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Can I Install an Emergency Voice System Without a Microphone?

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I was recently asked whether a designer that wanted to use a voice message as a general alarm announcement for a fire alarm system that would not by code require an emergency voice system, be required to have a microphone installed as well. I hadn’t run into that situation before, but it makes sense to broadcast a clear situational message rather than a general blaring of tone. We all know the first response of most people when the fire alarm horns sound: “What’s going on?”. A small voice system can be installed to broadcast a specific announcement depending on the device that’s activated; but is live voice capability required in an occupancy that doesn’t require voice capability?

The short answer is unless the voice system is required by the occupancy type or otherwise required by the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), a microphone is required in any fire alarm emergency communication system that is used for occupant relocation and partial evacuation. Chapter 24.4.8.2 in NFPA 72 (2016) requires the capability to manually transmit voice to selected or all areas of buildings utilizing that type of emergency response. If the system is used for general evacuation, a microphone is not required by NFPA 72. It’s unusual, but not required.

However, if the cost of adding a microphone isn’t burdensome, it’s a good idea to have a microphone so first responders can use it to give direction in case of fire, security or active shooter situations. It’s primarily there for the fire department to make announcements or give direction if they feel it’s necessary, but code allows it to be used for other purposes if authorized by the local authority having jurisdiction. The automatic evacuation message should be all that’s needed, but sometimes people don’t evacuate when they need to & first responders can use the microphone to get their attention.

Affiliated Fire Systems can give you guidance regarding the equipment requirements of a voice evacuation system using Honeywell – Gamewell/FCI’s state of the art E3 life safety system. Contact us to find the best fit for your application

Gene Rowe
Affiliated Fire Systems, Inc.
Downers Grove, IL

Filed Under: Audibility, Code Requirements, Electrical Installation, Installation Requirements, Life Safety Articles, Notification Requirements, Uncategorized, Voice Sysytems Tagged With: , , , , ,
About Gene Rowe

Gene Rowe serves as the Director of Business Development for Affiliated Customer Service. He brings 30 years of fire alarm and emergency voice systems experience to the table with both an operational and marketing viewpoint. A US Army veteran, NICET IV certified, an executive board member of the IL-AFAA and a member of the NFPA, he began his career establishing operational expertise as a technician, developed graphic skills with CAD design as a general engineer, gained a ‘big picture’ mindset by moving to project management and finally a marketing perspective directing business development efforts. By interfacing with a broad range of diverse organizations such as the AFAA, CAA, AIA, CEA and the IFIA, he combines concerns of the owner, designer of record, contractor, distributor and approving authority to bring a unique perspective to Affiliated.

An avid marathon runner, he resides in west suburban Chicago with his wife and two sons. He's served the community as a Cub Scout Leader, as well as coaching multiple levels of travel and park district basketball, baseball and football teams. Professionally, he serves as the Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Illinois chapter of the Automatic Fire Alarm Association (IL-AFAA).

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