Public address
safety (PAVA) and comfort system
The Public Address Voice Alarm system enables the public to be evacuated safely in the event of a fire, thanks to the broadcasting of an alarm and spoken messages.
Public address voice system,
an essential part of the process
of evacuation
In the event of fire or a high-risk situation (attack, bomb threat, natural disaster), the public address system broadcasts an alarm alternating between an audible signal and a spoken message to help people evacuate.
The audio message specifies the instructions for leaving the building by the quickest and safest routes, according to the established security plan. It thus reassures the population in order to limit panic movements and jostling.
This audio evacuation assistance system can also be used as a comfort sound system: broadcasting background music, animation via a microphone as well as the possibility of broadcasting a pre-recorded sound message.
How does a public address system work?
This system is part of a fire safety system (FSS). As soon as a fire is detected by the fire detectors, the security console automatically broadcasts evacuation messages through the building’s amplifiers and loudspeakers.
Video presentation of a fire safety system in a shopping centre:
Need a public address system? Discover Bouyer solutions
Contact usWhat are the requirements for your security PA system?
Legal standards and obligations
At European level, standard EN 54 sets out the product requirements (power supply equipment, alarm control and signalling voices, loudspeakers) and application guidelines for voice alarm systems.
Rules specific to France
French standard NFS 61 describes the requirements for the design, installation and operation of alarm systems:
- The duration of the message broadcast is 5 minutes minimum,
- The message can only be cut off by speaking via the microphone on the security computer or the intervention of the fire fighters,
- The alarm consists of a loop containing a two-second sound signal, silence, then an explanatory message in French, silence and lastly the translation of the message into a foreign language.
Establishments covered by the obligation
A public address system is compulsory for public buildings that meet the following conditions:
- Sales areas over 2,000 m²
- Gathering places larger than 1,000 m²
- Sports complexes seating more than 5,000 people
- High-rise buildings (IGH) over 60 metres in height
This includes shopping centres, schools, sports facilities, museums, cinemas and cultural centres, as well as hotels, underground stations, railway stations and airports. (link to sector pages)
Your security public address installation in 3 steps
Because each site has its own specific features and needs, it’s vital to adapt the sound system to the venue. That’s why installing a PAVA (public address voice alarm) requires several steps.
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Feasibility study
Analysis of requirements (evacuation sound system only or in combination with a comfort sound system) and the specific features of the building (surface area to be covered, division into areas, existing equipment). Acoustic study. Proposal of a suitable solution.
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Installation and commissioning
Installation of the chosen solution on your premises. An FSS coordinator or a representative of the safety commission certifies that the system complies with the regulations and specifications.
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Maintenance
An annual inspection is compulsory to check the condition of the system, identify any repairs and suggest improvements.
Bouyer, Majorcom, your DEF Network experts in security and comfort sound systems
DEF Network is a major European player in the fire safety market. We operate throughout France and internationally. We cover some sixty countries in the Middle East, North Africa, South America and Asia.
With our Bouyer brand, we have been designing and manufacturing our own public address products for over 90 years at our production plant in Montauban. At the same time, Majorcom has been helping you with your comfort sound projects for over 50 years.
Need a comfort sound system? Discover Majorcom's solutions
Learn more 
Majorcom
France, Europe
Expert in professional comfort/security sound systems - Tel (+33) 5 61 31 86 87
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