Full voice fire alarm systems are becoming increasingly popular among other fire alarm systems as they have proven to be effective in alerting building occupants of the imminent occurrence of fire. Other alarm systems are not as specific as voice alarm systems. This makes voice alarm systems preferable in MEP engineering construction projects. Combining them with modern temporal fire alarm systems 3 these systems can provide an enhanced measure of safety to occupants and can also quickly prompt corrective fire measures.
We design and install the best complete voice alarm systems
What are complete voice fire alarm systems?
As reflected in the name, complete voice alarm systems are voice-enabled fire alarms and emergency communications systems installed to alert occupants of fire emergencies. Messages are pre-recorded in real time to provide important information to occupants. These systems, however, are governed by a set of rules and standards applied by international standardization organizations. In the US, the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) acts as an advocate for fire emergency building codes and standards to help manage risks in buildings.
NFPA 72 is the code that governs the use of voice alarm communications. Among others, it requires that the system be intelligible to transmit alert messages without discrepancies. If, for example, the voice is distorted, occupants may have difficulty responding to the alert and consequently experience fire emergencies. Furthermore, voice fire alarm systems must have a certain degree of speech audibility combined with intelligibility. Measures have been implemented to ensure that alarms comply with these requirements.
Fundamentals of Complete Voice Fire Alarm Systems
The intelligibility behind voice fire alarm systems has its roots in the Department of Defense's Unified Installation Criteria. Note that voice fire alarm systems have varying names, such as common voice evacuation systems. Since the emergence of this intelligibility, voice evacuation systems have remained in command of fire alarm systems. There have been catastrophic fire disasters in the past that could have been prevented if voice fire alarm systems used mass notifications. Remember September 11, 2001?
Large buildings with multi-story designs could notably benefit from complete voice alarm systems in the same way as small residential buildings. The main component of these systems are premium quality amplifiers, also called voice evacuation panels. They enable the dissemination of voice messages between buildings to ensure all occupants are alerted. Amplifiers can have various features, such as system troubleshooting or battery indicators.
Complete voice fire alarm systems and people with disabilities
Hearing-impaired occupants can also benefit from complete voice fire alarm systems following guidelines established by the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). The organization advocates technical requirements for these alarms to accommodate people with hearing impairments. To complement this, the 2010 edition of the ADA standards with the 2002 edition of NFPA 72 have also come to light to reinforce technical requirements for voice evacuation systems that accommodate people with disabilities.
Audibility Requirements for Complete Voice Fire Alarm Systems
Since its inception, the NFPA 72 code has emphasized general audibility requirements for audible notification devices. It was until 1999 that NFPA had to highlight the intelligibility requirements of voice evacuation systems since the establishment of emergency voice and alarm communications in 1996.
The 2010 or 2013 editions of NFPA 72 further highlighted clear technical requirements, such as an audio frequency of 520 Hz. An alarm system installed to awaken building occupants must meet the following aspects: 520 Hz base frequency + // 10% and the alarm signal must be square wave. This may sound very technical, but perhaps all you want is to install voice evacuation systems in your building.
Additionally, in audibility requirements, amplifier speakers are governed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards. The speakers in question must be tested to ensure they meet a set of audibility and quality requirements. The standard that highlights these requirements is ANSI/UL 1480. Typically, speakers are rated over a frequency range of 400 to 4000 Hz, but note that speakers in normal operation may exceed this limit depending on the manufacturer.
Installation of complete voice fire alarm systems
The installation part of these systems seems complicated, but ideally you should follow the instructions. First, note the NFPA requirements for this system as indicated below:
- All room dimensions
- Average ambient noise levels, as well as too much noise, can render systems ineffective
- Install the speakers in the center of the room
- Better coverage angle to improve intelligibility
These voice evacuation systems can be installed in multiple buildings. Auditoriums, classrooms, manufacturing sites, arenas, churches, skyscrapers and schools are some of the places to install these systems.
Benefits of Complete Voice Fire Alarm Systems
By now, you must be familiar with the advantages of these systems. Unlike other tone alarm systems, these voice evacuation systems are clearer and more specific. In a large building, voice alarm systems can help with relocations from high to low risk. With other alarm systems a complete evacuation is expected as there are no indications of low risk areas.
Voice evacuation systems are best suited for large buildings where amplifier speakers can be installed to reach all occupants. Due to the clarity the systems provide, it is rare for occupants to panic without knowing where to run.
Wrap up!
Complete voice fire alarm systems have become the number one choice for fire protection services in many MEP Engineering buildings. They have more advantages than other fire alarm systems. The audibility and intelligibility of these systems give them an advantage over their counterparts.
Voice evacuated systems are governed by several standards and building codes, particularly NFPA 72. For this reason, be sure that any system you purchase complies with predefined standards, as highlighted here. Installing the systems is also very easy.
