Emergency Voice Communication Systems (EVC)
Two-way emergency communication for disabled refuges, fire-fighting teams and building management.
What Is an Emergency Voice Communication System?
An Emergency Voice Communication System, usually shortened to EVC or EVCS, is a dedicated two-way communication system used during a fire or other emergency. It connects a central control point with outstations positioned at disabled refuges, fire-fighting lobbies and other agreed locations around a building or site.
Unlike a fire alarm or voice alarm, an EVC system is designed for a conversation. A person at an outstation can speak directly with building management, a control room or the team coordinating the emergency response. This helps confirm their location, provide reassurance and organise assistance.
Argus Fire & Security designs, installs, commissions and maintains EVC systems for commercial, residential and public-sector premises. We support new installations, upgrades and existing systems, including C-TEC SigTEL and Gent VoCALL equipment.
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How Does an EVC System Work?
An EVC network normally brings several purpose-built components together:
- Master station or control panel: displays incoming calls and lets an authorised person communicate with each outstation.
- Type B outstations: fixed, usually hands-free call points commonly installed at disabled refuges. A user presses the call button and speaks through the built-in microphone and loudspeaker.
- Type A outstations: fire telephone handsets used by fire wardens, firefighters or trained staff at agreed locations.
- Power supplies and monitored wiring: keep the network supervised and help identify faults that could affect operation.
The exact arrangement is determined by the building layout, evacuation strategy and fire-safety design. A correctly planned system makes calls clear, shows where they originated and supports controlled communication throughout an incident.
Disabled Refuge Communication
A disabled refuge is a relatively safe waiting area used as part of a managed evacuation. Its EVC outstation lets a person tell the control point that they are there, receive instructions and stay in contact while assistance is arranged.
A disabled refuge system is therefore one important application within a wider emergency voice communication system.
Fire Telephone Communication
Fire telephone outstations provide a dedicated line between key positions in a building. They can help fire wardens, firefighters and incident controllers coordinate safely where ordinary phone networks may be unsuitable.
An EVC is normally an internal, dedicated system; it should not be confused with an external emergency-services telephone line.
Where Are EVC Systems Used?
EVC systems are commonly considered for buildings where people may need assistance to evacuate, or where staff and emergency teams need reliable two-way communication. Examples include:
- offices and multi-storey commercial buildings;
- apartment blocks and managed residential developments;
- hotels, hospitals, care settings and medical centres;
- schools, colleges and universities;
- shopping centres, leisure facilities and entertainment venues;
- industrial sites, transport facilities and public buildings; and
- stadiums and large sites requiring steward communication.
Whether an EVC system is needed, and the type and number of outstations required, depends on the premises, occupancy, escape strategy, fire risk assessment and applicable building guidance.
EVC, Voice Alarm and Assistance Alarms
These systems have different jobs and should not be treated as interchangeable:
- EVC system: provides two-way voice communication between outstations and a control point.
- Fire alarm: detects a fire and warns occupants.
- Voice alarm: broadcasts live or recorded evacuation messages through loudspeakers.
- Accessible-toilet assistance alarm: lets a person call for help in a toilet or similar facility.
Some sites may need more than one of these systems. Argus can review the wider fire-safety arrangement and explain how the relevant systems should work alongside one another.
BS 5839-9 and EVC System Responsibilities
BS 5839-9:2021 is the current British Standard code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of emergency voice communication systems in and around buildings.
The standard provides a recognised framework, but the solution still needs to match the individual premises. The dutyholder, designer, fire-risk assessor, building-control team and specialist installer may all have a role in establishing what is appropriate.
During normal operation, outstations should remain accessible and faults should be reported promptly. Planned inspection and maintenance by a competent provider helps check communication, controls, power supplies, batteries, monitored circuits and system records. The service schedule should reflect the system design, manufacturer guidance, fire strategy and site risk.
EVC Design, Installation and Maintenance
Argus provides a complete route from the first site discussion through to ongoing support:
- Survey and design: review the building, refuge locations, fire strategy, system capacity, accessibility and any existing equipment.
- Installation: fit the master station, outstations, power supplies and wiring with attention to access, identification and coordination with other fire systems.
- Commissioning and handover: test calls, audio clarity, controls, fault monitoring and standby power, then provide operating guidance and records.
- Maintenance and fault support: inspect the system at planned intervals, investigate faults and recommend repairs or upgrades where needed.
For premises with wider fire-safety requirements, we can also support fire alarm design and installation and fire alarm servicing and maintenance.
Why Choose Argus?
- Design, installation, commissioning and maintenance from one experienced team.
- Support for new systems, existing installations, faults and planned upgrades.
- Experience with recognised EVC equipment including C-TEC SigTEL and Gent VoCALL.
- Based in Wigan, supporting organisations across the North West and throughout the UK.
- 24-hour call-out support for maintained customers.
What We Need to Provide a Quote
Share any available floor plans, fire strategy information, proposed refuge locations, number of storeys and details of an existing system. If this information is not yet available, we can begin with a site survey and help establish the practical requirements.
Call 0345 260 0093, email mail@argusfireandsecurity.co.uk or use the enquiry form.
EVC System FAQs
What does EVC stand for?
EVC stands for Emergency Voice Communication. EVCS means Emergency Voice Communication System. Both abbreviations are commonly used for the same type of two-way emergency communication network.
Is an EVC system the same as a disabled refuge system?
Not exactly. Disabled refuge communication is one of the main uses of an EVC system. A wider EVC network can also include fire telephone outstations and communication points for stewards or trained staff.
Is an EVC system a legal requirement?
The answer depends on the building, its use, design, occupancy, evacuation strategy and applicable guidance. The fire risk assessment and fire strategy should identify how people who may need assistance will communicate and evacuate. Where an EVC system is specified, it should be designed and maintained for the premises and relevant standards.
Does an EVC system replace a fire alarm?
No. A fire alarm warns people of a fire, while an EVC system provides two-way communication during the response. The systems can form part of the same fire-safety strategy but perform different functions.
Can an existing disabled refuge system be upgraded?
Often, yes. The existing panel, outstations, wiring, power supplies and documentation need to be surveyed first. Argus can then advise whether repair, expansion, partial upgrade or replacement is the most suitable route.
How often should an EVC system be maintained?
The maintenance programme should follow the system design, manufacturer guidance, fire strategy, site risk and BS 5839-9 recommendations. A competent provider should agree a planned schedule, record visits and investigate faults without unnecessary delay.
Are you BAFE and NSI Gold accredited?
Yes. Argus Fire and Security Ltd is BAFE SP203-1 approved for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection systems. We are also NSI Gold accredited for fire alarms, intruder alarms, CCTV systems and access control.
Emergency Voice Communication Systems should be designed, installed, commissioned and maintained in accordance with BS 5839-9:2021 and the specific fire-safety requirements of the premises. Argus can assess new or existing EVC and disabled-refuge systems and advise on installation, upgrades, maintenance and fault repairs.
To discuss your requirements or arrange a site survey, call 0345 260 0093, email mail@argusfireandsecurity.co.uk, or contact Argus Fire & Security.
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