BS 5839-9 Emergency Voice Communication System (EVCS) installation for commercial buildings

Emergency Voice Communication Systems (EVCS)

Critical Communication Solutions for Emergency Situations

DACT is an SSAIB-accredited installer of Emergency Voice Communication Systems (EVCS), the fixed communication systems that let fire and rescue teams and building occupants stay in contact during an emergency. We design, install, commission and maintain EVCS for high-rise residential, commercial and public buildings across the UK.

EVCS is governed by BS 5839-9, the UK code of practice for emergency voice communication systems. A system combines fire telephone outstations (Type A) and disabled refuge points (Type B) reporting back to a central master station, so firefighters, building management and people in refuge areas can all communicate during an incident. For disabled refuge call, accessible toilet alarms and evacuation alert systems, see our Emergency Communication Systems page.

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Type A and Type B Outstations

BS 5839-9 splits EVCS outstations into two types. Most buildings need both, reporting back to a single master station.

  • Type A — fire telephones. Handset outstations behind a break-glass or locked door, for fire and rescue service use. Located at fire service access points, in stairwells, plant rooms, lift lobbies and firefighting shafts.
  • Type B — disabled refuge points. Hands-free outstations at refuge areas, allowing anyone waiting for assisted evacuation to speak directly to staff at the master station and know help is coming.
  • Master station. The central control point, usually at the fire service access level or a permanently staffed reception, showing which outstation is calling and allowing two-way speech with each.

Both types are monitored continuously for line and power faults, so a failure is flagged before it matters. We design the outstation layout against your fire strategy, install on fire-rated cabling and provide the BS 5839-9 certification at handover.

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Where EVCS Is Required

EVCS is a requirement in buildings where evacuation takes time or where occupants may need to wait for assistance. It’s typically specified for:

  • High-rise residential buildings. Increasingly required under the Building Safety Act 2022 and supporting fire strategies for buildings above 18 metres.
  • Buildings with refuge areas. Two-way communication between refuge points and the master station for people who cannot use stairs unaided.
  • Large public and commercial buildings. Shopping centres, hospitals, universities, transport hubs and sports venues where phased evacuation needs coordinated communication.
  • Buildings with fire telephones. Fixed fire telephone points for fire service use in plant rooms, stairwells and control rooms.

If you’re unsure whether your building needs EVCS, the requirement is usually set by the fire strategy or fire risk assessment. We can review yours and advise on what BS 5839-9 requires for your building type.

EVCS is one of our commercial fire and security services.

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BS 5839-9 Emergency Voice Communication System (EVCS) installation for commercial buildings

Installation Process

We deliver EVCS installation to BS 5839-9, from design through to certificated handover:

  • Design. Site survey, risk assessment and coverage planning, with cable routes and outstation locations mapped against the fire strategy.
  • Installation. Fire-rated cabling, outstation mounting and master station setup, installed with minimal disruption to the building.
  • Commissioning and handover. Full system testing, staff training, and the certification and documentation pack BS 5839-9 requires.
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Maintenance Services

EVCS must be tested and maintained to stay compliant and reliable. We provide:

  • Scheduled servicing. Routine testing, battery checks and compliance verification in line with BS 5839-9.
  • 24/7 emergency response. Reactive callout for faults, with response times set by your maintenance contract.
  • System updates. Software updates and performance checks as your building or the standards change.

Maintenance is delivered under SLA-backed contracts matched to your site. See our SLA tier structure for typical response times.

Contact Us

Need help with your security systems? We’re here to assist! Whether you have questions about system design, require expert installation, or need reliable repairs and maintenance, our team has the knowledge to help. Fill out the form or give us a call for friendly advice and support.

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