3 November 2026
A practical guide to emergency voice communication (EVC) for building owners and managers.
A disabled refuge system — also called an emergency voice communication (EVC) system — gives people who cannot use the stairs a safe place to wait during an evacuation, and a way to speak to the person managing the incident.
Refuge points are provided on each floor, usually in a protected stair lobby or corridor. Each refuge has an intercom unit. When someone needs assistance they press the call button and speak to staff at the master panel, which is normally at the main entrance or fire control point. Staff can then arrange help or confirm that the person is safe to wait for the fire service.
Disabled refuge systems are commonly required in:
The requirement is usually set by the fire strategy or building control. Systems are designed to BS 5839-9.
A typical installation includes a site survey, design of refuge locations and cable routes, supply and fit of the master panel and outstations, commissioning, and handover documentation. On a new-build we coordinate with the main contractor so that containment and power are ready at the right time. On an existing building we plan the work to minimise disruption.
Like fire alarms, disabled refuge systems should be tested regularly and serviced by a competent person. Weekly user tests and periodic engineer inspections help ensure the system will work when needed.
We recently installed a disabled refuge system at a new-build school in Bolton, alongside an intruder alarm, CCTV and Paxton access control. The system was commissioned before handover so it was ready for the fire strategy and building control sign-off.