Emergency Warning and Intercommunication Systems (EWIS) have been designed to facilitate the orderly and speedy evacuation of a building in the event of an emergency. This procedure may be initiated automatically by a fire alarm system, fire sprinkler system or manually by a break glass call point. An EWIS system may be used as a fully automated system or it will allow Fire Wardens to easily control and co-ordinate an evacuation using the dedicated emergency telephone network.

Emergency Warning System

The Emergency Warning System (EWS) generates and controls audible warning signals via dedicated amplifiers and loudspeakers installed on each level or in each zone of a building. Visual warning lights/strobes may also be installed in areas of high noise. On detection of an alarm the EWS system generates the standard "Alert" tone. After a predetermined period the system will switch automatically to the "Evacuation" tone interspersed with digitized voice messages instructing people to evacuate the building. High-rise and other special building classifications may require the use of the automatic cascade sequence facility, whereby areas in immediate danger are evacuated first. Alert and Evacuate warning tones are automatically escalated at predetermined times until the whole building is evacuated in an orderly manner. At any time authorised Fire Wardens or Fire-fighting Personnel may take control of the EWS system An emergency public address microphone allows the broadcast of verbal messages to building occupants in all or selected areas via the zone loud speakers. Under non-emergency conditions the EWS system may be used to distribute background music and routine public address announcements.

Emergency Intercommunication System

The Emergency Intercommunication System (EIS) provides dedicated emergency telephone communications between the Emergency Control Panel (ECP) and Fire Warden Intercommunication Points (WIPs) in each zone. Secondary ECPs Secondary Emergency Control Panels (SECPs) may be connected to allow control and monitoring of the complete EIS system from multiple locations. Each SECP duplicates all the functions of the Master ECP. A priority system arbitrates handover control between the Master ECP and SECPs, and also allows a SECP to take full control should the Master ECP fail. Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System (EWIS) have been designed to facilitate the orderly and speedy evacuation of a building in the event of an emergency. This procedure may be initiated automatically by a fire alarm system or manually by a break glass call point. The EWS System may be used as a fully automated system or it will allow Fire Wardens to easily control and co-ordinate an evacuation using the dedicated emergency telephone network.