New unified PAVA system from Vox Ignis receives UL certification to EN54-16

Worldwide voice alarm and safety communications specialist Vox Ignis has launched its new unified public address and voice alarm (PAVA) system, Unicorn Voice.

This launch marks a milestone as the system becomes the first globally to receive UL certification to EN54-16, as reported by .

The EN54-16 European standard specifies the requirements for voice alarm controls and other equipment used in fire detection and alarm systems.

Unicorn Voice is a scalable, wall-mounted PAVA system designed for ease of specification, installation, and configuration.

It can expand from a single panel to a fault-tolerant network of 64 multi-amplifier panels, with up to 256 speaker circuits supporting over 163,000 speakers according to BS EN 5839-8.

Features and capabilities

Unicorn Voice is programmed and managed via integrated touch screens or a PC.

The system offers a range of amplifier sizes and speaker taps to maximise power efficiency, and amplifiers can be hot-swapped.

The speaker range features plug-and-play installation for easy first-fix.

Additionally, Unicorn Voice supports pre-recorded and live voice messaging, background music, integrated fire telephones, disabled refuge, fire alarm visual alarm devices (VADs), and assistance alarms.

Anthony Smith, managing director of Vox Ignis, said: “Unicorn Voice is the result of a £multi-million development project and 30 years of leading experience.

It delivers a best-in-class feature set, a product that demystifies the voice alarm world and ensures the very best audio safety systems are available to the market.

“We are proud that this is the first product to have been tested and certified by UL to EN54-16, or any EN or UK standard.

I’d like to thank the UK and USA UL teams for their contributions.

Achieving UL certification is not easy, and that is why it is one of the most well-respected certification marks in the life safety industry.”

Comments from UL Solutions

Karine Johnfroe, Vice President and General Manager of the UL Solutions Built Environment Group, commented on the achievement: “For 130 years, our organization has been integral to enabling fire and life safety technology advancements.

Our pioneering safety science efforts and technical leadership in this area have empowered makers of fire safety equipment to help safeguard lives and property.

“We are honoured to continue this work as a notified and approved body for the Construction Products Regulation to EN and UK standards, and we commend Vox Ignis for working to demonstrate their product’s compliance.”

About Vox Ignis

Vox Ignis is a global specialist in voice alarm, emergency voice communication, and assistance call systems.

Designed and manufactured in the UK and sold under the Vox Ignis and leading OEM brands worldwide, its products amplify the safety of millions of people and buildings every day.

IFSJ comment

The launch of Unicorn Voice by Vox Ignis represents an important advancement in the field of public address and voice alarm systems.

The system’s ability to receive UL certification to EN54-16 underlines its compliance with stringent European standards, ensuring reliability and efficiency in critical situations.

Unicorn Voice’s scalability and user-friendly features make it a versatile option for various sites, enhancing safety through advanced technology.

The recognition from UL Solutions further validates the system’s quality and the dedication of Vox Ignis to fire and life safety.

As the first product globally to achieve this certification, Unicorn Voice sets a new benchmark for voice alarm systems, promising improved safety and operational efficiency.

The collaboration between Vox Ignis and UL Solutions highlights the ongoing efforts to advance fire safety standards and technology, contributing to the protection of lives and properties worldwide.