Public Address Voice Alarm Systems
Public Address Voice Alarm Systems PAVA
BS 5839 Part 8:2013: is the code of practice covering the requirements for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of Public Address/Voice Alarm (PAVA). A traditional fire alarm system uses a sounder, bell or possibly a strobe to indicate an activation and that an evacuation is required. In some circumstances this may lead to confusion, panic and a possible delay in the evacuation from the area/building. Public Address Voice Alarm Systems (PAVA) are designed to provide an effective method of communicating information to a large area or building used by the general public and/or employees. We offer maintenance support which can be included within the fire alarm service inspection, for both new and existing systems.
What PAVA Systems Do
1. Public Address (PA)
The PA side handles everyday announcements, such as:
- Informational messages (e.g., “The train to Oxford arrives at Platform 2”).
- Staff paging.
- Background music (BGM).
- Scheduled messages (e.g., closing-time reminders).
2. Voice Alarm (VA)
The VA side is tied to the building’s fire detection and alarm system. It provides:
- Automatic, pre-recorded evacuation messages.
- Live emergency announcements from fire wardens or security.
- Zone-based evacuation, enabling phased or selective evacuation.
- High intelligibility speech, even in noisy environments.
Voice alarm systems are designed to improve evacuation efficiency and reduce panic in emergencies—spoken instructions outperform simple sirens.
Key Features of PAVA Systems
Zoned Audio Distribution
A building is divided into zones, allowing:
- Targeted messages to specific areas
- Phased evacuation (e.g., evacuate the fire floor first, then adjacent floors)
Priority Management
Emergency messages override all other audio:
- Fire/emergency voice messages.
- Live emergency microphone paging.
- Routine PA announcements.
- Background music.
Integration with Fire Systems
PAVA ties into the building’s fire alarm control panel (FACP), typically via:
- Contact inputs/outputs.
- Audio trigger lines.
- Network communication protocols.
When a fire is detected, the system automatically switches to emergency mode.
Speech Intelligibility
VA systems must meet strict intelligibility standards, often measured by:
- STI (Speech Transmission Index).
- STIPA (a simplified version of STI).
Building acoustics, speaker placement, and system power must support clear speech.
Redundancy and Reliability
To comply with safety standards, PAVA systems include:
- Backup amplifiers.
- Redundant networks.
- Battery power supplies (24–72 hours standby, depending on jurisdiction).
Modern Trends
- IP-based PAVA (networked audio, easier scaling).
- Integration with BMS and security systems.
- AI-enhanced announcement scheduling.
- Self-monitoring loudspeakers and line testing.
- Smart evacuation strategies
Immediate Appeal For Restaurants To Reassess Fire Safety Measures
Fire and Rescue Services emphasise the critical importance of fire safety for residents residing above food outlets, highlighting the increased risks associated with insufficient safety measures. Restaurant owners and proprietors of food establishments are strongly advised to review their fire safety protocols, especially for premises with residents above or below.
BS 5839-1 Available For Public & Professional Comment
BS 5839-1, concerning Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings - Part 1: Design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises - Code of practice, is now open for public review.
Council Considers Demolition Instead Of Fire Safety Upgrades
Residents in a Harlow apartments block are facing the prospect of relocation as Harlow Council considers the option of demolition, deeming it more economically viable than the £5.5 million required for fire safety upgrades recommended post-Grenfell.
Externally Monitored to Ensure that we meet a High Standard of Service.
As members of the SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board), We maintain service records and monitor our success. The SSAIB, is a leading certification body for organisations providing security systems and services, fire detection alarm systems, and monitoring services. So, you can be confident that we strive to provide our clients with a reliable and professional level of service.
