What is EN 54?
EN 54 is the European standard for voice alarm products. It is part of the European Union's Construction Products Directive. The use of EN 54 certified products for all new voice alarm installations became mandatory in April 2011.| What is EN 54? | Originally introduced as a European standard for fire alarm systems, EN 54 has now been extended to cover voice evacuation to meet a growing trend in the market towards integration of fire alarm and voice evacuation systems. EN 54 offers support in the creation of a safer environment for staff and the general public in premises where these systems are used, competitive advantage for value added resellers (VARs) and integrators, as well as greater clarity for those involved in specification. Subordinate EN 54 standards describe requirements, tests and performance criteria for individual components. |
Expert comment
DEVELOPMENTS IN VOICE EVACUATION SYSTEMSIn this first expert commentary, Bosch Security Systems' Paul Ward discusses developments in voice evacuation systems, and explains the importance of third-party certification to the development of reliable systems for high risk situations.
In an emergency, warnings must be clear and concise. Whilst bells and sirens can alert people to danger, experience proves that in stressful situations and unfamiliar places, people are slow to respond and lose valuable time reaching safety when every second counts. Often, they simply believe that the 'alarm' is either false, a test or either way has nothing to do with them. Read more >>
Voice alarm and indicating equipment
EN 54-16 specifies requirements, methods of testing and performance criteria for voice alarm systems used in fire detection and fire alarm systems providing audible fire alarm signals within a building.
It defines functions that are mandatory, as well as optional functions which the products may provide in addition to mandatory functions.
Voice alarm loudspeakers
EN 54-24 specifies requirements, testing methods and performance criteria for loudspeakers used in fire detection and alarm systems that broadcast a warning of a fire to the occupants of a building.
It gives common requirements for the construction and robustness of voice alarm loudspeakers, as well as their performance under climatic and mechanical conditions.
Voice alarm power supply equipment
A system's power supply plays the most important role in guaranteeing reliable operation.
EN 54-4 specifies requirements, testing methods and performance criteria for power supply equipment.
Implementation of EN 54 standards
Voice alarm is a crucial part of building safety. External regulation is vital to ensure quality in what could literally be a matter of life and death! For this reason, 'self-certification' or manufacturer compliancy statements are not permitted.
Fire / voice alarms can only be installed when CPD - CE certified. This entails
- testing by an accredited body, and
- verification by an accredited certification body.
