5 common scams from voice alarm system suppliers

Based on our many years of experience in the field of building sound systems, we have prepared an overview of key aspects that must be considered when choosing a supplier and an emergency sound system. Unfortunately, in practice, we encounter incomplete proposals that reduce the purchase price, but do not comply with the Fire Safety Solution (FSS) and applicable standards. It has happened more than once that it was not possible to approve the building. Therefore, check the following:

Power backup and certification (EN 54–4)

The system must have a certified backup power source according to EN 54–4. A common mistake is to rely exclusively on the facility's diesel generator or UPS. The system must have its own battery backup, sized for at least twice the evacuation time. If your supplier only provides a certificate for EN 54–16, it is clear that there will simply be no certified battery power supply. Solutions supplied by us contains certified backup battery power supply incl. batteries.

Configuration of amplifiers and zones (ČSN EN 54–16 and EN 50849):

The number of amplifiers must correspond to the number of zones (e.g., for 9 zones, 9 amplifiers + 1 backup are required). If the supplier offers only one power amplifier for multiple zones (or the number of amplifiers is significantly lower than the number of zones), when a message is sent in one zone, the others are forced to be silenced. This is in significant conflict with the PBŘ safety solution, with EN 54–16 and EN 50849. It is not possible to silence the remaining zones, because other emergency messages need to be transmitted in these zones. These zones were designed for this purpose. There will be a significant price reduction, but this is of course unacceptable for the final approval. Evacuation radio supplied by us has as many amplifiers as there are zones, and each can have a different message at the same time.

Delivery of a certified unit:

Our system we deliver as a completely assembled and connected switchboard with a production and installation label. The evacuation radio is a so-called construction product, it is not possible to „assemble“ it by an assembly company, even if it „proudly“ has training! The delivery of only components without factory assembly does not meet the requirements for production inspection and quality control (which is part of the certification)! Installation of an uncertified „assembled“ unit is not possible. During the final inspection, the Fire Department checks who manufactured the evacuation system, whether this person is listed on the certificate and for which building the radio is intended. You also cannot make fire doors yourself, right?

Sizing amplifier power:

The power of the amplifiers must cover the full sum of the power consumption of all loudspeakers at continuous load. The argument „it's just a speech signal“ is technically incorrect and threatens the functionality of the system in a crisis situation. Such an evacuation radio does not have the parameters required by the project and especially EN 50849. The voice warning system (VACIE) supplied by us has the power for continuous load.

Multifunctional use of the system (background music):

A well-designed ER system can also be used for background music or regular announcements as standard. If the supplier prohibits this use, it is usually a sign of undersizing the system. With the right design, you will save on the cost of installing a secondary (background) sound system.

In conclusion

The Fire and Rescue Service (HZS) is increasingly focusing on these technical details during inspections and final approvals. We will be happy to help you with the technical assessment of competing offers, so that you can be sure that the chosen solution is fully compliant with legislation and avoid complications when putting the building into operation.