What is BS EN 50849 – Sound systems about?
BS EN 50849 is a European Standard that discusses audio, video, and multimedia systems.
BS EN 50849 specifies the performance requirements for sound systems which are primarily intended to broadcast information for the protection of lives within one or more specified areas in an emergency. It also gives the characteristics and the methods of test necessary for the specification of the system.
BS EN 50849 applies to sound reinforcement and distribution systems to be used to effect rapid and orderly mobilization of occupants in an indoor or outdoor area in an emergency, including systems using loudspeakers to broadcast voice announcements for emergency purposes and attention-drawing or alarm tone signals.
BS EN 50849 does not apply to emergency sound systems used for evacuation in case of fire emergency, whether connected to fire detection and fire alarm system or not.
Note 1: The use of the system for normal sound reinforcement and distribution systems purposes under non-hazardous circumstances is not excluded.
Note 2: Sound systems for emergency purposes may be the subject of approval by relevant authorities.
Who is BS EN 50849- Sound systems for?
BS EN 50849 on sound systems is relevant to:
- Speech transmission system manufacturers
- Audio system manufacturers
- Communication device manufacturers
- Sound technicians
- Product design engineers
Why should you use BS EN 50849- Sound systems?
A sound system for emergency purposes permits the broadcasting of intelligible information of measures to be taken for the protection of lives within one or more specified areas of coverage. Over recent years, the Speech Transmission Index (STI) has been the most commonly used method for determining intelligibility of emergency sound systems. Other methods have rarely been applied. For this reason, it was decided to express the required intelligibility score by using the STI scale.
BS EN 50849 specifies the performance requirements for sound systems which are primarily intended to broadcast information for the protection of lives within one or more specified areas in an emergency. It also gives the characteristics and the methods of test necessary for the specification of the system.
BS EN 50849 provides guidance on system and safety requirements, system technical requirements, monitoring of software-controlled equipment, installation requirements, system operation, and measurement of speech intelligibility.
If you are a product designer, BS EN 50849 can ensure the sound systems offer adequate levels of performance, speech clarity, audibility, and efficient transmission of information and/or power between parts of an emergency sound system, for timely broadcast of an emergency message.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 50849:2017 supersedes EN 60849:1998 which is withdrawn. The following significant technical changes with respect to EN 60849:1998:
- Annex A, Measurement of speech intelligibility, has been brought up to date in line with EN 60268-16
- Emergency sound systems for use in case of a fire emergency are excluded from the scope of this standard
