SigTEL EVC System Operator Instructions Manual

SigTEL EVC System Operator Instructions

SigTEL Approved Document No. DCP0001928 Rev 2 Page 1 of 5

Emergency Voice
Communication System

CONTENTS

1. Emergency Voice Communication (EVC) Systems ...................................... 1

2. Safety .............................................................................................................. 2

3. System Overview ............................................................................................ 2

4. Types of Outstation ........................................................................................ 2

5. Making a Call from an Outstation .................................................................. 2

6. Answering a Call at an Outstation ................................................................. 3

7. Dial Unit (ECU) ................................................................................................ 3

1. Emergency Voice Communication (EVC) Systems

EVC systems are telephone and/or intercom systems that are designed to operate reliably in a fire
emergency. This means that the equipment and wiring is monitored for faults that might occur before the
emergency and the cabling is designed to ensure that the equipment keeps working during an emergency.

There are two types of EVC systems; disabled refuge systems and fire telephone systems. They may be
separate, or they may be combined into one system.

Disabled refuge system

A disabled refuge system connects hands-free outstations to a central control room and is used during a
fire emergency to inform the management that someone needs immediate assistance to evacuate from
the building.

Fire telephone system

A fire telephone system is used by management (and marshals at a sports ground) and the fire service
before, during and after a fire to communicate with fire marshals and fire fighters.

Regulations affecting EVC systems

Disabled refuge systems are called for by DETR Approved document B (Fire safety) volume 2, section 4,
Design for vertical escape and BS 5588 Fire precautions in the design, construction and use of buildings,
Part 8, Code of practice for means of escape for disabled people.

Fire telephone systems for buildings are called for by BS 5588 Fire precautions in the design, construction
and use of buildings Part 5; Code of practice for firefighting stairs and lifts, Part 10; Code of practice for
shopping complexes and Part 11; Code of practice for shops, offices, industrial, storage and other similar
buildings.

Fire telephone systems for sports venues are called for by the Guide to safety at sports grounds.
The installation of EVCs is covered by BS 5839-9 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings –

Part 9: Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of emergency voice
communication systems.

SigTEL EVC System Operator Instructions

SigTEL Approved Document No. DCP0001928 Rev 2 Page 2 of 5

Emergency Voice
Communication System

2. Safety

The EVC system is safe to operate provided it has been installed in compliance with the manufacturer’s

instructions and used in accordance with this manual.
Do not open the control enclosures as mains voltages are present inside. There is no need to open these

enclosures except to carry out maintenance, or remedial work.
Such work must be carried out by competent service personnel who are fully conversant with the

installation manual for this product.
If equipment is damaged in any way, advise the person responsible for safety at the site.
Regular servicing of the fire telephone system is required by BS 5839-9, by a competent organisation on a

continuous maintenance contract. A fully itemised report of the status of the installation should be obtained
at least once a year.

3. System Overview

The EVC system provides reliable two-way communication between a manned control room and key
points on the site during emergency.

Fire telephone systems are for use by trained people as part of the safety procedures at the site.
Disabled refuge systems are for use by untrained people communicating with a trained operator.
The systems differ from an ordinary telephone, or intercom systems in the following ways:

 Outstations do not have a dial, they call the operator as soon as they are picked up, or the CALL

button is pressed

 Fire telephone outstations may be in locked housings to prevent unauthorised access
 Outstations cannot call other outstations (except a designated night service extension)
 The systems operate from mains and has battery back-up in case of mains failure so that they are

available at all times

 If there is a fault, a buzzer operates at the main control unit (CCU-16) and details of the problem

are shown on the CCU-16 display

 Management of the site are required to appoint a responsible person to ensure the EVC system

(and other safety systems) remain operational.

4. Types of Outstation

There are two types of outstation:

 Type A - comprises a telephone handset in a red wall-mounted cabinet. Type A enclosures may be

lockable, in which case keys must be issued by the person responsible for safety at the site.

 Type B - comprises a wall-mounted intercom-style unit with a CALL button and built-in microphone

and loudspeaker.

5. Making a Call from an Outstation

There is no need to dial as the system automatically calls the operator.
For Type A outstations, lift the handset and a double ‘beep-beep’ ringing tone (or optional message)

sounds in the earpiece.
For Type B outstations, press the CALL button – a double ‘beep-beep’ ringing tone (or optional message)

sounds in the loudspeaker and the CALL LED is lit steady.
At the dial unit the ringer sounds and the operator can choose to answer.
If the operator is talking to another extension, a long intermittent ‘beep’ engaged tone (or optional

message) sounds in the earpiece.
The operator knows there is a call, so stay on the line until it is answered.