Residential Emergency Voice Communication Systems (EVCS)
Emergency Voice Communication Systems (EVCS) are essential for enabling reliable communication during emergencies.
These systems connect individuals waiting in Disabled Refuge Areas and Fire Officers conducting building sweeps.
Traditionally utilised in commercial & public buildings, EVCS is now recommended for residential settings following updates to fire safety standards.
The release of BS 9991:2024 (Fire safety in the design, management, and use of residential buildings) on 27th November 2024 marks a significant milestone in this journey. This updated Code of Practice introduces essential changes that will profoundly impact the building and construction industry, particularly in residential buildings and care homes.
Experience You Can Trust
Baldwin Boxall’s extensive experience spans diverse environments, including commercial, entertainment, and residential spaces.
- Evacuation Lift Lobbies
- Disabled refuge area communication.
- Fire telephone system.
- Provision of clear and precise instructions in the event of an emergency.
- Central point for communication throughout the building.
- Permanently active fire telephone system
- Battery backed for full reassurance. System will operate in case of building power failure
- All connections fully monitored to ensure emergency communications when required.
- Fully compliant to BS5839-9
- Landmark Pinnacle
- St Georges Tower
- Battersea Power station
- Union Wharf
- Chelsea Harbour
- Wood Wharf, Canary Wharf developments
- Southbank Place
- Regency Tower, Qatar
- University of west England (student accommodation)
- Essex of university (student accommodation)
- Southbank university (student accommodation)
- Bristol university (student accommodation)
Why EVCS for Residential Buildings?
BS9991:2024 (Fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings) introduces many new fire safety recommendations including EVCS, effective from 27th November 2024.
- Residential buildings with lifts should also have evacuation lifts (Clause 7.4.1).
- Evacuation lift lobbies should feature an EVCS compliant with BS5839-9. (Fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings) (Clause 7.4.2)
- Buildings over 50m require advanced communication systems such as Fire Telephones (Clause 45e).
Key Differences Between Commercial and Residential EVCS
Unlike in commercial buildings, where trained staff manage EVCS systems, residential systems are primarily for use by Fire and Rescue Services during emergencies. Therefore, residential installations demand specific adaptations:
Master Control Panel Locations:
- Commercial: Typically, in staffed control, security or FCC (Fire Command Centre) rooms
- Residential: Where there isn’t a dedicated staffed area, typically near the fire service access point, in a location safely accessible during evacuation (BS5839-9 Clause 12.6c).
Optional Features for Residential Use:
To optimise EVCS for residential settings where there is not always someone available at all times to answer calls, Baldwin Boxall recommends:
- Optional System Controls :
Disable the system to prevent misuse until activated by the Fire & Rescue Services.
Use triggers like a connection to evacuation alert systems (BS8629) or a “break glass” enable switch. - Secure Operation:
Keys or activation equipment in “break glass” enclosures labelled for emergency use. - User Guidance:
Clear signage at the master station with step-by-step instructions. - Outstation Labelling:
Clearly mark outstations with Emergency Use Only or similar
Baldwin Boxall: Leading
the Way in EVCS
Baldwin Boxall has been at the forefront of EVCS innovation for decades, the recommendations outlined above are based on Baldwin Boxall’s extensive experience in the installation, commissioning, and practical application of Emergency Voice Communication (EVC) systems.
Residential Ready EVCS range incorporates:
Safe & Compliant
BS5839-9 is a code of practice for those who install, maintain and commission EVC systems, giving guidance on how to install an effective system as part of a fire detection and alarm system covering all components including wireless.
BS9999 is a BSI Standards Publication providing guidance for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings. It includes the provision of evacuation methods and placement of EVC systems.