Booking options
£242
+ VAT
£242
+ VATOnline
CPD Course
Specialist
When standard fire alarms aren’t enough, voice alarm systems take over.
In larger or more complex buildings, clear voice messages - not just sounders - are critical for safe and controlled evacuation.
This course provides a practical understanding of voice alarm (VA) systems and how they integrate with fire detection and alarm systems.
Course description
This course introduces the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of voice alarm systems in line with BS 5839-8.
You'll learn when voice alarm systems are required, how they integrate with fire detection and fire alarm systems, and the key design, installation and maintenance considerations needed to achieve effective evacuation in complex buildings.
The course focuses on real-world application, helping you understand how to design and work with systems that deliver clear, intelligible instructions during an emergency.
Who this course is for
Fire & security engineers working with fire alarm systems
Designers and consultants involved in complex or large buildings
Those responsible for verification or witness testing
Facilities and building managers overseeing fire systems
Anyone working with or specifying voice alarm systems
What you’ll get from this course
Clear understanding of BS 5839-8 requirements
Knowledge of how VA systems support evacuation strategies
Insight into system design, components, and integration
Confidence in working with intelligibility and system performance
After this course, you’ll be able to
Understand when and where voice alarm systems are required
Apply BS 5839-8 to system design and implementation
Recognise how VA systems integrate with FD&FA systems
Understand key considerations such as intelligibility and reliability
Recommended prior knowledge
This course is designed for learners who already have a fundamental understanding of BS 5839-1 and fire detection and fire alarm systems.
Learners without this knowledge may benefit from completing the FD&FA Foundation module before attending.
Course content
Scope and need for voice alarm systems
System types and information exchange
Evacuation strategies and risk assessment
VA / FD&FA system interfaces
System components
System reliability, fault monitoring, and integrity
Loudspeakers and zoning (design and installation)
Voice sounders
Power amplifiers and ANS
Emergency microphones and messages
Audibility (non-speech) and intelligibility (speech)
Priority broadcast levels
VACIE requirements and siting
Networked systems
Power supplies (LV & ELV)
Cables and wiring
Installation (responsibility, workmanship, testing)
Commissioning, handover, and verification
Maintenance (routine and non-routine)
User responsibilities
Assessment

Ideal for those working on larger or more complex buildings where voice alarm systems are required for safe evacuation.
At Ember Compliance, we're committed to helping fire and security professionals develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to work safely and competently.
Our courses are delivered by experienced industry professionals who combine technical expertise with practical, real-world experience. Whether you're new to the industry or looking to expand your knowledge, our training is designed to be engaging, informative and directly applicable to your day-to-day role.
We offer a range of classroom and live online courses, with many leading to nationally recognised RQF qualifications. Our focus is on supporting ongoing competence and professional development, helping technicians and businesses meet industry standards and best practice.
This depends on the course you are booking.
Many of our courses are suitable for learners who are new to the subject, while others are designed for experienced fire and security technicians or have specific prerequisites.
Please check the course description and any entry requirements before booking. If you're unsure whether a course is right for you, we're always happy to help you choose the most appropriate option.
Yes. Many of our courses are available as both classroom and live online training, allowing you to choose the learning environment that suits you best.
If a classroom version of this course is available, you'll find it listed alongside the online option on our website.
Absolutely.
Our trainers encourage questions and discussion throughout every course, helping learners understand how the requirements apply in real-world situations. Whether you're looking for clarification on a technical topic or practical guidance based on your own experience, we're here to help.
To take part in one of our live online courses, you'll need:
We'll send full joining instructions before your course, including any software requirements.
Before your course, we'll email you everything you need to join, including your joining instructions, start time and the link to access the online training.
We recommend joining a few minutes before the course starts to ensure your equipment is working correctly and you're ready to begin on time.
Training is an important part of demonstrating competence, but attending a course alone does not make an individual or organisation compliant.
Compliance depends on a range of factors, including appropriate qualifications, experience, competence, company procedures and ongoing professional development.
Our courses are designed to help learners understand current requirements and apply industry best practice with confidence.
Each course is based on the current edition of the relevant British Standard, legislation or industry guidance, as detailed in the course description.
Where standards are updated, we regularly review and update our training materials to reflect the latest requirements and industry best practice.
There is no single answer, as it depends on your role and the subjects you work with.
Many technicians choose to refresh their knowledge whenever standards are updated, legislation changes or new technologies emerge. Regular CPD also helps maintain confidence and supports continued professional competence.
At Ember Compliance, we believe training should do more than simply help learners attend a course or pass an assessment.
Our aim is to support long-term professional competence by providing practical, relevant training that helps technicians apply their knowledge with confidence and continue developing throughout their careers.