VIGIL 2 British Standards

VIGIL 3 BS5839-8:2013
Our voice alarm systems have been designed and built to meet relevant British Standards
and also BSEN54. Here we point out some of the main disciplines for BS5839-8:2013: Fire
detection and fire alarm systems for buildings - code of practice for the design, installation,
commissioning and maintenance of voice alarm systems. (Please refer to the Standard for
full details.)

FEATURES:

• At least two interleaved loudspeaker circuits are required • Main and standby* amplifiers.
in a building. If the building contains an open area
greater than 4,000m2 OR if the building is designed to • Select wires on a multi-zone emergency microphone.
accommodate more than 500 members of the public, • All links between a decentralised system.
dual circuits should be used. This achieves suitable
coverage should one of the circuits become short or • Detection of missing modules or amplifiers within the
open circuit. critical signal path.
• Cabling for dual circuits must not be contained in one • Automatic level controllers must be monitored and
single sheath. should failsafe to a pre-determined level, not mute.
• Where a processor-controlled system is used the • The system should latch the input condition from
following points should be followed: the fire panel ensuring that if a link is broken the
• Any system configuration data should have alarm broadcast continues. Reset is achieved by a
restricted access. separate signal from the fire panel.
• Do not use rotary discs (ie computer hard disc) or any • After reset the system should be capable of producing a
other media moving parts. general evacuate broadcast within 30 seconds.
• Any processor must be monitored eg ‘watchdog’.
• The fire alarm interface and VACIE must be separated
• The network between sub-systems must be by no greater than 10m, unless duplicate circuits are
monitored in accordance with requirements (12.1). employed.
• The monitoring of the system should include the • Any fault should be indicated or announced within 100
following: seconds.
• Normal power.
• Reserve amplifiers, if used, must be kept powered up
• Standby power. and continuously monitored.

• Battery chargers. • Standby battery supplies to have capacity for 24 hours

quiescent operation followed by 30 minutes all zones
• Fuses and protective devices.
evacuate alarm message broadcast.
• Critical signal paths (see over).
• 120 minute enhanced fire resisting cables to be used in
• Emergency messages. unsprinklered buildings having a phased evacuation, or
buildings over 30m high or where the risk assessment
• Loudspeaker circuits.
demands.

* If standby amplifiers are required, as dictated by the site’s risk assessment.

VOICE ALARM
• Recommended distances between loudspeaker centres Maintenance:
(refer to BS5839-8 for acoustic criteria):
• Daily:
• bstructed: 6m (unidirectional), 12m (bi-directional).
O
• User checks fault status of system.
• Unobstructed: 6m (unidirectional), 7.5m (bi-
directional). • Weekly:

• VAS cabling is recommended to be red in colour, • Test each emergency microphone console.
however, cables of a different colour can be employed • Test the fire alarm interface (weekly fire test)(.
where a specification for fire detection and fire alarm
system requires that cables are to be a different colour to • Ensure emergency messages are audible.
that used for other systems.
• Check ALL loudspeaker zones within a 13 week
• The final connection between the emergency period.
microphone and the site wiring may use a different cable
• Quarterly:
type (maximum of 3m). There should be, at least, an
equivalent of 4 pairs or 8 cores. • ‘Premises Management’ check fault log entries and
take necessary action.
• Cable support should be non-combustible and withstand
a similar temperature, duration and water application • Visual inspection for deterioration.
to that of the cable used. Plastic cable clips/cable ties/
• Test fault indicators and operation by creating
trunking may only be used for cosmetic support.
simulated faults.
• System test intervals can be based on a building’s risk
• Confirm loudspeaker coverage in all zones.
assessment.
• Download configuration file and archive.
• Where routine testing of emergency messages takes
place during low occupancy, a presence of staff • Further checks as recommended by manufacturer.
and public is recommended to provide “exposure to
• Annually:
messages”, preferably on a monthly basis.
• As ‘quarterly’, plus
• A test message may be used to check intelligibility (‘pre-
test’ and ‘test complete’ messages should be used. • Visual inspection confirming all cable and equipment
is secure and undamaged.
Definition of ‘critical signal paths’:
• Issue certificate of testing.
• All components and interconnections between every fire
alarm broadcast initiation point and the input terminals
on, or within, each loudspeaker enclosure.

Baldwin Boxall Communications Ltd

Wealden Industrial Estate, Farningham Road,
Crowborough, East Sussex, TN6 2JR, United Kingdom

T: +44 (0) 1892 664422 F: +44 (0) 1892 663146

E: mail@baldwinboxall.co.uk
W: www.baldwinboxall.co.uk
WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. DOC NO: 1.0031.03.17