Page 3 of 16 Document PViLXEX8 7001-01 Rev 1 2017
1Introduction
1.1 What is an Emergency Voice Communication System
An Emergency Voice Communication System, or EVCS, is a system that allows voice communication in
either direction between a central control point and a number of other points throughout a building or
building complex, particularly in an emergency situation. The control points, or outstations by which
they are more commonly referred, generally comprise of a Type A outstation, a Type B outstation, or a
Type C Combined Type outstation. “Assist Call” emergency assistance alarm systems can also be
incorporated into the EVCS.
EVCS is generally required in the following situations:
In any building or sports or similar venue where there are disabled people, or people who may
have difficulty negotiating the evacuation route.
In buildings with phased evacuation and/or firefighting lifts where it facilitates secure
communications for building managers, fire wardens, and attending fire officers.
At sports venues and similar complexes, where it will assist stewards in controlling the
evacuation of the area in an emergency.
The Lexicomm ViLX-TMS Emergency Voice Communications System (EVCS) is designed to fully comply
with BS5839 Part 9:2011 for use as a Fire Telephone system, Disabled Refuge Call system or as a
combined system when both Fire Telephones and Disabled Refuge Points are required.
1.2 Suitability
Fire telephone systems are recommended for all public buildings and multi-story buildings over four
floors by BS9999.
Disabled Refuge systems are required in buildings where the public or disabled staff gain access to any
floor other than the ground floor using lifts. Refuge areas are provided at each storey exit from each
protected stairway.
2Product Overview
The Lexicomm EVCS has been designed around a total network concept so all of the Lexicomm panels
have inbuilt networking.
The system comprises 3 types of panel; ViLX-TMS touch screen master station (hereafter referred to as
TMS), the ViLX-228 2 to 8 line master station (hereafter referred to as LX228) and a ViLX-EX8 system
expander panel (hereafter referred to as EX8). For Lexicomm systems in excess of 8 lines a TMS must
be used as the master station, the system can then be expanded by the use of a EX8 or LX228 in blocks
of 8 lines up to a maximum system capacity of 512 lines. Additional TMS panels can be used wherever
indication and control is required i.e. Fire Control rooms and building reception.
The wiring is a ring and spur topology with outstations being wired on radial spurs from any master
station or system expander panel. The EX-8 and any TMS or LX228 are wired in a ring network up to a
maximum of 64. The EX-8 would typically be sited in convenient locations close to the outstations i.e.
risers or stairwells resulting in short vertical wiring runs. The LX228 can be used to provide local control
of up to 8 lines within a building this can then report back to a TMS which can provide overall control of
an entire site.
In this way a very large system can be completed with a minimum of cabling coming back the master
station via the network ring.
Additionally the “Assist Call” emergency assistance alarm system can either be connected to the same
line with an outstation, or connected to a dedicated line.Neither the outstations nor the “Assist Call”
emergency alarm system require a separate power supply unit as each line is powered from the Master
Station. This has the additional benefit of each line being fully monitored and battery backed up.
