-1500

    A system introduced in 1990 to replace Auto Command II. It was designed to handle more than 4,000 points, positioning it for large and complex fire-protection installations.

  • Addressable notification appliances

    TrueAlert ES

    A modern addressable notification-appliance family offered by Autocall alongside Simplex. The range includes horn/strobes, multi-tone horn/strobes, devices capable of a 520 Hz low-frequency tone for sleeping areas, outdoor signals, speaker/strobes, and LED devices. Described capabilities include reduced wiring, self-testing, fire-alarm-control-panel selection of strobe candela, and simplified addition of new signaling points.

Marketing campaigns

  • 1920Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire advertising

    United States

    Autocall used the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire as the central subject of an advertisement highlighting the importance of reliable fire-alarm protection.

    Outcome. The campaign helped attract business and contributed to Autocall’s emergence as a serious competitor in the fire-protection industry.

    Source

Brand decisions

  • 2017

    Autocall relaunched under Johnson ControlsStrategy

    Background

    Johnson Controls and Tyco completed their merger on September 6, 2016, bringing the retained Autocall trademark into Johnson Controls.

    Action taken

    Johnson Controls relaunched Autocall as a subsidiary brand and positioned it around fire-protection products supplied through independent dealers.

    Aftermath

    The revived portfolio drew on Simplex-manufactured products, including TrueAlert ES addressable notification appliances.

    Source

  • 2001

    Autocall incorporated into SimplexGrinnellM&A

    Background

    Tyco owned Grinnell and acquired Simplex Time Recorder Company as part of a broader fire-protection and life-safety consolidation.

    Action taken

    Tyco merged Grinnell with Simplex Time Recorder Company to form SimplexGrinnell, absorbing the Autocall business.

    Aftermath

    Autocall ceased as an independent operating brand, although Tyco retained its trademark.

    Source

  • 1990

    Autocall acquired by Wormald InternationalM&A

    Background

    Autocall entered a period of corporate consolidation in the fire-protection industry.

    Action taken

    Wormald International acquired the company and later sold it to Thorn Security.

    Aftermath

    Products were marketed under the Thorn/Autocall name before subsequent ownership by Tyco-owned Grinnell.

    Source

  • 1960

    Shift from relay systems to solid-state technologyStrategy

    Background

    Autocall began transitioning its fire-alarm systems toward solid-state electronics during the mid-1960s as the industry moved toward more modular and electronically controlled architectures.

    Action taken

    The company progressively replaced traditional relay-based designs, later introducing the solid-state NA series and additional multiplex and microprocessor-controlled products.

    Aftermath

    The transition supported Autocall’s later development of addressable, multiplex, programmable, and computerized fire-alarm systems.

    Source

Sources1 sources

  1. 1Autocallen.wikipedia.org

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