Public Address systems (PA) (conforming to BS6259)

These are used to page and relay messages to the building occupants. Messages can be automatic or manual via microphones at security or reception desks. These systems can also be of use for background music. They are flexible and have the ability to send different signals, messages or music to different areas of your building at the same time.

Voice Alarm Systems (VA or PAVA) (conforming to BS5839 Part 8)

These systems have all the benefits of the above, however in the event of an activation of the fire detection system, the PA system will instigate the automatic evacuation of the building. Speakers replace traditional sounders or bells driven from the fire detection system they provide a spoken message asking people to leave the building (Evacuate) or advise people there is a potential need to leave the building and to wait for further instructions (Alert.) These speakers are the same speakers (although must confirm to the above standard) used for day to day paging and music. This provides some cost effectiveness for a building, removing the need to purchase and install both traditional fire alarm sounders and public address speakers for each room or area.

VA systems also provide the greatest level of building evacuation flexibility, meaning that if your building (or buildings) has the requirement for some areas to be evacuated whilst other areas are put on alert or even required to remain unaware of the evacuation then this can be easily achieved. This is also known as ‘Phased Evacuation’ This can be combined with the latest intelligent fire detection panels to automatically change from Alert to Evacuate and to make further areas aware of the incident dependant upon where signals from the fire detection system appear, giving you a combined paging and emergency evacuation system that is cost effective, flexible and user friendly.

So why use PAVA systems?

If the need for a PA system exists throughout the building or as mentioned an evacuation strategy would require a phased evacuation then utilising a PAVA system is a natural choice providing cost effectiveness and increased flexibility.

It is also worth noting that research has proven that in an emergency people will react without confusion or panic if they receive a clear, intelligible message. Traditional fire detection bells and sounders only give a warning sound, it can sometimes be unclear what that warning is. Phased evacuation using clear, easily understood, pre-recorded messages ensure that untrained personnel, visitors to your building or members of the public are evacuated speedily and efficiently and are fully aware of what is required of them.