26 Jan EN 54 Voice Alarm System
In an emergency such as a fire, an earthquake or a terrorist threat, the priority is to save people’s lives and therefore receiving the right alert messages at the right moment is vital.
Most emergency systems that are used nowadays in many facilities are based on sound alarms or flashing lights that do not provide an effective warning to evacuate the building quickly and effectively. Valuable seconds are lost until people react because at first, they may believe that it is an emergency drill, that the alarm bells are ringing because of a failure or simply because they just feel blocked in the absence of clear indications.
Why choosing a voice alarm system for evacuation?
There is evidence that people react more quickly and calmed when they hear a voice instead of a bell, and with a voice alarm system for evacuation we can:
- Alert about the type of emergency raising awareness about the situation to produce a quick reaction
- Perform a phased evacuation, according to the evacuation plan of each building
- Indicate the fastest and safest way to the exit
- Reduce risks such as bottlenecks that could be fatal.
What is the EN 54 standard? Is it mandatory?
The EN 54, is an European standard for Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems and is mandatory throughout the EU and it is being adopted around the world.
Specifically the EN 54-16 indicates the requirements for Voice Alarm Control and Indicating Equipment and the EN 54-24 is applicable to voice alarm loudspeakers. The standard EN 54-16 and -24 are written and revised by the Working Group 3 of the Technical Committee 72 also known as the CEN TC72 WG3 where LDA Audio Tech actively participates.
In some countries, the Building Technical Code stipulates that a Voice Alarm System that fulfills the EN 54-16 must be installed in any case when the new building is a hospital and in any public building and if the occupation exceeds 300 people.
The EN 54-16 and -24 standards were reviewed in June 2013 as part of a revision process that is performed every five years. Currently under approval, the EN 54-32 standard pertains to the planing, design, installation, commissioning, use and maintenance of voice alarm systems.
EN 54 Voice Alarm System LDA NEO
At LDA Audio Tech we are experts in the implementation of the EN 54 standard and our solutions have been successfully installed throughout the world.
Our new Voice Alarm System for Evacuation LDA NEO, is specially designed to meet and exceed these standard requirements, ensuring outstanding performance in the most demanding situations. Its versatility makes it as well a powerful and affordable PA system and a BGM system for all facilities regardless of their size.
For more information about the EN 54 standard, LDA NEO Voice Alarm System or other LDA Audio Tech solutions, contact us at info@lda-audiotech.com