Last modified: May 22nd, 2024 by

Systems And Contracting

For years the Sound Productions team has been dedicated to supplying a wide range of Public Address, Life Safety and induction loop systems. Along with the supply of equipment we also provide on site surveys and commissioning for supplied systems.


Voice Alarm Systems

What is a Voice Alarm System?

A voice alarm system (sometimes referred to as a voice evacuation system) is installed with the safety of staff and general public in mind.

What does a Voice Alarm System Do?

It is a system that assists in the effective evacuation of an area or building during a fire, bomb alert or other emergency. At all other times a voice alarm system is used to make public address announcements, broadcast advertisements or background music. All broadcasts, be they live announcements or continual music, can be sent to all areas of a site or to selected areas (referred to as zones).

Each voice alarm system is designed and built specifically for each project – typically no two systems are identical. Used on a daily basis for public address, timed spot announcements for advertising or general information and background music, the voice alarm system is not just for use during emergencies.

The Code of Practice for Voice Alarm Systems is BS5839 Part 8 2013 along with the European Standard EN 60849-1999.

Public Address Systems

What is a Public Address System?

A public address system (PA system) often referred to as a Tannoy system is an electronic sound amplification and distribution system with a microphone, amplifier and loudspeakers.

What does a Public Address System Do?

A Public Address System (PA SYSTEM) is used to allow a person to address a large public gathering, for example in department stores or rail stations. Such systems can also be used to play background music or spot announcements for advertising.

Sound reinforcement systems are used for the amplification of live speech or the performance of live or recorded music, for example churches, theatres music venues and bars. Sound Productions has had many years’ experience in the provision of both types of system. Indeed Sound Productions began trading in the 1930’s as Tannoy Ireland.

The Code of Practice for Public Address and Sound Reinforcement systems is BS6259 – 1997 along with BS7827 – 1996 which gives recommendations on systems for sports venues.

Sound Masking Systems

What is a Sound Masking System?

Sound masking is the addition of natural or artificial sound (such as white noise or pink noise) into an environment to cover up unwanted sound by using auditory masking.

What does a Sound Masking System Do?

A Sound masking System reduces or eliminates awareness of pre-existing sounds in a given area and can make a work environment more comfortable, while creating speech privacy so workers can better concentrate and be more productive.

A typical system is comprised of loudspeakers, amplifiers and a digital sound processor which is programmed to shape the noise to suit the particular environment.

Disabled Refuge Systems

What is a Disabled Refuge System?

Emergency Voice Communications Systems is the term used to describe Fire Telephones and Disabled Refuge Communications.

What does a Disabled Refuge System Do?

These systems provide two-way communication during the evacuation of a building or other emergency. Fire telephones have been common in large buildings for use by the fire services for some time now, while disabled refuge communications systems are a more recent requirement under the Equal status Act 2000 – 2004, the Disability Act 2005 and the Building Regulations 2006.

Emergency Voice Communication Systems must comply with the requirements of BS5839 Part 9 2011 and BS9999 2008.

Conferencing Equipment

What is Conferencing Equipment?

Conference Systems are an arrangement of sound and audio equipment designed to allow effective and efficient communications between members of a meeting or event.

Induction Loop Systems (AFILS)

What is an Induction Loop System (AFIL)?

Induction loop systems, also called Audio-Frequency Induction Loop Systems (AFILS) are an aid for the hard of hearing.

What does an Induction Loop System Do?

Induction Loop Systems are a loop of cable around a designated area, usually a room or a building, which generates a magnetic field which is picked up by a by a suitable hearing aid. They are usually coupled with a public address system or sound reinforcement system to provide a clearer sound for the hearing aid user in the presence of background noise.

Infra-Red assistive listening systems are used for the same purpose however instead of a magnetic field to carry the audio signal it uses infra-red light. Infra-red does not interface directly with a hearing aid so a special receiver must be issued by the service provider upon request from the hearing aid user. This receiver is usually worn around the neck of the user and is then effectively a mini personal induction loop.

Assistive listening systems are required in accordance with the Equal Status Act 2000 – 2004, the Disability Act 2005 and the Building Regulations 2010 Part M.

Induction Loop Systems must comply with the requirements of EN601118-4 2006 and BS7594 2010.

Disabled Toilet Alarm Systems

What is a Disabled Toilet Alarm System?

A Disabled Toilet Alarm System allows a distressed person to raise an alarm in the event of an emergency.

What does a Disabled Toilet Alarm System do?

A Disabled Toilet Alarm System sends a distress signal to a panel or controller located outside the toilet or reception. The system also includes an over door light for a visual cue. To operate, the user pulls a ceiling cord located in the bathroom to operate.

Nurse Call Alert Systems

What is a Nurse Call Alert System?

A call system that is ideal for use in any private, commercial, residential or public sector building to allow the general public, staff or patients to call for assistance.