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1.
Introduction
1.1
What is an Emergency Voice Communication System?
An Emergency Voice Communication System, or EVCS, is a system that allows voice communication in
either direction between a central control point and a number of other points throughout a building or
building complex, particularly in a fire emergency situation. The control points, or outstations by which
they are more commonly referred, generally comprise of a Type A outstation, a Type B outstation, or a
Type C Combined Type outstation. “Assist Call” emergency assistance alarm systems can also be
incorporated into the EVCS.
EVCS is generally required in the following situations:
•
In any building or sports or similar venue where there are disabled people, or people who may
have difficulty negotiating the evacuation route.
•
In buildings with phased evacuation and/or firefighting lifts where it facilitates secure
communications for building managers, fire wardens, and attending fire officers.
•
At sports venues and similar complexes, where it will assist stewards in controlling the
evacuation of the area in an emergency.
The Beacon Emergency Voice Communications System (EVCS) is designed to fully comply
with BS5839 Part 9:2021 for use as a Fire Telephone system, Disabled Refuge Call system or as a
combined system when both Fire Telephones and Disabled Refuge Points are required.
1.2
Suitability
Fire telephone systems are recommended for all public buildings and multi-story buildings over four
floors by BS9999.
Disabled Refuge systems are required in buildings where the public or disabled staff gains access to any
floor other than the ground floor using lifts. Refuge areas are provided at each storey exit from each
protected stairway.
2.
Product Overview
The Beacon EVCS comprises of a Master Station and one or more outstations.
.
Additionally the “Assist Call” emergency assistance alarm system can either be connected to the same
line as a Type B outstation, or connected to a dedicated line. Neither the outstations nor the “Assist
Call” emergency alarm system require a separate power supply unit as each line is powered from the
Master Station. This has the additional benefit of each line being fully monitored and battery backed up.
Each Beacon Master Station can also perform as a Beacon Repeater Station. A Beacon Repeater Station
mimics the Beacon Master Station both in operation and indication. Any reference in this document to
to the Beacon Master Station also applies to the Beacon Repeater Station, unless specified otherwise.
The Beacon Master Station has been designed for radial star topology. In most cases this will reduce the
cable requirements for all ring-based systems. The topology consists of spurs formed of 1 two core
1.5mm CSA cables (soft skin enhanced up to 500m per leg, MICC 200m per leg) to each outstation.
