Lexicomm Solo 2-8 Line Standalone EVC Master Station

FAQ

What is an Emergency Voice Communication System (EVCS)?

An Emergency Voice Communication System (EVCS) is a fixed, secure, bi-directional, full duplex voice communication system designed to assist fire fighters during emergencies in high rise buildings or large sites where radio communication cannot be guaranteed to work due to interference from fire plasma. The system allows voice communication between a central control point (master station) and several other points (outstations) throughout a building or building complex.

What types of outstations are compatible with the ViLX-228S?

The ViLX-228S is compatible with a full range of Lexicomm outstations including:

• Type A outstations (fire telephones with fixed handsets)
– Type B outstations (hands-free refuge points for disabled areas)
– Type C outstations (combined Type A and Type B)
– Jack points for roaming phones
– Assist Call emergency assistance alarm systems

How many lines can the ViLX-228S support?

The ViLX-228S Solo range supports 2 to 8 lines maximum. It comes in three configurations: 2-line (ViLX-228S-2), 4-line (ViLX-228S-4), and 8-line (ViLX-228S-8) master stations. Each line can connect to one outstation, and the system uses dual line cards with 2 lines per card.

What are the power requirements for the system?

The ViLX-228S requires a 230VAC ±10% 50/60Hz mains supply with a 1.2A integral power supply unit. Each master station also requires one 12V 7AH valve regulated sealed lead acid (VRSLA) battery for backup power. The battery is not supplied with the unit. In the event of mains failure, BS 5839-9:2021 requires battery backup for 24 hours standby and 3 hours operation thereafter.

What cable types are required for installation?

Cable requirements depend on the system type:

• Fire telephone systems: Enhanced grade fire resistant cabling throughout, including mains supply
– Disabled refuge systems: Standard grade fire resistant cable (for buildings under 30m or with sprinklers), or enhanced grade for buildings over 30m without sprinklers
– Assist Call systems: 2 core 1mm CSA cable or above PVC sheathed for dedicated circuits
– Maximum distance: 500m from master station using 1mm or 1.5mm cable

How do you make and receive calls on the system?

To receive a call: One of the zone LEDs will flash red indicating an incoming call. Lift the master handset (User LED illuminates red), then press the corresponding zone button. The LED changes to flashing green when connected.

To make a call: Lift the master handset, press the zone button for the required outstation (zone LED flashes red), and when answered, the zone LED flashes green indicating connection.

To end a call: Replace the master handset to end the conversation, but the call must be ended at the outstation (replace Type A handset or press cancel on Type B).

What is the Assist Call feature?

The Assist Call is an emergency assistance alarm system that can be integrated with the EVCS. It’s designed for accessible toilets and includes pull cords, cancel plates, and over-door indicators. When activated, the zone LED flashes blue and a two-tone buzzer sounds. The system meets BS 8300 requirements by providing audible and visual feedback when acknowledged, and will return to alarm if not reset within two minutes.

What maintenance is required for the system?

BS 5839-9:2021 requires a maintenance agreement with the following schedule:

• Weekly: Test a different outstation each week and record results
– Biannually: Engineer call to check 100% system operation, battery health, and AFILS equipment
– 5 Yearly: Replace all batteries in addition to yearly tests
All maintenance activities must be recorded in the site logbook.

Which standards does the ViLX-228S comply with?

The system is designed to fully comply with:

• BS 5839-9:2021 (Fire detection and fire alarm systems – Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of emergency voice communication systems)
– BS 9999:2017 (Fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings)
– BS 8300-2:2018 (Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment)
– EMC standards: EN 55035:2017+A11:2020, EN 55032:2015+A1:2020
– LVD: EN IEC62368-1:2020+A11:2020

What are the key features of the ViLX-228S?

Key features include:

• Simple setup with no software required
– Standalone applications up to 8 lines
– Full duplex operation
– Microprocessor controlled with no on-site programming
– Integrated Assist Call with acknowledgment
– RGB indicators that auto-identify by flashing Red for EVCS calls, Blue for assist calls, Green for connected calls
– Wall mount enclosure with lockable handset cover
– Self-contained design with integral power supply and battery charger

How do you acknowledge system faults?

To accept faults, you must first note the fault in the logbook along with the time it was reported. Then enter either access level 2 (code: 1664) or access level 3 (code: 1812) menu and press zone button 1. The buzzer will silence and the general fault LED will go steady. Press zone button 8 to exit the menu. The buzzer will resound on each new fault and after 8 hours.

What happens if there are multiple calls at the same time?

The system can handle multiple calls through conference calling capability. Up to eight lines (depending on line cards fitted) can be connected to a single conference call. The master station controls which lines are involved in the conference, and only one conference group is allowed at a time. Lines can also be put on hold by pressing the zone button again – the LED will change from flashing green to flashing green/red.

Where should the master station be installed?

Master stations should be mounted in fire control rooms or next to the fire alarm panel at a mounting height between 1.4 and 1.5m above finished floor level to the centre of the controls. The unit weighs 6kg with batteries, so care should be taken to securely mount it, especially on stud walling. Each master station requires local isolation via a B6A breaker clearly marked “EMERGENCY VOICE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM. DO NOT TURN OFF”.

Can the system be disabled or isolated?

The system has an Enable input that can be connected to a fire alarm system, but this is not recommended as the EVCS should always be available. If the Enable input is used and opened, Type B outstations will be disabled (calls time out after 30 minutes), while Type A outstations and Assist Call systems continue to operate. When disabled, the mode LED illuminates yellow. The master station can still make outgoing calls even when the system is disabled.