Since 2012, standard 54-24 has governed the compliance and performance requirements for loudspeakers in public address systems. It should not be confused with standard EN54-3, which deals primarily with fire signal transmitters and can be applied to public address and evacuation transmitters. Here’s what you need to know about EN54-24 for SSS loudspeakers.
What is the EN54 standard?
As a reminder, standard EN54 sets out the regulations for fire detection and alarm systems (SSI).
In addition to product compliance standards , it includes application guidelines for fire detection and voice alarm systems.
In fact, the EN54 standard is designed to guarantee personal safety in the prevention of potential disasters. Indeed, the broadcasting of safety messages and instructions enables people to evacuate the premises more quickly in the event of fire, natural disaster or even terrorist attack.
The EN54 standard has several key components:
- standard EN54-4 : designed to ensure optimum operation of power supply equipment for SSIs.
- standard EN54-16 : 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.
- standard EN54-23 : specifies all requirements, test methods and performance criteria for visual fire alarms.
To qualify for CE marking, public address systems must meet the requirements of the above-mentioned standards. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer or its representatives to have their products certified by an independent body.
What is EN54-24?
Standard EN54-24 specifies all the requirements, test methods and performance criteria for loudspeakers in fire alarm and detection systems.
When broadcasting a message or safety instructions within an ERP, the loudspeakers must be in perfect working order before a disaster (fire, explosion, etc.) interferes with them.
Standard EN54-24 therefore does not lay down any operating requirements for such equipment when exposed to flames.
Like other EN54 standards, EN54-24 imposes design and strength requirements for loudspeakers, as well as performance requirements under certain climatic and mechanical conditions.
However, it does not take account of the acoustic environment, which is the responsibility of sound system designers and installers.
What are the different types of EN54-24-certified loudspeakers?
EN54-24-certified loudspeakers are divided into two categories: type A loudspeakers and type B loudspeakers.
Type A loudspeakers
This first type of loudspeaker is designed for indoor use. Here are some of its features:
- Maximum permissible temperature with dry air: 55 ± 2 °C ;
- Minimum tolerated temperature: -10 ± 3 °C ;
- Maximum permissible temperature with humid air: 40 ± 2°C.
A EN54-24 speakers also feature enclosure protection against solid objects larger than 12 mm and vertically falling drops of water (IP21).
Type B loudspeakers
Type B speakers are suitable for outdoor use.
- Maximum permissible temperature with dry air: 70 ± 2 °C ;
- Minimum tolerated temperature: -25 ± 3 °C ;
- Maximum permissible temperature with humid air: 55 ± 2°C.
What’s more, these speakers feature enclosure protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and against direct water splashes up to 60° from the vertical (IP33).
What are the other requirements of EN54-4?
Type A and type B loudspeakers are subject to requirements concerning their use and installation:
- Speakers must be connected inside the enclosure ;
- The loudspeakers must be able to operate for 100 hours at normal power;
- Access to speaker settings must be restricted;
- Speakers must be resistant to shock, impact and vibration (see IP21 and IP33).
Would you like to find out more about fire and evacuation sound products? ADF Systèmes makes it a point of honor to help you choose the products and solutions best suited to your industrial safety and risk management needs. Let’s talk about it!
