PA/VA and voice evacuation systems
In an emergency, a clear voice message saves lives more effectively than a simple siren.
One emergency situation, the message must be understandable, transmitted to the correct area, and available even if a component fails. Volume alone is not enough.
GreenSoft designs and installs public address and voice alarm systems for evacuation, with zoning, amplification, sources, speaker lines and pre-recorded or live messages. For the voice alarm function, architectures and equipment appropriate to the applicable requirements are used.
The system is integrated with fire detection and tested on zoning, priority and fault scenarios. Commercial functions of ambient music or announcements can only coexist if they are designed separately and do not compromise the safety role.
What does the service include?
- Zoning and calculation of acoustic coverage
- Controllers, amplifiers and backup sources
- Speaker lines and circuit monitoring
- Messages, microphones, and priorities
- Integration with IDSAI, testing and maintenance
Why GreenSoft
GreenSoft coordinates audio, detection, power and the fire-resistant cable network provided in the project. Logic and audibility are verified as a single system.
How the project is progressing
- Analysis of spaces, noise and scenarios
- Area and architectural design
- Installing and configuring priorities
- Intelligibility and command testing
For what types of goals
- Hotels
- shopping centers
- office buildings
- chow
- institutions
- schools
- hospitals and public spaces
Request PA/VA system design or audit for clear messaging, correct zoning, and verified integration with fire detection.
Useful resources
Frequently asked questions
Why does the ISU require that emergency sound systems be EN 54 certified?
EN 54 guarantees that the system withstands and operates under fire conditions (components, cables, line monitoring) and that the voice message reaches people intelligibly. A regular public address system does not offer these guarantees. Therefore, for voice evacuation, ISU only accepts EN 54 certified equipment, which we use.
Can I also use the voice evacuation (VA) system for ambient music or daily announcements in the store/hotel?
Yes, this is a major advantage: in normal mode it broadcasts background music and commercial or reception announcements, and in case of fire it automatically switches to the evacuation message. You invest only once in the infrastructure for two purposes. We configure the zones and content according to your needs.
What happens to the sound system if the fire alarm goes off while music is playing?
The system instantly stops music and announcements and switches to the evacuation message, with absolute priority, in the targeted areas. The switching is automatic, controlled by the fire control panel. This way the safety message cannot be covered by other audio content.
Why are fire-resistant cables mandatory in PA/VA systems?
For the system to continue to function and transmit messages while the fire is burning, the cables must withstand the temperature for a defined period of time. A regular cable would quickly melt, leaving areas without an announcement exactly when it is needed. That is why we use certified fire-resistant cables, according to regulations.
How does GreenSoft calculate the power and placement of speakers so that the message is intelligible in noisy environments?
We design based on room acoustics, background noise levels and speech intelligibility index (STI), sizing the number, type and power of speakers for each area. In noisy environments we provide additional speakers and level adjustment. The goal: for the message to be clearly understood anywhere in the building.
Are PA and VA the same thing?
PA describes the public address and VA the voice alarm function for evacuation. A system can only combine the functions if the safety architecture is respected.
Shall we discuss your project?
Free initial technical consultation and quote within 3–5 business days.
