All establishments open to the public are required to have a fire detection and alarm system (SSI) that complies with the relevant standards. This system is essential for preventing potential disasters, since it broadcasts safety messages and instructions, enabling the premises to be evacuated quickly and efficiently in the event of fire, terrorist attack or natural disaster. In this respect, standard EN54-4 guarantees optimal operation of power supply equipment for SSIs.
What does the EN54 series of standards regulate?
The EN54 standard regulates fire detection and fire alarm systems. It includes product standards and application guidelines for fire detection and voice alarm systems.
Only PA systems that comply with the requirements of EN54 (shutters EN54-16, EN54-23, EN54-24) are eligible for CE marking. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer or its representatives to have their products certified by an independent body.
What are the specifics of EN54-4?
Standard EN 54-4 covers power supply equipment. It guarantees the proper operation of sound rack equipment. Its aim is to provide emergency power in the event of a power failure.
In fact, all power supply equipment, whether external or included in the control and indication equipment of the public address and evacuation system, must comply with the requirements of standard EN 54-4.
According to the requirements of EN54 Part 4, it is essential that the power supplied to the CAVIE comes from at least two sources, i.e. a main power source and an emergency power source.
Furthermore, EN54-4 stipulates that at least one emergency power source must be a rechargeable battery , and that the power supply equipment must include a battery charging Apparatus. The idea is to keep them fully charged at all times.
What about batteries in the EN54-4 standard?
Batteries are not required to comply with EN54-4 certification. However, they must be rechargeable, remain fully charged and be designed for stationary use. The date of manufacture must be clearly visible.
In addition, all batteries can be used, although it is advisable to scrupulously follow the manufacturer’s advice when using them to meet the requirements of standard EN54-4 .
The battery charger must be designed in such a way that :
- a fully discharged battery can be recharged to at least 80% of its full capacity within 24 hours;
- a fully discharged battery can be recharged to 100% capacity within 48 hours;
- the battery’s charging characteristics comply with the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications regarding the ambient temperature range suitable for the battery.
Please note that the battery power supply unit can be stored in the same rack or enclosure as the system control and indication equipment, or installed in a separate rack. Depending on its location, it may be subject to a standard other than EN54-4 :
- On the same rack and in the same enclosure: it will be considered as main equipment and therefore subject to EN54-16.
- On the same power rack, but in a separate enclosure: it must be certified to EN54-4 AND EN54-16.
- On a different rack: it will be EN54-4 certified, but not EN54-16.
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