Now, with release 3.3 of the Praesideo software, the company has extended the functionality of the system to ensure full compliance with these new standards.
An example of the extended functionality includes new zone-status indicators that show a fault status when any failure of equipment or cabling prevents a specific zone from being addressed. Other functionality extensions relate to voice alarms, outputs to fire alarm devices and managed evacuation. Furthermore the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of the system has been upgraded to EN50130-4 levels for alarm systems and, with that upgrade, both hardware and software fully comply with the obligatory and optional requirements of EN54 and ISO 7240.
Certification of compliancy to EN54-16 and ISO 7240-16 has been granted by TÜV, the independent German quality and safety organization. The TÜV is also the organisation that formerly granted EN60849 and IEC60849 certification to the Praesideo equipment, software and production following extensive independent testing.
EN 54-16 and ISO 7240-16 describe the requirements, test methods and performance criteria for voice-related components in fire alarm and detection systems. The European and international standards derived from these requirements promise to play a significant role in voice evacuation markets both in Europe and internationally. The standards are aimed specifically at ensuring that voice alarm control and indicating equipment provides the best possible communication for users, installers, the public and fire brigades, as well as providing uncompromised system availability and system supervision.
EN54-16, in particular, will play a significant role in the market for voice evacuation as the member states of the European Union will in the future be obliged to replace their local standards by the EN54-16 standard.
(Jim Evans)
