Voice Alarm Design Guide

Section 7.1:

Voice Alarm

Design Guide

SECTION 7: page 1

by Honeywell


7.1: V O I C E A L A R M D E S I G N G U I D E

by Honeywell

The following is a guide for designers on VA / PA systems, and their use in conjunction with advanced fire detection systems, incorporating the requirements of BS 5839-8:1998 It will highlight some of the main difficulties in system design paying particular attention to intelligibility, which is the key differentiator between good and poor design.

Contents

1 Background research: why Voice Alarm is the future for Fire Alarm systems

2 The difference between Public Address (PA) and Voice Alarm (VA)

3 BS 5839 - 8 :1998 Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings

3.1 Section 1 General

3.2 Section 2 Design considerations

3.3 Section 3 Workmanship, installation & commissioning

3.4 Section 4 User responsibilities

3.5 Annexes

4 Current solutions

4.1 Voice sounders

4.2 Central Rack systems

4.3 Distributed amplifiers

4.4 Loop powered micro amplifiers

5 Guideline for future designs

1 Background research: why Voice Alarm is the future for Fire Alarm systems

“It has often been observed that occupants – in the initial moments of a fire, upon smelling smoke or hearing the fire alarm – do not react; they deny there is danger or they ignore the situation. This seems especially true in public buildings where occupants do not want to be seen to overreact to a false alarm or to a situation that is already under control. Such avoidance behaviour in a dangerous situation often results in a delayed start to evacuating a building or taking protective action”. This statement by Dr Guylène Proulx

1

was further illustrated by research carried out by Brian Piggott of the Fire Research Centre and published by David Canter of Surrey University 2 which showed that in the event of a fire:

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13% of people reacted to bells

45% of people reacted to text

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75% of people reacted to voice!

It was also made clear that in the event of an alarm people generally exit by the entrance they first used and need to be directed to the nearest escape route. A Voice Alarm system can be used to to give people clear information about when to evacuate and what route to take and hence alleviate some the of the problems highlighted above.

2 The difference between Public Address (PA) and Voice Alarm (VA)

Many people believe they can simply use their PA system to provide a voice message in the event of an emergency like a fire.

Unfortunately PA systems, whilst very good for providing music and messages, are not guaranteed to work when there is an emergency. This is where the British Standard BS 5839 - 8:1998 on Voice Alarm comes into use, as it clearly defines the requirements of a true VA system. A true

VA system is a HIGHLY SECURE PUBLIC ADDRESS system which has the following features

;

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All internal and external circuits are monitored for faults

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A minimum battery back up of 24 hours standby and 30 minutes alarm.

A monitored secure link to a fire alarm panel

A number of pre-recorded emergency messages

Incorporates an emergency ‘firemans’ microphone

The use of speech sounders is not considered as a true VA system and the recommendations detailed within ‘annexe E’ of the standard should be consulted.

References

1: Guylène Proulx, Ph.D,’Misconceptions about human behaviour in fire emergencies’ published in Canadian Consulting Engineer,

March 1997, pp36, 38.

2: David Cantor, ‘Studies of Human Behaviour in Fire: Emprical results and their implications for education and design.’ Published by BRE,

July 1985



by Honeywell

3 BS 5839 - 8 :1998 Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings

There is no substitute for reading the standard, this section only deals with the most obvious or possibly contentious issues facing the designer.

Copies of this standard can be obtained from: British Standards Institute (BSI) at www.bsi-online.com

We also suggest reference is made to BS 5839 - 1:2002.

The standard is split into various sections, the following looks at the key points for designers in each section.

3.1 Section 1 General

The key part of this section for a new design is the need to exchange information with interested parties, as it is likely that the information gathered here will form the basis of the design. An understanding needs to be gained of what messages are to be played in the event of a fire or other emergencies as well as what the system may be asked to do in addition, ie music and/or paging.

This section also provides a full planning schedule as a check list which is well worth following, especially for anyone who is embarking on a design for the first time.

The designers check list is as follows :

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Survey of the site and/or a detailed examination of site drawings including an acoustic assessment

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Assessment of usage of the building including;

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Periods of non occupation

Areas with high noise levels

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Personnel including those hard of hearing

Actions that take place in the event of a fire

Liaison with all manufacturers to ensure compatibility between the fire and voice alarm systems

A system specification and requirements for estimation purposes

Tendering and quotation

Consideration of proposals

Consideration of servicing requirements

Agreement on proposals and confirmation of ‘Fire plan’

Agreement on the ‘controls’ ie microphones etc

Detailed system design

Ordering

Agreement on final specification including any variations

Production, pre-delivery acceptance certificate and delivery

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Installation and testing phase

Commissioning

System documentation and user training

Acceptance by client

Handover of system

Service agreement


It goes on to suggest that for large sites considerations be included for:

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Understanding the stages of a ‘critical path’ chart

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Siting and accommodation of the control equipment

On site work not conflicting with other services

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Temporary physical protection to avoid deterioration of equipment due to damp, dust etc

Ensuring final commissioning of the VA system is carried out when all parties can witness the results under various occupation levels – it may be necessary to consider partial occupation and soak testing to ensure all parties are ultimately satisfied with the final result

3.2 Section 2 Design consideration

Like all the Fire application standards this section is by far the largest and additional training on this section is advised for anyone heavily involved in VA design.

Some of the KEY issues the designer should consider are:

The Distribution of the speaker circuits

Consideration should be given to the degree of monitoring required, particularly for the speaker circuits. In certain circumstances it is recommended that they are interleaved to ensure the voice message is delivered throughout a zone, irrespective of whether one of the two circuits have failed.

The Choice and siting of the speakers

Loudspeakers should be positioned to achieve the correct sound pressure (dB) level and good intelligibility, with an STI (speech transmission index) of 0.5 considered to be acceptable.

Speaker selection should not be a simple matter of aesthetics and it is often advisable to carry out an acoustic survey to establish the best solution for a particular application.

The Link between the Fire and VA control panels

The link between the fire control panel and the Voice alarm control unit needs to be secure, that is monitored for open and short circuits and wired in recognised fire resistant cables to avoid failure, as the VA may be the only means of warning people there is a fire.

In complex buildings where activation of the Evacuate and Alert signal can be manually overridden it should be clearly indicated on the control panel which area is receiving which message.

Combined use of Fire Sounders with VA system

In certain circumstances a site may require VA in public areas whereas sounders can be used in staff only areas.

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In such cases the operation of the sounders should not affect the intelligibility of the VA system

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The sounder tone should be the same as the ‘attention drawing tone’ used by the VA system

The procedures for operating such systems should be simple to avoid confusion in the event of an emergency

If it is necessary to silence the alarm sounders to enable a voice message to be broadcast then restarting of the sounders should be automatic. There should not be a silent period exceeding

10 seconds between broadcast and sounders


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by Honeywell

3.3 Section 3 Workmanship, installation & commissioning

The installation requirements follow closely the recommendations within BS5839-1:2002. However the crucial issue here is the commissioning stage especially checking of the sound pressure levels (dB’s) and intelligibility.

Specialist equipment may be required to check the audibility and intelligibility. However the standard suggests that to check the sound pressure level, a standard sound level meter set to ‘A’ weighting and ‘slow response’ will give an approximate reading, as long as the speech is slow in delivery with virtually no gaps.

Intelligibility is a little more difficult and whilst a minimum STI of 0.5 is quoted it may be difficult or near impossible to measure under all circumstances. The standard suggests that a subjective assessment of intelligibility may be sufficient as long as all interested parties agree. In the case of dispute it is recommended that an appropriate method of measurement detailed within BS EN 60268-16 may be called into play.

3.4 Section 4 User responsibilities

The major issue for the user, besides ensuring the equipment is not showing any faults and is healthy at all times, is training of the operators.

This may be an ongoing requirement as personnel change and complex procedures for phased evacuation, which require manual intervention, may be in place.

3.5 Annexes

The annexes A to E provide a designer with some useful data in respect of loudspeaker capabilities, typical noise levels in different buildings, a battery standby calculator, a model certificate and a guideline or recommendations for the use of voice sounders

4 Current solutions

There are three main methods of providing voice messages, these consist of;

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Stand alone voice sounders

Central Rack amplifier systems

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Distributed amplifier systems

All these types have possible use dependent on the type and size of building where they are being installed.

4.1 Voice enhanced sounders

Although these devices can not be considered a true VA they do offer voice messages, with each device containing a ‘memory’ chip that has a number of pre-recorded standard messages, operated directly from the fire alarm control panel.

It is important that the control panel does have a ‘synchronisation’ capability so all the independent recorded messages are delivered at the same time.

This is particularly important when you have two or more alarm zones where different messages are required, i.e. an Evacuate and Alert message, as synchronisation and intelligibility may be affected.

Furthermore additional cables may be required to switch from one message to another.

It is therefore, suggested that these devices are generally used for the smaller properties where there is a ‘one out - all out’ evacuation required and no messaging or background music facility is needed.


4.2 Central Rack systems

Central Rack systems consist of a rack or racks of amplifiers that control all the speaker circuits, which are radially wired as shown.

This rack may also contain facilities for zone selection, music input, emergency and general paging announcements.

The issues with this type of set up are:-

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To ensure the link between the fire control panel and the rack is fully protected and monitored

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The correct cables sizes, to allow for volt drop, are provided for the speaker circuits particularly if they extend across many floors

The battery standby capacity has been properly calculated and there is some contingency to extend in the future

4.3 Distributed amplifiers

Distributed amplifiers (DAU) are the latest innovation allowing the speakers to be connected to local amplifiers, often on the fire system loop communication cables, as shown.

The benefits of this approach are:-

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There is a lot less cable needed for the speaker circuits

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The cables will often be smaller in size and therefore cost less

The system can easily be extended at minimal cost as extra

DAU’s can be connected on the fire communication loops

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The central control unit (ACU) for the voice system is much smaller as it contains no amplifiers

DAU’s are easier to accommodate than central racks

Distributed Amplifiers

The issues or options with this approach are:-

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There is a requirement to provide additional audio circuits between all the DAU’s, shown on the diagram in a dashed line.

These will be needed for synchronised voice messages and to provide an emergency ‘firemans’ speech facility.

A choice is available whereby on some medium size buildings the DAU’s can obtain their power direct from the fire communication loop cable

Gent’s Compact Voice system combines the fire panel and ACU in a single enclosure.

5 Guideline for future designs

Finally, for anyone setting out to provide a VA system we would suggest the following guideline:-

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Obtain and read a copy of BS 5839-8:1998

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Consult all interested parties and agree the ‘Fire Plan’ and other uses for the system

Agree Evacuation/Paging zones and the messages you require

Involve someone who can assess the acoustics and calculate the loudspeaker types and requirements

Decide which system to use

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Check the intelligibility after completion and obtain a certificate

Ensure the End User is trained on its use and is aware of their responsibilities


by Honeywell


by Honeywell


Notes

Section 7.2:

Vigilon Compact Voice

Alarm System


by Honeywell


7 . 2 : V I G I LO N C O M PA C T V O I C E A L A R M

10 reasons to specify Vigilon Compact Voice

1

An industry first

Combined FDA and VA/PA providing the highest levels of system integrity, with proven Vigilon technology including built-in isolators in all devices

Safe evacuation for everyone in the building

High quality intelligible voice messages reduce confusion and panic

3

Savings on installation costs compared with conventional voice alarm systems

Loop powered DAUs do not require secondary mains or battery supplies and reduce length of speaker circuits.

Reliable system compatibility

Proven Vigilon system technology with speakers individually monitored and designed to meet the requirements of BS 5839-8.

5

Highly flexible software allows on-site configuration

Additional

DAUs can be easily accommodated with flexible message changes selected from the standard Audio Pack.

Reduction in on-going costs

Innovative 'off the shelf' technology requiring only one person testing the system, which can also be maintained at standard competitive rates.

7

Free extras

A fire alarm system offering VA/PA benefits or vice versa.

True analogue time comparison sensors for false alarm reduction

The very latest S-Quad sensors are fully compatible with Vigilon Compact

Voice for the ultimate system specification.

9

The reassurance of GENT support

Designed and manufactured by the

UK’s life safety specialists with unrivalled expertise and technical support capabilities.

Fully compliant with relevant industry standards

GENT are LPCB approved for both systems and products and Vigilon Compact Voice is designed to comply with BS/EN standards.

by Honeywell


by Honeywell

7 . 2 : V I G I LO N C O M PA C T V O I C E A L A R M S Y S T E M

System Architecture

SOUNDERS

Should be separated acoustically from speaker zones

S-CUBED

SOUNDER

STROBE

MCP

MCP SENSOR

DAU

ZONE 1

DAU

ZONE 2

INTERFACE

UNIT

LIVE AUDIO CHANNEL

S-QUAD

DAU

ZONE 3

DAU

ZONE 4

SINGLE ZONE

LOOP POWERED DAU

MCP

PAGING

MUSIC SOURCE

CONTROL PANEL

OPTICAL HEAT

SENSOR

MCP



Vigilon Compact Voice System

An industry first

Vigilon Compact Voice is the new integrated fire detection, voice alarm and public address system from Gent – an innovation that combines the analogue addressable fire detection and alarm functionality of Gent’s proven Vigilon Compact system with the very latest voice alarm and public address (VA/PA) technology.

The Vigilon Compact fire and voice alarm control panel drives one or two loops of fire detection and alarm devices and a number of loop powered distributed amplifier units (DAUs). A separate fault tolerant audio loop carries the live announcements for emergency situations and public address. The control panel has a built in emergency microphone and is able to accept inputs from a PA paging microphone and a background music source, e.g. CD player.

Life Safety First

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The Vigilon Compact Voice system delivers clear, intelligible voice alarm meassages.

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Vigilon Compact Analogue Addressable fire detection and alarm technology ensures reliable and constant life safety protection for both people and property.

Research* shows only 13% of people react to bells, whilst 70% react to a voice message.

Orderly phased evacuation in the event of a fire or other hazards through loudspeaker messages in relevant zones and live emergency messages relayed via the panel’s built in microphone.

Increased operational efficiency

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Routine paging functionality provides an effective public address system.

An on board emergency microphone is fitted into the control panel.

Improved building comfort

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Enhances environments with CD quality background music around the building as required.

System integrity

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Control and indicating equipment designed to EN54-2 & 4 and BS5839-8

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All devices powered directly from the same two wires, including the DAUs.

Only one panel required to control both fire and voice.

Smallest DAU available in the marketplace.

Delivers highest levels of system integrity and clear, high quality sound.

Fire and VA/PA System...at no extra cost!

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Paging capability.

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Plays music in selected areas.

Provides emergency and non-emergency messages.

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Operates during mains failure.

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Live message facility, routine paging announcements and advertising background music enhances all environments.

* Sources: Brian Piggot (The Fire Research Station) and David Canter (Surrey University).

by Honeywell


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DISPLAY KEYBOARD WITH

LED/LCD INDICATORS


Vigilon Compact Voice System Features

8 LINE / 40 CHARACTER

LCD DISPLAY

7

INTEGRAL EMERGENCY

MICROPHONE

AUDIO CONTROL PANEL

WITH EMERGENCY AND

AUXILIARY CONTROLS

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Each loop powered DAU can drive up to ten loudspeakers wired as A + B circuits – 5 per circuit

Two detection loops with up to 10 DAUs driving a maximum of 100 speakers

DAUs can be ‘zoned’ in software and isolators in every DAU protect against short circuits

Speakers are individually monitored, including the wiring

Volume level can be set via commissioning tool or by infra-red remote control key fob

Integral power supply and battery backup

Comprehensive fault management

Built-in history log stores the last 200 events, which can be accessed via the integral keyboard and printed via an external printer

External audio input facilities for PA and background music

Configurable relay output at the DAU

LED ZONAL

DISPLAY

secret until lit

FUNCTION

KEYS

PRE-RECORDED

MESSAGES

SELECTABLE

FROM THE AUDIO

PACK

BUILT IN VU

METER



Vigilon Compact Voice Panel

by Honeywell

Vigilon Compact Voice Panel

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Max No of Loops 2

Loop Capacity

Ingress Protection

Approx Weight

Operating Temperature

200

IP31

28 Kg including batteries

0 o C to +45 o C

Relevant Standards

Batteries

Battery Standby

Supply Voltage

Power Consumption

Cable Entry

Auxiliary Contacts

EN54: 2&4 BS 5839-8

2 x 12V @ 12Ah

24 hrs + 30 mins alarm

216V–253V 50-Hz

75W

Top and rear knock outs

Programmable to activate on fire, fault or disablement (1 x SPCO 1 x DPCO)

Common – Fire Contacts Voltage free 1 x SPCO

Sounder Circuits

Monitored Input

2 circuits @250mA each

1 input which is programmable to perform a logical action via a command build

Colour

Communication Ports

Egg shell white (Dupont 7EPZ1172S) Back box – Graphite grey (RAL 7024)

2 x RS485 1 x RS232 selectable functions

A one to two loop panel accommodating up to 200 devices per loop (see Vigilon section for device details). Each loop can drive up to 5 DAUs and

5 voice evacuation zones.

There is a built in emergency microphone for live emergency speech, which can be directed to any or multiple voice evacuation zones.

The panel has an 8-line by

40 character LCD display showing detailed fire and fault information, and 32 fire detection zonal LEDs.

Dimensions (mm)

506 179

ORDER CODES

Compact Voice Panel COMPACT-VA


by Honeywell


Loop Powered DAU

Each DAU can drive up to 10

64 Ohm high efficiency speakers on two circuits (5 speakers per circuit). The DAUs are wired in a fault tolerant ring configuration, and each DAU has an isolator to protect against short circuits on the analogue audio loop.

Local volume of voice alarm,

PA and background music can be adjusted via an IR remote control.

Loop Powered DAU


Weight 2Kg

Mounting

Amplifier Load

Wall

2 x 12.8 Ohm 10V RMS Output (class D)

Microphone Input

Sensitivity

Aux Input Sensitivity

Signal to Noise Ratio

Frequency Response

5mV-22mV/10k Ohm (includes AGC)

775mV/600 Ohm (Balanced)

>80dB

100Hz to 18kHz ± 3dB

Total Harmonic Distortion <0.5% @ 1KHz

Power Supply

Auxiliary Relay

LED Indication

Loop powered

Two configurable voltage free contacts reated 1A @ 24Vdc

Audio status – Audio I/P present/power

Circuit A Fault – wiring or AMP fault

Circuit B fault – wiring or AMP fault

��

��

��

Dimensions (mm)

��

ORDER CODES

Loop Powered DAU COMPACT-DAU

��

��

��

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Loudspeakers

Bi-directional Wall Speaker

by Honeywell

The system can support up to

100 64 Ohm low impedance loudspeakers

Wall Loudspeaker

Public Address Paging Microphone

Ceiling Loudspeaker

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION – LOUDSPEAKERS

Description

Impedance

Material

Sensitivity

Effective Frequency

Response

Directivity Q factor, 1k Hz

Colour

Mounting

Dimensions (WxHxD) mm

Wall Loudspeakers

64 Ohms

Steel

>93dB(A) @ 1m

(1kHz Tone)

85Hz – 18.5 kHz

2.1

White

Surface

190 x 190 x 75

Ceiling Loudspeakers

64 Ohms

Steel including Fire Dome

>93dB(A) @1m

(1kHz Tone)

85Hz – 18.5kHz

2.1

White

Flush

239 x 110 dia

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION – PUBLIC ADDRESS PAGING MICROPHONE

Console Stainless Steel

Mounting

Microphone Style

Surface Desk Mount

Gooseneck

Polar Response

Frequency Response

Power Supply

Zone Control

Cardioid

150Hz to 12kHz

Powered from control panel

Software programmable

Bi-directional Wall

Speakers

64 Ohms

Steel

>85dB(A) @1m

(1kHz Tone)

125Hz – 12kHz

0.6

White

Surface

210 x 130 x 98

ORDER CODES

Wall Loudspeakers


COMPACT CAB

COMPACT RCS

Bi-directional Wall Speakers COMPACT BDCAB

Public Address Paging

Microphone

DPM-102


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7 . 2 : V I G I LO N C O M PA C T V O I C E A L A R M

Audio Pack

Audio Pack – messages and pre-tones.

The message card fitted in all factory supplied Vigilon Compact Voice alarm panels and DAUs contains an Audio Pack of messages and tones. During commissioning it is possible to re-configure this by selecting alternative centralised and distributed messages and pre tones for Alert, Evacuate, Bomb and Auxiliary 1, 2 and 3 controls.

NUMBER TYPE OF MESSAGE

1 DAU Test

2

3

Alert

(default – Emergency 1)

Evacuate


4

5

6

7

VOICE

Male

Female

Male

Bomb


Alert

(alternative)

Evacuate

(alternative)

Female

Female

Male

Gas Carbon Monoxide Male

8

9

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

10

11

12

Gas Fixed

Extinguishant

Fire alarm test end

(default – Auxiliary 1)

Fire alarm test end


Coded message

Class change

Gent Limited

(advertisement)

Stand down


Special tone 1

Special tone 2

Factory test

Nursery rhyme 1

Nursery rhyme 2

Male

Female

Female

Female

Female

Female

Female

–

–

–

Tune

Tune

ATTENTION TONE

Number

1

2

3

4

5

Description of tone

Nee Naw x 8

Two tone (ding dong)

Four tones – ascending

Four tones – descending

Bell

MESSAGE

The voice alarm volumes are being adjusted – there is no need to take any action.

Your attention please, the fire alarm has been activated in another area, please remain where you are and await further instructions.

Attention please, attention please, this is an emergency. Please leave the building by the nearest available exit.

Do not use the lifts or escalators.

May I have your attention please, an incident has been reported in the area. As a precaution, please move away from the windows. I repeat, please move away from all windows, further information will follow shortly.

May I have your attention please, may I have your attention please, an incident has been reported in the building. While this report is being investigated, please remain at your workplace.

Ladies and gentlemen, due to unforeseen circumstances we are required to evacuate the building. Please leave the building immediately by the nearest available exit.

May I have your attention please, may I have your attention please, excessive carbon monoxide levels have been detected, please leave the area immediately by the nearest available exit.

May I have your attention please, may I have your attention please, extinguishant gas release imminent, please evacuate the area immediately by the nearest available exit.

Attention please, attention please, this is a test of the fire and voice alarm system, there is no need to take any action.

The test of the fire and voice alarm system has now been completed (default – Auxiliary 2)

Would Mr. Sands please report to reception.

Class change.

Ladies and gentlemen this speech message is produced by Gent Limited’s Vigilon Compact Voice alarm system. This product integrates voice alarm functions into an analogue fire alarm system ideal for small to medium sized buildings.

May I have your attention please, the cause of the alarm has been investigated and the system reset. There is no cause for concern. Thank you.

Beep beep beep (950Hz 80ms beep every 420ms)

Beep beep beep (950Hz 50ms beep every 80ms)

Frequency sweep (300Hz to 10KHz in 3s)

‘Boys and Girls Come Out to Play’

‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’

Number

6

7

8

9

10

Description of tone

Pulse

Continuous

Dong

Chopin

‘Sleigh Bells’

Section 7.3:

Vigilon Voice

Alarm System


by Honeywell


7 . 3 : V I G I LO N V O I C E A L A R M S Y S T E M

10 Reasons to specify Vigilon Voice

1

Safe evacuation

High quality intelligible voice messages reduce confusion and panic.

State of the art technology

High quality audio with full digital signal processing, continuous audio path surveillance and DVA message monitoring.

3

Save on space

Fully featured wall mounted control panel, easier to accommodate than conventional rack systems.

Simple configuration and upgrades

All functions software configurable with no hardware links etc to set. Configuration can be readily archived and restored. Functionality upgrades involve only software not hardware.

5

Full compliance with relevant standards

Complies fully with BS

5839-8, which is widely called for in project specifications.

Ideal for large Multi-storey premises

System can be networked, with a central Audio Control Unit (ACU) controlling up to 30 Distributed

Amplifier Units (DAU).

7

System reliability

The network is tolerant to open or short circuit faults between any two units on data or audio busses, automatically recovering and pinpointing the location of the fault. Even if all the processors in the system fail, an All-Call announcement is still possible from the

ACU Emergency Microphone.

Site wide audio synchronisation

3 audio channels plus data, allows simultaneous distribution of Alert and Evacuation messages to allow site wide audio synchronisation in addition to Emergency Microphone audio.

When no emergency audio is present these channels may support routine paging or background music functions.

9

No data degradation

Data is re-clocked at each DAU to ensure there is no data degradation as the size of the system increases.

Easy to maintain

Detailed full system fault status can be viewed at the central ACU, meaning that remote units do not need to be inspected to diagnose the exact fault.

by Honeywell


by Honeywell


System Architecture

Slave ACU

MIC

Additional

Emergency

Microphone

16A

230vac supply

Paging

Microphones

MIC

Music Source

16A

Master

ACU

230vac supply

EVAC

ALERT

MIC

DATA

Audio Highway

3 x 2 x 1mm

2

Data Highway

1 x 2 x 1mm

2

A

B

A/B

A/B

A/B

4x A/B

Speaker zones

DAU

EVAC

ALERT

MIC

DATA

Local

Inputs

EVAC

ALERT

MIC

DATA

16A

230vac supply

A

B

A/B

A/B

A/B

4x A/B

Speaker zones

DAU

Local

Inputs

16A

230vac supply

Vigilon Fire Panel

Fire Detecton Loop

S-Quad MCP



System Overview

by Honeywell

Vigilon Voice is a voice alarm system, which supports the needs of large buildings and complex sites. The system enables a number of

Distributed Amplifier Units (DAU’s), to be controlled by Audio Control Units (ACU’s).

A Master ACU allows additional Slave ACU’s or microphone units to be supported. This Slave acts as a second VA control panel and mimics the controls of the Master. No keypad or LCD for programming is provided at the Slave

The Master ACU can be supplied as either a blank version or complete with a user interface and integral emergency microphone. A Master

ACU is always required when more than one DAU is to be used on the same system.

The ACU enables paging announcements to be made to the distributed systems. An interface is provided to allow inputs from the Vigilon control panel(s) to control Digital Voice Announcements (DVA’s) from the distributed systems.

Control Network Operation

The control network acts as a transparent transmission medium for the control protocol to be transmitted from the ACU to the DAU’s.

The network is configured as a loop and is tolerant to open or short circuit cable faults between nodes of the loop. This is achieved by the network normally operating in a preferred transmission direction, should a fault be detected, the originating node shall effectively transmit in both directions around the ring.

Receiving DAU’s are able to detect the new data direction.

Audio Distribution

Baseband Audio will require one copper pair per channel. Three audio channels are supported as a minimum to enable simultaneous

‘Alert’, ‘Evacuate’ and emergency microphone audio to be broadcast. In non-emergency conditions the audio channels may be used for background music and routine paging functions. The audio loops are fault-tolerant.

As well as distributing the audio, it is required that a master microphone , Press-to-talk, signal is also conveyed over the audio link. This is to fulfill the BS 5839-8 requirement that an “All-Call Fireman’s Microphone” operation is supported even if control processors fail.

It is possible for multiple ACU microphones to contend for a single audio channel for emergency microphone announcements. A simple global priority is implemented between microphones for granting access.


by Honeywell


Master Audio Control Unit

The Master ACU takes the form of a wall-mounted box fulfilling the primary function of a Voice

Alarm Control Panel.

The ACU features a keypad and

LCD display for configuration and fault reporting, and can be supplied either blank, with no further control functions, or with an integral emergency microphone and a number of configurable front panel buttons for zone selection, and

8 push button selectors for DVA broadcasts.

The ACU is able to interface with the Vigilon fire alarm system to facilitate centralised control. It is possible to connect a PC via an

RS232 interface for programming of the ACU itself, or any of the attached satellite DAU’s.

The ACU will automatically display the status of all connected DAU’s by means of the standard Fault

LED/ Sounder arrangement and with a cycling display on a local

(2x40) LCD.

If the blank version of the Master

ACU is supplied, in order to provide the same functionality, an additional Desk Console or wall mounted Emergency microphone can be provided in place of the on-board Keypad.

ORDER CODES

ACU blank with network

ACU with 20 way keyboard and network VA-1312

ACU Slave with 20 way keyboard VA-1313

20 Way Expansion Keyboard

20 Way Desk Console and

Emergency Microphone

VA-1311

VA-1314

VA-1315

Master Audio Control Unit


Capacity

Messages

Approx Weight (Inc batteries)


Relevant Standard

Batteries

Battery Standby

Supply Voltage

Power Consumption

Dimension (mm)

30 DAUs

2 66 second and 2 50 second digital messages

35Kg

-5 o

C to 50 o

C

BS 5839-8

18 Ah Valve Regulated SLA

24h + 0.5h alarm

230V +10%, -6% rms 50Hz AC

2A at 230V ac 600VA

700h x 510w x 156d

Microphone Inputs and Control panels

The ACU allows up to 4 microphone consoles to be supported with configurable buttons for paging or DVA messages. The microphone consoles buttons may be implemented in a number of ways:

1 Modular Microphone panels on the front panel of the ACU.

2 Custom Mic Boards to enable customer specific fire Microphone panels to be constructed.

3 Standard DMS Microphones for simple paging functions.

Additional Audio inputs

In addition to the four microphone-capable audio inputs, an additional 4 balanced audio inputs are provided. These may be used for background music and similar input sources.

The ACU supports 2 x 66 second emergency messages and 2 x 50 second auxiliary messages.

Audio Outputs

The ACU provides 4 analogue outputs that feed busses on the analogue network. Three channels will be used for the network audio, #1 Emergency Microphone; #2 Evacuate Message;

#3 Alert Message.



Distributed Amplifier Unit

by Honeywell

400W DAU


Audio Amplification

Emergency microphone interfaces

Serial Communications

Messages

Approx Weight (Inc batteries)


Relevant Standard

Batteries

Battery Standby

Supply Voltage

Power Consumption

Dimensions (mm)

200W DAU

4 50W amplifiers which may be paralleled to achieve 2x100W

400W DAU

4 100W amplifiers which may be paralleled to achieve 2x200W

2 sets of monitored PTT and Speak Now interfaces to support emergency microphone operation on inputs 1 and 2 are provided

1 x RS232 and 1 x RS485

2 x 66s and 2 x 50s messages

51Kg

-5 o C to 50 o C

70Kg

-5 o C to 50 o C

BS 5839-8

24 Ah valve regulated SLA 38 Ah valve regulated SLA

24h +0.5h alarm

230V +10, -6% rms 50Hz AC

600VA

700h x 510w x 156d

800VA

790h x 580w x 204d

Audio Inputs



General purpose inputs – four inputs are provided. The first two inputs maybe used as Fire

Microphone inputs. The general-purpose inputs feature a serial interface for connection of

Zoned Paging and Fire microphones.







Two background music inputs are provided.

Digital Messages – Two 66 second emergency messages and two 50 second Auxiliary Messages are provided.

Audio Monitor Input – A connection is provided for an audio monitor bus from the amplifier system. This allows for audio monitoring of selected amplifier outputs under the control of the front panel.

The Vigilon Voice distributed amplifier unit (DAU) is a selfcontained, wall mounted voice alarm system. The unit contains all audio processing, amplification and battery back up elements needed to provide a fully BS 5839-8 compliant system.

The DAU comprises:





Zonal Power Amplification

Surveillance















Routing

Power Supply and Battery

Charger

Control Interfaces

Fault Display

User Interface

Network Interface

Vigilon Loop Interface

ORDER CODES

200W DAU

400W DAU

VA-1321

VA-1322


by Honeywell



This family of ceiling loudspeakers has been carefully designed to satisfy the most critical eye. The units are stylish yet unobtrusive and are supplied with a firedome.

The units are made from a pressed steel epoxy coated chassis incorporating a twin cone driver, which has a wider frequency range than the standard single cone alternative, making this range more suitable for use in applications where background music is a primary requirement.

Ease of installation is a key feature of these units, incorporating a user-friendly spring release action providing quick and easy access to transformer tappings once installed

ORDER CODES

5” 6W Round Metal

Ceiling Loudspeaker

6” 6W Round Metal

Ceiling Loudspeaker

13421-12-DC

13421-14-DC

20W Coaxial Round Metal

Ceiling Loudspeaker

13421-17-DC

5” 10W Coaxial Round Metal 13421-15-DC

Ceiling Loudspeaker

6” 10W Coaxial Round Metal 13421-16-DC

Ceiling Loudspeaker

Ceiling Loudspeakers


Rated power, watts

Transformer tappings 100 volt line, Watts

Transformer Impedance,

Ohms

70.7 volt line, Watts

Driver impedance, Ohms

Effective frequency range,

Hz

S.P.L. @ 1m, 1 watt, dB,

Test Signal Bandwidth

100Hz-10 kHz

S.P.L. @ Full power Octave bandwidth, dB

Acoustic Power (dB-

PWL@1 watt) 1KHz/2KHz, dB

Dispersion at 1KHz/2KHz,

Directivity Q factor,

1KHz/2KHz

Dimensions Diameter, mm

Net weight, Kg

Colour / Finish

Material

Mounting

5” 6W Round

Loudspeaker

6

6/ 3/ 1.5/ 0.75/ 0.25

1.67k/ 3.33k/ 6.66k/

13.3k/ 39.9k

1.67k/ 3.33k/ 6.66k/

13.3k/ 39.9k

3/ 1.5/ 0.75/ 0.375/ 0.125 3/ 1.5/ 0.75/ 0.375/ 0.125

8 8

100 – 17,500

92

95

92/93

180/120

1.9/6.6

189

1.5

White RAL9016

Steel

Torsion Springs

6” 6W Round

Loudspeaker

6

6/ 3/ 1.5/ 0.75/ 0.25

85-18500

93

97

88/90

180/180

2.1/6.5

239

1.90

White RAL9016

Steel

Torsion Spring

20W Coaxial

Loudspeaker

20

20/ 10/ 5/ 2.5

0.5K/ 1k/ 2k/ 4k

10/ 5/ 2.5/ 1.25

8

50-2000

94

107

88/89

160/90

5.5/8.6

280

2.93

White RAL9016

Steel

Torsion Springs

Coaxial Range

The Coaxial range of ceiling loudspeakers employs a two-way speaker system comprising a bass mid-range driver and separate tweeter. The bass response has been extended to give depth and warmth to both music and vocals.

This range of Coaxial ceiling loudspeakers has all the aesthetic and installation advantages of our standard ceiling loudspeakers, with the addition of extended bass and top end performance.

These units are ideally suited for applications that require a superior high quality performance such as shops, restaurants, hotels, pubs etc.



Cabinet Loudspeakers

by Honeywell

Moulded Cabinet Speaker


Rated power, watts

Transformer tappings 100 volt line,

Watts

Transformer Impedance, Ohms


Driver impedance, Ohms

Effective frequency range, Hz

S.P.L. @ 1m, 1 watt, dB, Test Signal

Bandwidth 100Hz-10 kHz

S.P.L. @ Full power Octave bandwidth, dB

Acoustic Power (dB-PWL@1 watt)

1KHz/2KHz, dB

Dispersion at 1KHz/2KHz,

Directivity Q factor, 1KHz/2KHz

Dimensions Diameter, mm

Net weight, Kg

Colour / Finish

Material

Steel mesh

Mounting

Cabinet Speaker

6

6/ 3/ 1.5/ 0.75/ 0.25

1.67k/ 3.33k/ 6.66k/ 13.3k/ 39.9k

3/ 1.5/ 0.75/ 0.375/ 0.125

8

160 – 18000

96

107

94/95

160/120

3.6/5.8

330 x 240 x 90

1.15

White

ABS moulding with UV inhibitors

Steel

Keyhole and/or screws

Vandal-proof Cabinet Speaker

6

6 /3 /1.5 /0.75

1.67K /3.33K /6.66K /13.3K

3 /1.5 /0.75 /0.375

8

120 - 20,000

93

101

140

2.90

190 x 190 x 75

1.8

White, RAL9010

Screw

Our range of plastic moulded cabinet loudspeakers is both stylish and elegant, and offers a cost effective alternative to metal cabinets.

This 6 watt unit contains dual cone loudspeakers offering a wide frequency range suitable for both high quality speech and music application. This model is also available as a 10 watt co-axial unit and both versions incorporate ceramic terminal blocks and thermal fuses for compliance with BS 5839 Pt 8.

Our range of vandal-proof metal cabinet loudspeakers is constructed of high-grade steel, epoxy coated and can be installed on solid ceilings or walls.

Although our standard finish is White, RAL9016, alternative finishes are available dependent upon your requirement.

ORDER CODES

6W Moulded Cabinet Speaker 13421-18-DC

Vandal-proof 6W Metal

Cabinet Speaker

13421-21-DC

Flush Mounted Vandal-proof 13421-25-DC

6W Metal Cabinet Speaker

Bi-directional Vandal-proof

6W Metal Cabinet Speaker

13421-30-DC


by Honeywell


Weatherproof Speakers

Weatherproof Plastic Horns

This range of lightweight plastic weatherproof re-entrant horns has been designed for high quality sound re-enforcement.

Offering clarity of speech and high efficiency these horns are suitable for communications or signal warnings.

Resistant to salt-laden air and non-corrosive, they are suitable for use indoors and out.

They are ideal for marine and industrial applications as they are unaffected by most chemicals.

Weatherproof Sound

Projectors

This range of weatherproof Sound

Projectors offers a combination of style and performance.

Manufactured from an ABS moulded compound with in-built

UVL (ultra violet light) protection.

The drive unit is a high quality, dual polypropylene cone.

Both units are supplied in the same stylish and compact enclosure, ideally suited for both speech and music reproduction. These units have the added advantage of being fully weatherproof and are ideal for use on railways, in car parks, shopping centres, sports grounds.

Weatherproof Plastic Horns

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

10W

Weatherproof

Horn

10 Rated power, Watts

Transformer tappings

100 volt line, Watts

10 /5 /2.5 /1.25

Transformer

Impedance , Ohms


Driver impedance,

Ohms


S.P.L. ,@ 1m, 1watt, dB

S.P.L. ,@Full power/

1m, dB

Dispersion at 1,000

Hz, Degrees

1K /2K /4K /8K

5 /2.5 /1.25 /0.625

20 or 8

400 - 8,000

106

116

160


1k Hz

Dimensions front and depth, mm

Net weight, Kg

Colour / Finish

Material

Mounting

2.37

f139 x 200

1.30

Cold grey

ABS plastic housing

Stainless Steel U bracket & hardware

20W

Weatherproof

Horn

20

20/ 10 /5 /2.5

500/ 1K /2K /4K

10/ 5 /2.5 /1.25

20 or 8

350 - 8,000

108

121

140

2.90

F203 x 254

1.90

Cold grey

ABS plastic housing

10W

Weatherproof

Projector

10

10/ 5/ 2.5/ 1.25

1k/ 2k/ 4k/ 8k

5/ 2.5/ 1.25/ 0.375

8

120 - 18,000

91

102

160

2.37

f138 x 200

1.55

White

Plastic & Stainless steel hardware

20W

Weatherproof

Projector

20

20/ 10/ 5/ 2.5

0.5k/ 1k/ 2k/ 4k c

10/ 5/ 2.5/ 1.25

8

110 - 18,000

92

105

165

2.28

f138 x 200

1.90

White

Plastic & Stainless steel hardware

Stainless Steel U bracket & hardware

Aluminium U bracket Aluminium U bracket

ORDER CODES

10W Weatherproof Plastic Horn 13421-42-DC

20W Weatherproof Plastic Horn 13421-43-DC

10W Weatherproof Plastic

Projector

13421-73-DC

20W Weatherproof Plastic

Projector

13421-74-DC



Loudspeakers

by Honeywell

Spherical Pendant Loudspeaker & Column Loudspeakers


Rated power, Watts

Spherical Pendant

Loudspeaker

20

Transformer tappings

100 volt line, Watts

Transformer

Impedance , Ohms


Driver impedance,

Ohms


20/ 10/ 5/ 2.5

500/ 1k/ 2k/ 4k

10/ 5/ 2.5/ 1.25

8

80 - 18,000

S.P.L. @ 1m, 1 watt, dB, Test Signal

Bandwidth 100Hz-

10KHz

S.P.L. @ Full power,

Octave Bandwidth, dB

Acoustic Power (dB

– PWL@1 watt) 1 k/2kHz, dB

Dispersion at 1KHz/

2KHz, Degrees


1KHz/2KHz

Dimensions,

Diameter, mm

Approx. Weight, Kg

Colour / Finish

Material

Mounting

Ingress Protection

93

107

95/90

140/160(Vertical);

360/360(Horizontal)

4.3/4.7

254

2.40

White

ABS moulding with

UV inhibitors

Pendant hung

20W Column

Loudspeaker

20

20/10/5/2.5

500/1k/2k/4k

10/ 5/ 2.5/ 1.25

8

170-17000

91

104

85/89

40W Column

Loudspeaker

40

40/ 20/ 10/ 5

250/ 500/ 1k/ 2k

20/10/5/2.5

8

170-18000

92

108

97/99

80W Column

Loudspeaker

80

180/140(Horizontal);

70/120(Vertical)


60/55(Vertical)


70/45(Verticall)

4.20/5.80

368 x 98 x 90

2.7

White RAL 9016

Aluminium

L Type Steel Bracket

4.1/7.40

615 x 98 x 90

3.80

White RAL 9016

Aluminum

L type Steel bracket

IP 55

80/40/20/10

125/250/500/1k

40/20/10/5

4

180-18000

97

115

92/94

4.20/6.80

970 x 98 x 90

6

White RAL 9016

Aluminium

L type steel bracket

ORDER CODES

Spherical Pendant Loudspeaker 13421-80-DC

20W Metal Column Loudspeaker 13421-51-DC



Spherical Pendant

Loudspeaker

This modern styled spherical loudspeaker is a true omnidirectional device. It provides coverage angles of 360 degrees horizontally and 140~160 degrees vertically giving an even dispersion over the audio spectrum. The smooth frequency response, excellent dispersion and carefully controlled performance means that they are ideally suited for covering large open spaces such as warehouses, open plan retail complexes, concourses and factories, as well as being suitable for both speech and background music. The 13421-

80-DC is supplied with a metal braided cable strong enough to carry ten times its own weight.

Metal Column Loudspeaker

The weather resistant metal column loudspeaker offers a combination of elegant styling, robust construction and high performance. The enclosure is tuned to give a wide frequency range not normally associated with column loudspeakers and as such produces high quality music and speech reproduction.

Ideally suited for use in airports, churches, factories, sports and conference centres.

7


by Honeywell


Specialist loudspeakers

Intellivox 4C Loudspeaker

Array

The Intellivox-4c is a fully integrated digitally controlled loudspeaker array and has been serving a wide variety of applications since its introduction in 1996. It has proven to be a versatile and effective solution for vocal reinforcement within reverberant venues, offering excellent speech intelligibility even in demanding acoustical conditions. A single Intellivox-4c is capable of covering an area of up to 65m whilst maintaining an even sound pressure level.

The seventeen, custom designed,

4” loudspeakers are driven by a sixteen channel class-D amplifier.

The loudspeakers themselves are arranged in accordance with our patented algorithm.

The increased lower frequency control offered by the array makes the Intellivox-4c suitable for easy and unobtrusive implementation in highly reverberant and architecturally sensitive environments.

The Intellivox units can be controlled using our proprietary

WinControl software that offers user friendly control of the beam steering parameters, audio processing and surveillance features.

Intellivox 1B Loudspeaker Array

The Intellivox-1b is the smallest member of the Intellivox DDC range. Despite its modest dimensions, the Intellivox-1b still offers remarkably tight directivity control and is capable of covering an area of up to 15m whilst maintaining an even sound pressure over the audience area. The six, custom designed, 4” loudspeakers and two dome tweeters are driven by an eight channel class-D amplifier. Its compact array length makes the Intellivox-1b suitable for easy and unobtrusive implementation in even the most architecturally sensitive environment.


Frequency Range

Max SPL

Continuous

Peak

Coverage

Horizontal (Fixed)

Vertical (adjustable)

Aiming Angle

Focus Distance

Typical Throw (may be increased with marginal losses)

Input

Nominal level

Type

Impedance (balance)

Power Amps

Mains Voltage

Power Consumption


Transducers

Dimensions (mm)

Colour / Finish

Approx. Weight

Intellivox 1c

130-20k Hz (+/- 3dB)

92 dB A-weighted pink noise at

10m

96 dB at 10m

150deg

15 to 40 deg

-16 to 14 deg

2 to 40m

15m

0 dBu (line input)

Transformer Balanced

6k8 (line input)

8 x 40 Wrms (4_), PWM (class D)

230 or 115V (+5/-10%)

28 VA (idle) / 150 VA (full load)

0 to +40˚C

6 x 4” full range, 2 x 10mm dome tweeter

670h x 134w x 186d

RAL 9010 (white)

16 Kg

Intellivox 4c

130-10k Hz (+/- 3dB)

91 dB A-weighted pink noise at

30m

150 deg

6 to 14 deg

-16 to 14 deg

5 to 100m

50m

0 dBu (line input)

Transformer Balanced

6k8 (line input)

16 x 40 Wrms (4_), PWM (class D)

230 or 115V (+5/-10%)

84 VA (idle) / 750 VA (full load)

0 to +40˚C

17 x 4” full range

4350h x 134w x 92d

RAL 9010 (white)

46 Kg

ORDER CODES

Contact Gent for details