In establishments open to the public (ERP), the public address system is an essential element in guaranteeing people’s safety.
In recent years, the acoustic quality of buildings has been improved, not only to guarantee the comfort of visitors, but also to comply with increasingly stringent prevention and safety standards.
What is a security PA system? Which buildings are concerned? And what standards must be met?
What is a security PA system?
The public address system meets the needs and obligations of evacuation in ERP, with two main functions:
- Public address in case of emergency, with evacuation alarms (a sound signal NFS 32001 and a voice message explaining safety instructions to the public). This is made possible by the use of audible alarms.
- Comfort sound with background music, public address messages or advertising.
A fire safety system is essential to ensure the safety of people and property.
In the event of a dangerous situation, it can be used to attract the public’s attention by voice, and to broadcast the instructions needed for a safe, gradual evacuation according to the action plan.
In addition, a public address system indicates the quickest and safest routes to the exit, to avoid panic waves and stampedes.
Where are public address systems used?
The use of a public address system is required for most buildings and structures open to the public, such as :
- Shopping centers ;
- Sports facilities ;
- Museums, cinemas and other cultural centers ;
- Hospitals and care centers ;
- Schools and universities ;
- Hotels ;
- Metro and railway stations ;
- Airports
These sites must be equipped with an evacuation public address system meeting the requirements of standard EN54 .
The aim? To guarantee the evacuation of the public in situations of immediate danger, such as fires, explosion risks, potential natural disasters or even terrorist attacks.
What are the SSS standards?
In Europe, product requirements and application guidelines for fire detection and voice alarm systems are set out in EN 54 (SSI fire detection andalarm systems).
Because system quality and reliability must be beyond reproach, several standards govern these systems:
- EN54-4 – Power Supply Equipment: guarantees the proper operation of sound rack equipment. The aim of this standard is to provide emergency power during a power failure.
- EN54-16 – Voice Fire Alarm System Core Component : concerns electronic products included in the public address cabinet. It defines the requirements for voice alarm control and signalling equipment (ECSAV) used in SSIs where the alarm signal is broadcast in the form of voice messages.
- EN 54-24: Voice Alarm System Components – Loudspeakers: applies to evacuation loudspeakers and specifies requirements for loudspeakers broadcasting fire warning messages.
French standards include NF S61 for fire safety systems (SSI) :
- NF S61-936 – Équipements d’Alarme pour l’Evacuation (EA) (Evacuation alarm equipment): sets out the design rules and operating criteria for evacuation alarm equipment implemented as part of an SSI.
- NF S61-932 – Règles d’Installation des Systèmes de Sécurité Incendie (SSI et SSS): sets out the minimum installation rules for fire SSI and SSS equipment and connections.
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