A voice alarm and evacuation system is part of a building's fire protection that alerts people to a fire and helps them leave the building safely. Whether panic breaks out and whether people head toward a smoke-filled area depends on it working correctly.
Alarm methods
- Audible – sirens and bells with a distinctive tone that differs from other signals.
- Visual – visual alarm devices (strobes) for noisy rooms and people with hearing impairments, illuminated "Exit" and direction signs.
- Voice – pre-recorded or live messages with instructions. Voice alarm is much more effective: people understand what is happening and what to do.
- Dynamic evacuation guidance – signs that change direction depending on the fire location, guiding people toward safety.
System types
Building codes divide alarm systems into several types, from simple audible alarm to sophisticated systems with voice messages, zoning, two-way communication and dynamic signs. The type for a specific building is set by the codes (DBN V.2.5-56, Ukraine's code for fire protection systems) depending on its use, number of floors, area and occupancy.
The general rule: the more people and the more complex the building, the "smarter" the system needs to be.
Zoning and phased evacuation
In large buildings people are alerted by zone and in a set order: first the fire floor and adjacent floors, then the rest. This prevents everyone from entering the stairwells at once. Voice messages can differ between zones.
Link to the fire alarm
The voice alarm system is triggered automatically by a signal from the fire alarm, so the systems must be integrated. An addressable fire alarm knows the exact fire zone, and the voice alarm system broadcasts the right messages exactly where they are needed. Manual activation and live announcements from the security post are also provided.
Line and power requirements
- Alarm lines are monitored for open circuits and short circuits.
- Cables have the required fire resistance so the system keeps working during a fire.
- The equipment has backup power.
- The sound level must exceed background noise by the required margin at all points.
Music and alarm in one system
In shopping centers, hotels and offices it is convenient to combine background music, announcements and fire alarm messages in one system, with fire messages taking priority. For air-raid alerting, such a system can be complemented by our AB-ALERT solution, which automatically switches the broadcast to the alert message.
Learn more on the Fire Alarm and Voice Evacuation page.
