Krzysztof Krasiński, PAVA Sales Support Engineer at Johnson Controls, analyses how public address and voice alarm (PAVA) systems support safety and operations in today’s facilities.
Around the world, ageing buildings highlight the importance of emergency communication, compliance and keeping people safe. Around 85% of buildings in the European Union were constructed before 2000, many of which need updated emergency communication systems to meet current regulations, codes and insurance requirements.
However, for facility management teams, selecting proper emergency communication is more than just about code compliance. Ensuring occupant safety during an evacuation event is the top priority, followed by compliance, operational resilience, maintenance efficiency, building integration and long-term value.
When it comes to effective evacuation, studies show people react up to 50% faster to clear voice messages versus traditional sound-only alarms. Because of this, mandates for voice alarm technology in fire detection and alarm systems are becoming more common. Until recently, public address, background music and voice alarm functions were all performed by different systems.
Facilities that require a communication system to support effective emergency response and daily operations can benefit from an all-in-one public address and voice alarm (PAVA) system. Combined PAVA systems can perform three functions: public address (live or recorded messages), voice alarm (real-time evacuation instructions) and background music, all while reducing operational costs through simplified installation and maintenance.
There are several benefits of PAVA systems that facility managers and building owners should consider when working with their specifying partner to select their next emergency communication system:
Easy installation
PAVA systems with plug-and-play designs simplify installation, integration and use. A unified system streamlines hardware and accessories previously required for multiple systems, resulting in fewer devices to install, commission and maintain. This reduces the total cost of ownership compared to separate systems and delivers ongoing value that extends through the life of the system.
Reliability
To ensure system reliability when it matters most, today’s PAVA systems can come with built-in redundancy measures. PAVA systems with no single point of failure include a backup power supply, redundant speaker lines, backup amplifier and a redundant main unit to meet even the most stringent requirements of highly-regulated spaces such as government and military facilities.
In the European Union, EN 54-16 provides the product standard and application guidelines for voice alarm control and indicating equipment. EN 54-24 specifies requirements for system loudspeakers and EN 54-4 provides guidelines for the power supply equipment. Be sure to select a system that is certified to these standards.
Scalability
As your facilities grow and change over time, so do their emergency response needs. Combined PAVA systems can easily adapt and accommodate new components to maximise long-term system value. An all-in-one PAVA system includes a main unit with various channels, as well as inputs and outputs for customisation and expansion, including:
- Amplifier channels for speaker lines
- Inputs and outputs to integrate with the fire alarm
- Inputs for additional analog audio signals
- General-purpose inputs and outputs to connect third-party systems
Leading systems can connect more than 4,000 microphones into the main unit and provide centralised control of around 1,000 public address and emergency zones. These systems also allow for multiple main units to be networked on site for additional reach.
Simple testing and maintenance
To help facility teams easily monitor equipment health and performance, some PAVA providers offer remote system monitoring apps where authorised users can access a mobile dashboard to check system status. The PAVA system will also send detailed notifications to a user’s mobile device in the event of an emergency or system fault.
Remote access software and cloud solutions also allow authorised installers and maintenance companies to connect to the system for commissioning, log checks and fault verification, which can minimise or even eliminate on-site visits. Software faults can be resolved remotely by a technician from the office while hardware faults, tools and replacement parts can be prepared for an on-site visit.
Improved evacuation
PAVA systems can simultaneously send live audio and recorded messages to separate zones in a building or space. In an emergency, this capability helps prevent bottlenecks by allowing for automatic, phased, zone-by-zone evacuation, starting with the location nearest to the emergency event.
Integration with building systems
In today's intelligent building environments, new systems must seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure. Analog PAVA systems work with fire alarms but lack the connectivity to network with other building technologies. In comparison, IP-based architecture allows easier integration with other systems like fire alarm, closed-circuit television (CCTV), access control and building automation systems (BAS).
Leading PAVA systems based on the AES67 communication protocol allow audio signal transmission over IP. The open standard allows for seamless integration and interoperability in smart environments and enables multicast streaming. Enterprise-level organisations can remotely broadcast audio information, announcements or background music from a central location via multiple PAVA systems set up in all sites at the same time.
To maintain system integrity and safeguard against cyberthreats, PAVA systems should adhere to robust cybersecurity standards such as IEC 62443-4-1 and 4-2.
A smart investment in safety
Choosing the right PAVA system is more than meeting minimum requirements. It is an investment in safer evacuations, simpler maintenance and better long-term building safety. By prioritising reliability, scalability and integration, facility teams can leverage PAVA systems to build a communication strategy that supports both emergency readiness and everyday operations.
To learn more about implementing effective emergency communication with PAVA systems, visit the website below.
