Bosch Plena VAS Operation Manual En Us 18014411126996235

User Manual: Bosch en-us LBB1990/00 Controller

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Plena
Voice Alarm System

Installation and Operation manual

Plena

Table of Contents | en

Table of contents
1

Safety

1.1

Important Safeguards

1.2

Important Notices

About this manual

2.1

Purpose of this manual

2.2

Intended audience

2.3

Related documentation

2.4

Alerts and notice signs

2.5

Conversion tables

2.6

Nomenclature

2.7

Document history

System overview

3.1

Voice Alarm System

3.1.1

Application types

3.1.2

Application areas

3.1.3

Plena

3.1.4

Praesideo

3.2

Voice Alarm Controller

3.2.1

Hand-held microphone

3.2.2

Internal power amplifier

3.2.3

Internal message manager

3.2.4

Supervision

3.2.5

Trigger inputs

3.2.6

Remote control

3.2.7

Controls, connectors and indicators

3.3

Voice Alarm Router

3.3.1

Loudspeaker zones

3.3.2

Trigger inputs

3.3.3

External power amplifiers

3.3.4

Remote control

3.3.5

Controls, connectors and indicators

3.4

Call Station

3.4.1

Buttons

3.4.2

Supervision

3.4.3

Keypad

3.4.4

Controls, connectors and indicators

3.5

Call Station Keypad

3.6

Voice Alarm Remote Control

3.7

Voice Alarm Remote Control kit

3.8

Remote Control Extension

3.9

Remote Control Extension kit

3.10

Fireman’s Panel

3.11

End Of Line detection board

3.12

Application examples

3.12.1

Schools

3.12.2

Swimming pool

3.12.3

Shopping mall

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Installation and Operation manual

2013.07 | V2.0 |

en | Table of Contents

Plena

3.12.4

Hotel

3.13

Calls and priorities

3.13.1

Priority

3.13.2

Mergeable messages

3.13.3

Business call

3.13.4

Emergency call

Installation

4.1

Voice Alarm Controller

4.2

Voice Alarm Router

4.3

Call Station Keypad

4.4

Voice Alarm Remote Control

4.5

Voice Alarm Remote Control Kit

4.6

Remote Control Extension

4.7

Remote Control Extension Kit

4.8

End Of Line detection board

4.8.1

Installation of a single EOL

4.8.2

Installation of a multiple EOL in a daisy-chain

4.9

Dummy load

4.9.1

Set the jumper JP1 on the Dummy load

Connection

5.1

Voice Alarm Controller

5.1.1

Emergency microphone

5.1.2

Call station

5.1.3

Voice alarm routers

5.1.4

External power amplifier

5.1.5

Remote controls

5.1.6

Loudspeakers

5.1.7

Volume overrides

5.1.8

Line output

5.1.9

Mic/line input with VOX

5.1.10

BGM inputs

5.1.11

Status output contacts

5.1.12

Power

5.1.13

Trigger inputs

5.2

Voice Alarm Router

5.2.1

Voice alarm controller

5.2.2

Loudspeakers

5.2.3

Volume overrides

5.2.4

Trigger inputs

5.2.5

External power amplifiers

5.2.6

Power

5.3

Call Station

5.3.1

Voice alarm controller

5.3.2

Power supply

5.3.3

Keypads

5.4

Voice Alarm Remote Control

5.4.1

Voice alarm controller

5.4.2

Remote control extensions

5.4.3

Status output contacts

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Table of Contents | en

5.4.4

Power

5.5

Voice Alarm Remote Control Kit

5.5.1

Rear panel

5.5.2

LEDs

5.5.3

Lamps

5.5.4

Relays

5.6

Remote Control Extension

5.6.1

Remote control

5.6.2

Status output contacts

5.6.3

Power

5.7

Remote Control Extension Kit

5.7.1

Rear panel

5.7.2

LEDs

5.7.3

Lamps

5.7.4

Relays

5.8

Fireman’s Panel

5.8.1

Voice alarm controller

5.8.2

Remote control extensions

5.8.3

Status output contacts

5.8.4

Power

Configuration

6.1

System settings

6.1.1

Monitor

6.1.2

APR mode

6.1.3

Supervision

6.1.4

1-Channel mode operation

6.1.5

2-Channel mode operation

6.2

Supervision

6.2.1

Processor reset

6.2.2

Network

6.2.3

Power amplifiers

6.2.4

Ground short

6.2.5

Emergency trigger inputs

6.2.6

Mains power

6.2.7

Battery

6.2.8

Message supervision

6.2.9

Emergency microphone

6.2.10

Line supervision

6.3

Voice alarm controller

6.3.1

VOX configuration

6.3.2

VOX

6.3.3

Speech filter

6.3.4

Phantom power

6.3.5

Voice alarm router

6.3.6

Router ID

6.3.7

Termination switch

6.4

Call station

6.4.1

Call station ID

6.4.2

Sensitivity

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Installation and Operation manual

2013.07 | V2.0 |

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Plena

6.4.3

Speech filter

6.4.4

Termination

6.5

Remote control

6.5.1

Remote control ID

6.5.2

Monitor

6.5.3

Termination switch

6.6

Remote control extension

6.6.1

Remote control extension ID

6.6.2

Termination switch

Operation

7.1

Switch on

7.1.1

Voice alarm controller

7.1.2

Voice alarm router

7.1.3

Calibration

7.2

Background music

7.2.1

Select BGM source

7.2.2

Select zones

7.2.3

Adjust volume

7.2.4

Adjust frequencies

7.3

Business calls

7.3.1

Select zones

7.3.2

Make the announcement

7.4

Emergency state

7.4.1

Enter the emergency state

7.4.2

Acknowledge the emergency state

7.4.3

Exit the emergency state

7.4.4

Distribute live speech

7.4.5

Select zones

7.4.6

Make the announcement

7.4.7

Distribute the alert message

7.4.8

Distribute the alarm message

7.5

Fault State

7.5.1

Acknowledge the fault state

7.5.2

Reset the fault state

7.5.3

Fault indicators

Troubleshooting

101

8.1

Introduction

101

8.2

Message or chime does not sound

101

8.3

No pilot tone detected on EOL board

101

8.4

No pilot tone detected on power amplifier

101

8.5

No BGM on the router

101

8.6

No BGM on controller or router

101

8.7

No sound coming from the router

102

8.8

Volume override only working for EMG, not for business calls (or similar problems)

102

8.9

False Ground Short fault

102

8.10

Start/Stop function on Trigger Inputs

102

8.11

Processor Reset

103

8.12

USB port not connected

103

8.13

Data fault during configuration upload

103

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Table of Contents | en

8.14

A click sounds through the loudspeakers at regular intervals

103

8.15

Password not working

103

8.16

Configuration download fails

103

8.17

Can’t retrieve the original wave files with the configuration download

104

Maintenance

105

9.1

Clean the units

105

9.2

Clean air inlets

105

9.3

Check the connectors and grounding

105

Technical data

106

10.1

Electrical

106

10.1.1

Voice Alarm Controller

106

10.1.2

Voice Alarm Router

109

10.1.3

Call Station

110

10.2

Physical characteristics

110

10.2.1

Voice Alarm Controller

110

10.2.2

Voice Alarm Router

111

10.2.3

Call Station

111

10.2.4

Call Station Keypad

111

10.2.5

Voice Alarm Remote Control

111

10.2.6

Voice Alarm Remote Control Kit

111

10.2.7

Remote Control Extension

111

10.2.8

Remote Control Extension Kit

111

10.2.9

Fireman’s Panel

112

10.2.10

End of line detection board

112

10.3

Environmental conditions

112

10.3.1

Voice Alarm Controller

112

10.3.2

Voice Alarm Router

112

10.3.3

Call Station

112

10.4

Standards

113

10.4.1

Voice Alarm Controller

113

Appendices

114

11.1

Compliancy checklists

114

11.1.1

Emergency Sound Systems

114

11.1.2

EN60849: 1998

116

11.1.3

EN60849 - When using the Remote Control Kits:

135

11.1.4

EN54-16

136

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Installation and Operation manual

2013.07 | V2.0 |

en | Safety

Plena

Safety

1.1

Important Safeguards
Prior to installing or operating products, always read the Important Safety Instructions which
are available as a separate multilingual document: Important Safety Instructions (Safety_ML).
These instructions are supplied together with all equipment that can be connected to the
mains supply.

1.2

Important Notices
When using routers, keypads or more than one call station, configure the controller using the
supplied software.
Use shielded cable (CAT-5) between the routers and the controller.
The factory default setting of the Plena Voice Alarm System Controller is as follows:
–

One channel system.

–

Supervision off.

–

Please read the latest release notes for the version of the hardware and software you are
using. With firmware (e.g. 3.01.01), the first digit is a major release, where backward
compatibility is not guaranteed, second digits are changes in functionality that are
backward compatible, the last digits are for bug fixes without impact on functionality.
Lastly, the PC configuration software may have an Rx suffix, that indicates changes to the
PC configuration software without changes to firmware.

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Installation and Operation manual

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Plena

About this manual | en

About this manual

2.1

Purpose of this manual

The purpose of the Installation and Operation manual is to provide information that is required
to install, configure and operate a Plena Voice Alarm System.

2.2

Intended audience
The Installation and Operation manual is intended for installers and users of an (extensive)
Plena Voice Alarm System.

2.3

Related documentation
The following related document is available:
–

Plena Voice Alarm System Configuration Software Manual.
–

2.4

Refer to the product related information on www.boschsecurity.com.

Alerts and notice signs
Four types of signs can be used in this manual. The type is closely related to the effect that
may be caused if it is not observed. These signs - from least severe effect to most severe
effect - are:
Notice!
Containing additional information. Usually, not observing a ‘notice’ does not result in damage
to the equipment or personal injuries.
Caution!

The equipment or the property can be damaged, or persons can be lightly injured if the alert
is not observed.
Warning!

The equipment or the property can be seriously damaged, or persons can be severely injured
if the alert is not observed.
Danger!
Not observing the alert can lead to severe injuries or death.

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Installation and Operation manual

2013.07 | V2.0 |

en | About this manual

2.5

Plena

Conversion tables
In this manual, SI units are used to express lengths, masses, temperatures etc. These can be
converted to non-metric units using the information provided below.
1 in =

25.4 mm

1 mm =

0.03937 in

1 in =

2.54 cm

1 cm =

0.3937 in

1 ft =

0.3048 m

1m=

3.281 ft

1 mi =

1.609 km

1 km =

0.622 mi

1 kg =

2.2046 lb

1 hPa =

0.0145 psi

Table 2.1: Conversion of units of length

1 lb =

0.4536 kg

Table 2.2: Conversion of units of mass

1 psi =

68.95 hPa

Table 2.3: Conversion of units of pressure

Notice!
1 hPa = 1 mbar

2013.07 | V2.0 |

°F =

9
_
. °C + 32
5

°C =

5
_
. (°F - 32)
9

Installation and Operation manual

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Plena

2.6

About this manual | en

Nomenclature
Throughout this manual, terms like “Controller”, “Router” and “Remote Control” are used to
describe the various component types, as indicated below.
Component description

Component type designation

Power Amplifier 360/240W

LBB 1935/20

Power Amplifier 720/480W

LBB 1938/20

Call Station

LBB 1956/00

Call Station Keypad

LBB 1957/00

Controller

LBB 1990/00

Router

LBB 1992/00

Fireman's panel

LBB 1995/00

Remote Control

LBB 1996/00

Remote Control Extension

LBB 1997/00

Loop Amplifier

PLN-1LA10

Dummy load

PLN‑DMY60

End-of-Line board

PLN‑1EOL

Table 2.4: Component description and type designation

Component description

Component type designation

Remote Control kit

LBB1998/00

Remote Control Extension kit

LBB1999/00

Power Amplifier 720/480W

PLN‑1P1000

Surge and transiens suppression board

PM1‑6SP

Table 2.5: Component description and type designation

2.7

Document history
Release date

Documentation version

Reason

2013.07.07

V2.0

–

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Installation and Operation manual

2nd edition

2013.07 | V2.0 |

en | System overview

Plena

System overview

3.1

Voice Alarm System
The Plena Voice Alarm System is a public address and voice alarm system in which features for
compliance to evacuation standards such as EN60849, NEN2575, BS5839/8 and EN54-16 are
integrated.

3.1.1

Application types
Typically, the Plena Voice Alarm System is used to create small systems that must comply to
evacuation standards, medium-sized systems in which one call channel is enough and large
systems that consist of many small zones.

3.1.2

Application areas
The application areas of the Plena Voice Alarm System include:

3.1.3

–

Supermarkets, shops

–

Factories

–

High-rise buildings

–

Office buildings

–

Schools

–

Recreational facilities

–

Hotels

–

Small airports

Plena
The Plena Voice Alarm System is part of the Plena product range. Plena provides public
address solutions for places where people gather to work, worship, trade or simply enjoy
themselves. It is a family of system elements that are combined to create public address
systems tailored for virtually any application. The range includes mixer, pre, system and power
amplifiers, a source unit, digital message manager, feedback suppressor, conventional and PC
call stations, an ‘All-in-One’ system, an audio interface, a timer, a charger, a loop amplifier, a
BGM source and a voice alarm system. Each element is designed to complement all others
thanks to matched acoustical, electrical and mechanical specifications.

3.1.4

Praesideo
It is possible to combine the Plena Voice Alarm System with e.g. a Praesideo digital public
address and emergency sound system, or a Promatrix or other system. When an audio output
of Praesideo is connected to a VOX audio input of the Plena Voice Alarm System, calls that are
made by the Praesideo system overrule the calls that are made with the Plena Voice Alarm
System.

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Installation and Operation manual

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3.2

System overview | en

Voice Alarm Controller
The Voice Alarm Controller is the heart of the Plena Voice Alarm System. The voice alarm
controller distributes emergency calls, business calls as well as background music (BGM) to
up to 6 loudspeaker zones.

Figure 3.1: Voice Alarm Controller

Notice!
When the voice alarm controller has been purchased in the Asian-Pacific Region, the
emergency button has a different cover.

3.2.1

Hand-held microphone
The voice alarm controller is equipped with a hand-held microphone, which can be used to
make emergency calls.

3.2.2

Internal power amplifier
The voice alarm controller has a 240 W internal power amplifier, which can be used in
1‑channel or 2‑channel mode. In the 1‑channel mode, all calls and BGM are amplified by the
internal power amplifier. If desired, an external power amplifier can be connected for spare
switching. In the 2‑channel mode, the BGM is amplified by the internal power amplifier,
whereas the calls are amplified by an external power amplifier.

3.2.3

Internal message manager
The voice alarm controller has an internal message manager, which maps wave files (.wav) to
messages that can be played by the Plena Voice Alarm System.

3.2.4

Supervision
All necessary supervision features for compliance to evacuation standards are integrated into
the voice alarm controller. If supervision is enabled and a fault is detected, the voice alarm
controller lights a LED on its front panel that indicates the cause of the fault.

3.2.5

Trigger inputs
The voice alarm controller has a terminal block to which 6 emergency (EMG) and 6 business
trigger inputs can be connected. Third party systems can use the trigger inputs to start
emergency and business calls in the Plena Voice Alarm System.

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Installation and Operation manual

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3.2.6

Plena

Remote control
With the Voice Alarm Remote Control, it is possible to control the voice alarm controller from
another site. The remote control is also available as kit (Voice Alarm Remote Control Kit) for
creating customized solutions. The maximum number of remote controls that can be
connected to the voice alarm controller is 2. A special type of remote control is the Fireman’s
Panel.

3.2.7

Controls, connectors and indicators
1

Plena Voice Alarm Controller
Fault Indicators

Disabled
A

Processor reset
Network
Call/EMG
Music/Spare

-20dB

EMG mic
RCP
Router

Ground short
Input

Fault

Zone1
Zone2
Zone3
Zone4
Zone5
Zone6

Mains
Battery
Message

Alarm

EMG
Ack

Zone select
Reset

Zone1
Alert message

All call

Alarm message

Indicator test

19 20

1 Channel

2 Channel

Int Booster

BGM/ C all

BGM/ Spare

Ext Booster

N.C ./Spare

Call

98 7

Emergency
1
2
3

Z1
100V

100V

0
100V

100V

0
100V

100V

COM

VO X
Switch

Call station

EM G
COM

24V
DC out

Fault

For ser vice only
SEL1
SEL0
Firmware
Upgrade
1

COM

C all

70 V
0
10 0V

NC
24V

Z6
Z5 TRG 1

N6 63

Power

Rated input power :760VA

Off

Reserved

Line fuse
T6.3L250V for230V AC
T10L250V for115V AC

Impedance
Calibration

VOX Switch

TRG2

Out

230V~

Reserved
USB

Volume Override

115V~

Apparatus delivered
C onnected for 230V~

Design & Quality
The Netherlands

Monitor
APR mode
Supervision
2ch operation
Reserved

24V

8900 199 0 0001

Plena Voice Alarm Controller
Max. output power 360W
Rated output power 240W
115-230V~, 50/60Hz
S/N.

100V

0
100V
Z6

26 27 28

10 k

DC In

Z4
0

Ext
B ooster
In

COM
NO

Z3
0
100V

LBB 1 990/00

10 k

Business
1
2

23 24

24V
DC out

24V
100V

Zone6

Trigger input/24V DC out

100V

Zone5

Override/Trigger Output

Zone4

13
10
15 14
12 11

Zone3

Aux

CD/Tuner

EMG mic

Zone2

Zone select

Select

Made in China

0 dB
-6dB

Remote Control Panel

Int
B ooster
Out
GND

Vox
Speech filter
Phantom power

GND

Mic/Line

C all out

EMG. Mic

Router

Off
2

R
On
External Booster

CD/Tuner

AUX

Vox

Digital
Monitoring
Mess age Speaker

W arning
This apparatus must be earthed

47 46

45 44

37 36 35

34 33 32

Figure 3.2: Front and rear views of the voice alarm controller

Controls, connectors and indicators on the voice alarm controller:
1.

Power LED/VU Meter:
A combined power indicator and VU meter. The green power LED is lit if the voice alarm
controller is connected to the mains or back-up power and switched on. The VU meter
indicates the master VU level: 0 dB (red), 6 dB, -20 dB (yellow).
Notice: As the pilot-tone level of the VAS is -20 dB or -23 dB in some amplifiers, the -20
dB LED will be on continuously. This is normal.

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System overview | en

Plena

Fault indicators:
Twelve yellow system fault LEDs (Processor reset, Network, Call/EMG, Music/Spare,
Ground short, Input, Mains, Battery, Message, EMG mic, RCP and Router) and twelve
yellow loudspeaker line fault LEDs. Fault indication is only possible if supervision is
enabled (see section Fault indicators, page 98). If supervision is disabled, the yellow
Disabled LED is lit.

Fault state buttons:
Two buttons to acknowledge (Ack) and reset (Reset) the fault state (see section Fault
State, page 96).

Emergency state buttons:
Two buttons to acknowledge (Ack) and reset (Reset) the emergency state (see section
Emergency state, page 91).

Emergency call zone selectors:
Six buttons to select the zones to which the emergency call must be distributed (see
section Emergency state, page 91). Each button has a green and a red LED. The six red
LEDs indicate the zones that are selected for the emergency call. The six green LEDs
indicate the zones in which a business call is running.

BGM zone selectors:
Six buttons to select the zones to which the BGM is distributed (see section Background
music, page 88). Each button has a green LED and a rotary knob. The six green LEDs
indicate the zones to which BGM is distributed. The six rotary knobs are local volume
controls that can be used to adjust the volume of the BGM in each zone. Each volume
control knob has six settings.

BGM master volume control:
A rotary knob to set the master volume of the BGM (see section Background music, page
88).

BGM source selector:
A button to select the BGM source (CD/Tuner or Aux). The selected source is indicated
with a green LED (see section Background music, page 88).

BGM tone controls:
Two rotary knobs to control the high and low frequencies of the BGM (see section
Background music, page 88).

10. All call button:
A button to select all zones. This button is only available in the emergency state (see
section Emergency state, page 91).
11. Indicator test button:
A button to test all LEDs on the front panel of the voice alarm controller, and connected
voice alarm routers, remote control panels, remote control extensions and fireman’s
panels. All LEDs are lit as long as the button is pushed (see section Fault State, page
96).
12. Emergency button:
A push button to put the system in the emergency state (see sectionEmergency state, page
91).
13. Alert message button:
A button to select the alert message. This button is only available in the emergency state
(see section Emergency state, page 91).
14. Alarm message button:
A button to select the default alarm message. This button is only available in the
emergency state (see section Emergency state, page 91).
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Installation and Operation manual

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15. Microphone socket:
A socket to connect the hand-held emergency microphone (see section Emergency
microphone, page 49).
16. Bracket:
A bracket for the hand-held emergency microphone that is supplied with the voice alarm
controller.
17. Monitoring speaker:
Built-in monitoring speaker.
18. Zone outputs:
Six zone outputs to connect loudspeakers to the voice alarm controller. Each zone output
consists of two loudspeaker line outputs (see section Loudspeakers, page 54).
19. Override outputs:
Six volume override outputs to override local volume controls in each zone (see section
Volume overrides, page 56).
20. Status outputs:
Three status outputs to send the status of the Plena Voice Alarm System to third party
equipment (see section Status output contacts, page 61).
21. Trigger inputs/24 V DC output:
Twelve trigger inputs to receive signals from third party equipment and one 24 V(DC)
output (see section Trigger inputs, page 64).
22. Call station sockets:
Two RJ45 sockets to connect call stations to the voice alarm controller (see section Call
station, page 50).
23. Service settings:
A set of DIP switches to service the voice alarm controller. Do not change the positions of
the switches.
24. Calibration switch:
A switch to calibrate the impedances of the loudspeaker lines for loudspeaker supervision
(see section Calibration, page 87).
25. Configuration settings:
A set of DIP switches to configure the system (see section System settings, page 75).
26. PC socket:
A USB socket to connect the voice alarm controller to a PC.
Refer to the Configuration Software Manual for more information about connecting a PC
to the voice alarm controller.
27. Emergency microphone volume control:
A rotary knob to set the volume of the hand-held emergency microphone.
28. Reserved.
29. Reserved:
To connect an OI, or for upgrades (only for authorized use).
30. Voltage selector:
A voltage selector to select the local mains voltage (see section Power, page 62).
31. Power switch:
A switch to switch the voice alarm controller on and off (see section Power, page 62).
32. Ground:
A connection to electrically ground the voice alarm controller.
33. Mains power inlet:
A socket to connect the voice alarm controller to the mains power (see section Power,
page 62).
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System overview | en

Plena

34. Router socket:
An RJ45 socket to connect voice alarm routers to the voice alarm controller (see section
Voice alarm routers, page 51).
35. Remote control panel socket:
Two RJ45 sockets to connect remote control panels (Fireman’s panel, Remote Control,
Remote Control kit) to the voice alarm controller.
36. Monitoring speaker volume control:
A rotary knob to set the volume of the monitoring loudspeaker.
37. Digital message volume control:
A rotary knob to set the volume of the digital messages. This volume control does not
influence the volume of the emergency messages.
38. Mic/line input with VOX functionality:
An XLR socket and a 6.3 mm jack with voice-activated (VOX) functionality to connect a
microphone or line input to the voice alarm controller (see section Mic/line input with
VOX, page 59). The VOX settings are configured with the DIP switches and the source
switch (see section VOX configuration, page 81).
39. PC Call station input:
An input to connect a PC call station. For future use.
40. BGM inputs:
Two inputs to connect background music sources. Each input consists of two cinch
sockets (see section BGM inputs, page 60).
41. Line output:
A line output to connect an external recording device to record the audio of the Plena
Voice Alarm System (see section Line output, page 58).
42. External power amplifier (output):
An XLR socket to connect an external power amplifier (see section External power
amplifier, page 52). This socket is used in combination with the external power amplifier
input (no. 47).
43. Trigger outputs:
Two general purpose trigger outputs. For future use. TR1 is active during impedance
check.
44. Internal power amplifier output:
Three pins that provide the 100 V audio signal of the internal power amplifier of the voice
alarm controller. Also includes a 70 V connection.
45. Call output:
An output that provides the call audio of the Plena Voice Alarm System.
46. Back-up power inlet:
An inlet to connect a back-up power supply to the voice alarm controller (see section
Power, page 62).
47. External power amplifier (input):
An input to connect an external power amplifier (see section External power amplifier,
page 52). These pins are used in combination with the external power amplifier output
(no. 42).

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Installation and Operation manual

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en | System overview

3.3

Plena

Voice Alarm Router
With the Voice Alarm Router, the number of loudspeaker zones and trigger inputs in the
system can be increased.

Figure 3.3: Voice alarm router

3.3.1

Loudspeaker zones
A voice alarm controller can serve and manage 6 loudspeaker zones. To increase the number
of zones in the system, one or more Voice Alarm Routers can be connected to the voice alarm
controller. Each router adds a maximum of 6 zones to the system. As the maximum number of
voice alarm routers that can be connected in a system is 19, the maximum number of zones in
a Plena Voice Alarm System is 120 (from hardware and software version 3.x onwards).
Notice!
If older routers are used (version 2.x or higher), 60 zones can be addressed. The
recommendation is to always use 3.x hardware in combination with each other.

3.3.2

Trigger inputs
A voice alarm controller can manage 6 emergency (EMG) and 6 business trigger inputs. To
increase the number of EMG and trigger inputs, one or more voice alarm routers can be
connected to the voice alarm controller. Each router adds a maximum of 6 EMG trigger inputs
and 6 business trigger inputs to the system. As the maximum number of voice alarm routers
that can be connected in a system is 19, the maximum number of EMG trigger inputs in a
Plena Voice Alarm Systemis 120 (from hardware and software version 3.x onwards).
The maximum number of business trigger inputs in a Plena Voice Alarm System is also 120
(from hardware and software version 3.x onwards).
Notice!
If older routers are used (version 2.x or higher), 60 zones can be addressed. The
recommendation is to always use 3.x hardware in combination with each other.

3.3.3

External power amplifiers
The voice alarm router does not have an internal power amplifier. When the power that is
supplied by the voice alarm controller is insufficient, to each voice alarm router two external
power amplifiers can be connected. In a multi‑router system, multiple power amplifiers can be
connected to amplify calls and background music (BGM) or just for backup purposes.

3.3.4

Remote control
With the Voice Alarm Remote Control Extension, it is possible to control the voice alarm router
from another location. The remote control extension is also available as a kit (Voice Alarm
Remote Extension Kit) for creating customized solutions.

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Plena

3.3.5

System overview | en

Controls, connectors and indicators
1

Plena Voice Alarm Router
Fault Indicators
A

0 dB

Processor reset
Network
Call/EMG
Music/Spare

-6dB
-20dB

Alarm

Zone1
Zone2
Zone3
Zone4
Zone5
Zone6

Mains
Battery

Ground short
Input

Zone select
Zone1

Zone2

Zone3

Zone4

Zone5

Zone6

Zone select

4
6 7 8

Trigger Input

Override/Trigger Output
1 Channel

2 Channel

Booster 1

BGM/Call

BGM/Spare

Booster 2

N.C./Spare

Call

115V~

LBB 1992/00

Emergency
1
2

Business
1
2

24V
10k

Booster 1 in Call out

TRG1

TRG2

Booster
Failure
NC

100V 0 100V 0 100V 0 100V 0 100V 0 100V 0 100V 70V 0 100V

24V
DC Out

V.O.R.

10k

N663

Design & Quality
The Netherlands

Out
Z2

Power

230V~

Apparatus delivered
Connected for 230V~

24V

COM

Rated input power:100VA
Line fuse:T1L250V for 230V AC
T2L250V for 115V AC

8900 199 20001

Plena Voice Alarm Router
115-230V~,50/60Hz
S/N.

Made in China

Router
Termination
Firmware upgrade

In
ID

Off
Out
+24V-

Booster 2

Booster 1

Booster 2 in DC In

TRG1 TRG2

23
24

Booster
Failure

24V
V.O.R.
DC Out

Warning
This apparatus must be earthde

GND

100V 0 100V 0 100V 0 100V 0 100V 0 100V 0 100V 0

1...9

Firmware Upgrade

21 19
20

Figure 3.4: Front and rear views of the voice alarm router

Controls, indicators and connectors on the voice alarm router:
1.

Power LED/VU Meter:
A combined power indicator and VU meter. The green power LED is lit if the voice alarm
router is connected to the mains or back-up power and switched on. The VU meter
indicates the master VU level: 0 dB (red), -6 dB, -20 dB (yellow).

Fault indicators:
Eight yellow system fault LEDs (Processor reset, Network, Call/EMG, Music/Spare,
Ground short, Input, Mains, Battery) and twelve yellow loudspeaker line fault LEDs. Fault
indication is only possible if supervision is enabled (see section Fault indicators, page
98).

BGM zone selectors:
Six buttons to select the zones to which the BGM is distributed (see section Background
music, page 88). Each button has a green LED. The six green LEDs indicate the zones to
which BGM is distributed.

Zone outputs:
Six zone outputs to connect loudspeakers to the voice alarm router. Each zone output
consists of two loudspeaker line outputs (see section Loudspeakers, page 66).

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Installation and Operation manual

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Plena

External power amplifier 1 (input):
An input to connect an external power amplifier (see section External power amplifiers,
page 67). These pins are used in combination with the external power amplifier output
(no. 18).

Call output:
An output that provides the call audio of the Plena Voice Alarm System.

Override outputs:
Six volume override outputs to override local volume controls in each zone (see section
Volume overrides, page 66).

Trigger inputs:
Twelve trigger inputs to receive signals from third party equipment (see section Trigger
inputs, page 66).

10. Voltage selector:
A voltage selector to select the local mains voltage (see section Power, page 68).
11. Power switch:
A switch to switch the voice alarm router on and off (see section Power, page 68).
12. Mains power inlet:
A socket to connect the voice alarm router to the mains power (see section Power, page
68).
13. Ground:
A connection to electrically ground the router.
14. Firmware upgrade connector:
An RS232 connector to connect a PC to upgrade the firmware of the voice alarm router.
15. Configuration settings:
A set of DIP switches to configure the voice alarm router (see section Voice alarm router,
page 82).
16. System sockets:
Two RJ45 sockets to connect other voice alarm routers to the voice alarm router (see
section Voice alarm routers, page 51).
17. Router ID:
A rotary switch to set the ID of the router (see section Voice alarm router, page 82).
18. External power amplifier (output):
Two XLR sockets to connect external power amplifiers (see section External power
amplifier, page 52). This socket is used in combination with the external power amplifier
inputs (no. 6 and 24).
19. Volume override:
Three contacts (NC/24V/NO) to connect a fail-safe or a power-saving 4-wire volume
override (see section Volume overrides, page 56).
20. 24 VDC output: 800 mA.
21. Power amplifier failure:
Two pins (NC relays) to report a failure of the power amplifier.
22. Trigger outputs:
Two general purpose trigger outputs. For future use.
23. Back-up power inlet:
An inlet to connect a back-up power supply to the voice alarm router (see section Power,
page 68).
24. External power amplifier 2 (input):
An input to connect an external power amplifier (see section Voice Alarm Router, page
109). These pins are used in combination with the external power amplifier output (no.
18).
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Plena

3.4

System overview | en

Call Station
The Call Station can be connected to the Plena Voice Alarm System to make business calls.
The maximum number of call stations in a Plena Voice Alarm System is 8.

Figure 3.5: Call Station

3.4.1

Buttons
Each call station has zone select buttons and a push-to-talk (PTT) button. The zone select
buttons can be configured for selecting zones and zone groups in the system. To the PTT
button, a pre and post chime can be assigned that is played at the start or at the end of the
business call.

3.4.2

Supervision
The call station is not supervised. For compliance to evacuation standards, the Plena Voice
Alarm System disables the call station during emergency calls.

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Installation and Operation manual

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3.4.3

Plena

Keypad
Each voice alarm router can add 6 extra loudspeaker zones to the system. To be able to
distribute calls to the extra zones, it is possible to connect Remote Control Extension to the
call station. The maximum number of keypads that can be connected to a call station is 8, with
a maximum of 32 total in a system.
Notice!
To address zones in a 120-zone system, zone groups need to be made.

Figure 3.6: Call station keypad

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Installation and Operation manual

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Plena

3.4.4

System overview | en

Controls, connectors and indicators
Plena

3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Figure 3.7: Top and bottom views of the call station

Controls, indicators and connectors on the call station:
1.

Power indicator:
A green LED to indicate that the call station is powered on.

Zone selection buttons:
Six buttons to select the zones to which the business call is distributed (see section
Business calls, page 89). Each button has a green LED, which indicates the zones to
which the business call is distributed.

‘All call’ button:

Push-to-talk button:

A button to select all zones (see section Business calls, page 89).
A push-to-talk (PTT) button to start the business call.
5.

Status indicators:
Three LEDs that indicate the status of the call station (see section Make the
announcement, page 90).

Keypad connector:
A connector to connect call station keypads to the call station.

Configuration settings:
A set of DIP switches to configure the call station (see section Call station, page 83).

Power supply inlet:
A socket to connect a 24 V(DC) power supply (see section Power supply, page 69).

System sockets:
Two redundant RJ45 sockets to connect the call station to the voice alarm controller (see
section Call station, page 50).

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Installation and Operation manual

2013.07 | V2.0 |

en | System overview

3.5

Plena

Call Station Keypad
Plena

Figure 3.8: Top and bottom views of the call station keypad

Controls, indicators and connectors on the call station keypad:
1.

Zone selection buttons:
Seven buttons to select the zones to which the business call is distributed (see section
Business calls, page 89). Each button has a green LED, which indicates the zones to
which the business call is distributed.

Keypad connector:
A connector to connect call station keypads to the call station or to other call station
keypads (see section Call Station Keypad, page 44).

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Installation and Operation manual

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Plena

3.6

System overview | en

Voice Alarm Remote Control
1

Plena Voice Alarm Remote Control
Fault Indicators

Disabled
A

0 dB

Processor reset
Network
Call/EMG
Music/Spare

-6dB
-20dB

EMG mic
RCP
Router

Ground short
Input

Fault

Zone1
Zone2
Zone3
Zone4
Zone5
Zone6

Mains
Battery
Message

Alarm

EMG
Ack

Zone select
Reset

Zone1
Alert message

All call

Alarm message

Indicator test

Zone2

Zone3

Zone4

Zone5

Zone6

Zone select

EMG mic

10
12 11

7
9 8

PLN-V6RC

8900 199 60001

Plena Voice Alarm System
RC Panel
Max. input power
300mA, 24V DC
S/N.

A035413

N663

NL-4827HG-10

Made in China

Design & Quality
The Netherlands

22 21

20 19

18 17

Figure 3.9: Front and rear views of the voice alarm remote control

Controls, connections and indicators on the remote control:
1.

Power LED/VU Meter:
A combined power indicator and VU meter. The green power LED is lit if the remote
control is connected to the power supply. The VU meter indicates the call level: 0 dB
(red), -6 dB, -20 dB (yellow).

Fault state buttons:
Two buttons to acknowledge (Ack) and reset (Reset) the fault state (see section Fault
State, page 96).

Emergency state buttons:
Two buttons to acknowledge (Ack) and reset (Reset) the emergency state (see section
Emergency state, page 91).

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Installation and Operation manual

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Plena

All call button:
A button to select all zones. This button is only available in the emergency state (see
section Emergency state, page 91).

Indicator test button:
A button to test all LEDs on the front panel of the remote control and all connected
remote control extensions. All LEDs are lit as long as the button is pushed (see section
Fault State, page 96).

Emergency button:
A push button to put the system in the emergency state (see section Emergency state,
page 91).

10. Alert message button:
A button to select the alert message. This button is only available in the emergency state
(see section Emergency state, page 91).
11. Alarm message button:
A button to select the default alarm message. This button is only available in the
emergency state (see section Emergency state, page 91).
12. Microphone socket:
A socket to connect the hand-held emergency microphone (see section Emergency
microphone, page 49).
13. Bracket:
A bracket for the hand-held emergency microphone that is supplied with the remote
control.
14. Monitoring loudspeaker:
Built-in monitoring loudspeaker.
15. Ground:
A connection to electrically ground the remote control.
16. Firmware upgrade connector:
An RS232 connector to connect a PC to upgrade the firmware of the remote control.
17. Firmware upgrade switch:
A switch to upgrade the firmware of the remote control.
18. Remote control extension sockets:
Two redundant RJ45 sockets to connect remote control extensions to the remote control
(see section Remote control extensions, page 70).
19. Configuration settings:
A set of DIP switches to configure the remote control (see section Remote control, page
85).
20. Controller socket:
One RJ45 socket to connect the remote control to the voice alarm controller (see section
Voice alarm controller, page 70).
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Plena

System overview | en

21. Emergency microphone volume control:
A rotary knob to set the volume of the hand-held emergency microphone.
22. Monitoring speaker volume control:
A rotary knob to set the volume of the monitoring loudspeaker.
23. Trigger outputs:
Three general purpose trigger outputs. For future use.
24. Status outputs:
Three status outputs to send the status of the Plena Voice Alarm System to third party
equipment (see section Status output contacts, page 70).
25. 24 V DC input:
One 24 V(DC) input to connect the remote control panel to a power supply (see section
Power, page 71).

3.7

Voice Alarm Remote Control kit
With the Voice Alarm Remote Control Kit, it is possible to make customized remote controls
that can be connected to the voice alarm controller. The remote control kit provides the same
functionality as the Voice Alarm Remote Control.
The rear panel of the remote control kit is the same as the rear panel of the Voice Alarm
Remote Control (see Voice Alarm Remote Control, page 25).
Plena Voice Alarm Remote Control Kit
LEDS/LAMPS
200mA Max. input

LEDS/LAMPS
200mA Max. input
External Power Supply
200mA max.
50V DC max.

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Processor reset
Network
Call/EMG.
Music/Spare
Ground short
Input
Mains

1 2 3 4 5 6
Zone 1~6B
Zone 1~6A
RCP Ext.
Controller/Router
EMG mic
Message
Battery

1 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6
BGM Zone Indicator 1~6
GND
Call Zone Indicator 1~6
GND

EMG Ack
EMG Reset
EMG Zone Indicator 1~6

24V out

5K ohm
< 5mA
LEDS/LAMPS input

LEDS/LAMPS
200mA Max. input

Call/BGM
Zone selection

EMG mic
+
Speaker _
Power
-20dB
-6dB
0dB
Disable
Alert Message
Alarm Message
EMG Mic

Fault Reset
Fault Ack
Indicator test
All call
Alarm Message
Alert Message
EMG Switch
EMG State Lamp

GND 24V out
0.2A

Call Zone 1
Call Zone 2
Call Zone 3
Call Zone 4
Call Zone 5
Call Zone 6

BGM Zone 6
BGM Zone 5
BGM Zone 4
BGM Zone 3
BGM Zone 2
BGM Zone 1

Figure 3.10: Front and rear views of the remote control kit

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Installation and Operation manual

2013.07 | V2.0 |

en | System overview

3.8

Plena

Remote Control Extension
1

Plena Remote Control Extension
Fault Indicators
A

0 dB

Processor reset
Network
Call/EMG
Music/Spare

-6dB
-20dB

Alarm

Zone1
Zone2
Zone3
Zone4
Zone5
Zone6

Mains
Battery

Ground short
Input

Zone select
Zone1

Zone2

Zone3

Zone4

Zone5

Zone6

Zone select

COM

24V
DC In

8900 199 80001

Plena Voice Alarm System
RC Panel Extension
Max. input power
200mA, 24V DC
S/N.

Fault
3

A035413

N663

NL-4827HG-10

Made in China

PLN-V6RCE

Power Trigger Output

Design & Quality
The Netherlands

Termination

Off

RCP ext. Out For service only
On
Off

5 67

RCP ext. In

12
Firmware
Upgrade

1...9

Warning
This apparatus must be earthed

13 12 11

Figure 3.11: Front and rear views of the remote control extension

Overview of the controls, indicators and connectors on the remote control extension:
1.

Power LED/VU Meter:
A combined power indicator and VU meter. The green power LED is lit if the remote
control extension is connected to the mains or back-up power and switched on. The VU
meter indicates the call level: 0 dB (red), -6 dB, -20 dB (yellow).

Ground:

Firmware upgrade connector:

A connection to electrically ground the remote control extension.
An RS232 connector to connect a PC to upgrade the firmware of the remote control
extension.

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Plena

System overview | en

Firmware upgrade switch:
A switch to upgrade the firmware of the remote control extension.

System sockets:
One RJ45 socket to connect the remote control extension to the remote control (see
section Remote control extensions, page 70).

Configuration settings:
A termination switch for the Remote Control Extension and 0-9 / 10-19 switch (see
section Remote control extension, page 86).

10. Remote control extension ID:
A rotary switch to set the ID of the remote control extension (see section Remote control
extension, page 86).
11. Trigger outputs:
Three general purpose trigger outputs. For future use.
12. Status output:
One status output to send the status of the Plena Voice Alarm System to third party
equipment (see section Status output contacts, page 73).
13. 24 V DC input:
One 24 V(DC) input to connect the remote control panel to a power supply (see section
Power, page 73).

3.9

Remote Control Extension kit
With the Voice Alarm Control Extension Kit, it is possible to make customized remote control
extensions that can be connected to a remote control (Fireman’s Panel, Remote Control,
Remote Control kit). The remote control extension kit provides the same functionality as the
Voice Alarm Remote Control Extension.
The rear panel of the remote control extension kit is the same as the rear panel of the Voice
Alarm Remote Control Extension (see Remote Control Extension, page 28).
Plena Voice Alarm Remote Control Extension Kit
LEDS/LAMPS
200mA Max. input

GND

Power
-16dB
-6dB
0dB
Processor reset
Network
Call/EMG
Music/Spare

Call/BGM
Zone selection

LEDS/LAMPS
200mA Max. input

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6

Zone 1~6A

Zone 1~6B
Battery
Mains
Input
Ground short

1 2 3 4 5 6
Call Zone 1
Call Zone 2
Call Zone 3
Call Zone 4
Call Zone 5
Call Zone 6

BGM Zone 6
BGM Zone 5
BGM Zone 4
BGM Zone 3
BGM Zone 2
BGM Zone 1

EMG Zone
Indicator 1~6

1 2 3 4 5 6

GND

Call Zone
Indicator 1~6

1 2 3 4 5 6

GND

BGM Zone
Indicator 1~6

Figure 3.12: Front and rear views of the remote control extension kit

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Installation and Operation manual

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3.10

Plena

Fireman’s Panel
1

Plena Fireman's Panel

Alarm
Message

Emergency

Call

Disable

Fault Indicators

0 dB

Processor reset
Network
Call/EMG
Music/Spare

-6dB
-20dB

Emergency
Acknowledge

Fault
Acknowledge

Ground short
Input
Mains
Battery
Message
EMG mic

Monitor Speaker

Emergency
Reset

A
B
A
B
A
B

RCP
Router

Fault Reset

A
B
A
B
A
B

Zone1
Zone2
Zone3
Zone4
Zone5
Zone6

EMG mic
Indicator test

Plena Voice Alarm System
Fireman's Panel
Max. input power
300mA, 24V DC
S/N.

A035413

N663

NL-4827HG-10

Made in China

8900 199 70501

PLN-V1FP

Design & Quality
The Netherlands

COM

EMG

Fault
NO

Call

COM

24V
DC In

COM

Power Trigger Output

Termination
Monitor
RCP ID

Reserve

Controller

Monitoring
Speaker

Off

For service only
On
Off

EMG.
Mic

Firmware
Upgrade

Warning
This apparatus must be earthed

17 16

15 14

13 12

Figure 3.13: Front and rear views of the fireman’s panel

Overview of the controls, connections and indicators on the fireman’s panel:
1.

Power LED/VU Meter:
A combined power indicator and VU meter. The green power LED is lit if the fireman’s
panel is connected to the power supply. The VU meter indicates the call level: 0 dB (red),
-6 dB, -20 dB (yellow).

Emergency button:
A push button to put the system in the emergency state (see section Emergency state,
page 91).

Emergency acknowledge:
A push button to acknowledge the emergency state (see section Emergency state, page
91).

Emergency reset:

Alarm message button:

A push button to reset the emergency state (see section Emergency state, page 91).
A push button to start the default alarm message. This button is only available in the
emergency state (see section Emergency state, page 91).
6.

Fault acknowledge:
A push button to acknowledge the fault state (see section Fault State, page 96).

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Installation and Operation manual

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System overview | en

Plena

Fault reset:
A push button to reset the fault state (see section Fault State, page 96).

Indicator test button:
A button to test all LEDs on the front panel of the fireman’s panel and all connected
remote control extensions. All LEDs are lit as long as the button is pushed (see section
Fault State, page 96).

10. Ground:
A connection to electrically ground the fireman’s panel.
11. Firmware upgrade connector:
An RS232 connector to connect a PC to upgrade the firmware of the fireman’s panel.
12. Firmware upgrade switch:
A switch to upgrade the firmware of the fireman’s panel.
13. Remote control extension sockets:
Two redundant RJ45 sockets to connect remote control extensions to the fireman’s panel
(see section Remote control extensions, page 70).
14. Configuration settings:
A set of DIP switches to configure the fireman’s panel (see section Remote control, page
85).
15. Controller socket:
One RJ45 socket to connect the fireman’s panel to the voice alarm controller (see section
Voice alarm controller, page 70).
16. Emergency microphone volume control:
A rotary knob to set the volume of the hand-held emergency microphone.
17. Monitoring speaker volume control:
A rotary knob to set the volume of the monitoring loudspeaker.
18. Trigger outputs:
Three general purpose trigger outputs. For future use.
19. Status outputs:
Three status outputs to send the status of the Plena Voice Alarm System to third party
equipment (see section Status output contacts, page 74).
20. 24 V DC input:
One 24 V(DC) input to connect the fireman’s panel to a power supply (see section Power,
page 74).

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Installation and Operation manual

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3.11

Plena

End Of Line detection board
The End Of Line (EOL) detection board makes a continuous check of the integrity of the
loudspeaker line based on a pilot tone. This check is in addition to the check given by the
impedance measurement. The pilot tone is independent of the quantity of the loudspeakers in
the system or the load on the speaker cables.
The EOL is installed in the speaker cabinet at the furthest point on a loudspeaker line. When
the EOL detects a pilot tone that is given by the voice alarm system, the loudspeaker lines
have no fault. The EOL trigger output is closed and the LED lights up to show that the lines
have a pilot tone signal.
If the loudspeaker cable has a fault, the pilot tone stops. The EOL circuit becomes open,
which is detected by the Voice Alarm Controller.
One EOL board can be installed to give a single fault indication per zone or more than one can
be installed on a single fault input to check the integrity of a loudspeaker line with several
branches. When more than one EOL board is installed, the configuration is called a daisychain.
When a fault is detected by the Voice Alarm Controller, to find the EOL board that detects the
failure, every individual board must be checked.

3.12
3.12.1

Application examples
Schools
Schools are typical example of applications with a large number of zones each with a relatively
low output power requirement per zone. The main priorities are speech intelligibility and
compliance with IEC 60849 standard (or equivalent). In addition to mandatory voice alarm
functionality for evacuating staff and students, EVAC systems for schools should also include
chime tones for notifying the start/finish of lessons, plus public address functionality for
individually calling classrooms or public area. BGM is not essential. Since a classroom has a
low ambient noise level, 1 loudspeaker is usually sufficient, keeping the total power
requirement relatively low. Outside areas such as playgrounds and sports fields will require
weatherproof horn loudspeakers.
Summary of requirements
–
Typically 20 to 60 zones (in high schools)
–

Speech intelligibility is the main priority

–

Low power requirement (1 loudspeaker) per classroom

–

Fireman’s panel by main entrance

–

Call station in main office

–

Additional public address functions such as chime tones desirable

–

BGM in recreation areas is optional

Solution for a 30-zone system
The Plena Voice Alarm System Controller handles message routing to 6 zones, the remaining
24 zones require four additional 6-zone routers. The office is equipped with a call station plus
keypads for individually addressing zones, while a fireman’s panel (with overall priority) is
built in by the main entrance.
Power requirements
The system controller features a built‑in 240 W power amplifier, making it possible to drive up
to 40 loudspeakers with a power handling capacity of 6 W each. This is sufficient for a
medium-sized high school with 24 classrooms, 4 toilets/changing rooms, a staff meeting room

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Plena

System overview | en

and 2 offices, each requiring a single loudspeaker. The canteen, assembly hall, playing fields
and corridors typically require more loudspeakers per zone. An additional Plena Power
Amplifier is used as a spare amplifier.
Layout

Z25-30
Z19-24
Z13-18
Z7-12
Z1-6

7
2

6
5

1
3
4
Figure 3.14: Example of a school

Number

Unit

Description

No.

LBB 1990/00

Controller

LBB 1992/00

Router

LBB 1996/00

Remote control

LBB 1997/00

Remote control extension

LBB 1956/00

Call station

LBB 1957/000

Call station keypad

LBB 1935/20

Power Amplifier (240 W)

Zone

Description

Power

Z1-22

Classrooms

22 x 6 W

Z23

Toilets/changing rooms

4x6W

Z24

Staff meeting room

1x6W

Table 3.1: Units

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Installation and Operation manual

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en | System overview

Plena

Zone

Description

Power

Z25-26

Offices

2x6W

Z27

Corridors

4x6W

Z28

Assembly hall

2x6W

Z29

Lunch canteen

2x6W

Z30

Playing fields

1 x 10 W

Total

232 W

Table 3.2: Zones

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Plena

3.12.2

System overview | en

Swimming pool
Swimming pools and other indoor sports and recreational facilities are typical examples of
smaller applications with few zones. The main priorities are excellent speech intelligibility and
compliance with IEC 60849 standard (and its national equivalents), although music in different
areas is optional. An EVAC system for a swimming pool requires voice alarm functionality with
public address functionality for regular announcements and background music (optional). To
ensure that all visitors in the relatively noisy pool area hear emergency messages, the power
output for that zone is relatively high. Other areas, such as the changing rooms and offices,
have lower power requirements.
Summary of requirements
–
Typically up to 6 zones
–

Speech intelligibility is the main priority

–

High power requirement in the noisy pool area

–

Fireman’s panel by fire exit

–

Call station in office/reception

–

Additional public address functions for announcements

–

BGM

Solution for a 5-zone system
The Plena Voice Alarm System controller handles routing to up to 6 zones, so no additional
routers are required. The office/reception is equipped with a call station plus keypad for
individually addressing zones, while a fireman’s panel (with overall priority) is built‑in by the
emergency exit. The Plena Voice Alarm System is a two-channel system, so BGM can still be
provided in zones not receiving a call.
Power requirements
The system controller has a built-in 240 W power amplifier, making it possible to drive up to
40 loudspeakers with a power handling capacity of 6 W each. The pool area requires high
power music loudspeakers qualified for use in a high humidity atmosphere. The snack bar
uses cabinet loudspeakers for music reproduction. The zones are defined as indicated in the
table. An additional Plena Power Amplifier is used for two-channel operation and as a spare
amplifier.

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en | System overview

Plena

Layout

Z1-5

5
6
4
3

1
2
Figure 3.15: Example of a swimming pool

Number

Unit

Description

No.

LBB 1990/00

Controller

LBB 1996/00

Remote control

LBB 1956/00

Call station

LBB 1957/00

Call station keypad

LBB 1935/20

Power Amplifier (240 W)

Bosch

Music source

Zone

Description

Power

Indoor pool area

5 x 30 W

Children’s pool area

2 x 10 W

Changing rooms

4x6W

Snack-bar

4x6W

Office

2x6W

Total

230 W

Table 3.3: Units

Table 3.4: Zones

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Plena

3.12.3

System overview | en

Shopping mall
Shopping malls are typical example of applications with a large number of zones with varying
output power requirements per zone. The priorities are speech intelligibility and compliance
with IEC 60849 standard (and its national equivalents). In addition to mandatory voice alarm
functionality for evacuating the public and shop personnel, an EVAC system for shopping
centers can have BGM for the public areas. It should be possible to individually call each shop
or store. During emergency messages, each shop’s BGM volume control is automatically
overridden. Additional public address functionality for making general public announcements
is an optional requirement.
Summary of requirements
–
Typically up to 60 zones
–

Speech intelligibility is the main priority

–

Variable power requirement per zone

–

Call station in security control room

–

Additional public address functionality (non-emergency)

–

BGM in public areas

–

BGM music with local override in shops

Solution for a 54-zone system
A Plena Voice Alarm System Controller handles routing to 6 zones, the remaining 48 zones
require eight 6‑zone routers. The security control room is equipped with a remote control
panel and call station plus keypads for individually addressing zones and BGM for the public
areas, while the controller unit and routers are located in a fire-resistant cabinet or basement.
Fireman’s panel (with overall priority) is built-in close to the main entrance or emergency exit
(subject to relevant local regulations). The Plena Voice Alarm System is a two-channel system,
so BGM can still be provided in zones not receiving a call.
Power requirements
Each zone will have varying power requirements, ranging from small shops with a single
loudspeaker to department stores with several floors and more loudspeakers. Parking garages
and open-air walkways will require weatherproof sound projectors or horn loudspeakers. To
facilitate phased evacuation from different levels of the shopping center, public areas are
divided into zones. Additional Plena Power Amplifiers are incorporated to provide additional
power, two-channel operation and for use as a spare amplifier.

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Plena

Layout
Z49-54
Z43-48
Z37-42
Z31-36
Z25-30
Z19-24

Z13-18
Z7-12

Z1-6

2
10

7
6
1
4

3
5

Figure 3.16: Example of a shopping mall

Number

Unit

Description

No.

LBB 1990/00

Controller

LBB 1992/00

Router

LBB 1995/00

Fireman’s Panel

LBB 1996/00

Remote control

LBB 1997/00

Remote control extension

LBB 1956/00

Call station

LBB 1957/00

Call station keypad

LBB 1935/20

Power Amplifier (240 W)

LBB 1938/20

Power Amplifier (480 W)

Bosch

Music source

Zone

Description

Power

Z1-30

30 small shops/kiosks

30 x 6 W

Z31-36

6 shops

12 x 6 W

Table 3.5: Units

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System overview | en

Zone

Description

Power

Z37-42

6 medium-sized stores

24 x 6

Z47

Security control room

1x6W

Z48

Offices

4x6W

Z49

Walkways ground floor

4x6W

Z50

Gallery 1st floor

10 x 6 W

Z51

Gallery 2nd floor

10 x 6 W

Z52

Main public square

4 x 18 W

Z53

Parking garage level 1

6 x 10 W

Z54

Parking garage level 2

6 x 10 W

Total

858 W

Table 3.6: Zones

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Installation and Operation manual

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3.12.4

Plena

Hotel
Smaller hotels are typical examples of applications with relatively few zones, each with a
medium to high output power requirement. The priorities are speech intelligibility and
compliance with IEC 60849 standard. In addition to mandatory voice alarm functionality for
evacuating guests and staff, an EVAC system for a hotel should also include BGM in the
restaurant, bar and lobby, plus public address functionality for general paging. To ensure that
all guests hear an emergency message, the power output per zone is relatively high. Outside
areas such as car parking garages, require weatherproof horn loudspeakers.
Summary of requirements
–
Typically 10 to 20 zones in small hotels
–

Speech intelligibility is the main priority

–

High power requirement (multiple loudspeakers) per floor

–

Fireman’s panel by fire exit

–

Call stations in reception and office

–

Additional public address functions for paging guests

–

BGM in lobby and restaurant

Solution for a 12-zone system
A Plena Voice Alarm System Controller handles routing to up to 6 zones, the additional 6
zones require a router. Both the reception and office are equipped with call stations plus
keypads for individually addressing zones, while a fireman’s panel (with overall priority) is
built‑in by the emergency exit. The Plena Voice Alarm System is a two‑channel system, so BGM
can still be provided in zones not receiving a call.
Power requirements
The system controller features a built-in 240 W power amplifier, able to drive up to 40
loudspeakers (6 W). Additional Plena Power Amplifiers are incorporated to provide additional
power, two‑channel operation and spare amplification. To facilitate phased evacuation from
different floors of the hotel, guest areas are divided into separate zones, each fitted with 13
ceiling loudspeakers in the corridors. The bar uses cabinet loudspeakers, while the parking
garage uses weatherproof horn loudspeakers.

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System overview | en

Plena

Layout
Z7-12

Z1-6

2
9
1

6
5
4
3

Figure 3.17: Example of a hotel

Number

Unit

Description

No.

LBB 1990/00

Controller

LBB 1992/00

Router

LBB 1996/00

Remote control

LBB 1997/00

Remote control extension

LBB 1956/00

Call station

LBB 1957/00

Call station keypad

LBB 1935/20

Power Amplifier (240 W)

LBB 1938/20

Power Amplifier (480 W)

Bosch

Music source

Zone

Description

Power

Bar

3x6W

Restaurant

6x6W

Lobby

2x6W

Office

1x6W

Kitchens

2x6W

Parking garage

3 x 10 W

Z7-12

Floors 1 to 6

78 x 6 W

Total

582 W

Table 3.7: Units

Table 3.8: Zones

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Installation and Operation manual

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3.13

Plena

Calls and priorities
As the Plena Voice Alarm System is a public address and emergency sound system, it is used
to distribute background music, business calls and emergency calls.

3.13.1

Priority
To each call, a priority is assigned. When two or more calls are addressed to the same zone or
need shared resources (e.g. the internal message manager of the voice alarm controller), the
call with the lower priority is stopped immediately and the call with the higher priority is
started. The priority of a call depends on the part of the system that started the call and must
be configured with the configuration software.
Notice!
See the Configuration Software Manual for more information about the configuration
software.
When two or more calls with the same priority are addressed to the same zone or need shared
resources (e.g. the internal message manager of the voice alarm controller), the oldest call is
stopped immediately and the youngest call is started. An exception to this rule are mergeable
messages (see section Mergeable messages, page 42).

3.13.2

Mergeable messages
When two or more calls are started that are based on the same mergeable message template
and have the same priority, the calls are merged. The youngest call will not stop the oldest call
in this case. Mergeable message can be created with the configuration software.

3.13.3

Business call
A business call is a call that is made when the system is in the normal state. Business calls
always have a priority between 2 and 8 and can be started with:

3.13.4

–

Business trigger inputs

–

Call stations

–

The mic/line input with VOX functionality of the voice alarm controller

Emergency call
An emergency call is a call that is made when the system is in the emergency state. Emergency
calls have a certain priority in the configuration software, and can be started with:
–

Emergency trigger inputs (priority between 2 and 14)

–

The hand-held emergency microphone of the voice alarm controller (priority between 9
and 19)

–

The mic/line input with VOX functionality of the voice alarm controller (priority between 2
and 14)

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Installation | en

Installation

4.1

Voice Alarm Controller

The voice alarm controller is suitable for table‑top and 19‑inch rack-mounting installation. Two
brackets for rack-mounting are supplied.

Figure 4.1: Brackets for rack-mounting

Make sure that there is a free space of at least 100 mm on both sides of the unit for
ventilation. The voice alarm controller has an internal fan, which is regulated to keep the
temperature inside the unit within the safe operating area.

4.2

Voice Alarm Router
The voice alarm router is suitable for table‑top and 19‑inch rack mounting installation. Two
brackets for rack-mounting are supplied. Installing a voice alarm router is similar to installing a
voice alarm controller (see section Voice Alarm Controller, page 43).

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4.3

Plena

Call Station Keypad
Call station keypads can be connected to call stations or to other call station keypads.

1
3

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Figure 4.2: Connecting call station keypads

4.4

Voice Alarm Remote Control
The remote control is suitable for table‑top and 19‑inch rack mounting installation. Two
brackets for rack-mounting are supplied. Installing a remote control is similar to installing a
voice alarm controller (see section Voice Alarm Controller, page 43). The brackets can also be
used to attach the remote control to a wall.

4.5

Voice Alarm Remote Control Kit
The remote control kit is suitable for table‑top and 19‑inch rack mounting installation. Two
brackets for rack-mounting are supplied. Installing a remote control kit is similar to installing a
voice alarm controller (see section Voice Alarm Controller, page 43).

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4.6

Installation | en

Remote Control Extension
The remote control extension is suitable for table‑top and 19‑inch rack mounting installation.
Two brackets for rack-mounting are supplied. Installing a remote control extension is similar
to installing a voice alarm controller (see section Voice Alarm Controller, page 43). The
brackets can also be used to attach the remote control extension to a wall.

4.7

Remote Control Extension Kit
The remote control extension kit is suitable for table‑top and 19‑inch rack mounting
installation. Two brackets for rack-mounting are supplied. Installing a remote control kit is
similar to installing a voice alarm controller (see section Voice Alarm Controller, page 43).

4.8

End Of Line detection board
To install an EOL, use these general notes:
–

An EOL board can only be installed in a 2‑channel system. The EOL board needs the
second amplifier to produce the pilot tone for the zones that are not in use. Refer to
section 2-Channel mode operation, page 78.

–

The volume control on the VAC must be set to -9 dB or higher. The recommended setting
is 0 dB. A lower dB setting attenuates the pilot‑tone.

Notice!
You must use either EOL or impedance measurement, not both.

Notice!
Do not connect the EOL board to the secondary side of a volume control.
The secondary side of a volume control can attenuate the pilot tone.
All inputs to a VAC or router that have an EOL input must be normally closed inputs. The EOL
board operates with a normally closed output and the configuration software is set to Action
Open. Use another router to receive normally open inputs.
Notice!
During a call the pilot tone is absent in zones without a call or without background music. The
LED on the EOL board is dim. The EOL input is ignored during calls to avoid false fault
readings.
The short circuit check must be set in the configuration software.
Notice!
The EOL board detects a short circuit, but the EOL cannot detect where the short circuit is.

Notice!
It is possible for the LED to turn off before the contact is opened or vice versa. This level
difference is typically less than 500 mV.

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4.8.1

Plena

Installation of a single EOL
1.

Connect the two cables at the end of the 100 V loudspeaker line to the Input 100 V LS on
the EOL board.

Connect the two cables from an Emergency Trigger Input on the Voice Alarm Controller to
TRGA on the EOL.

Connect the jumpers JP1 on the EOL as shown.

Figure 4.3: JP1 for single EOL

4.8.2

Installation of a multiple EOL in a daisy-chain
With a daisy‑chain configuration it is possible to:
–

Supervise several loudspeaker lines with only one fault input.

–

Supervise several branches of a loudspeaker line with just one fault input.

Connect the cable from the 100 V loudspeaker line to the terminal 100 V LS Input on the
EOL board.

Connect one cable from an Emergency Trigger Input on the Voice Alarm Controller to the
FIRST BOARD input on the EOL board.

JP1

Figure 4.4: JP1 for first EOL

Connect a 20 or 22 kOhm resistor in parallel with the Trigger input to connect more than

Connect the EOL boards to the Trigger input as indicated previousl. This input should be

one EOL board on a single Trigger input and to supervise them.
on the Controller or Router to which the loudspeaker lines it supervises are also
connected
Notice!
The last EOL board in line is connected in a different way than the other EOL boards. This is
required to supervise the whole EOL detection line against short circuit. Such a short circuit
will be reported as an Input Fault. A break in the detection line will be reported as a Line
Fault, just as a loudspeaker line failure.

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Installation | en

JP1

First EOL board

JP1

Last EOL board

20k

Figure 4.5: Trigger input indication

In the configuration program, set the Action Programming for the relevant input to Fault
and EOL.

Enter the Zone or Zone group that is monitored by the EOL board. The Zone group can be
All Zones (of the Controller/Router), Zone 1‑3 or Zone 4‑6. Fault Type and Zone will
define the visual indication on the unit in case of a fault.

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Set the Action to Open and Type to Momentary.

Installation and Operation manual

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en | Installation

4.9

Plena

Dummy load
To install the Dummy load do as follows:
1.

Connect the two leads onto the connection terminals of the last loudspeaker in a line.

Attach the Dummy Load circuit board in the loudspeaker cabinet to the mounting studs.

Notice!
In some loudspeakers only one mounting stud is available as the studs are too far apart.

4.9.1

Set the jumper JP1 on the Dummy load
The Dummy load incorporates the following functions:
–

Increases the percentage of impedance (with respect to the cable impedance) present at
the end of the line.

–

Allows more loudspeakers to be fitted.

–

Allows longer cable lengths.

Fault detection of the loudspeaker lines with impedance measurement is triggered by a
change in excess of 20%. The impedance at the end of the loudspeaker line must be more
than 20% of the total impedance to make sure that an open circuit is detected.
The Dummy Load has a jumper to set the load at 20 kHz to 8, 20 and 60 W.
Notice!
You can download the Dummy load calculator.xls from the Plena Voice Alarm System product
related information on www.boschsecurity.com.
1.

Use the Dummy load calculator to calculate the jumper setting of JP1 on the Dummy load.

Select the Excel sheet Dummy load calculator. Click Enable Macros when the dialog box
appears. The worksheet opens.

Type the load per loudspeaker in Step 1. The maximum number of loudspeakers is
automatically calculated and appears in Step 2.

Type the number of loudspeakers in the line in Step 2. The result automatically appears in
Step 3.

2013.07 | V2.0 |

Type the capacitance of the 100 V cable in Step 4.

Type the length of the cable in Step 5.

Click Display jumper JP1 settings. The configuration of the jumper settings appears.

Set the jumper JP1 on the Dummy load to the shown in the calculator.

Installation and Operation manual

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Plena

Connection | en

Connection

5.1

Voice Alarm Controller

5.1.1

Emergency microphone

The voice alarm controller has 1 connector for an emergency microphone. A hand-held
emergency microphone is supplied with the voice alarm controller. See for installation details
below. Turn the lock ring clockwise to lock the plug.

Figure 5.1: Connecting the emergency microphone

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Installation and Operation manual

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5.1.2

Plena

Call station
The voice alarm controller has 2 sockets for Call Stations. Use CAT‑5 Ethernet cables with
RJ45 plugs to connect call stations to the voice alarm controller. When the system requires
more than 2 call stations, use the system sockets on the call stations to make loop-throughs.
See the connection details below.
The controller comes with CAN bus termination installed. This is an RJ45 connector with
built‑in termination. Make sure that it is installed in the unused connector. On the routers and
call station the termination switch setting must be in the "ON" position on the last device.

Figure 5.2: Connecting call stations

Notice!
Each connected call station must have a unique ID (see section Call station, page 83).
If the cable between the call station and the voice alarm controller is too long to power the
call station, it is possible to connect a 24 VDC power source (see section Power supply, page
69).

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5.1.3

Connection | en

Voice alarm routers
The voice alarm controller has 1 socket for Voice Alarm Routers. Use shielded CAT‑5 Ethernet
cables with RJ45 plugs to connect a voice alarm router to the voice alarm controller. When the
system requires more than 1 voice alarm router, use the system sockets on the voice alarm
router to make loop-throughs. See the connection details below.
The router come with CAN bus termination installed. This is an RJ45 connector with built‑in
termination. Make sure that it is installed in the unused connector. On the routers and call
station the termination switch setting must be in the "ON" position on the last device.
ontro
l

Pane

1
Rou
te

Mon
ito
Spe ring
aker

Warn
in

This

appar

atus

mus

t be

earthe

Made in China

Des
The ign & Q
Nethe uality
rland
s

N663

Rate
d
Line input p
owe
fuse
r

Rou

ter

ID
In
Boo

ster

Out

1...9

Term
inati
on
Firm
ware
upg
rade
Off

Des
The ign & Q
Nethe uality
rland
s

Made in China

N663

Rate
d
Line input p
owe
fuse
r

Rou

ter

ID
In
Boo

ster

2
1...9

Out

Term
inati
on
Firm
ware
upg
rade
Off
On

Figure 5.3: Connecting routers

Notice!
Each connected voice alarm router must have a unique ID (see section Voice alarm router,
page 82).
Notice!
The voice alarm controller comes delivered with termination plugs (connectors) fitted in some
RJ45 sockets. When connecting routers and RCP panels, the connected device must have
their termination set to on, and the termination plug has to plugged in the unused socket.

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5.1.4

Plena

External power amplifier
The voice alarm controller has 1 external power amplifier output (line level, 1 V) and 1 external
power amplifier input (100 V) to connect an external power amplifier. The function of the
external power amplifier (e.g. a Plena Power Amplifier 360/240W) depends on the channel
mode for which the voice alarm controller is configured (see section 1-Channel mode
operation, page 77 and section 2-Channel mode operation, page 78).

100V

COM

Z2
NC

Z3
Z3

Z3
0

100V

COM

NC
COM

NC
24V

Z6
Z5 TRG 1

Call

Z5
Z4

Fault

Volume Override

TRG2

Out
Z6

Ext
Booster
In

100V

70V

DC In

24V

Int
Booster
Out

0
100V

GND

Call out

External Booster

+
1

GND
2

line in

GND
1

+
2

100V 70V

line out

Figure 5.4: Connecting an external power amplifier

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5.1.5

Connection | en

Remote controls
The voice alarm controller has 2 sockets for remote controls. Use shielded CAT‑5 Ethernet
cables with RJ45 plugs to connect a remote control to the voice alarm controller. See the
connection details below:
Con

trol P

anel

1
Rou
Mon
ito
Spe ring
aker

ter

Warn
ing
ap

This

parat
us

mus

t be

earthe

Con
EMG
.
Mic

Term
ina
Mon tion
ito
RCP r
ID

trolle
r

RCP

Off
1

exte

nsio

On
2
V6RC
Plena
RC Voice Alarm
Panel
System
Max.
input
300mA, power
S/N. 24V
DC
A035413

Design
The & Quality
Netherland
s

Figure 5.5: Connecting a remote control

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Installation and Operation manual

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en | Connection

5.1.6

Plena

Loudspeakers
The voice alarm controller has 6 zone outputs (Z1 to Z6). Each zone output consists of 2
redundant loudspeaker lines (line A and line B). Normally, calls and BGM are distributed to a
zone over both loudspeaker lines. If one of the loudspeaker lines of a zone fails, it is still
possible to distribute calls and BGM to the zone over the remaining loudspeaker line.

Int B

BGM/

A
100V

B
100V

Z1
0

100V

Z2
0

100V

100V
Z3

Z3
0

100V

Z4
0

100V

Z5
0

100V

Z6
0

Ext
Booster
In

100V

70V

DC In

24V

Int
Booster
Out

0
100V

Call out

Z6
6A

Figure 5.6: Connecting loudspeaker zones

2013.07 | V2.0 |

Installation and Operation manual

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Plena

Connection | en

If it is necessary to detect the removal or failure of a single loudspeaker, the following is
advised:
–

Do not connect more than 5 loudspeakers to the same loudspeaker line (line A or line B).
Field tests have shown that the impedance of loudspeakers and loudspeaker lines varies
with temperature and age. The limit of 5 loudspeakers is set due to this variation. In a
more stable environment, the number of loudspeakers can be higher.

–

Make sure that all loudspeakers connected to the same loudspeaker line have the same
impedance.

Notice!
The impedance measurement of the Plena Voice Alarm System has an accuracy better than
2%. The system only generates a fault if the line impedance difference is greater than the
configured accuracy. Use the configuration software to configure the accuracy
Notice!
See the Configuration Software Manual for more information about the configuration
software.
Notice!
The maximum load for the internal power amplifier of the voice alarm controller is 240 W.
However, if the voice alarm controller is used in 2‑channel mode and an external 480 W
amplifier is connected to it, the maximum loudspeaker load can be 480 W at 100 V. This is
because in 2‑channel mode, the internal power amplifier of the voice alarm controller is used
for BGM only and distributes BGM at ‑3 dB, from which follows that the maximum power
output is 240 W at 70 V and that the loading caused by 100 V loudspeakers at 70 V is also
240 W. The external amplifier is used for calls only with 480 W output power and 100 V
loudspeaker line voltage.
Notice!
The voice alarm system has great flexibility, from one amplifier for all routers to one amplifier
per router, or any arrangement in between. But in a 2‑channel system, the number and type
of amplifiers for the call-channel has to be exactly mirrored for the music channel. Getting the
signal from the same routers and feeding loudspeaker signal to the same set of routers. If not,
amplifier supervision and amplifier sparing will not function properly.

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Installation and Operation manual

2013.07 | V2.0 |

en | Connection

5.1.7

Plena

Volume overrides
The voice alarm controller has 6 override outputs; 1 for each zone in the system. These are
suitable for 4‑wire override (24 V) and 3‑wire override.
Notice!
By default, the voice alarm controller is configured for 4‑wire (24 V), power-saving override
(refer to situation I below).

Override/Trigger Output

24V
NC

COM

EMG

NC
COM

Fault

NO
NC

COM

Call

NC
24V

Volume Override

TRG 1

TRG2

Figure 5.7: Override outputs

Internally, the positive override pins (Z+) are all connected to either the NC or the NO contact
of the Volume Override output. The negative override pins (Z-) are all connected to earth.
+
Z1 _

+
Z2 _

+
Z3 _

+
Z4 _

+
Z5 _

+
Z6 _

Figure 5.8: Volume override contacts

2013.07 | V2.0 |

Installation and Operation manual

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Plena

Connection | en

Normally, when there are no active calls, the Z+ pins are internally connected to the NC
contact of the Volume Override. At the moment a call is started in a zone, the Z+ pin of the
zone is internally connected to the NO contact of the Volume Override. So, the NC and the NO
contacts determine which voltage is supplied to the positive pins of the override outputs (Z+).
See situation I, for an example of a power-saving 4-wire volume override:
4

Connect the NO contact of the Volume Override to the 24V contact of the Volume
Override.

See situation II, for an example of a fail-safe 4-wire volume override:
4

Connect the NC contact of the Volume Override to the 24V contact of the Volume
Override.

Override/Trigger Output

100V
24V
NC

COM

EM
COM

NC
COM

Fault

COM

Call

NC
24V

Volume Override

TRG2

Z+
Z-

Override/Trigger Output

100V

24V
Z1
Z2

NC
COM

NO
NC

EM
COM

NO
NC

Z3
Z4
Z5

COM

Fault

NO
NC
COM

Call

NO
NC

Z6
G1

24V

Volume Override

TRG2

Z+
Z-

Figure 5.9: 4‑wire volume override

To create a 3‑wire volume override:
Notice!
It is not possible to use 3‑wire volume override in combination with redundant loudspeaker
lines (line A and B, see figure 5.6) and supervision. If redundant loudspeaker lines are
needed, use 4‑wire volume override.
1.

Connect the 100 V output of loudspeaker line A to the 100 V input of the volume control.

Connect the 100 V/0 V (CALL/RTN) of the transformer to the 100V output of loudspeaker
line B.

3.
Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Connect the 0 output of loudspeaker line A to the 0 V of the loudspeaker.
Installation and Operation manual

2013.07 | V2.0 |

en | Connection

Plena

Enable 3‑wire volume override in the configuration software.

Notice!
See the Configuration Software Manual for more information about the configuration
software.
Caution!

Make sure that the correct connections have been made and the system is correctly
configured.

100V
A

100V
B
0V
A
Figure 5.10: 3‑wire volume override

5.1.8

Line output
The voice alarm controller has 1 line output. This output has a double cinch socket. Both cinch
sockets contain the same, mono signal, which consists of the current BGM and calls. The line
output can be used to connect the voice alarm controller to a recording device (e.g. a
tape‑deck).

ternal Booster

CD/Tuner

Figure 5.11: Line output

2013.07 | V2.0 |

Installation and Operation manual

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Plena

5.1.9

Connection | en

Mic/line input with VOX
The voice alarm controller has 1 mic/line input with voice-activated (VOX) functionality. This
input has 2 sockets; a balanced XLR socket and a balanced 6.3 mm jack socket. The signals
from both sockets are mixed to form a single input signal.

Impedance
Calibration

GND

Mic/Line
R
PC

Figure 5.12: Mic/line input with VOX functionality

The input automatically starts a business or emergency call if the input is higher than -10 dB
or if the VOX switch is closed. The input must be configured with the configuration software.
Notice!
See the Configuration Software Manual for more information about the configuration
software.

24V
DC out

VOX Switch

Figure 5.13: Connecting a VOX switch

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Installation and Operation manual

2013.07 | V2.0 |

en | Connection

Plena

For example, the mic/line input with VOX functionality can be used to create a supervised link
to another emergency sound system (e.g. a Praesideo system).

5.1.10

BGM inputs
The voice alarm controller has 2 BGM inputs. Each BGM input has a double cinch socket. To
these cinch outputs, a background music source can be connected (e.g. a Bosch music
source). The signals connected to the L (left) and R (right) cinch sockets are mixed to form a
single input signal.

CD/Tuner

AUX

Figure 5.14: BGM inputs

Input

Source

CD/Tuner

CD or tuner

AUX

Auxiliary source

Table 5.1: BGM inputs

2013.07 | V2.0 |

Installation and Operation manual

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Plena

5.1.11

Connection | en

Status output contacts
The voice alarm controller has 3 status output contacts to indicate the current system state.
These are used to send the status of the Plena Voice Alarm Systemto third party equipment or
to connect sounders or similar indicating devices.

NC
COM

EMG

Z2
NC

Z3
Z4

COM

Fault

NO
NC
COM

Call

Z5
NC

Z6
TR

24V

Volume Override

TRG2

NC
COM
NO
Figure 5.15: Status output contacts (default)

Contact

Description

EMG

Emergency state (see section Emergency state, page 91).

Fault

Fault state (see section Fault State, page 96).

Call

Call active state.

Table 5.2: Status output contact

The status output contacts are internal relays. By default, NC is connected to COM. When the
Plena Voice Alarm System enters one of the states that are indicated, the relay connects NO to
COM.

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Installation and Operation manual

2013.07 | V2.0 |

en | Connection

5.1.12

Plena

Power
Introduction
The voice alarm controller has the following power connections:
–

Mains power connection.

–

Back-up power connection.

Mains power
Proceed as follows to connect the voice alarm controller to the mains power:
4

Select the local mains voltage using the voltage selector on the rear of the voice alarm
controller.

115V~

230V~

Apparatus delivered
Connected for 230V~
Power

Figure 5.16: Voltage selector

Selector

Mains voltage V(AC)

Fuse

115

100 - 120

115 V - 10 AT

230

220 - 240

230 V - 6,3 AT

Table 5.3: Voltage selector

Notice!
The Voice Alarm Controller is delivered with the voltage selector in the 230 V position.
1.

Put the correct type of fuse in the voice alarm controller.

Notice!
The Voice Alarm Controller is delivered with a T6.3L 250 V fuse for a mains voltage of
220 to 240 V(AC).

2013.07 | V2.0 |

Connect a locally approved mains cord to the voice alarm controller.

Connect the mains cord to a locally approved mains outlet.

Installation and Operation manual

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Connection | en

Plena

Int Booster
Ext

Booster

1 Channel
BGM/Ca
N.C./Spall
re

A
Z1

100V

2 Channel
BGM/Sp
are
Call

Override
/Trigger

0
Z2

Output

100V

100V
24V

0
Z3

100V

Desig
The n & Qu
Nethe ality
rlands

100V

Trigger
input/24V

Emergenc
y
1
2

100V

90/0

COM

Z3
Z3

Business
1

Fault

TRG

out

NC
COM

Z6
Z5

100V

24V
6 DC
out

VOX
6 Switch

Call

24V

10k
10k

24V
DC
out

COM

100V
0

EMG

100V

0
Ext
Booster 100V
In
0
DC
In
24V

100V

0
Plena
8900
Max. Voice Ala
199
0000
Ratedoutput po rm Contr
1
we
oll
ou
5-230 tput po r 360W er
S/ N. V~, 50 wer 24
/60H 0W
z

Call

station

Volume

For service

Override

only

TRG2

100V
70V

Int
Booster

Out

SEL1
SEL0

Out

100V
Call

VOX

out

Switch

Max. Voice Alarm
Ratedoutput power Controlle
output
115-230V
power360W r
S/N.
~, 50/60Hz240W

Monitor
APR
mode
Supervis
2ch
ion
operatio
LBB199

Firmwar
Upgradee
Off

GND

Design
The & Quality
Netherland
s

Impedan
Calibrat ce
ion

External
Booster

230V~
Apparat
Connecus delivere
ted for d
230V~

USB
Fireman

's panel
Power

L
Rated

230V

N66

CD/Tun
er

LBB199

GND

Mic/Line

Vox

Appa
ra
Conn tus de
ecte livered
d for
230V
~

power:7
60VA

T10L25 0V for230V
0V for115V AC
AC
Remote
Control
Panel

Vox
Speech
Phantomfilter
power
Off

input

Line
fuse
T6.3L25

AUX

USB

115V~
N663

On
Off

115V
~

On
1
Router

Digital
Messag

Monitori
ng
Speaker

Warnin
This

apparatus
must

be earthed

Firem
an's
pa

nel

Powe
r

Rate

Phan

tom

d inp

LB B1
994
Line
T6.3 fuse
L2
T10L 50V fo
250V r230
for11 V AC
5V AC
Remo
te Co
ntrol
Pane
l

powe

ut po

wer:7
60VA

1
Rout
er

Digit
Mes al M
sage onito
Spea ring
ker

Figure 5.17: Connecting the mains cord

Back-up power
The voice alarm controller has a 24 V(DC) input to connect a back-up power supply (e.g. a
battery) which powers the system if the mains power is not available. See the connection
details below:

Int Booster
Ext

Booster

A
Z1

1 Channel
BGM/Ca
N.C./Spall
re

100V

2 Channel
BGM/Sp
are
Call

Override
/Trigger

0
Z2

Output

100V

100V
24V

100V

Trigger
input/24V

Emergenc
y
1
2

100V

0
Z4

COM

Z3
Z3

COM
NO

Business
1

TRG

COM
NO

COM

Z6
Z5

out

24V

10k
10k

24V
DC
out

Call

station
For service

Override

only

TRG2

70V

Int
Booster

Out

SEL1
SEL0
2

100V
Call

Ext

VOX
6 Switch

Volume

100V

VOX

out

Switch

Firmwar
Upgradee
Off

Max. Voice Alarm
Ratedoutput power Controlle
output
115-230V
power360W r
S/N.
~, 50/60Hz240W

Monitor
APR
mode
Supervis
2ch
ion
operatio
LBB199
4

GND

24V
6 DC
out

Call

Fault

100V

EMG

100V

0
Ext
Booster 100V
In
0
DC
In
24V

Design
The & Quality
Netherland

Off
Impedan
Calibrat ce
ion
Booster

230V~
Apparat
Connecus delivere
ted for d
230V~

USB
Fireman

's panel
Power

L
Rated
CD/Tun

GND

Line
fuse
T6.3L25

AUX
PC

Mic/Line

100V

115V~
N663

External

Vox

LBB199
4

input

power:7
60VA

T10L25 0V for230V
0V for115V
AC
AC
Remote
Control
Panel

Vox
Speech
Phantomfilter
power
Off
On

1
Router

Digital
Messag
e

Monitori
ng
Speaker

Warnin
This

apparatus
must

be earthed

0
DC

24V

Charger

+
VDC

Figure 5.18: Connecting a back-up power supply

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Installation and Operation manual

2013.07 | V2.0 |

en | Connection

5.1.13

Plena

Trigger inputs
Introduction
The voice alarm controller has a terminal block to which 6 emergency (EMG) and 6 business
trigger inputs can be connected. Third party systems can use the trigger inputs to start
emergency and business calls in the Plena Voice Alarm System. The trigger inputs must be
configured with the configuration software.
Emergency trigger inputs
The upper part of the terminal block contains the emergency trigger inputs. The emergency
trigger inputs have a higher priority than the business trigger inputs.

10K

24V
DC out

VOX Switch

10K

Figure 5.19: Connecting emergency trigger inputs

2013.07 | V2.0 |

Installation and Operation manual

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Connection | en

Plena

Business trigger inputs
The lower part of the terminal block contains the business trigger inputs. The business trigger
inputs have a lower priority than the emergency trigger inputs.

24V
DC out

VOX Switch

Figure 5.20: Connecting business trigger inputs

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Installation and Operation manual

2013.07 | V2.0 |

en | Connection

Plena

5.2

Voice Alarm Router

5.2.1

Voice alarm controller
Connect the voice alarm router to the voice alarm controller (see section Voice alarm routers,
page 51).

5.2.2

Loudspeakers
The voice alarm router has 6 zone outputs (Z1 to Z6). The procedure for connecting
loudspeakers to a voice alarm router is the same as the procedure for connecting
loudspeakers to a voice alarm controller (see section Loudspeakers, page 54).

5.2.3

Volume overrides
The voice alarm router has 6 override outputs; 1 for each connected zone. These are suitable
for 4‑wire override (24 V) and for 3‑wire override. The procedure for using volume override in
zones that are connected to a voice alarm router is the same as the procedure for using
volume override in zones that are connected to the voice alarm controller (see section Volume
overrides, page 56).

5.2.4

Trigger inputs
The voice alarm router has a terminal block to which 6 emergency (EMG) and 6 business
trigger inputs can be connected. Third party systems can use the trigger inputs to start
emergency and business calls in the Plena Voice Alarm System. The trigger inputs must be
configured with the configuration software. The procedure for connecting trigger inputs to a
voice alarm router is similar to the procedure for connecting trigger inputs to the voice alarm
controller (see section Trigger inputs, page 64).

2013.07 | V2.0 |

Installation and Operation manual

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Plena

5.2.5

Connection | en

External power amplifiers
The voice alarm router has 2 external power amplifier outputs (line level, 1 V) and 1 external
power amplifier input (100 V) to connect two external power amplifiers. The function of the
external power amplifier (e.g. a Plena Power Amplifier) depends on the channel mode for
which the system is configured (see section 1-Channel mode operation, page 77 and section
2-Channel mode operation, page 78).
See the next information about connecting external power amplifier 1 to a voice alarm router:

Design
0V& Quality
0 100V 0 100V 70V 0 100V
The Netherlands

Out

0V 0 100V 0 100V 0

GND

Amplifier 2

Amplifier 1

+
1

GND
2

line in

GND
1

+24V-

Booster 2 in DC In

TRG1 TRG2

B
Failure

+
2

100V 70V

line out

Figure 5.21: Connecting external power amplifier 1

See the next information about connecting external power amplifier 2 to a voice alarm router:

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Installation and Operation manual

2013.07 | V2.0 |

en | Connection

Plena

Design
0V& Quality
0 100V 0 100V 70V 0 100V
The Netherlands

Out

0V 0 100V 0 100V 0

GND

Amplifier 1

Amplifier 2

+
1

GND
2

line in

GND
1

+24V-

Booster 2 in DC In

TRG1 TRG2

B
Failure

+
2

100V 70V

line out

Figure 5.22: Connecting external power amplifier 2

Notice!
The internal power amplifier of the voice alarm controller can also be used as external power
amplifier for the voice alarm router.

5.2.6

Power
The procedure for connecting a voice alarm router to the mains power is the same as the
procedure for connecting the voice alarm controller to the mains (see section Power, page 62).

2013.07 | V2.0 |

Installation and Operation manual

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Plena

Connection | en

5.3

Call Station

5.3.1

Voice alarm controller

Connect the call station to the voice alarm controller (see section Call station, page 50).

5.3.2

Power supply
If the cable between the voice alarm controller or the previous call station is longer than
100 m, the call station may sometimes need to be connected to a 24 V(DC) power source. See
the connection details below:

Figure 5.23: Connecting a power supply

5.3.3

Keypads
The maximum number of keypads that can be connected to a call station is 8 (see section Call
Station Keypad, page 44).

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Installation and Operation manual

2013.07 | V2.0 |

en | Connection

Plena

5.4

Voice Alarm Remote Control

5.4.1

Voice alarm controller
Connect the remote control panel to the voice alarm controller (see section Remote controls,
page 53).

5.4.2

Remote control extensions
The remote controller has 1 socket for remote control extensions (Remote Control Extension,
Remote Control Extension kit). Use shielded CAT‑5 Ethernet cables with RJ45 plugs to
connect a remote control extension to the remote control. When the system requires more
than 1 remote control extension, use the system sockets on the remote control extension to
make loop‑throughs. See the connection details below.
The termination switch must be set to ON. If not, over long distances, the data bus can
malfunction.

PLN-V6
RC
RC
Panel
Max.
input
300mA, power
S/N. 24V
DC
A035413

Design
The & Quality
Netherland
s

N663

Term

inatio

n
On

Off

RC P

ext.

In
RC P

ext.

Out

For se
Off

Power
Trigger

rvice

only
On

Output

COM

Fault
NO

24V
DC
In

Termina

5 67

Off

tion

RCP

ext.

In
RCP

12
1...9

ext.

Out
For service
Off

RC
Panel
Max.
Extension
input
200mA, power
S/N. 24V
DC

only
On

A035413

Design
The & Quality
Netherland
N663

Firmwa
Upgradre
e

Warnin
This

apparatu
s must

be earthed

Term
Off

inatio

n
On

RC P

ext.

In
RC P

ext.

Out

For se
Off

rvice

only
On

Power
Trigger

Output

COM

Fault
NO

24V
DC
In

Termina
tion

5 67
9

12
1...9

Off

RCP

ext.

In
RCP

ext.

Out
For service
Off

RC
Panel
Max.
Extension
input
200mA, power
S/N. 24V
DC

only
On

A035413

Design
The & Quality
Netherland
s

Firmwa
Upgradre
e

N663

Warnin
This

apparatu
s must

be earthed

Figure 5.24: Connecting remote control extensions

5.4.3

Status output contacts
The remote control panel has 3 status output contacts to indicate the current system state.
The procedure for connecting the status outputs is the same as the procedure for connecting
status outputs to the voice alarm controller (see section Status output contacts, page 61).

2013.07 | V2.0 |

Installation and Operation manual

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Plena

5.4.4

Connection | en

Power
Connect a power supply to the remote control panel:

RC
Panel
Max.
input
300mA, power
S/N. 24V
DC
A035413

Design
The
& Quality
Netherlan
ds

N663

Charger

24 V

+
DC

Figure 5.25: Connecting a 24 VDC power supply

5.5

Voice Alarm Remote Control Kit

5.5.1

Rear panel
The rear panel of the remote control kit has the same connectors and controls as the rear
panel of the Voice Alarm Remote Control. See section Voice Alarm Remote Control, page 70 for
connection details.

5.5.2

LEDs
To the LEDS/LAMPS connectors on the front panel of the remote control kit, the LEDs can be
connected.

24 V output
5 kW

LEDS/LAMPS
connector

Figure 5.26: Connecting LEDs

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Installation and Operation manual

2013.07 | V2.0 |

en | Connection

5.5.3

Plena

Lamps
To the LEDS/LAMPS connectors on the front panel of the remote control kit, lamps can be
connected:

max. 52 V
GND
< 200 mA
LEDS/LAMPS
connector

Figure 5.27: Connecting lamps

5.5.4

Relays
To the LEDS/LAMPS connectors on the front panel of the remote control kit, relays can be
connected:

max. 52 V
GND
< 100 mA

LEDS/LAMPS
connector

Figure 5.28: Connecting relays

2013.07 | V2.0 |

Installation and Operation manual

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Plena

Connection | en

5.6

Remote Control Extension

5.6.1

Remote control

Connect the remote control extension to the remote control (see section Remote control
extensions, page 70).

5.6.2

Status output contacts
The remote control extension has 3 status output contacts to indicate the current system
state. The procedure for connecting the status outputs is the same as the procedure for
connecting status outputs to the voice alarm controller (see section Status output contacts,
page 61).

5.6.3

Power
Connect a back‑up power supply to the remote control extension.
The 24 V output of the Controller or the Router can be used for this. Those outputs are
powered by mains and back‑up power. It is also possible to install a floating (without ground
reference) 24 V power supply with backup battery (EN54‑4 compliant for EN54‑16 compliant
systems, or EN60849 compliant).

RC
Panel
Max.
input
300mA, power
S/N. 24V
DC
A035413

Design
The
& Quality
Netherlan
ds

N663

Charger

24 V

+
DC

Figure 5.29: Connecting a power supply

5.7
5.7.1

Remote Control Extension Kit
Rear panel
The rear panel of the remote control extension kit has the same connectors and controls as
the rear panel of the Voice Alarm Control Extension. See section Remote Control Extension,
page 73 for connection details.

5.7.2

LEDs
To the LEDs/LAMPS connectors on the front panel of the remote control extension kit, the
LEDs can be connected (see Voice Alarm Remote Control kit, page 27).

5.7.3

Lamps
To the LEDs/LAMPS connectors on the front panel of the remote control extension kit, lamps
can be connected (see Voice Alarm Remote Control kit, page 27).

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Installation and Operation manual

2013.07 | V2.0 |

en | Connection

5.7.4

Plena

Relays
To the LEDs/LAMPS connectors on the front panel of the remote control extension kit, relays
can be connected (see Voice Alarm Remote Control kit, page 27).

5.8
5.8.1

Fireman’s Panel
Voice alarm controller
Connect the fireman’s panel to the voice alarm controller (see section Remote controls, page
53).

5.8.2

Remote control extensions
The fireman’s panel has 1 socket for remote control extensions (Remote Control Extension,
Remote Control Extension kit). Use shielded CAT‑5 Ethernet cables with RJ45 plugs to
connect a remote control extension to the fireman’s panel. When the system requires more
than 1 remote control extension, use the system sockets on the remote control extension to
make loop‑throughs. See section Remote control extensions, page 70 for connection details.

5.8.3

Status output contacts
The fireman’s panel has 3 status output contacts to indicate the current system state. The
procedure for connecting the status outputs is the same as the procedure for connecting
status outputs to the voice alarm controller (see section Status output contacts, page 61).

5.8.4

Power
The procedure for connecting a fireman’s panel to a power supply is the same as the
procedure for connecting a remote control to a power supply (see section Power, page 71).

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Configuration | en

Configuration
A number of functions of the Plena Voice Alarm System is hardware configured using, for
example, DIP switches and volume controls. Other parts of the system must be software
configured using the Plena Voice Alarm System configuration software. A description of this
software is beyond the scope of this manual. This manual only describe the hardware
configuration of a Plena Voice Alarm System.
Notice!
See the Configuration Software Manual for more information about the configuration
software.
It is recommended to do the hardware configuration of the system before the software
configuration.

6.1

System settings
The system settings are configured using DIP switches on the rear of the voice alarm
controller. By default, all switches are in the OFF position.
1
2
3
4
5
Off
On
Figure 6.1: System settings DIP switches

DIP switch

Description

Monitor

Switches the monitoring loudspeaker on (ON) and off (OFF). See
section Monitor, page 76.

APR mode

Switches the Asian Pacific Region mode on (ON) and off (OFF). See
section APR mode, page 76.

Supervision

Switches supervision on (ON) and off (OFF). See section Supervision,
page 76.

2ch operation

Switches2-channel operation on (ON) and off (OFF). See section 1Channel mode operation, page 77 and section 2-Channel mode
operation, page 78.

Reserved

Reserved. This DIP switch must always be in the OFF position.

Table 6.1: System settings DIP switches

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6.1.1

Plena

Monitor
If the Monitor switch is in the ON position, the internal monitoring loudspeaker of the voice
alarm controller is switched on. The volume of the monitoring loudspeaker is set with the
Monitoring Speaker volume control (see Controls, connectors and indicators, page 14, no. 36).

6.1.2

APR mode
If the APR mode switch is in the ON position, the system is in the Asian-Pacific Region (APR)
mode. In APR mode, the system operates according to the emergency standards of the AsianPacific Region. In the APR mode:
–

The priority level of the emergency trigger inputs is always 14.

–

Emergency and business trigger inputs of the same zone form pairs. The settings of the
emergency trigger input (software configurable) apply to both.

–

The emergency trigger inputs are never supervised.

–

When an emergency trigger input is activated, the system enters the emergency state.
The voice alarm controller also automatically starts a pre-emergency announcement and
alarm message (software configurable).

–

When a business trigger input is activated, the system enters the emergency state. The
voice alarm controller does not automatically start a pre‑emergency announcement and
alarm message.

–

The red LED, which during normal operation indicates that the zone is selected for an
emergency call (see Controls, connectors and indicators, page 14, no. 5), indicates that an
emergency trigger input is active.

–

The green LED, which during normal operation indicates that a business call is running in
the zone (see Controls, connectors and indicators, page 14, no. 5), indicates that an
emergency call is running in the zone.

–
–

The priority level of the emergency microphone of the voice alarm controller is always 16.
When the emergency button (see Controls, connectors and indicators, page 14, no. 12) is
pushed on the front of the voice alarm controller, an alarm message is automatically
started. This message is automatically repeated.

6.1.3

Supervision
If the Supervision switch (see System settings, page 75) is in the ON position, supervision is
enabled. If it is in the OFF position, supervision is disabled. See section Supervision, page 78
for more information about supervision.

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6.1.4

Configuration | en

1-Channel mode operation
If the 2ch operation switch (see 2-Channel mode operation, page 78) is in the OFF position,
the system operates in the 1‑channel mode.
Voice alarm controller
In the 1‑channel mode, all calls and BGM are amplified by the internal power amplifier of the
voice alarm controller. If desired, an external power amplifier can be connected for spare
switching (see section External power amplifier, page 52). In 1‑channel mode, all calls will
interrupt the BGM.
Amplifier

Function

Internal

BGM/Call power amplifier.

External

Not connected/Spare power amplifier.

Table 6.2: 1-channel mode, voice alarm controller

Voice alarm router
One or two external power amplifiers can be connected to a voice alarm router to increase the
power of the system (see section External power amplifiers, page 67). In 1‑channel mode:
–

External power amplifier 1 of the voice alarm router is used to increase the power for
calls and BGM, that go via the internal power amplifier of the voice alarm controller.

–

External power amplifier 2 of the voice alarm router is used for spare-switching.

Amplifier

Function

BGM/Call power amplifier.

Not connected/Spare power amplifier.

Table 6.3: 1-channel mode, voice alarm router

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6.1.5

Plena

2-Channel mode operation
If the 2ch operation switch (see System settings, page 75) is in the ON position, the system
operates in the 2‑channel mode.
Voice alarm controller
In the 2‑channel mode, the BGM is amplified by the internal power amplifier of the voice alarm
controller. The calls are amplified by the external power amplifier, which is connected to the
voice alarm controller (see section External power amplifier, page 52). If the external power
amplifier is faulty, the calls are amplified by the internal power amplifier. In 2‑channel mode,
calls do not interrupt the BGM.
Amplifier

Function

Internal

BGM/Spare power amplifier.

External

Call power amplifier.

Table 6.4: 2-channel mode, controller

External power amplifier 1 of the voice alarm router is used to increase the power of the
internal power amplifier of the voice alarm controller.

–

External power amplifier 2 of the voice alarm router is used to help the external power
amplifier of the voice alarm controller to amplify calls.

Amplifier

Function

BGM/Spare power amplifier.

Call power amplifier.

Table 6.5: 2-channel mode, router

6.2

Supervision
If the Supervision switch (see System settings, page 75) is in the ON position, supervision is
enabled. If it is in the OFF position, supervision is disabled.
Notice!
Supervision is only necessary for systems that have to comply to the IEC60849 evacuation
standard. If the system does not have to comply to this standard, leave the switch in the OFF
position.
If the Supervision switch is in the OFF position, the Disabled indicator on the front panel of
the voice alarm controller is lit to indicate that supervision is switched off.
Fault Indicators
0 dB
-6dB
-20dB

Disabled
A

Processor reset
Network
Call/EMG
Music/Spare
Ground short
Input

Mains
Battery
Message
EMG mic
RCP
Router

B
Zone1
Zone2
Zone3
Zone4
Zone5
Zone6

Figure 6.2: Disabled indicator

If the Supervision switch is in the ON position, an indicator is lit when a supervised function
fails (see section Fault State, page 96). Use the configuration software to switch supervised
functions on and off.
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Configuration | en

Notice!
See the Configuration Software Manual for more information about the configuration
software.

6.2.1

Processor reset
Watchdog
If supervision is enabled (see section Supervision, page 78), the processor of the voice alarm
controller is supervised by a watchdog. If the watchdog triggers, the Processor reset indicator
on the front panel of the voice alarm controller is lit. Then, the program memory is checked
and the processor resumes operation within 10 seconds. The indicator remains on until the
fault is acknowledged and reset.
New firmware
A processor reset sometimes happens after new firmware is installed. make sure the Service
DIP switches are put back to the correct position. The correct positions are:

6.2.2

–

SEL0 and SEL1 to ON.

–

Enable Firmware Download to OFF.

Network
If supervision is enabled and network supervision is switched on (see section Supervision,
page 78), the connections from the voice alarm controller to the voice alarm routers and
remote controls are supervised. When any voice alarm router or remote control is missing
during a network check, a network error is reported.

6.2.3

Power amplifiers
If supervision is enabled and call power amplifier supervision is switched on (see section
Supervision, page 78), the call power amplifiers in the system are supervised. In the
configuration software, mark the checkbox Call/EMG to enable this function.
If supervision is enabled and BGM/Spare power amplifier supervision is switched on (see
section Supervision, page 78), the BGM and spare power amplifiers in the system are
supervised. In the configuration software, mark the checkbox Spare to enable this function.

6.2.4

Ground short
If supervision is enabled and ground short supervision is switched on (see section Supervision,
page 78), the system can continuously monitor loudspeaker lines in the system for short-toground situations. For each loudspeaker line, short-to-ground supervision can be switched on
and off with the configuration software.
Notice!
See the Configuration Software Manual for more information about the configuration
software.
If a leakage current > 30 + 15 mA is detected in a line, the line is considered faulty.

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6.2.5

Plena

Emergency trigger inputs
If supervision is enabled and input supervision is switched on (see section Supervision, page
78), the system can supervise the emergency trigger inputs. For each emergency trigger input,
supervision can be switched on and off with the configuration software.
Notice!
See the Configuration Software Manual for more information about the configuration
software.

6.2.6

Mains power
If supervision is enabled and mains power supervision is switched on (see section Supervision,
page 78), the availability of the mains power is supervised.

6.2.7

Battery
If supervision is enabled and battery supervision is switched on (see section Supervision, page
78), the availability of the back-up power is supervised.

6.2.8

Message supervision
If supervision is enabled and message supervision is switched on (see section Supervision,
page 78), the internal message manager of the voice alarm controller is supervised. This
message supervision consists of supervision of the wave player using a check‑sum and
supervision of the audio path using a pilot‑tone.

6.2.9

Emergency microphone
If supervision is enabled and emergency microphone supervision is switched on (see section
Supervision, page 78), the audio path and the PTT switch of the emergency microphone are
monitored from the capsule to the connection with the voice alarm controller.

6.2.10

Line supervision
If supervision is enabled and line supervision (see section Supervision, page 78) is switched
on, all loudspeaker lines are supervised. Line supervision consists of:
–

Impedance supervision.

–

Short‑to‑ground supervision.

Impedance supervision
If line supervision is switched on, the voice alarm controller measures the impedance of all
loudspeaker lines once every 90 seconds (default value). The reference values for impedance
supervision are stored in the voice alarm controller during the system calibration (see section
Calibration, page 87). If a difference of > 15% (default value) is detected between the
measured line impedance and its reference value, the line is considered faulty. The default
values can be changed with the configuration software.
Notice!
A small click can be heard at the start and end of an impedance measurement. If the click is
unacceptable, then end of line supervision with EOL can be considered instead of impedance
supervision.
Notice!
See the Configuration Software Manual for more information about the configuration
software.
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Configuration | en

Short-circuit supervision
If line supervision is switched on, the voice alarm controller continuously monitors all
loudspeaker lines in the system for short-circuits.
If a short‑circuit is detected, the line output of the short-circuited line is isolated and shut
down within 200 ms. The system will remain operational. If the line is dual-redundant
connected (A and B), the short-circuited line remains operational as well.
When a ground short occurs, first check the 0 V and 100 V connections from the amplifier to
the Voice Alarm Controller. If these connections are incorrect, then a short fault can occur at
unpredictable times.

6.3

Voice alarm controller

6.3.1

VOX configuration
The type of source that is connected to the mic/line input with VOX functionality is set using
the Mic/Line switch on the rear of the voice alarm controller.
–

If the source is a microphone, put the switch in the Mic. position.

–

If the source is a line-level source, put the switch in the Line position.
Vox
Speech filter
Phantom power
Off

Mic/Line

On
Figure 6.3: VOX input source switch

The mic/line input with VOX functionality is configured using DIP switches on the rear of the
voice alarm controller. By default, all switches are in the OFF position.
Vox
Speech filter
Phantom power
Off

Mic/Line

On
Figure 6.4: VOX settings

The settings that can be made using the DIP switches are explained in a table on the rear of
the voice alarm controller (see the following table).
Off

VOX activated by mic.

VOX activated by VOX switch.

Speech filter.

Flat.

Phantom power Off.

Phantom power On.

Table 6.6: Vox settings

The volume of the mic/line input with VOX functionality is set with the VOX volume control.

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Vox
Speech filter
Phantom power
Off

Mic/Line

On
Figure 6.5: VOX volume control

6.3.2

VOX
If the VOX switch is in the OFF position, the input is activated when the voltage of the signal
of the source is above the specified threshold. If the VOX switch is in the ON position, the
input is activated when the VOX Switch trigger input is closed (see also section Mic/line input
with VOX, page 59).

6.3.3

Speech filter
If the Speech filter switch is in the OFF position, a speech filter is activated for the mic./line
input with VOX functionality. The speech filter improves the speech intelligibility by cutting off
the lower frequencies.

6.3.4

Phantom power
If the Phantom power switch is in the ON position, a phantom power supply is activated. This
switch only has to be put in the ON position if the source is a microphone that must receive
phantom power. If the source is not a microphone or if the microphone does not accept
phantom power, leave the switch in the OFF position.

6.3.5

Voice alarm router
The voice alarm routers are configured using an ID selector and a DIP switch:
Out

Router
Termination

Firmware upgrade

ID
Off

Out
On

GND

Booster 1

Booster 2

Firmware Upgrade

1...9

Figure 6.6: Router settings

6.3.6

Router ID
The ID of the voice alarm router is set using an ID selector (17). Each voice alarm router must
have a unique ID (1 to 19). Use a small screwdriver to turn the arrow in the correct position.
The DIP switch (15) has 3 switches. The first switch (left) determines whether the router has
address 0x (1 to 9) or 1x (10 to 19).
Notice!
The switch “Firmware upgrade” must be set to “ON” to execute the firmware upgrade. When
the upgrade is complete, the switch must be set back to “OFF”.

6.3.7

Termination switch
The last voice alarm router in a sequence of looped-through routers must always be
terminated. Only for these voice alarm routers, put the Termination switch in the ON position.

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6.4

Configuration | en

Call station
The call stations are configured using the DIP switch at the bottom:
ON

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Figure 6.7: Call station DIP switches

DIP switch

Description

1, 2, 3, 4

Set the ID of the call station. See section Call station ID, page 83.

5, 6

Set the sensitivity of the call station. See section Sensitivity, page 83.

Switches the speech filter on (ON) and off (OFF). See section Speech filter,
page 84.

Switches termination on (ON) and off (OFF). See section Termination, page
84.

Table 6.7: Call station DIP switches

6.4.1

Call station ID
The ID of the call station is set using switches 1 to 4. Each call station must have a unique ID
(1 to 9).

6.4.2

Sensitivity
The sensitivity of the call station is set using switches 5 and 6:
Sensitivity

Switch 5

Switch 6

-15 dB

OFF

0 dB

OFF

6 dB

OFF

Reserved

Table 6.8: Call station sensitivity

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6.4.3

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Speech filter
If switch 7 is in the ON position, a speech filter is activated for the call station. The speech
filter improves the speech intelligibility by cutting off the lower frequencies.

6.4.4

Termination
The last call station in a sequence of looped-through call stations must always be terminated.
Only for these call stations, put switch 8 in the ON position.
Notice!
The Controller comes with a termination plug (RJ45). Plug this connector in the unused RJ45
socket.

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6.5

Configuration | en

Remote control
The remote controls are configured using a DIP switch:

Figure 6.8: Remote control settings

6.5.1

Remote control ID
The ID of the remote control is set using the Remote Control Panel ID switch. The ID of the
remote control must be the same as the number of the RCP connection of the voice alarm
controller to which the remote control is connected (1 to 2). Actions that are started by the
remote control with ID 1 have a higher priority than actions that are started by the remote
control with ID 2.

6.5.2

Monitor
If the Monitor switch is in the ON position, the internal monitoring loudspeaker of the remote
control is switched on. The volume of the monitoring loudspeaker is set with the Monitoring
Speaker volume control on the rear panel of the remote control.

6.5.3

Termination switch
If there are no remote control extensions connected to the remote control, the termination
switch must be in the ON position.

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6.6

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Remote control extension
The remote control extensions are configured using an ID selector and a switch:
3

Termination

RCP ext. In

RCP ext. Out

ID
On

Off

5 67

89
12
1...9

Figure 6.9: Remote control settings

6.6.1

Remote control extension ID
The ID of the remote control extension is set using a ID selector. The remote control extension
only controls the voice alarm router that has the same ID. Furthermore, each remote control
extension that is connected to the same remote control must have a unique ID.

6.6.2

Termination switch
The last remote control extension in a sequence of looped-through remote control extensions
must always be terminated. Only for these remote control extensions, put the termination
switch in the ON position.
Notice!
The Controller comes with a termination plug (RJ45). Plug this connector in the unused RJ45
socket.

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Operation | en

Operation

7.1

Switch on

Notice!
It is assumed that the APR mode switch (see section APR mode, page 76) is in the OFF
position.

7.1.1

Voice alarm controller
Switch on
Put the power switch on the rear of the voice alarm controller in the I position.
115V~

230V~

Apparatus delivered
Connected for 230V~
Power

Figure 7.1: Power switch

If mains power or back‑up power is available, the power indicator on the front of the voice
alarm controller is lit. If the system contains call stations, the power indicator of the call
stations are also lit (see Controls, connectors and indicators, page 23, no. 1). Furthermore, all
connected remote controls and remote control extensions are switched on by the voice alarm
controller.
Fault Indicators
0 dB
-6dB
-20dB

Disabled
A

Processor reset
Network
Call/EMG
Music/Spare

Mains
Battery
Message
EMG mic
RCP
Router

Ground short
Input

B
Zone1
Zone2
Zone3
Zone4
Zone5
Zone6

Figure 7.2: Power indicator

Notice!
When the system is switched on for the first time and supervision is enabled, calibrate the
system (see section Calibration, page 87).

7.1.2

Voice alarm router
Switch on
Put the power switch on the rear of the voice alarm router in the I position.

7.1.3

Calibration
Calibration is necessary for a correct loudspeaker line impedance supervision (see section
Line supervision, page 80). To calibrate the system, push the calibration switch on the rear of
the voice alarm controller (see Controls, connectors and indicators, page 14, no. 24). The
system must be calibrated:
–

When the voice alarm controller is switched on for the first time.

–

When a voice alarm router is switched on for the first time.

–

After the connected loudspeakers are changed.

–

After loudspeakers have been added or removed.

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–

7.2

After the settings of the connected loudspeakers have been changed.

Background music
The background music (BGM) is controlled using the BGM controls on the front of the voice
alarm controller, voice alarm router and their remote control and remote control extensions.
Proceed as follows to route BGM:

7.2.1

Select the BGM source (see section Select BGM source, page 88).

Select the zones (see section Select zones, page 88).

Select BGM source
Select the BGM source with the Select button on the front of the voice alarm controller. A
green LED indicates the source that is selected.
–

If the source is a CD player or a tuner that is connected to the CD/Tuner input, choose
CD/Tuner.

–

If the source is an auxiliary source that is connected to the Aux input, choose Aux.
Zone select

Select
CD/Tuner

Aux

Figure 7.3: BGM source selector

7.2.2

Select zones
The BGM is distributed to the zones with the Zone select buttons on the voice alarm
controller, voice alarm router, remote controls and remote control extensions. A green LED
indicates the zones to which BGM is distributed.
–

If the Zone select indicator is off, no BGM is distributed to the zone. Push the Zone select
button to distribute the BGM to the zone.

–

If the Zone select indicator is on, BGM is distributed to the zone. Push the Zone select
button to stop distributing the BGM to the zone.
Zone select

Select
CD/Tuner

Aux

Figure 7.4: BGM zone selector

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7.2.3

Operation | en

Adjust volume
The voice alarm controller has two types of controls to adjust the BGM volume. The overall
(maximum) volume of the BGM source is set with the master volume control, which is located
below the BGM source selector (Select button, see Select BGM source, page 88). Per zone that
is connected to the voice alarm controller, the local volume can be adjusted with the zone
volume switches, which are located below the zone selection buttons (Zone select, see Select
zones, page 88). Each zone volume switch has six settings, ranging between 0 dB and -15 dB.
Zone select

Select
CD/Tuner

Aux

Figure 7.5: BGM volume controls

The local volume in the zones that are connected to voice alarm routers must be adjusted
using local volume controls that must be connected to the loudspeaker line of each individual
zone.

7.2.4

Adjust frequencies
The voice alarm controller has two rotary knobs to adjust the sound of the BGM.
–

Use the upper rotary knob to adjust the treble or high frequency content of the BGM.

–

Use the lower rotary knob to adjust the bass or low frequency content of the BGM.
Zone select

Select
CD/Tuner

Aux

Figure 7.6: BGM tone controls

7.3

Business calls
Business calls can only be distributed with call stations. It is not possible to use a hand-held
emergency microphone to distribute business calls. Proceed as follows to distribute a
business call:
1.

Select the zones (see section Select zones, page 90).

Make the announcement (see section Make the announcement, page 90).

Notice!
It is also possible to distribute business calls using business trigger inputs. When an business
trigger input is activated, the system automatically takes the action that is programmed with
the configuration software.

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Notice!
See the Configuration Software Manual for more information about the configuration
software.

7.3.1

Select zones
Select the zones to which the business call must be distributed with the zone selection
buttons on the call station or its keypads. A green LED indicates the zones to which the
business call is distributed.
–

If the indicator of a button is off, the zone is not selected. Push the button to select the
zone.

–

If the indicator of a button is on, the zone is selected. Push the button to deselect the
zone.

Notice!
The zone selection buttons of the call stations and call station keypads must be configured
with the configuration software.
Notice!
See the Configuration Software Manual for more information about the configuration
software.

7.3.2

Make the announcement
Push the push‑to‑talk (PTT) button of the call station to make an announcement. The call is
only distributed to the selected zones.

Figure 7.7: PTT button and indicators

The LEDs above the PTT button provide information about the status of the call station.

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Operation | en

Indicator

Position

Description

Yellow

Left

System fault

Green

Center

Talk (green). Busy (Yellow

flashing).
Red

Right

System in emergency state,
call station disabled

Table 7.1: Call station status indicators

7.4

Emergency state
Emergency calls can only be distributed when the system is in the emergency state. See
section Enter the emergency state, page 91 for information about entering the emergency
state. In the emergency state, it is possible to distribute the following emergency calls:
–

Live speech with the emergency microphone of the voice alarm controller or remote
controls (see section Distribute live speech, page 92).

Notice!
It is not possible to distribute chimes or speech with the call station when the system is in
the emergency state, because the call station is disabled automatically at the moment that
the system enters the emergency state.
–

The default alert message (see section Distribute the alert message, page 94).

–

The default alarm message (see section Distribute the alarm message, page 96).

Notice!
It is also possible to distribute emergency calls using emergency trigger inputs. When an
emergency trigger input is activated, the system automatically enters the emergency state
and takes the action that is programmed with the configuration software.
Notice!
See the Configuration Software Manual for more information about the configuration
software.

7.4.1

Enter the emergency state
To enter the emergency state, push the emergency button on the front of the voice alarm
controller or the remote controls. The red LED that is integrated in the switch lights. The
emergency state can also be entered by pushing the Emergency button on the fireman’s panel.

Alert message

All call

Alarm message

Indicator test

EMG mic

Figure 7.8: Emergency button

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At the moment the emergency state is entered, a beeper starts and the EMG status output
contact are closed. See section Exit the emergency state, page 92 for information about
exiting the emergency state.

7.4.2

Acknowledge the emergency state
The beeper can be switched off by acknowledging the emergency state with the EMG Ack
button on the voice alarm controller or the remote controls. The beeper can also be switched
off by acknowledging the emergency state with the Emergency Acknowledge button on the
fireman’s panel.

Fault

EMG
Ack

Zone select
Reset

Zone1

Zone2

Figure 7.9: EMG Ack button

7.4.3

Exit the emergency state
Exit (reset) the emergency state by pushing the EMG Reset button on the voice alarm
controller or the remote controls. The emergency state can also be reset with the Emergency
Reset button on the fireman’s panel. In order to reset the emergency state, it first must be
acknowledged (see section Acknowledge the emergency state, page 92).

Fault

EMG
Ack

Zone select
Reset

Zone1

Zone2

Figure 7.10: EMG Reset button

7.4.4

Distribute live speech
Proceed as follows to distribute live speech:

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Select zones (see section Select zones, page 93).

Make announcement (see section Make the announcement, page 94).

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7.4.5

Operation | en

Select zones
Select the zones to which the live speech must be distributed with the Zone select buttons on
the front of the voice alarm controller or the remote controls. A red LED indicates the zones to
which the live speech is distributed.
–

If the indicator of a Zone select button is off, the zone is not selected. Push the button to
select the zone.

–

If the indicator of a Zone select button is on, the zone is selected. Push the button to
deselect the zone.

Notice!
If no additional action is taken within 10 seconds after the last Zone select button has been
pushed (for example closing the PTT switch), the zone selection is cancelled.

Fault

EMG
Ack

Zone select
Reset

Zone1

Zone2

Figure 7.11: Zone select buttons

To select all zones, push the All call buttons on the front of the voice alarm controller or the
remote controls.

Alert message

All call

Alarm message

Indicator test

EMG mic

Figure 7.12: All call button

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en | Operation

7.4.6

Plena

Make the announcement
Push the push‑to‑talk (PTT) button of the emergency microphone to make an announcement.
The live speech is only distributed to the selected zones (see section Select zones, page 93). At
the moment the PTT button of the emergency microphone is pushed:
–

The red EMG mic indicator is lit.

–

If they are currently distributed, the default alert message and default alarm message are
stopped.

Notice!
If no zones have been selected, the live speech is automatically distributed to all zones in the
system.

Figure 7.13: Emergency microphone

Alert message

All call

Alarm message

Indicator test

EMG mic

Figure 7.14: Emergency microphone indicator

7.4.7

Distribute the alert message
Proceed as follows to distribute the default alert message:
–

Select the zones.

–

Start the alert message.

Select zones
Select the zones to which the default alert message must be distributed with the Zone select
buttons on the front of the voice alarm controller or the remote controls. A red LED indicates
the zones to which the default alert message is distributed.
–

If the indicator of a Zone select button is off, the zone is not selected. Push the button to
select the zone.

–

If the indicator of a Zone select button is on, the zone is selected. Push the button to
deselect the zone.

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Operation | en

Notice!
If no additional action is taken within 10 seconds after the last Zone select button has been
pushed (for example pushing the Alert message button), the zone selection is cancelled.

Fault

EMG
Ack

Zone select
Reset

Zone1

Zone2

Figure 7.15: Zone select buttons

To select all zones, push the All call button on the front panel of the voice alarm controller or
the remote controls.

Alert message

All call

Alarm message

Indicator test

EMG mic

Figure 7.16: All call button

Start the alert message
Push the Alert message button on the front of the voice alarm controller or the remote
controls to distribute the default alert message. The message is only distributed to the
selected zones.
–

If the red Alert message indicator is off, the alert message is not distributed. Push the
Alert message button to distribute the default alert message.

–

If the red Alert message indicator is on, the message is distributed. Push the Alert
message button to stop distributing the default alert message.

Alert message

All call

Alarm message

Indicator test

EMG mic

Figure 7.17: Alert message button

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en | Operation

7.4.8

Plena

Distribute the alarm message
Distributing the default alarm message is similar to distributing the default alert message (see
section Distribute the alert message, page 94). Push the Alarm message button instead of the
Alert message button. The alarm message can also be distributed by pushing the Alarm
Message button on the fireman’s panel.

Alert message

All call

Alarm message

Indicator test

EMG mic

Figure 7.18: Alarm message button

7.5

Fault State
If a supervised function fails, the system enters the fault state and:
–

Starts a beeper. The beeper is switched off when the fault is acknowledged (see section
Acknowledge the fault state, page 96).

–

Closes the Fault Status NO output contacts. These status output contact is opened again
when the fault is reset (see section Reset the fault state, page 97).

–

Lights a fault indicator on the front panels that indicates the source of the fault (see Fault
indicators, page 98). The indicator is switched off when the fault is reset (see section
Reset the fault state, page 97).

7.5.1

Acknowledge the fault state
The beeper can be switched off by acknowledging the fault state with the Fault Ack button on
the front of the voice alarm controller or the remote controls. The fault state can also be
acknowledged by pushing the Fault Acknowledge button on the fireman’s panel.

Fault

EMG
Ack

Zone select
Reset

Zone1

Zone2

Figure 7.19: Fault Ack button

The following buttons also acknowledge the fault state and stop the beeper:

2013.07 | V2.0 |

–

Alert message button.

–

Alarm message button.

–

PTT button of the emergency microphone.

Installation and Operation manual

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Plena

7.5.2

Operation | en

Reset the fault state
Reset the fault state by pushing the Fault Reset button on the front of the voice alarm
controller or the remote controls. The fault state can also be reset by pushing the Fault Reset
button on the fireman’s panel. In order to reset the fault state, it first must be acknowledged
(see section Acknowledge the fault state, page 96).
When the Fault Reset button is pushed, the fault indicators are switched off and the status of
the system is checked.
–

If the fault is not resolved, the fault indicators are switched on again. The beeper remains

–

If the fault is resolved, the fault indicators remain off.

off. It is only switched on if a new fault occurs or if the resolved fault occurs again.

Fault

EMG
Ack

Zone select
Reset

Zone1

Zone2

Figure 7.20: Fault reset button

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en | Operation

7.5.3

Plena

Fault indicators
The voice alarm controller, voice alarm router and remote controls have two types of fault
indicators: System fault indicators and loudspeaker line fault indicators (see Supervision, page
78). The system fault indicators provide information about failing system functions that are
supervised. If a system fault is persistent, contact your Bosch representative.
Fault Indicators

Disabled
A

0 dB

Processor reset
Network
Call/EMG
Music/Spare

-6dB
-20dB

Ground short
Input

B
Zone1
Zone2
Zone3
Zone4
Zone5
Zone6

Mains
Battery
Message
EMG mic
RCP
Router

Figure 7.21: System fault indicators

The loudspeaker line indicators provide information about failing loudspeaker lines. They
indicate short-circuit and impedance supervision faults (see section Line supervision, page 80).
If a loudspeaker line indicator lights, check the wiring of the indicated loudspeaker line and try
to solve the fault. If it not possible to determine the fault, contact your Bosch representative.
Fault Indicators

Disabled
A

0 dB

Processor reset
Network
Call/EMG
Music/Spare

-6dB
-20dB

Ground short
Input

B
Zone1
Zone2
Zone3
Zone4
Zone5
Zone6

Mains
Battery
Message
EMG mic
RCP
Router

Figure 7.22: Loudspeaker line indicators

If supervision is disabled (see section Supervision, page 78), the fault indicators do not
function and the Disabled indicator is lit:
Fault Indicators

Disabled
A

0 dB

Processor reset
Network
Call/EMG
Music/Spare

-6dB
-20dB

Ground short
Input

B
Zone1
Zone2
Zone3
Zone4
Zone5
Zone6

Mains
Battery
Message
EMG mic
RCP
Router

Figure 7.23: Disabled indicator

The availability of the indicators can be tested with the Indicator test button:.

Alert message

All call

Alarm message

Indicator test

EMG mic

Figure 7.24: Indicator test button
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Operation | en

Indicator

Description

Recommended action

Additional information

Processor

A processor reset is

Switch the voice alarm

See section Processor

reset

detected.

controller off and on

reset, page 79.

again.
Network

A network fault is

Check all network

See section Call station,

detected.

connections and the

page 50 and section

network configuration.

Voice alarm router, page
82, section Voice alarm
routers, page 51 and
section Call station, page
83.

Call/EMG

The call power amplifier

In 1-channel

See section External

failed.

mode:Switch the voice

power amplifier, page 52,

alarm controller off and

section External power

on again.In 2-channel

amplifiers, page 67 and

mode:Switch the

section 1-Channel mode

external power amplifies operation, page 77 and
off and on again.

section 2-Channel mode
operation, page 78.

Music/Spare

Ground short

The BGM power

In 1-channel

amplifier failed.

mode:Switch the

See section External
power amplifier, page 52,

external power

section External power

amplifiers off and on

amplifiers, page 67 and

again.In 2- channel

section 1-Channel mode

mode:Switch the voice

operation, page 77 and

alarm controller off and

section 2-Channel mode

on again.

operation, page 78.

A short-to-ground fault

Check all loudspeaker

See section

in the loudspeaker line

lines for short-to-ground Loudspeakers, page 54

cabling is detected.

situations.

and section Line
supervision, page 80.

Input

Mains

fault in the connection

Check the connections

See section Voice Alarm

to an emergency trigger

to all supervised

Controller, page 106 and

input is detected.

emergency trigger

section Emergency

inputs.

trigger inputs, page 80.

A mains power failure is

Check the mains power

See section Power, page

detected.

connection of the voice

62 and section Mains

alarm controller and the

power, page 80.

mains power availability.
Battery

A back-up power failure

Check the back-up

See section Power, page

is detected.

power supply

62 and section Battery,

connection of the voice

page 80.

alarm controller and the
back-up power
availability.
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Plena

Indicator

Description

Recommended action

Additional information

Message

A message fault is

Switch the voice alarm

See section Message

detected.

controller off and on

supervision, page 80.

again.
EMG mic

An emergency

Check the emergency

See section Emergency

microphone fault is

microphone. If

microphone, page 49 and

detected.

necessary, replace it.

section Emergency
microphone, page 80.

RCP

A remote control panel

Contact your dealer.

fault is detected.

This fault should not
occur, since this type of
supervision is disabled.

Router

A router fault is

The indicated fault was

Check the voice alarm

detected.

not detected in the voice routers.
alarm controller, but in a
voice alarm router.

Table 7.2: System fault indicators

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Plena

Troubleshooting | en

Troubleshooting

8.1

Introduction

101

Although the Plena Voice Alarm System is simple and easy in general, still questions may arise.
Maybe because of inexperience or maybe because of exploring limits of what the Plena Voice
Alarm System can do. In practice often the same questions reoccur. In other cases questions
can be foreseen. An attempt was made to put al these questions on paper, so there is no need
to ask them anymore. The answers are here already and the questions are listed by symptom.
If necessary, refer to Fault indicators, page 98 for information on the system fault indicators.

8.2

Message or chime does not sound
First check if all messages (and wave files) were downloaded using the option Upload
messages and configuration. You should do this when ANY message or wave file is changed. If
this is omitted even messages that are unchanged may stop working.
Some wave files are known to contain a proprietary block of data which cannot be interpreted
by the Plena Voice Alarm System Controller. This block of data is called a PAD chunk. This PAD
chunk can easily be removed by first loading the wave file into Audacity and then saving it
again without modifying. Audacity will save it without the PAD chunk. Audacity is a free
software tool that could be downloaded from the Plena Voice Alarm System product related
information on www.boschsecurity.com.

8.3

No pilot tone detected on EOL board
The EOL board only works on a 2-channel system. Pilot‑tone detection will also fail in a
Controller zone when BGM is selected and BGM is attenuated more than -9 dB with the rotary
volume control. Also when a call is going on the pilot‑tone will be absent on zones without call
and BGM. Fault detection on the Plena Voice Alarm System will ignore this if properly
configured.

8.4

No pilot tone detected on power amplifier
This may happen when the 100 V slave input is used and the 0 V and 100 V connections are
swapped.
Another possibility is when the 100 V slave input is used and no Call or BGM is present on the
100 V input (from the 100 V A or B line). When you want to use pilot tone supervision be sure
to use 2‑channel mode and define the fault trigger input as EOL supervision input.

8.5

No BGM on the router
Please be aware that the 70 V terminal of the Booster 1 input should be connected to the 70 V
output of the Power Amplifier. If this omitted there will not be BGM on the zones of the
router.

8.6

No BGM on controller or router
This can happen when there is an amplifier failure, for instance in a 1‑channel system without
using a spare amplifier. If supervision of the spare amplifier is nevertheless enabled a fault is
detected and BGM will be disabled. Check for the amplifier fault and rectify the problem, for
instance by correcting the configuration or replacing the defective unit.

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en | Troubleshooting

8.7

Plena

No sound coming from the router
Please check, if you are using a Plena Power Amplifier 720/480W, if the Line signal is
connected to the Program Input. If the line signal is connected to the Priority Input instead of
the Program Input there will be no output signal on the amplifier’s loudspeaker output.

8.8

Volume override only working for EMG, not for business calls
(or similar problems)
Confusion can arise in 2‑channel operation. In contradiction to what one would expect volume
override will be active in zones without BGM when no call is active. This is sometimes wrongly
interpreted mixing up fail-safe override and power saving override.

8.9

False Ground Short fault
Please check if the 0 V and 100 V connections are swapped. Swapping these could cause a
false ground short fault appearing and disappearing at unpredictable moments and events.

8.10

Start/Stop function on Trigger Inputs
This is a functionality which is not really intended at the moment, but may be desired by the
user. Program a message which consists of a silent wave file, with the maximum repeat of 255.
Name it Stop.

Figure 8.1: Silent wave file message

Since the Start action on the trigger input needs to be latched the Trigger Type under Action
Programming > Controller > EMG Trigger/Fault Detector should be set to Toggle. Configure the
alarm message for the Trigger Input which you want to be used for the Start function.
Configure the silent message named Stop for the Trigger Input you want to use for the Stop
function. Select All Zones for its Zone Selection. The priority must be higher than the priority
of the Trigger Inputs used for Start.
When the alarm is stopped with the Trigger Input Stop all zones will be silent but the system
will still be in Emergency State. The end user then needs to press Emergency Acknowledge
and Emergency Reset to terminate this Emergency State.

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8.11

Troubleshooting | en

103

Processor Reset
This fault can occur when the Service DIP Switches are left in the wrong position. This
frequently occurs when people have downloaded new firmware. The correct positions should
be SEL0 and SEL1 to on, and Enable Firmware Download to off.
The fault indication for Processor Reset cannot be disabled, neither in the configuration nor
with the dipswitch Supervision at the back of the Controller.

8.12

USB port not connected
This error message can occur when the Configuration Software is just installed. Although
there is no such instruction displayed during installation it is recommended that your PC is
rebooted after installing the Configuration Software.
This problem could also occur when the Service DIP Switches are in the wrong position. A
more common problem in such a case is a Processor Reset Fault. However if fault supervision
is disabled this fault indication will not occur and USB port not connected could occur. Please
refer to the section Processor Reset for more information.

8.13

Data fault during configuration upload
This fault occurs when the Configuration Software you are using and the Firmware on the
Controller to which you are uploading have a different incompatible version.

8.14

A click sounds through the loudspeakers at regular intervals
In a very silent environment like meeting rooms and offices, especially when they are
abandoned, a small click can be heard at the start and end of an impedance measurement.
This click is simply caused by the 20 kHz pilot tone being switched on and off. The level of the
click is small, but also depends on cable parameters, loudspeaker characteristics and load. If
the click, no matter how weak it is, is unacceptable then end of line supervision using the EOL
board should be considered instead of impedance supervision.

8.15

Password not working
A fault message, like indicated below, occurs when data used by the Configuration Software is
corrupted. It sometime happens after a software upgrade or when different versions of the
Configuration Software have been installed on your PC.
To fix it uninstall all versions of Configuration Software and (only) reinstall the version you will
use.

8.16

Configuration download fails

Figure 8.2: Downloading window

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en | Troubleshooting

Plena

When the configuration download fails and the message in the window above changes to
STATUS: Downloading data failed there is a wave file in the configuration with misinterpreted
data. The file might be created with Audacity. Files created with R8brain do not suffer from
this.

8.17

Can’t retrieve the original wave files with the configuration
download
Please note that the names of wave files, messages, message templates, zones and zone
groups are not stored in the Controller and therefore cannot be retrieved. However all data is
still there in the right place leaving a correctly functioning configuration. The names taken are
default names followed by an incremental number. The default names are listed below:
Label or file type

Default name

Wave file

Wave#.wav

Message name

Message #

Template name

Template #

Controller Zone

Controller Output Z#

Router Zone

Router # Output Z#

Zone Group

Group #

Table 8.1: Default file names

The wave files will be stored in the folder C:\Program Files\Bosch\Plena Voice Alarm System
\Configuration\Sounds\Backup, or C:\Program Files (86)\....., or C:\Bosch\Plena....

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Maintenance | en

105

Maintenance
The system requires minimum maintenance.
To keep the system in good condition, do the following:
–

Clean the units (section Clean the units, page 105)

–

Clean the air inlets (section Clean air inlets, page 105)

–

Check connectors and grounding (section Check the connectors and grounding, page
105).

Warning!

!
9.1

Dangerous mains voltages are present inside the units. Disconnect the main power supply
before you do any maintenance.

Clean the units
Periodically you must clean all units with a damp, lint-free cloth.

9.2

Clean air inlets
The 19‑inch units can collect dust as a result of the internal fans. Once a year you should use a
vacuum cleaner to clean the air inlets of all units in the 19‑inch racks.

9.3

Check the connectors and grounding
Periodically check:
–

All cable connections.

–

The ground (PE) connection of the system components.

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en | Technical data

Plena

Technical data

10.1

Electrical

10.1.1

Voice Alarm Controller
Electrical
Mains voltage:

230/115 V(AC), ± 10%, 50/60 Hz

Mains current:

0.3 A (system idle)
4.0 A (maximum load)

Max. mains inrush current:

6.3 A (for mains voltage of 220 - 240 V)
10 A (for mains voltage of 100 - 120 V)

Battery voltage:

20.0 to 26.5 V(DC)

Battery current:

0.9 A (system idle)
14 A (maximum load)

Notice!
Maximum load means maximum power out, maximum load 24 V(DC) out and maximum
number of call stations.
Message manager
Data format:

WAV-file, 16-bit PCM, mono

Supported sample rates (fs):

24 kHz, 22.05 kHz, 16 kHz, 12 kHz, 11.025
kHz

Frequency response:

@ fs = 24 kHz, 100 Hz - 11 kHz (+1/-3 dB)
@ fs = 22.05 kHz, 100 Hz - 10 kHz (+1/-3 dB)
@ fs = 16 kHz, 100 Hz - 7.3 kHz (+1/- 3 dB)
@ fs = 12 kHz, 100 Hz - 5.5 kHz (+1/-3 dB)
@ fs = 11.025 kHz, 100 Hz - 5 kHz (+1/-3 dB)

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Distortion:

< 0.1% @ 1 kHz

Signal-to-noise ratio (flat at max. volume):

> 80 dB

Memory capacity:

64 Mbit Flash

Recording/playback time:

333 s @ fs = 24 kHz

Number of messages:

max. 254 wave files

Supervision EEPROM:

Continuous checksum control

Supervision DAC:

1 Hz pilot tone

Data retention time:

> 10 years

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Technical data | en

Plena

107

Internal power amplifier
Rated output power:

240 W

Frequency response:

100 Hz - 18 kHz (+1/-3 dB, @ -10 dB ref.
rated output)

Distortion:

< 1% @ rated output power, 1 kHz

Signal-to-noise ratio (flat at max. volume):

> 85 dB

Supervision:

20 kHz pilot tone

Outputs:

70, 100 V screw terminal, 100 V call out

Interconnection
Call Station:

RJ45 sockets, CAN bus; max. 8 call stations

Voice Alarm Router:

RJ45 socket, CAN bus; max. 9 routers

Remote controls (Fireman’s Panel, Remote

RJ45 socket, CAN bus; max. 2 remote

Control, Remote Control Extension):

controls

PC:

USB 2.0 (USB 1.1 compatible)

External power amplifier:

3-pin XLR and screw terminals, max. 5 A;
max. rated output 1000 W

Loudspeaker outputs
Type:

Screw terminals

Number of zones:

Number of loudspeaker lines:

12 (2 per zone)

Signal-to-noise ratio (flat at max. volume):

> 85 dB

Line voltage:

100 V

Overrides
Type:

3-wire or 4-wire on screw terminals

Voltage:

24 V(DC) for 4-wire, if selected

Current:

total 0.8 A

Trigger outputs
Type:

Screw terminals

Voltage:

Floating, max. 250 V

Current:

max. 0.5 A

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en | Technical data

Plena

Trigger inputs / 24 V DC out
Trigger voltage:

< 24 V

Type:

Momentary or latching
Normally opened (default) or normally
closed

Emergency input supervision:

10 kΩ + 10 kΩ series and parallel resistors

24 V DC out:

24 V(DC), max. 0.8 A

VOX switch:

Normally opened

Mic/line input with VOX functionality
Type:

3-pin XLR, 6.3 mm jack socket, balanced

Sensitivity:

1 mV +1/-3 dB (mic), 1 V +1/-3 dB (line)

Impedance:

> 10 kΩ

VOX threshold:

-10 dB ref nominal input level

BGM
Type:

Cinch, stereo converted to mono

Nominal input level:

500 mV

Line out
Type:

3-pin XLR, 6.3 mm jack socket, balanced

Nominal output level:

Maximum output level:

External power amplifier

2013.07 | V2.0 |

Type:

3-pin XLR and screw terminals

Controller output/Amplifier input:

Controller input/Amplifier output:

100 V

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10.1.2

Technical data | en

109

Voice Alarm Router
Electrical
Mains voltage:

230/115 V(AC), ± 10%, 50/60 Hz

Mains current:

0.2 A (system idle)
0.3 A (maximum load)

Max. mains inrush current:

1.5 A (for mains voltage of 220 - 240 V)
3 A (for mains voltage of 100 - 120 V)

Battery voltage:

20.0 to 26.5 V(DC)

Battery current:

0.5 A (system idle)
1.5 A (maximum load)

Notice!
Maximum load means maximum power out, maximum load 24 V(DC) out and maximum
number of call stations.
Interconnection
Voice Alarm Router:

RJ45 socket, CAN bus; max. 2 routers

External power amplifiers:

3-pin XLR and screw terminals, max. 5 A;
max. rated output 1000 W

Loudspeaker outputs
Type:

Screw terminals

Number of zones:

Number of loudspeaker lines:

12 (2 per zone)

Signal-to-noise ratio (flat at max. volume):

> 85 dB

Line voltage:

100 V

Overrides
Type:

3‑wire or 4‑wire on screw terminals

Voltage:

24 V(DC) for 4‑wire, if selected

Current:

Total 0.8 A

Trigger inputs / 24 V DC out
Trigger voltage:

< 24 V

Type:

Momentary or latching
Normally opened (default) or normally
closed

Emergency input supervision:

10 kΩ + 10 kΩ series and parallel resistors

24 V DC out:

24 V(DC), max. 0.8 A

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Plena

External power amplifiers

10.1.3

Type:

3-pin XLR and screw terminals

Router output/Amplifier input:

Router input/Amplifier output:

100 V

Call Station
Electrical
Voltage range:

24 V(DC), +20%/-10%, supplied by the
Controller or external power source

Current consumption:

< 30 mA

Performance
Nominal sensitivity:

85 dB SPL (gain preset 0 dB)

Nominal output level:

355 mV

Maximum input sound level:

110 dB SPL

Gain preset:

+6/0/-15 dB

Limiter threshold:

Compression ratio limiter:

20:1

Distortion:

< 0.6% (nominal input)
< 5% (maximum input)

Equivalent input noise level:

25 dB SPL(A)

Frequency response:

100 Hz - 16 kHz

Speech filter:

- 3 dB @ 500 Hz, high-pass, 6 dB/oct

Output impedance:

200 Ω

Interconnection
2x redundant RJ45 sockets to connect the

Type:

call station to the voice alarm system
controller with CAT‑5 Ethernet cables.

10.2

Physical characteristics

10.2.1

Voice Alarm Controller
Dimensions:

19” wide, 3 U high, 360 mm deep
(leave 50 mm for connections)

2013.07 | V2.0 |

19” mounting brackets:

Included

Weight:

Approx. 20 kg

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10.2.2

Technical data | en

111

Voice Alarm Router
Dimensions:

19” wide, 2 U high, 250 mm deep
(leave 50 mm for connections)

10.2.3

19” mounting brackets:

Included

Weight:

Approx. 3 kg

Call Station
Dimensions:

40 x 100 x 235 (base)
390 mm stem length (with microphone)

Weight:

10.2.4

Approx. 1 kg

Call Station Keypad
Dimensions:

10.2.5

40 x 100 x 235 (base)

Voice Alarm Remote Control
Current consumption:

150 mA (typical), 24 V(DC)
400 mA (indicator test), 24 V(DC)

10.2.6

Dimensions:

132.5 x 430 x 90 mm

Weight:

2.2 kg

Voice Alarm Remote Control Kit
Current consumption:

150 mA (idle)
400 mA (indicator test)

10.2.7

Dimensions:

132.5 x 430 x 90 mm

Weight:

2.2 kg

Remote Control Extension
Current consumption:

50 mA (idle)
200 mA (indicator test)

10.2.8

Dimensions:

88 x 432 x 90 mm

Weight:

1.8 kg

Remote Control Extension Kit
Current consumption:

50 mA (idle)
200 mA (indicator test)

Dimensions:

88 x 432 x 90 mm

Weight:

1.8 kg

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10.2.9

Plena

Fireman’s Panel
Current consumption:

150 mA (idle)
400 mA (indicator test)

10.2.10

Dimensions:

132.5 x 430 x 90 mm

Weight:

2.2 kg

End of line detection board
Input level:

100 V rms @ program 20 Hz - 20 kHz

Pilot input level:

5 V - 50 V @ 20 kHz ± 20%

Minimum trigger level:

3.5 V

Output:

Floating single trigger

Isolation:

250 Vp

Max level on open contact:

250 VDC

Response time:

Close min. 1 second
Close max. 10 seconds

10.3

Environmental conditions

10.3.1

Voice Alarm Controller

10.3.2

10.3.3

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Operating temperature range:

-10 to +55 °C

Storage temperature range:

-40 to +70 °C

Relative humidity:

< 95%

Voice Alarm Router
Operating temperature range:

-10 to +55 °C

Storage temperature range:

-25 to +55 °C

Relative humidity:

< 95%

Call Station
Operating temperature range:

-10 to +55 °C

Storage temperature range:

-40 to +70 °C

Relative humidity:

< 95%

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Technical data | en

10.4

Standards

10.4.1

Voice Alarm Controller
EMC emission:

According to EN55103-1

EMC immunity:

According to EN55103-2

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Plena

Appendices

11.1

Compliancy checklists

11.1.1

Emergency Sound Systems
Bosch Security Systems B.V. has made a great effort for the design and manufacturing of the
components and also supplies all documentation that enables the assembly of a safe and high
quality emergency unit in accordance with EN60849:1998, EN54-16:2008 and
ISO7240-16:2007. Bosch Security Systems B.V. has made up this list of requirements, based
on the standard, which needs to be filled in and subsequently signed off by both parties. The
signed paper has the nature of a certificate and can have significant meaning in the case of a
legal investigation of the liability issue for personal injuries.
–

The safety of the system in accordance with EN60849:1998, EN54-16:2008 and
ISO7240-16:2007 in an alarm and emergency application does not only depend on
component safety, but also highly on the installation engineer and the operator. For
example, the sound pressure level of the system depends on the installation. Moreover,
the system should only be installed and operated by qualified personnel.

–

Modifications of the system should only be executed by authorized persons in accordance
with the safety concept and need to be registered in the system documentation.

–

If third party components (not delivered by Bosch Security Systems B.V.) are added to
the minimal configuration of Plena Voice Alarm System, then the EN60849:1998,
EN54‑16:2008 and ISO7240‑16:2007 certification becomes expired. This does not apply
to BGM sources or non evac features.

–

Only use a UPS compliant to the current standards and legislation in combination with
the Plena Voice Alarm System.

–

The end-user must maintain a journal for the system.

–

The installer is responsible for security measures to prevent improper use of the system.

–

Bosch Security Systems B.V. refuses any liability for damage that might result from nonobservance of these instructions.

Herewith the undersigned states that he/she has processed for him/her applicable
requirements, as specified in this document, in an adequate way and has confirmed this fact
by signing the rightmost column of each applicable requirement.

Installer

End-user

Name:
Signature:
Date:
Place:

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Plena

115

List of authorized end-users
Name

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Name

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11.1.2

Plena

EN60849: 1998
Valid for version 2.13.xx
4. General system requirements
Clause / Requirement

Compliance

Signature

4.1 Principal features
A sound system for emergency purposes

Compliant, if properly installed.

shall permit the broadcasting of

The relevant article is covered by

intelligible information of measures to be

the Plena Voice Alarm System , The

taken for the protection of lives within

correct installation and

one or more specified areas.

configuration is the responsibility
of the installer.

The following criteria shall be fulfilled:
a

When any alarm is detected, the

Compliant. The EMG state can be

system shall immediately disable any

entered in two ways:

functions not connected with its

–

When an emergency message

emergency role (such as paging, music

is started via the EMG

or general pre-recorded

triggers.

announcements being broadcast to

–

The EMG button on the front

the loudspeaker zones requiring

panel, the remote control or

emergency broadcasts).

the Fireman's panel is
pressed.
When the EMG state is entered, all
non emergency paging and BGM is
stopped.

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Clause / Requirement

Compliance

b Unless damaged as a result of the

Compliant, if all requirements

emergency, the system shall be

below are fulfilled and installed

available for operation at all times (or

with:

as required by the system

–

Spare Power Amplifiers.

specification).

–

Multiple loudspeaker circuits

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per zone or multiple zones.
–

Battery back-up / UPS backup.

Responsibility of the installer.
–

The communication bus
between Controller and
Routers and between
Controller and Remote
Controls is not redundant. If
damage or removed,
communication between these
elements is not possible. Also,
when the processor is
damaged or fails the system
will not function properly. In
that event the fault will be
clearly indicated on the
Controller, Routers (if
installed) and Remote
Controls (if Installed) Also an
audible signal is generated at
the Controller and Remote
Control. The installer must
ensure that during downtime
for repair or maintenance the
safety of the occupants is
ensured. Responsibility of the
installer to verify that proper
procedures are in place. If the
processor is defective, no
calls can be made. If the
communication bus between
routers, or between controller
and remote control is broken,
no call can be made beyond
the point of the broken
connection.

The system shall be capable of

Compliant. It is recommended that

broadcasting within 10 s after primary the Remote Control at the
or secondary power is applied.

fireman's entrance is programmed
to have the highest priority.

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Clause / Requirement

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d Except during the condition described Compliant. The installer is required
in 4.1c), the system shall be capable

to ensure that the Fire detection

of broadcasting a first attention-

system does not have latency

drawing signal within 3 s of being

beyond 2s to ensure that the entire

placed in an emergency mode by the

installation reacts within 3s.

operator, or automatically on receipt

Note: Reaction time of the Voice

of a signal from a fire or other

Alarm System reacts within 1

detection system. In the latter case,

second.

the period of 3 s includes the reaction
time of the detection system from the
time the emergency is first detected,
to commanding the alarm broadcast.
e

The system shall be able to broadcast

Compliant, if attention-drawing

attention-drawing signals and speech

signal is part of the configuration.

messages to one or more areas

Responsibility of the installer.

simultaneously. There shall be at least Note: It is recommended that an
one appropriate attention-drawing

attention drawing signal is

signal alternating with one or more

assigned to the EMG button.

speech messages for this purpose.
f

At any time the system operator shall

Compliant.

be able to receive, by means of a
monitoring system, indications of the
correct functioning or otherwise of
the relevant parts of the emergency
system (see also 5.2 and 5.3).
g

Failure of a single amplifier or

Compliant if installed with:

loudspeaker circuit shall not result in

–

Spare Power Amplifiers.

total loss of coverage in the

–

Multiple loudspeaker circuits
per zone or multiple zones. A-

loudspeaker zone served.

B wiring.

NOTE 1 - The monitoring system
specified in 4.1f) should indicate the

–

Appropriate supervision on.

failure of an amplifier or of a

Responsibility of the installer.

loudspeaker circuit.
NOTE 2 - Particularly in small
buildings, it may not be necessary to
install two separate loudspeaker
circuits in one loudspeaker zone. A
decision on this matter may be
subject to local regulations.

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Clause / Requirement

Compliance

h An attention-drawing signal shall

Compliant, if attention-drawing

precede the first message for 4 s to

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Signature

signal is part of the pre- recorded

10 s. Successive signals and messages message and the configuration has
shall then continue until either

been setup to include this signal.

changed in accordance with the

Responsibility of the installer.

evacuation procedure, or manually

Note: if you deviate from this, the

silenced. The interval between

system is no longer a certified

successive messages shall not exceed

system.

30 s and attention-drawing signals
shall be broadcast whenever periods
of silence might otherwise exceed 10
s. Where more than one attentiondrawing signal is used, such as those
used for different types of emergency,
each signal shall be clearly
distinguishable in character.
i

All messages shall be clear, short,

Responsibility of the installer.

unambiguous and as far as

Default configuration is compliant.

practicable, pre-planned.

Various messages are pre installed
as examples.

Where pre-recorded messages are

Flash memory is monitored with

used they shall be held in a non-

checksum.

volatile form, preferably in a solidstate store, and be continuously
monitored for availability.
The system design shall make it

Compliant. Upload of a new

inherently impossible for an external

configuration via external PC is

source to corrupt or derange the store password protected. Other
or its contents.

external connections are not
available.

NOTE - On grounds of reliability, it is

Storage medium is flash memory.

preferable not to use storage media
depending on mechanical devices.
j

The language(s) used shall be

Responsibility of the installer.

specified by the purchaser.
k

The system shall be capable of being

Compliant, if properly installed.

divided into emergency loudspeaker

Responsibility of the installer.

zones if required by the evacuation
procedure. Such zones need not be
the same as other zones, for example
emergency detection zones or nonemergency loudspeaker zones.
l

In determining loudspeaker zones, the
following criteria shall apply:

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Clause / Requirement

Compliance

1 the intelligibility of messages
broadcast in one zone shall not be

Signature

Compliant, if properly installed.
Responsibility of the installer.

reduced below the requirement of
5.1 by the broadcasting of
messages in other zones or from
more than one source.
2 no emergency detection zone shall
contain more than one emergency

Compliant, if properly installed.
Responsibility of the installer.

loudspeaker zone. For nonemergency use, a loudspeaker
zone may be subdivided.
m A secondary power source shall be
available (see 5.6).

Compliant, if properly installed.
Responsibility of the installer.
The system has 24V backup power
connection.

4.2 Responsible person
The person or body, having control of the

Responsibility of the person or

premises shall nominate a "responsible

body having control of the

person", identified by name or job title,

premises. Action to be taken care

who shall be responsible for ensuring

of by the installer.

that the system is properly maintained
and repaired so as to continue to operate
as specified.
4.3 Priorities
4.3.1 Classification of priorities
It is necessary to decide upon an order of
priority for the message distribution
based upon:
a

Any automatic programmed response.

Compliant, if properly installed.
Responsibility of the installer. The
Voice Alarm System has a priority
structure.

b The perceived risk to occupants,

Compliant, if properly installed.

which may require manual override of

Responsibility of the installer. EMG

the programmed response.

microphone always has priority
over automated messages.

Events shall be given a level of priority

Compliant, if properly installed.

according to their urgency. The following

Responsibility of the installer.

primary levels are recommended but
there may be advantages in adding
further subgroups, depending on the
operational strategies of the site:

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Clause / Requirement

Compliance

Evacuate - potentially life-threatening

Compliant, if properly installed.

situation needing immediate

Responsibility of the installer.

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Signature

evacuation.
b Alert - dangerous situation nearby
requiring warning of pending

Compliant, if properly installed.
Responsibility of the installer.

evacuation.
c

Non-emergency - operational

Compliant, if properly installed.

messages, e.g. system test, etc.

Responsibility of the installer.

The use of these levels in descending

Compliant, if properly installed.

order of priority will ensure that

Responsibility of the installer.

appropriate alarm signals and messages
are provided first to the zones
immediately at risk.
4.3.2 Operational priorities
If the voice alarm system is capable of
operation in fully automatic mode, a
facility shall always be available to
control:
a

The type of pre-recorded message

Compliant, if properly installed:

being broadcast.

–

Input contact configured to
start a call with a prerecorded message.

–

Running message can be
overridden by higher priority
automatic started messages.

–

Running message can be
overridden by higher priority
manually started messages.

–

Running message can always
be overridden by the
emergency microphone.

b The distribution of messages to

Compliant.

different zones.
c

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Real-time instructions or information

Compliant, if properly installed.

to occupants via the emergency

Manual selection of loudspeaker

microphone (if any).

zones is supported.

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Clause / Requirement

Compliance

Signature

Means shall be provided for manual
intervention to override any automatically
programmed functions. This shall apply
both to the nature of the message being
broadcast and to the distribution paths of
the message. Thus, manual controls shall
be provided at the central control point
(and also at specified remote control
points) to allow:
a

Starting or stopping of pre-recorded

Compliant, if properly installed.

alarm messages.

Running message can be
overridden by higher priority
manually started messages. Alarm
and Alert messages can be
stopped and started from the
controller front panel.

b Selection of appropriate pre-recorded
alarm messages.

Compliant, if properly installed.
Manual selection of pre-recorded
alarm messages is supported.

Switching on or off, of selected

Compliant, if properly installed.

loudspeaker zones.

Manual selection of loudspeaker
zones is supported. Adding or
removing zones from a running call
is supported.

d Broadcasting of live messages via the

Compliant, if properly installed.

emergency microphone (if any).

Live calls from an emergency call

NOTE - The above controls may form

station are supported.

part of an emergency detection
control panel.
The emergency control microphone shall

Compliant.

have the highest level of priority for
access to the voice alarm system, with
provision to allow it to override all other
broadcasts.
4.4 Safety requirements
The safety requirements applying to

Compliant. The Plena Voice Alarm

emergency sound systems are given in

System complies with IEC60065.

IEC60065 or other appropriate IEC safety
standards.

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Clause / Requirement

Compliance

The mechanical construction of the

Compliant.

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Signature

system shall be such that under the
influence of internally generated heat,
explosion or implosion, however caused,
no part shall cause injury to any person.
Where any part of the system is installed

Responsibility of the installer. The

in areas with hazardous or explosive

Plena Voice Alarm System

atmospheres, the relevant safety

equipment itself does not comply

requirements of IEC60079 shall be met.

with IEC60079.

5. System technical requirements
Clause / Requirement

Compliance

Signature

5.1 Speech intelligibility
Unless otherwise specified, the following
requirement shall be satisfied:
The speech intelligibility over all of an area

Responsibility of the installer.

of coverage shall be greater than or equal
to 0,7 on the common intelligibility scale
(CIS). See annexes A and B for the
conversion between CIS and other scales
of intelligibility. The noise level (see B.5) at
the time of measurement (but in the
absence of the test signal) and the test
signal level shall be stated with the test
result.
NOTE - If the persons who are required to
understand the messages are, or will be,
reasonably familiar with them through
regular system tests, the effective
intelligibility tends to increase by
approximately 0,05 on the CIS if the
intelligibility is in the range 0,6 to 0,7. This
may apply, for example, in an office
building. However, in a sports ground, for
example, most of the messages are likely to
be relatively unfamiliar to the majority of
persons present, and no relaxation of the
above requirement should be considered.
The system specification may exclude from

Responsibility of the installer.

the area of coverage, defined areas rarely
or never occupied by people.
5.2 Automatic status indication
A clear indication shall automatically be
given at the designated control locations
of:
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Clause / Requirement

Compliance

Compliant. Indication on

System availability.

Signature

controller, router and call station.
b Power supply availability.

Compliant. Indication on
controller, router and call station.

Any fault condition.

Compliant. Indication on
controller, router and call station.

d For systems having numerous

Compliant. Indication on

loudspeaker zones, which loudspeaker

controller, router.The Plena Voice

zones are selected and the mode of

Alarm System Remote Control is

operation of each zone, i.e. "evacuate"

part of the certified system.If the

or "alert" and pre-selection of

Fireman;s Panel is used, there

emergency microphone. Where different should only be one emergency
alarm messages are provided, which are zone, covering all zones of the
dependent on the evacuation

system. The Fireman’s Panel is an

requirements, indication of which

all call remote control with large

message is being broadcast and into

buttons..

which zone, shall be displayed by a
suitable method. This information shall
be continuously displayed and kept up
to date.
5.3 Automatic fault monitoring
A clear indication shall automatically be
given, at specified locations, e.g. at main
equipment locations, of:
a

Short-circuit or disconnection or failure

Compliant, if properly installed.

of the primary power source.

Responsibility of the installer.
Backup via 24 V.

b Short-circuit or disconnection or failure
of the standby power source.

Compliant, if properly installed.
Responsibility of the installer.
Backup via 24 V.

Short-circuit or disconnection or failure

Responsibility of the installer.

of any battery charging equipment

Supervision of third party

associated with the primary or standby

charging equipment is via control

power sources.

inputs.

d Rupture of any fuse or operation of

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Compliant. Fault is indicated on

circuit breaker, isolator or protective

the controller and router.

device that may prevent an emergency

Configuration must be set up to

broadcast.

supervise this.

Failure of microphone, including

Compliant. Fault is indicated on

capsule voice coil, pre-amplifier and

the controller and router.

essential wiring to the rest of the

Configuration must be set up to

system.

supervise this.

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Clause / Requirement

Compliance

Failure of critical signal paths through

Compliant. Fault is indicated on

the amplification chain, with individual

the controller and router.

amplifiers separately identified.

Configuration must be set up to

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Signature

supervise this.
g

Amplifiers or critical modules missing.

Compliant. Fault is indicated on
the controller and router.
Configuration must be set up to
supervise this.

h Failure of any standby amplifier.

Compliant. Fault is indicated on
the controller and router.
Configuration must be set up to
supervise this.

Failure of emergency signal generators,

Compliant. Fault is indicated on

including emergency pre-recorded

the controller and router.

message stores.

Configuration must be set up to
supervise this.

Failure of any loudspeaker circuit (open- Compliant. Fault is indicated on
and short-circuit faults).

the controller and router.
Configuration must be set up to
supervise this.

Short-circuit or disconnection of visual

Supervised Trigger inputs must

alarm devices.

be set up to monitor this,
installer.

Failure of a processor to correctly

Compliant. Fault is indicated on

execute its software program.

the controller and router.
Configuration must be set up to
supervise this.

m Detection of any error during memory
checking.

Compliant. Fault is indicated on
the controller and router.
Configuration must be set up to
supervise this.

n Cessation of any scanning or
interrogation process.

Compliant. Fault is indicated on
the controller and router.
Configuration must be set up to
supervise this.

o Failure of the interconnecting data or

Compliant. Fault is indicated on

voice communication links between

the controller and router.

parts of a distributed system.

Configuration must be set up to
supervise this.

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Clause / Requirement

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Signature

In addition to individual fault identification

Compliant. Fault identification

at these locations, a common sounder shall and sounder is part of the
sound for a minimum of 0,5 s every 5 s. A

controller.

fault shall cause the sounder to operate in
a latched mode and a visual indicator to
light, either steadily, or in a flashing mode.
Manual acceptance and reset switching
shall be included. When accepted, the
sounder shall be silenced and the indicator
shall change to (or remain in) steady
illumination. The occurrence of a further
fault condition shall reactivate the sounder
and the visual indicator. When all the faults
have been cleared, the indicator shall be
switched off, either automatically or by
operating a reset switch.
The fault indication should be given within

Compliant.

100 s of the occurrence of the fault,
regardless of whether the voice alarm
system is being used for non-emergency
purposes, such as the transmission of
background music.
5.4 Monitoring of software controlled
equipment
The correct execution of the system
software by any microprocessor shall be
monitored by internal self-checking
procedures and by an appropriate
monitoring circuit (e.g. "watch dog" circuit)
complying with the following:
a

The monitoring circuit and its

Compliant.

associated indication and signalling
circuits shall not be prevented from
determining and signalling a fault
condition by the failure of any
microprocessor or associated clock
circuits.
b The monitoring circuit shall monitor the

Compliant. Fault is indicated on

execution of routines associated with

the controller and router.

the main program elements (i.e. it shall

Configuration must be set up to

not be solely associated with "waiting"

supervise this.

or other "housekeeping" routines).

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Clause / Requirement

Compliance

In the event of a failure by a

Compliant. Fault is indicated on

microprocessor to execute its software

the controller and router.

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Signature

correctly, the monitoring circuit shall (in Configuration must be set up to
addition to initiating an audible and

supervise this.

visual fault warning) perform as follows:
1

re-initialize the processor and

Compliant, both data and

attempt to restart the program at program are checked for the
a suitable point within 10 s of the Controller and the firmware in
occurrence of the failure. The re-

the routers.

initialisation procedure shall
verify that the contents of
memory, both program and data,
are not corrupted, and
2

either
i

record that a failure has occurred
(using a system capable of
recording a minimum of 99
failures and re-settable only by an
operation restricted to
authorized servicing personnel)
or

automatically reset the

Compliant. Fault is indicated on

equipment and give an audible

the controller and router. This

and visual warning that an

function cannot be switched off.

automatic reset has occurred.
5.5 Interface with emergency detection
systems
The communication link between the

Compliant, if properly installed

emergency detection system and the sound using supervised trigger inputs.
system shall be continuously monitored for Responsibility of the installer.
faults. This is normally performed by the
control equipment for the emergency
detection system, which gives an audible
and visual indication of a fault in the link
between the two systems.

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Clause / Requirement

Compliance

Signature

The emergency detection system shall also

Compliant, if properly installed

be capable of receiving information

using trigger outputs.

regarding faults in the sound system and

Responsibility of the installer.

shall include a provision, usually at its
control and indicating equipment, for
appropriate audible and visual indication of
such faults. As a minimum, the sound
system shall be capable of transmitting to
the emergency detection system one
general "Sound system fault" for any of the
fault conditions listed in 5.3 that may occur
within the sound system.
The link between a fire detection and alarm N/a.
system and the voice alarm system is of
crucial importance in maintaining the
integrity of overall operation. It may be
desirable on larger systems, where
distributed control equipment is used, to
provide a link at each control equipment
location rather than to rely on a central
location. Each link shall be monitored. The
voice alarm system shall be capable of
continuing to broadcast alarm messages,
which have been initiated by the fire
detection and alarm system, even in the
event of a subsequent fault in the
interconnecting link between the two
systems (i.e. the voice alarm system shall
"latch" on receipt of a signal from the fire
detection and alarm system). Interruption
by higher priority broadcasts shall still be
possible.
In complex buildings in which actions, such Responsibility of the installer.
as initiation of evacuation signals, silencing
of alarm signals, etc., can be implemented
at remote voice alarm equipment,
consideration shall be given to whether
there is a need for such actions to be
indicated at any central fire detection and
alarm control and indicating equipment.
5.6 Secondary power supply

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Clause / Requirement

Compliance

If the building is to be evacuated following

Power consumption data is

primary power failure, a secondary power

available in various Plena

supply shall be provided. This shall be

equipment data sheets. With this

capable of operating the system in the

information the necessary back

emergency mode for a period equal to

up capacity can be calculated,

twice the evacuation time determined by

Responsibility of the installer.

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the appropriate authority for the building.
In any event, the secondary power supply
shall be capable of powering the system for
a minimum of 30 min.
If the building is not to be evacuated

See above. Responsibility of the

following failure of the principal power

installer.

supply, the secondary power supply shall
be capable of operating the system for at
least 24 h, or 6 h if an emergency generator
is available, and then powering the system
in emergency mode for a minimum of 30
min. If a building remains unoccupied for
several days, provision should be made to
ensure that the voice alarm system is
capable of operation in emergency mode
for 30 min. when the building is reoccupied.
Non-emergency functions within the

Responsibility of the installer by

system, such as background music, shall

connecting the BGM source to

not operate from the secondary power

the primary power supply. From

supply if this will reduce the capacity for

release 1.1 onwards the BGM will

emergency operation.

be deactivated.

If batteries are used as a secondary power

Responsibility of the installer.

supply they shall be of the secondary type,
complete with automatic charging facilities.
Where lead-acid batteries are used they
shall be of the valve-regulated type unless
otherwise specified, and the charging
system shall incorporate charging current
compensation for changes in the ambient
temperature, where this is necessary to
achieve the specified battery life.
Batteries shall be used in accordance with

Responsibility of the installer.

the manufacturer's recommendations in
order to achieve their specified life, which
shall be not less than four years. The end
of life shall be taken as the time when
deterioration to less than 80% of the rated
ampere-hour capacity (at the one-hour
rate) has occurred.
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Automatic charging shall ensure that the

Responsibility of the installer.

batteries are fully recharged to 80% of
their maximum rated capacity from the
fully discharged state in a period of not
more than 24 h.
Adequate ventilation and protection

Responsibility of the installer.

against corrosion and dangers resulting
from gases emitted by the batteries shall
be provided.
5.7 Climate and environmental conditions
As all or part of the system may be

The Plena Voice Alarm System

installed inside or outside buildings, under

specifications exceed the

various climatic and environmental

environmental requirements

conditions, and exposed to possible

given by IEC60849.

mechanical damage, full information on the
conditions under which the system is
required to operate shall be included in the
system specification. For tests, refer to
IEC60068-1 (environmental testing).
When not otherwise specified, equipment
shall operate in accordance with the
system specification under the following
conditions:
a

Control and amplification equipment
and associated battery power supplies:
–

Ambient temperature -5 °C to + 40
°C.

–

Relative humidity 25% to 90%.

–

Air pressure 86 kPa to 106 kPa.

b All other equipment:
–

Ambient temperature -20 °C to +55
°C.

–

Relative humidity 25% to 99%.

–

Air pressure 86 kPa to 106 kPa.

5.8 Marking and symbols for marking
Equipment shall be permanently marked

Compliant.

with information regarding its function.
Terminals and controls shall be

Compliant.

permanently marked with information
regarding their function, characteristics
and polarity.

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Clause / Requirement

Compliance

The marking shall be such that it shall be

Compliant.

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possible to adjust the user controls and to
confirm their positions accurately in
conformity with the information given in
the user instructions.
Marking shall preferably include letter

Compliant.

symbols, signs, numbers and colors that
are internationally comprehensible.
Reference is required to IEC60027 and
IEC60417. Marking not included in these
standards shall be clearly explained in the
user instructions.
5.9 Electrical matching values
For the electrical matching values,

Compliant (specified in Technical

reference is required to IEC61938 unless

data sections).

otherwise specified.
5.10 Connectors
Connectors shall comply with IEC60268-11 Connectors comply to
or IEC60268-12. Requirements for fire

IEC60268-11 or IEC60268-12.

resistance of connectors may also be

Additional requirements are the

stipulated by the relevant authorities.

responsibility of the installer, i.e.
cables wiring and loudspeakers
should comply with IEC60849.
Responsibility of the installer..

6. Installation requirements
Compliance

Clause / Requirement

Signature

The system shall be installed in accordance Responsibility of the installer.
with IEC60364 or with mandatory national
or local standards.
If the emergency sound system forms part

Responsibility of the installer.

of an emergency detection and/or alarm
system, the cabling shall meet the
requirements of mandatory national or
local, emergency and/or alarm system
standards. Where the application
specifically excludes detection and/or
alarm, the cabling shall be of a standard
suitable for the application.
Precautions shall be taken to prevent the

Responsibility of the installer.

spread of hazardous effects via the wiring
routes.

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Clause / Requirement

Compliance

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When a sound system for emergency

Responsibility of the installer.

purposes is installed in combination with
an emergency detection system, the
installation standards for the sound system
shall comply as far as is applicable with the
standards required for that detection
system.
When additions and/or modifications are

Responsibility of the installer.

made to a non-compliant system the
existing system may require to be
upgraded to meet this standard. In all
cases the additions and/or modifications
shall meet this standard.
7. Instructions for use
Clause / Requirement

Compliance

Signature

7.1 Instructions for operation
Instructions for the operation of the

Responsibility of the installer.

system, including actions to be taken in
accordance with established and wellrehearsed procedures, shall be available for
rapid reference, preferably prominently and
permanently displayed, at each control
station.
As far as possible, graphic illustrations

Compliant. Availability of user

should be used: where text is necessary

instructions is the responsibility

this should be clearly legible and in the

of the installer.

preferred language(s).
Updating of the instructions for operation

Responsibility of the installer.

shall be carried out after additions to or
modifications of the system, or on the
basis of practical experience, or revised
procedures.
Instructions shall include:
– The functional operation of the system.

Responsibility of the installer.

– Action to be taken in the event of a

Responsibility of the installer.

system failure.

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Clause / Requirement

Compliance

A bound copy of the operational

Compliant. A printed version of

instructions shall be provided.

the English User Manual is

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provided and electronic copies in
Dutch, French, German, Polish,
Norwegian, Finnish, Swedish,
Portuguese, and Spanish. The
Installation and User Instruction
are available electronically in
English. Responsibility of the
installer.
7.2 Records to be kept
Installation, logbook and maintenance

Responsibility of the installer.

records shall be kept by the end-user
and/or maintenance company contracted
by the end-user in accordance with
relevant international and national
standards. These shall comprise as a
minimum:
a

Installation
1 details of the locations of all items of Responsibility of the installer.
the equipment.
2 “as installed” performance

Responsibility of the installer.

measurements of the system
including:
– measured loudspeaker loading

Responsibility of the installer.

per circuit in emergency mode.
– settings of any adjustable items

Responsibility of the installer.

within the system, including the
output level of power amplifiers.
– sound pressure levels.

Responsibility of the installer.

– intelligibility measurements.

Responsibility of the installer.

b Log book
A stiff covered log book shall be kept, in Responsibility of the person
which all usage of the system and all

nominated by the person or

fault occurrences should be recorded,

body, having control of the

together with all available automatically

premises (see 4.2).

produced records, to include:
1 dates and times of usage of the
system.
2 details of tests and routine checks
carried out.

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3 time and date of each fault
occurrence.
4 details of the fault found and the
circumstances of it being found (for
example during routine
maintenance).
5 action taken to rectify or remedy.
6 date, time and name of person in
charge of the system.
7 countersignature of the responsible
person, if any faults occurred or have
been rectified.
7.3 Maintenance
7.3.1 General
There shall be an established and

Responsibility of the installer to

documented procedure for the scheduled

establish the maintenance

maintenance and retesting of the sound

procedures using the

system and equipment as recommended by manufacturer documentation.
the system designer in conjunction with
the equipment manufacturer and in
accordance with relevant international and
national standards. It is recommended that
a minimum of two scheduled maintenance
inspections, by a competent person, be
made each year. A responsible person (see
4.2) shall be nominated to ensure that the
procedure continues to be carried out
correctly.
7.3.2 Maintenance instructions
A stiff-covered maintenance manual should

Responsibility of the installer to

be available giving details of all work

establish the maintenance

required to maintain the installation and

procedures using the

equipment in proper working order,

manufacturer documentation.

consistent with specified performance
criteria and any other requirements of this
standard and other relevant international
or national standards. This should state
clearly:
a

The method of maintenance.

b Any sequence related to maintenance.

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Clause / Requirement

Compliance

Identification of parts requiring

Preventive Maintenance:Vacuum

maintenance, giving reference to the

cleaning of the Controller and the

location of items on drawings, together

external power amplifier(s) every

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with manufacturer’s reference numbers, +/- 2 years (depending on the
and the addresses, telephone and

ambient dust).When used,

facsimile numbers, of suppliers of

vacuum clean the rack mounting

materials and parts.

filters of the cooling fans +/- 2
years (depending on the ambient
dust).Prevent or remove animal
nests (mice and rats can eat the
cabling).

d Original versions of equipment and
materials catalogues.

Compliant. For this purpose
retain the original data sheets
and the Installation and
Operation manuals.

List and location of spare parts.

Responsibility of the installer.

List and location of special tools.

N/a

The maintenance instructions should
also include:
g

Test certificates as required to be

Responsibility of the installer.

examined by the relevant authority.
h A set of "as fitted" drawings.

11.1.3

Responsibility of the installer.

EN60849 - When using the Remote Control Kits:
The Plena Voice Alarm System Remote Control Kit and the Plena Voice Alarm System Remote
Control Extension Kit are versions of the Remote Control and Remote Control Extension with
connector interfaces instead of LED and buttons. These kits enable the use to built custom
panels for the Voice alarm System. Functionality and firmware is identical to the remote
control (extension). The compliancy to IEC60849 is valid as long as the buttons and LED’s/
lamps are connected correctly. This should be done by a qualified electrician. Furthermore the
final installation should always be tested according to the above standard to ensure proper
functioning.
When installing in a 19" rack please ensure the following:
–

Ventilation requirements are met and ambient temperature inside rack is below 55
degrees.

–

Indications are visible from the outside.

–

The sounder is audible.

–

Access level control is met if applicable.

–

The rack is properly grounded.

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Plena

EN54-16
EN54‑16 is a product standard governing 'Voice Alarm Control and Indicating Equipment'
(VACIE) which is issued by the European Union Construction Product Directive (CPD), also
known as Directive 89/106/EEC.This EU directive ensures that all products sold in the
European Union are safe to use and install.
The CPDs with numbers 560‑CPD‑10219002/AA/00 and 1438/CPD/0209, issued by Notified
Certification Bodies, are valid for the products listed in the table below, which are part of the
Plena Public Address and Emergency Sound System.
The following firmware versions have been certified according EN54‑16:
–

2.16.04

–

2.16.05

–

3.00.01

–

3.00.02

–

3.00.03

To configure the system, the PC software version and firmware version has to match.
To be compliant to EN54‑16, the firmware of the controller and routers has to be the same.
Certified has been:

Unit Type

Description

HW version

LBB 1990/00

Controller

2.0 - 3.0

LBB 1992/00

Router

2.0 - 3.0

LBB 1995/00

Fireman's panel

1.0 - 2.0

LBB 1996/00

Remote Control

1.0 - 2.0

LBB 1997/00

Remote Control

1.0 - 2.0

Extension
LBB 1935/20

Power Amplifier

2.0 - 3.0

360/240W
LBB 1938/20

Power Amplifier

2.0 - 3.0

720/480W
PLN-1P1000

Power Amplifier 1000W

2.0 - 3.0

PLN-1LA10

Loop Amplifier

1.0

You can check the firmware version of connected Voice Alarm Components with the PC
configuration program. If the firmware version of any of the components is older, you can
upgrade the LBB 1990/00 and LBB 1992/00 if needed. Also print and fill in the EN54‑16
checklist that could be download from the Installation and User Instructions software
directory from the Plena Voice Alarm System product related information on
www.boschsecurity.com , and affix the EN54‑16 label to the cabinet.

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Backward compatibility of the firmware
Firmware (f/w)

Hardware (h/

compatibility

w) / Version

Firmware (f/w) versions allowed

Units
Controller
LBB 1990/00
Router
LBB 1992/00

2.16.04

2.16.05

2.16.07

3.00.01

3.00.02

2.0

Yes

3.0

Yes*

Yes

2.0

Yes

3.0

Yes

(*): This software version does not recognize the latest version USB controller ISP1763.
Yes means, you can run the firmware in top row on the hardware version indicated. If you do
upgrade or downgrade, the controller will indicate faults, after up or downgrading you must
update the configuration. The configuration files are not backward compatible. You must
create a new configuration file and make sure you do not mix them up.
Part of EN54‑16 compliancy is to have a well documented system. This includes correct
naming and storing of configuration files.

Notice!
Firmware version 2.16.07 is identical to 2.16.05 except the handling of the USB controller IC.
The following f/w versions are available:
2.16.05, 2.16.07, 3.00.02.
Notice!
Router 2.0 h/w will need a hardware change to operate 3.00.02 f/w. This is not supported or
recommended.
Interoperability of the hardware
Controller
Router

2.0

3.0

2.0

OK*

3.0

Controller/Router

>>>>>>>>>>

2.0/2.0

2.0/3.0

3.0/2.0

3.0/3.0

Amplifier

2.0

3.0

LBB 1995/00

2.0

LBB 1996/00

2.0

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Controller/Router

>>>>>>>>>>

2.0/2.0

2.0/3.0

3.0/2.0

3.0/3.0

LBB 1997/00

2.0

LBB 1998

2.0

LBB 1999

2.0

To use a 3.0 controller with 2.0 routers, you must downgrade the controller to 2.16.05 or
2.16.07. You will not have the functionality and bugfixes of 3.00.01 or 3.00.02.You may use 2.0
h/w routers on 3.0 controllers with the controller running 3.00.02, as router 1-9. This option is
available when expanding systems. We recommend that the same h/w version and same f/w
are used in one system.We recommend that the leading number matches, so if possible install
2.x firmware on 2.x hardware, and only install 3.x f/w on 3.x h/w.
Notice!
For more information, manual addenda and release notes, check the 3.00.xx or 2.16.05 Plena
Voice Alarm System product related information on www.boschsecurity.com.

Notice!
When upgrading the controller firmware from version 2.16.05 to 3.00.0x, the configuration
has to made again in the 3.00.0x PC software and uploaded into the controller again. It is not
possible to load configuration if the PC software version does not match the firmware
version.
Windows 7 compatibility
Version 3.0 will run on Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate. Be sure that the user has local
admin rights.

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Plena

139

Checklist EN54‑16
Print and fill in the EN54‑16 checklist that could be download from the Installation and User
Instructions software directory from the Plena Voice Alarm System product related
information on www.boschsecurity.com, and affix the EN54‑16 label to the cabinet. The label
will look similar to this:

Bosch Security systems B.V.
Torenallee 49
5617 BA Eindhoven
The Netherlands

Figure 11.1: EN54‑16 label

Installer

End-user

Name:
Signature:
Date:
Place:

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4 General Requirements
Clause / Requirement

Compliance

Signature

4.1 General

Plena is compliant.

4.1.1 If an optional function with

The following optional functions,

requirements is included in the VACIE,

with requirements, are included in

then all the corresponding requirements Plena Voice Alarm System:
shall be met (see Annex B).

–

Audible warning (7.3)

–

Manual silencing of the voice
alarm condition (7.6.2)

–

Manual reset of the voice alarm
condition (7.7.2)

–

Voice alarm condition output
(7.9)

–

Indication of faults related to
the transmission path to the CIE
(8.2.6)

–

Indication of fault related to
voice alarm zones (8.2.7)

–

Voice alarm manual control (10)

–

Emergency microphone(s) (12)

–

Microphone priority (12.2)

–

Redundant power amplifiers
(13.14)

The following optional functions
with requirements are not included
in Plena Voice Alarm System:
–

Delay(s) to entering the voice
alarm condition (7.4)

–

Phased evacuation (7.5)

–

Output to fire alarm devices
(7.8)

–

Disabled condition (9)

–

Interface to external control
device(s) (11)

4.1.2 If functions other than those
specified in this European Standard are
provided, they shall not jeopardize
compliance with any requirements of
this European Standard
4.2 Combined VACIE and CIE
When the VACIE and CIE are combined

This requirement is not applicable.

they may share common indications,

In Plena Voice Alarm System, the

manual controls and outputs (see

Voice Alarm Control and Indicating

Annex F). In this case, the following

Equipment (VACIE) is not combined

shall apply:

with a fire alarm Control and
Indicating Equipment (CIE).

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Clause / Requirement
a

Compliance

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single fault in the CIE shall not
adversely affect the mandatory
functions of the VACIE;

b indication(s) and manual control(s)
of the voice alarm condition shall be
clearly identifiable, with the
exception of the optional audible
warning.
4.3 Power supply

Plena Voice Alarm System is
compliant.

Power supply equipment, external or It is the responsibility of the installer
included in the VACIE, shall comply

to use power supplies and battery

with the requirements of EN 54‑4.

charging equipment in accordance
with EN 54‑4.
The PLN‑24CH12 is compliant to
EN54‑4.

NOTE - The power supply may be

The power supply may be shared

shared with that of the fire detection with that of a fire detection system,
and fire alarm system.

but when operated with a battery a
new capacity calculation is required.

5 General requirements for indications
Clause / Requirement

Compliance

5.1 Display and functional conditions

Plena Voice Alarm System is

Signature

compliant.
5.1.1 The VACIE shall be capable of

See Clauses 6 to 9.

unambiguously indicating the following

Plena Voice Alarm System does not

functional conditions, as described in

have a disablement function.

Clauses 6 to 9:
–

quiescent condition;

–

voice alarm condition;

–

fault warning condition;

–

disablement condition (option with
requirements)

5.1.2 The VACIE shall be capable of

The Plena Voice Alarm System is

being simultaneously in any

capable of being simultaneously in

combination of the following functional

the voice alarm condition and in the

conditions on different voice alarm

fault warning condition.

zones:

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Clause / Requirement

Compliance

– voice alarm condition;

The voice alarm condition is

Signature

indicated on each call station
(system status LED), remote control
or fireman’s panel and on the display
of the controller This system wide
indication can be combined with the
indication of the fault warning
condition: the controller gives an
audible warning on EMG condition
that has priority over the audible
fault signal. EMG condition is
indicated by a red LED, faults by
corresponding yellow LEDs,
therefore both conditions can be
indicated simultaneously.
– fault warning condition;

The fault warning condition is
indicated on each call station
(system status LED), remote control
or fireman’s panel and on the display
of the controller (faults menu). This
system wide indication can be
combined with the indication of the
voice alarm condition The display of
the controller can indicate both the
voice alarm condition and the fault
warning.

– disablement condition (option with
requirements).

The optional disablement condition
is not implemented in Plena Voice
Alarm System.

5.2 Indication display

Plena Voice Alarm System is
compliant.

All mandatory indications shall be

The Plena Voice Alarm System uses

clearly identifiable, except where

the following color coding for

otherwise specified in this European

indications throughout the system:

Standard.

–

Green: system ok

–

Red: system/zone in voice alarm
condition

–

Yellow: system in fault warning
condition

5.3 Indication on alphanumeric

Not applicable.

displays

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Clause / Requirement

Compliance

Where an alphanumeric display is used

The front panel of the controller and

to display indications relating to

remote control panels have a field

different functional conditions these

with LEDs that have specific fault

may be displayed at the same time.

assigned to them. Each zone has a

However, for each functional condition

separate LED to signal a fault in that

there shall be only one window, in

zone.

which all of the information relating to

If a zone on a router is in fault

that functional condition is grouped.

condition. The main controller will

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Signature

signal a router fault and the router
will indicate which zone.
The logging application delivered
with the Plena Voice Alarm System
offers a graphical user interface for
viewing events (Logging Viewer).
5.4 Indication of the supply of power

Plena Voice Alarm System is
compliant.

5.4.1 A visible indication shall be given

Each Plena Voice Alarm System

by means of a separate discrete light-

component has a dedicated power

emitting indicator while the VACIE is

LED.

supplied with power.
5.4.2 Where the VACIE is distributed in

The Plena Voice Alarm System can

more than one cabinet, an indication of

be distributed in more than one

supply of power to each distributed

cabinet, depending on the

cabinet shall be given at that point.

installation of the system. Many
system components can be mounted
in a 19’’ rack. Each cabinet will
indicate supply of power
independently if the system is
distributed in more than one
cabinet.

5.5 Additional indications

Plena Voice Alarm System is
compliant.

Where additional indications are

For LEDs with multiple indication

provided, they shall be clearly

functions, all of the additional

identifiable and shall not override the

indications are clearly identified (in

primary indication of the VACIE.

the Installation and User Instructions
of the Plena Voice Alarm System);
since the fault warning indication
and the voice alarm indication
always have precedence over the
additional indications, the primary
indications are not overridden.
Almost all LEDs indicate a single
function.

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Plena

6 The quiescent condition
Clause / Requirement

Compliance

Any kind of system information may be

Plena Voice Alarm System is

displayed during the quiescent

compliant.

Signature

condition. However, no indications shall
be given which could be confused with
indications used in the
– voice alarm condition,

If the Plena Voice Alarm System
enters the voice alarm condition,
controller, remote control panels
(including fireman’s panel), and each
call station will show a red system
status LED. In the quiescent
condition no red indicators are used
at all and the display of the
controller will never automatically
switch to the emergency menu.

– fault warning condition,

If the Plena Voice Alarm System
enters the fault warning condition
each call station will show a yellow
fault LED. Yellow LEDs are solely
used for fault condition.

– disablement condition (option with
requirements).

The disablement condition is not
implemented in Plena Voice Alarm
System.

7 The voice alarm condition
Clause / Requirement

Compliance

Signature

7.1 Reception and processing of fire

Plena Voice Alarm System is

signals

compliant.

7.1.1 The VACIE shall be capable of

Alarm signals from the CIE can be

receiving and processing alarm signals

received from input contacts and the

from the CIE or from manual control on

Open Interface. Manual control is

the VACIE or both, and causing the

possible via the controls and input

appropriate voice alarm outputs to be

contacts. Note the call stations are

activated within 3 s or on expiry of any

not part of the voice alarm function

delay period (see 7.4).

and are disabled in the alarm
condition.

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Clause / Requirement

Compliance

NOTE - See Annex E for additional

If input contacts are used for

information relating to the interface

connection of the CIE to the Plena

between the VACIE and the CIE.

Voice Alarm System then the input

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Signature

contacts can be monitored for short
circuit and open line. If the Open
Interface is used for connection of
the CIE to the VACIE, the
communication is monitored using
keep-alive messaging.
7.1.2 The mandatory indications and or

The Plena Voice Alarm System offers

outputs shall not be falsified by multiple one alarm priority.
alarm signals received simultaneously
from the CIE and/or manual controls.
7.1.3 Where the VACIE and CIE are in

The Plena Voice Alarm System is an

separate cabinets, failure of the

autonomous subsystem that can

transmission path between the CIE and

operate without connection to the

the VACIE shall not result in any loss of

CIE. The effect of the failure of the

control or any change of state of the

transmission path between the CIE

VACIE.

and the Plena Voice Alarm System is
limited to fault reporting and losing
interaction between the CIE and the
Plena Voice Alarm System.
The system must be configured
correctly for this.

7.2 Indication of the voice alarm

Plena Voice Alarm System is

condition

compliant.

7.2.1 The presence of a voice alarm
condition shall be indicated on the
VACIE, without prior manual
intervention, by:
a

a visible indication by means of a

A voice alarm condition is indicated

separate discrete light emitting

on the Plena Voice Alarm System by:

indicator (the General Voice Alarm

–

Activated indicator);

A red indicator on all call
stations (the system status
LED).

–

A textual indicator on the
controller display.

–

A red indicator on the
controller.

b a visible indication for each

The controller and routers have a

activated voice alarm zone where

separate LED per zone to indicate

manual controls are provided (see

activation of all zones.

10.2);

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NOTE - This may be by means of
separate discrete indicators or an
alphanumeric display as specified in
13.8.
c

an optional audible indication, as

The controller and remote control

specified in 7.3.

panels (including fireman’s panel),
have a built-in sounder.

7.2.2 The audible warning shall be

The sounder (see 7.2.1.c) can be

capable of being silenced at access

silenced by acknowledging the voice

level 1 or 2.

alarm condition. The voice alarm
condition can be acknowledged by
means of an input contact, manual
operation at the controller or remote
control panels or via the Open
Interface.

7.3 Audible warning (option with
requirements)
An audible warning of the voice alarm

The voice alarm condition is

condition might be the same as that for

indicated by an audible warning on

the fault warning condition. If they are

EMG condition that has priority over

different, the voice alarm condition

the audible fault signal. The EMG

warning shall have priority.

condition is indicated by an
intermittent tone, the fault condition
by a continuous tone.

7.4 Delays to entering the voice alarm
condition (option with requirements)
The VACIE may be provided with a

Since the Plena Voice Alarm System

facility to introduce a delay before

does not process the fire sensors,

entering the voice alarm condition. In

this functionality is better handled

this case:

by the device managing the fire
sensors (the CIE). The Plena Voice
Alarm System itself does not
implement this requirement.

the operation of the delay shall be
selectable at access level 3;

b the operation of the delay shall be in
increments not exceeding 1 min up
to a maximum of 10 min;
c

the delay to one output signal shall
not affect the delay to other outputs;

d it shall be possible to override the
delay by a manual operation at
access level 1;
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there shall be provision to switch on
and switch off delays by means of a
manual operation at access level 2
(see Annex A for information on
access levels);

there may be provision to
automatically switch on and/or
switch off delays by means of a
programmable timer which shall be
configurable at access level 3;

a separate discrete light emitting
indicator and/or a field on the
alphanumeric display shall be visible
when a fire signal is received and the
delay activated. This indication shall
be suppressed when the VACIE
enters the voice alarm condition.

7.5 Phased evacuation (option with

Plena Voice Alarm System does not

requirements)

accommodate phased evacuation.

The VACIE may have a provision to
phase the warning signals to the
emergency loudspeaker zones. The
facility shall be configurable at access
level 3. There may be provision to
switch on and switch off the phased
evacuation sequence by means of a
manual operation at access level 2 (see
Annex A for information on access
levels).
7.6 Silencing of the voice alarm

Plena Voice Alarm System is

condition

compliant.

7.6.1 Silencing of the voice alarm
condition from the CIE
7.6.1.1 Where the voice alarm condition Voice alarm calls triggered from the
has been triggered from the CIE, the

CIE can also be stopped from the

VACIE shall respond appropriately to a

CIE. To reset the voice alarm

silence instruction from the CIE.

condition an Acknowledge
Emergency is possible for CIE and
on the front panels of the controller
and remote control panels.

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7.6.1.2 The silencing procedure may

If a voice alarm call is activated from

allow for the completion of messages in the contacts it is configurable
the process of being broadcast.

whether or not to stop or finish the
message. If the alarm condition is
reset from the front panel or the call
is aborted from the front panel of
the controller and remote control
panels, the message is topped
immediately.

7.6.2 Manual silencing of the voice
alarm condition (option with
requirements)
7.6.2.1 It shall be possible to manually

Plena Voice Alarm System offers the

silence the voice alarm message from

possibility to stop voice alarm calls

the VACIE at access level 2.

by de-activating (or re-activating) the
contact or key that started the call,
or. By using the front panel key on
the controller or remote control
panels, the messages can be routed
differently, or overruled.

7.6.2.2 Following silencing, it shall be

Voice alarm call can be re-activated

possible to re-activate the voice alarm

by starting that call again from a

message at access level 2.

contact, routing it to the zone(s)
again.

7.7 Reset of the voice alarm condition

Plena Voice Alarm System is
compliant.

7.7.1 Reset of the voice alarm condition
from the CIE
Where the voice alarm condition has

See 7.6.1.1.

been triggered from the CIE, the VACIE
shall respond appropriately to a reset
instruction from the CIE.
7.7.2 Manual reset of the voice alarm
condition (option with requirements)
7.7.2.1 It shall be possible to reset the

To reset the voice alarm condition an

voice alarm condition from the VACIE at Acknowledge Emergency and Reset

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access level 2 by means of a separate

Emergency action is required. Plena

manual control. This control shall be

Voice Alarm System has dedicated

used only for reset and may be the

acknowledge and reset buttons on

same as that used for reset from the

the front panel of the controller and

fault warning condition.

remote controls.

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7.7.2.2 Following a reset operation, the

After a reset operation, the Plena

indication of the correct functional

Voice Alarm System will immediately

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condition corresponding to any received indicate the functional condition it is
signals shall either remain or be re-

currently in. It will also immediately

established within 20 s.

(<<1 s) respond to received signals
that will bring it into another
functional condition.

7.8 Output to fire alarm devices

This option is not supported by the

(option with requirements)

Plena Voice Alarm System.

In addition to the voice alarm outputs
the VACIE may have provision for the
automatic transmission of fire alarm
signals to fire alarm devices such as
beacons and vibrating devices. In this
case, the following shall apply:
a

it shall be possible to de-activate the
fire alarm devices at access level 2;

b following de-activation, it shall be
possible to re-activate the fire alarm
devices at access level 2;
c

the fire alarm devices shall not be
de-activated automatically;

d it shall be possible to configure the
VACIE at access level 3 to
automatically reactivate the fire
alarm devices if an alarm is reported
in an other zone.
7.9 Voice alarm condition output

Plena Voice Alarm System is

(option with requirements)

compliant.

The VACIE may have provision for

The Plena Voice Alarm System

transmitting a signal that is in the voice

transmits a signal that it is in the

alarm condition. In this case, it shall

voice alarm condition via the Open

activate the output only in the voice

Interface, and via the status contact.

alarm condition.

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8 Fault warning condition
Clause / Requirement

Compliance

Signature

8.1 Reception and processing of fault

Plena Voice Alarm System is

signals

compliant.

8.1.1 The VACIE shall enter the fault

When the Plena Voice Alarm

warning condition when signals are

System receives a supervision fault

received which, after any necessary

signal (i.e. detects a fault in the

processing, are interpreted as a fault.

system), the fault warning
condition is entered until this state
is explicitly reset.

8.1.2 The VACIE shall be capable of
simultaneously recognizing all of the
faults specified in 8.2 and, if provided, in
8.3 unless this is prevented by:
– the presence of an alarm output signal All Plena Voice Alarm System faults
on the same voice alarm zone, and/or

are handled (acknowledged and
reset) collectively. The faults are
indicated individually, if a contact
is configured as fault input, it may
indicate a fault in a zone groups or
individual zones, responsibility f
the installer.

– the disablement of the corresponding
voice alarm zone or function, and/or

Optional disablement of voice
alarm zones or functions is not
implemented in Plena Voice Alarm
System.

8.1.3 The VACIE shall enter the fault

The Plena Voice Alarm System

warning condition within 100 s of the

recognizes and reports all faults

occurrence of any fault, or the reception

within 100 seconds.

of a fault signal or within another time as
specified in this European Standard or in
other parts of EN 54.
8.2 Indication of faults in specified

Plena Voice Alarm System is

functions

compliant.

8.2.1 The presence of faults in specified
functions shall be indicated on the VACIE
without prior manual intervention. The
fault warning condition is established
when the following are present:

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a visible indication by means of a

The Plena Voice Alarm System

separate light emitting indicator (the

provides a visible indication when

general fault warning indicator);

it is in the fault warning condition

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Signature

via the fault LEDs of the of the call
stations, output contacts, and
front panels of controller, routers
and remote control panels.
Additionally the is a fixed fault
output contact on the controller.
b a visible indication for each

The Plena Voice Alarm System

recognized fault as specified in 8.2.4,

offers two ways of visual indication

and 8.2.5, 8.2.6, 8.2.7, if provided,

of individual faults: via the front

and 8.3;

panel of the controller, router, and
remote control panels and via the
Plena Voice Alarm System logging
application.

an audible indication, as specified in

The Plena Voice Alarm System

8.4.

provides an audible fault indication
from the controller and remote
control panels.

8.2.2 If the indication is by means of

The optional function ‘disablement’

separate light-emitting indicators, these

is not implemented in Plena Voice

may be the same as those to indicate

Alarm System.

disablement of the corresponding alarm
zones or functions.
8.2.3 If the indication is on an
alphanumeric display, which cannot
simultaneously indicate all of the faults
because of its limited capacity, at least
the following shall apply:
a

the presence of fault indications

Plena Voice Alarm System does not

which have been suppressed shall be

have an alphanumeric display.

indicated;
b suppressed fault indications shall be
capable of being displayed by means
of a manual operation at access level
1 or 2 which interrogates only fault
indications.
8.2.4 The following faults shall be

Plena Voice Alarm System is

indicated by means of separate light

compliant.

emitting indicators and/or an
alphanumeric display:

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an indication at least common to any

The mains and backup power of all

power supply fault resulting from:

Plena Voice Alarm System
elements are supervised
individually, depending on
configuration. The controller and
routers monitor the power sources
on a system level.

– a short circuit or an interruption in
a transmission path to a power
supply (item L of Figure 1 of
EN 54-1), where the power supply
is contained in a different cabinet
from that of the VACIE, and
– the power supply faults as
specified in EN 54-4;
b an indication at least common to any

All 100V lines of the Plena Voice

earth fault of less than 50 kW is

Alarm System are supervised

capable of affecting a mandatory

individually for earth faults (i.e.

function, and which is not otherwise

connections to earth with a

indicated as a fault of a supervised

leakage resistance of less than 50 k

function;

Ohm).

an indication of the rupture of any

Every rupture of a fuse or the

fuse within the VACIE, or the

operation of a protected device

operation of any protective device

that affects a mandatory function

within the VACIE which is capable of

will result in a fault since the

affecting a mandatory function in the

mandatory functions are

fire alarm condition;

supervised. The reported fault is as
close to the located defect as
possible. E.g. a mains related fault
is reported as a mains fault and an
amplifier defect is reported as
defect for that amplifier.

d an indication of any short circuit or

All transmission paths of the Plena

interruption, at least common to all

Voice Alarm System are

transmission paths between parts of

supervised.

the VACIE contained in more than one

All control input contacts of the

cabinet, which is capable of affecting

Plena Voice Alarm System can be

a mandatory function and which is not supervised for shorts and
otherwise indicated as a fault of a

interruptions.

supervised function.

Analog audio connections to
external parties can be supervised
by pilot tone supervision.

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These indications may be suppressed

Plena Voice Alarm System fault

during the fire alarm condition.

indicators are not suppressed.

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There are separate indicators for
fault and voice alarm conditions.
The only exception is the audible
indicator.
8.2.5 The following faults shall be
indicated at least by means of the general
fault warning indicator:
a

any short-circuit or interruption in a

All transmission paths of the Plena

voice alarm transmission path

Voice Alarm System are

between parts of the VACIE contained

supervised.

in more than one cabinet even where

When the Plena Voice Alarm

the fault does not affect a mandatory

System is used in a redundant loop

function;

configuration, the loss of the
redundant path is reported.
All control input contacts of the
Plena Voice Alarm System can be
supervised for shorts and
interruptions.
Analog audio connections to
external parties can be supervised
by pilot tone supervision.

b any short-circuit or interruption in the

The capsule of the Plena Voice

voice alarm transmission path to the

Alarm System emergency

emergency microphone capsule, if

microphone can be supervised for

provided;

both short-circuit and interruption.
This is configurable.

any short-circuit or interruption in the

The loudspeaker lines of the Plena

voice alarm transmission path

Voice Alarm System can be

between the VACIE and loudspeakers

supervised.

even where the fault does not affect
the operation of loudspeakers.

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d any short-circuit or interruption in the

The Plena Voice Alarm System

transmission path between the VACIE

Signature

does not offer this functionality

and fire alarm devices when used (see directly: control inputs are
7.8).

supervised, but control outputs are
voltage free relay contacts. It is the
responsibility of the installer to
create a feedback signal
(corresponding to the transmission
path status between the Plena
Voice Alarm System and the fire
alarm device) to a supervised input
contact of the Plena Voice Alarm
System.

failure of any power amplifier.

All Plena Voice Alarm System
power amplifiers are supervised for
overload, overheating, shortcircuit, ground short and amplifier
defect.

8.2.6 Indication of faults related to the
transmission path to the CIE (option with
requirements)
The VACIE may have provision for an

Plena Voice Alarm System is

indication of faults related to the

compliant.

transmission path to the CIE. In this case, All input contacts of the Plena
the short-circuit or interruption of the

Voice Alarm System can be

transmission path to the CIE shall be

supervised for short and

indicated by means of a separate light

interruption.

emitting indicator and/or an

Open Interface connections are

alphanumeric display.

supervised through keep-alive
messaging.
Faults related to the transmission
path to the CIE are therefore
individually reported and can be
inspected using the front panel of
the controller or the logging
application. The faults are also
reported through the general fault
warning indication.

8.2.7 Indication of faults related to voice
alarm zones (option with requirements)

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The VACIE may have provision for an

Plena Voice Alarm System is

indication of faults related to voice alarm

compliant.

zones. In this case the short-circuit or

Faults that occur in the Plena Voice

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Signature

interruption of a voice alarm transmission Alarm System are reported per
path between the VACIE and the

defective zone or monitored

loudspeakers in that zone shall be

function.

indicated by means of a separate light
emitting indicator per zone and/or an
alphanumeric display.
8.3 System fault

Plena Voice Alarm System is
compliant.

A system fault is a fault as specified in
14.4 Program monitoring (see also Annex
C)or 14.6 Monitoring of memory contents
in the case of software controlled VACIE.
A system fault may prevent requirements
of this European Standard, other than
those specified below, from being
fulfilled. In the event of a system fault at
least the following shall apply:
a

a system fault shall be visibly

System faults are individually

indicated by means of the general

reported by the Plena Voice Alarm

fault warning indicator and a separate

System and can be inspected using

light emitting indicator on the VACIE.

the front panel menu of the

These indications shall not be

controller or the logging

suppressed by any other functional

application.

condition of the VACIE and shall

Faults are also reported through a

remain until a manual reset and/or

general fault warning indicator,

another manual operation at access

connected to a control output.

level 2 or 3;

Both the individual fault indicator
of each system fault and the
general fault warning indicator are
not suppressed by any other
functional condition of the Plena
Voice Alarm System.

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b a system fault shall be audibly

The controller and remote control

indicated. This indication may be

panels all have a monitor speaker

capable of being silenced.

that is used as a sounder in case of
a fault.
The audible fault indicator can be
silenced by acknowledging all
faults via a button on the front
panel of the controller and remote
control panels. The control output
for the visible fault indicator is only
deactivated upon resolving and
resetting the fault condition.

8.4

Plena Voice Alarm System is

Audible indication

compliant.

8.4.1

The audible fault indicator can be

The audible indication of faults required

silenced by acknowledging all

in 8.2 shall be capable of being silenced

faults via a key or control input

manually at access level 1 or 2 at the

that is configured as Fault

VACIE. The same manual operation may

acknowledge key. Individual faults

be used as for silencing the voice alarm

can also be acknowledged from

condition.

the front panel menu of the
controller or via the Open
Interface.

8.4.2

Since the Plena Voice Alarm

The audible indication shall be silenced

System does not offer automatic

automatically if the VACIE is automatically reset from the fault warning
reset from the fault warning condition.

condition this requirement does
not need to be implemented.

8.4.3

After the audible indication has

If previously silenced, the audible

been silenced (by acknowledging

indication shall resound for each newly

all faults) the Plena Voice Alarm

recognized fault.

System will resound the indication
upon occurrence of a new fault or
reoccurrence of a previously
resolved fault.

8.5 Reset of fault indications

Plena Voice Alarm System is
compliant.

8.5.1 Indications of faults as required in
8.2 shall be capable of being reset
a

automatically when faults are no

The Plena Voice Alarm System

longer recognized, and/or

does not offer automatic reset of
faults

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b by a manual operation at access

Faults can be manually reset by

level 2.

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acknowledging and resetting them.
Acknowledging and/or resetting
faults individually (as they appear)
can be done via the front panel
menu of the Controller and via the
Open Interface. Acknowledging
and/or resetting will acknowledge/
reset all faults in one action, This
can be done via the front panel
button of the controller, remote
control panels or the Open
Interface.

8.5.2 Following reset, the indication of

If faults are reset, all individual

the correct functional conditions

faults that are not actually resolved

corresponding to any received signals

in the system are reported again

shall either remain or be re-established

within 20 seconds. The sounder

within 20 s.

will not resound. the system
checks reported fault first
immediately. If the faults are
resolved when the reset is done,
and the fault reappear shortly
afterward the sounder will
resound.

8.6 Transmission of the fault warning

Plena Voice Alarm System is

condition

compliant.

The VACIE shall have provision for

The Plena Voice Alarm System

transmitting, by means of at least general controller has a fixed fault output.
fault signal, all faults specified in 8. This

This relay output contact indicates

fault signal shall also be given if the

no fault when open (energized)

VACIE is de-energized.

and indicates a fault when closed
(de-energized). If the Plena Voice
Alarm System is de-energized this
output contact is closed, therefore
the fault signal will also be given.

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9 Disablement condition (option with requirements)
Compliance

Signature

Clause / Requirement
9.1 General requirements

Plena Voice Alarm System does not
support the disablement condition.

9.1.1 Disablements in accordance with
the requirements of 9.4 shall inhibit all
corresponding mandatory indications
and/or outputs but shall not prevent
other mandatory indications and/or
outputs.
9.1.2 The VACIE shall have provision to
independently disable and re-enable the
function specified in 9.4 by means of
manual operations at access level 2.
9.1.3 The VACIE shall be in the disabled
condition while a disablement in
accordance with the requirements of
9.4 exists.
9.1.4 Disablement and re-enablement
shall not be affected by a reset from the
voice alarm condition or from the fault
warning condition.
9.2 Indication of the disabled condition
The disabled condition shall be
indicated visibly, by means of
a

a separate light emitting indicator
(the general disablement indicator),
and

b an indication for each disablement,
as specified in 9.3 and 9.4.
9.3 Indication of specific disablements
9.3.1 Disablements shall either be
indicated within 2 s of the completion
of the manual operation or, where a
disablement cannot be completed
within 2 s, it shall be indicated within 2
s that the disabling process is running.
9.3.2 The same light-emitting indicator
may be used as that for the indication
of the corresponding fault, although the
indication shall be distinguishable.

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Clause / Requirement
9.3.3 If the indication is on an
alphanumeric display, which cannot
simultaneously indicate all of the
disablements because of its limited
capacity, at least the following shall
apply:
a

the presence of disablement
indications which have been
suppressed shall be indicated;

b suppressed disablement indications
shall be capable of being displayed
by means of a manual operation at
access level 1 or 2 which
interrogates only disablement
indications.
9.4 Disablements and their indication
Voice alarm zones may be capable of
being independently disabled and reenabled. In this case the disablements
shall be indicated by means of separate
light emitting indicators per zone
and/or an alphanumeric display. The
indications shall not be suppressed
during the voice alarm condition.
9.5 Transmission of the disablement
condition
The VACIE shall have provision for
transmitting, by means of a general
disablement signal, all disablement
conditions specified in this clause.
10 Voice alarm manual control (option with requirements)
Clause / Requirement

Compliance

10.1 General requirements

Plena Voice Alarm System is

Signature

compliant.
The VACIE may have provision for
manually activating the voice alarm
output condition. If a voice alarm output
control facility is provided the following
shall apply:

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a manual control which causes a

The Plena Voice Alarm System can

voice alarm output condition to be

enter the voice alarm output

given shall only be accessible at

condition manually via controls on

access level 2;

the front panel of the controller and
remote control panels, via input
contacts, and the Open Interface, by
starting a call with a high enough
priority.

b it shall be possible to activate each

A voice alarm priority call can be

voice alarm zone individually and/or

manually activated in one or more

in group(s) of voice alarm zones;

individual zones or zone groups.
Zone selection is possible via the
front panels of the controller, router
and remote control panels. Or via
the Open Interface (e.g. using a PC
Call Station for graphical
representation of zones with mouse
or touch screen selection).
Zones can also be added to and
removed from a running voice
evacuation call using the front
panels of the controller, router and
remote control panels.

the manual activation of a voice

Plena Voice Alarm System has one

alarm zone shall not prevent the

channel for broadcasting. To ensure

mandatory indications and outputs

that a new emergency call does not

to other voice alarm zones.

affect a running call, the priorities of
all calls have to be the same.
Message merging and alternate
broadcasting is supported
responsibility of the installer.
Plena Voice Alarm System will abort
lower priority emergency calls if a
call with higher priority is started.
Non emergency audio is always
stopped when entering the
emergency state.

10.2 Indication of the voice alarm

Plena Voice Alarm System is

zones in an activated condition

compliant.

The indication for the voice alarm
condition in the voice alarm zone(s)
associated with each manual control
shall be available without any manual
action and shall not be suppressed. This
indication shall be by means of

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a separate light emitting indicator

The voice alarm condition is

(the General Voice Alarm Output

indicated on the Plena Voice Alarm

activated indicator), and

System in general by a red indicator

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inside the EMG button on the
controller, routers and remote
control panels.
b a separate light emitting indicator

The voice alarm condition is

and/or alphanumeric display for

indicated on the Plena Voice Alarm

each voice alarm zone and/or an

System per zone by a red indicator

indication for group(s) of voice

on the controller, routers and

alarm zones.

remote control panels.

NOTE - These indicators may not
necessarily indicate which emergency
message is being broadcast in each
voice alarm zone.
10.3 Indication of the voice alarm

Plena Voice Alarm System is

zones in fault condition

compliant.

The indication for the fault condition
which would prevent the generation and
transmission of the voice alarm signal to
the voice alarm zone(s) associated with
each manual control shall be available
without any manual action and shall not
be suppressed. This indication shall be
by
a

a separate light emitting indicator

Plena Voice Alarm System does not

(the general fault indicator), and

have a common fault indicator. A
light emitting device must be
connected to the general fault
output to achieve this.

b an indication for each voice alarm

The Plena Voice Alarm System

zone and/or an indication for

provides a visible indication when it

defined group(s) of zones.

is in the fault warning condition via
the fault LED of the corresponding
zone for loudspeaker line related
faults and key (mandatory)
monitored elements. A fault
indicator of an individual zone may
indicate more than one fault.
Common to those fault are that they
occur in the indicated zone (e.g.
loudspeaker line short circuit, open
connection, ground short of the
same zone).

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10.4 Indication of the voice alarm
zones in disablement condition
The indication for the disablement

Plena Voice Alarm System does not

condition in the voice alarm zone(s)

support the optional disablement

associated with each manual control

condition.

shall be available without any manual
action and shall not be suppressed. This
indication shall be by
a

a separate light emitting indicator
(the general disablement indicator),
and

b an indication for each voice alarm
zone and/or an indication for
defined group(s) of zones.
11 Interface to external control device(s) (option with the requirements)
Clause / Requirement

Compliance

The VACIE may have provision for

Plena Voice Alarm System does not

interfacing to external control device(s)

support the Interface to external

such as standardized user interfaces

control device(s) option.

Signature

required by local regulations. In this case,
the following shall apply:
a

the interface shall allow only access
level 1 and 2 functions;

b the mandatory functions of the VACIE
shall not be overridden;
c

any short-circuit, interruption or earth
fault in the transmission path to the
external device(s) shall
– not prevent the mandatory
function of the VACIE, and
– be indicated on the VACIE, at least
by means of the general fault
warning indicator.

NOTE - The external control devices
should comply with available local or
national standards.

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12 Emergency microphone(s) (option with requirements)
Clause / Requirement

Compliance

12.1 General

Plena Voice Alarm System is

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compliant.
The VACIE may have provision for

Plena Voice Alarm System offers

emergency microphone(s). In this

two types of emergency

case the emergency microphone(s)

microphones with microphone

shall have

supervision:
–

the emergency microphone on
the controller;

–

the emergency microphone on
the remote control panels.

priority over all inputs, including

The priority can be configured of a

pre-recorded messages,

call station. The call stations
cannot start an emergency
message.
The trigger inputs can have
emergency priorities, but will
always be lower than the
emergency microphones.
The emergency microphone can
have different priority levels.

b an emergency microphone control
to open the microphone channel,
c

push to talk (PTT) button built in.

an indication of any short circuit or The microphone of a emergency
interruption in the voice alarm

microphones (capsule and wiring)

transmission path to the

can be configured to be

microphone,

supervised.

d where a pre-announcement

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

All emergency microphones have a

The voice alarm system has a built

attention drawing signal is

in monitor speaker and LED

provided, an indicator adjacent to

indications of a running emergency

the microphone shall show when

call. Pressing the emergency

the signal has finished and live

microphone will always override

speech can commence, and

the automated message.

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when the emergency microphone

The monitor speaker is muted

control is operated, any audible

during the live speech phase. All

indication that might interfere with sounders are acknowledged by the
the use of the microphone shall be

use of the emergency microphone.

automatically muted.

Microphone and sounder are
always at the same location, front
panels of controller and remote
control panels.
Other sources of interference
should be minimized by proper
installation, e.g. keep HVAC
equipment and loudspeakers at a
distance from the microphone.
It is not possible to avoid
interference from closely mounted
loudspeakers receiving the call.

12.2 Microphone priority (option

Plena Voice Alarm System is

with requirements)

compliant.

12.2.1 Where more than one

Configuration of the emergency

emergency microphone can be

microphones is performed via the

connected to the VACIE, the

PC interface of the controller. This

emergency microphones shall be

PC program requires access level

configurable for priority at access

level 3 or access level 4.

For emergency microphones 3
priority levels are available, for
each possible MEG microphone
location. Maximum three EMG
microphone is a system: controller
and maximum two remote control
panels.

12.2.2 Where more than one

Microphones should be configured

emergency microphone is configured

for different priorities.

at each priority level, only one
microphone shall be active at any one
time.

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13 Design requirements
Clause / Requirement

Compliance

13.1 General requirements and

Plena Voice Alarm System is

manufacturer's declarations

compliant.

13.1.1 The VACIE shall comply with the

See the relevant clauses regarding

Signature

design requirements of this clause, where testing and documentation.
relevant to the technology used. Some
requirements can be verified by testing.
Others can only be verified by inspection
of the design and its accompanying
documentation because of the
impracticability of testing all of the
possible combinations of functions and of
establishing the long-term reliability of
the VACIE.
13.1.2 In order to assist the process of
design inspection, the manufacturer shall
declare the following in writing:
a

that the design has been carried out in The Bosch Security Systems B.V.
accordance with a quality

development department

management system which

responsible for development/

incorporates a set of rules for the

maintenance of the Plena Voice

design of all elements of the VACIE;

Alarm System works according its
own development process,
Standard Development Process or
SDP.
Rules for the design of all elements
of the Plena Voice Alarm System
can be found in the TPD
(document repository). In the SDP
repository all process descriptions,
process implementation
documents, templates, guidelines,
etc. of the development processes
can be found.

b that the components of the VACIE

The Plena Voice Alarm System was

have been selected for the intended

designed as a compliant voice

purpose and are expected to operate

alarm system.

within their specification when the
environmental conditions outside the
cabinet of the VACIE comply with
Class 3k5 of EN 60721-3-3:1995 +
A2:1997.
13.2 Documentation

Plena Voice Alarm System is
compliant.

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13.2.1 The manufacturer shall prepare

The Plena Voice Alarm System

installation and user documentation

Installation and User Instructions

which shall be submitted to the testing

(IUI) are provided as multilingual

authority together with the VACIE. This

pdf‑files on

shall comprise at least the following:

www.boschsecurity.com product
related information including the
software for installation and
configuration.

a general description of the

The IUI contains a general

equipment, including a list of

description of the Plena Voice
Alarm System . It includes an
EN54‑16 checklist, containing a list
of supported optional functions.
It describes all Plena Voice Alarm
System functions related to
EN54-16 or otherwise.

1 the optional functions with
requirements of this European
Standard,
2 the functions relating to other
parts of EN 54, and
3 the ancillary functions not required
by this European Standard;
b technical specifications of the inputs

The inputs and outputs for audio

and outputs of the VACIE, sufficient to and control are described in the
permit an assessment of the

IUI, including the technical data,

mechanical, electrical, and software

system functions, configuration

compatibility with other components

instructions, compliancy to

of the system (e.g. as described in

standards. This includes the

EN 54‑1), including where relevant

information as requested in 13.2.1
b) 1)..7).
The Open Interface is described in
the ‘Software manual of the voice
alarm system.

1 the power requirements for
recommended operation,
2 the maximum number of voice
alarm zones,

Power requirements are described
in the respective manuals.
This is described in the respective
manuals.

3 information concerning the
connection of emergency

This is described in the respective
manuals.

microphones,
4 the maximum and minimum
electrical ratings for each input

This is described in the respective
manuals.

and output,
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5 information on the communication
parameters employed on each

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This is described in the respective
manuals.

transmission path,
6 recommended cable parameters
for each transmission path, and

This is described in the respective
manuals.

7 fuse ratings;

Main fuse ratings are described.

specified means to limit the

The IUI describes the following

consequences of fault (see 13.5.2);

means to limit the consequences
of fault:
–

Switchover to spare (standby)
amplifiers

–

Audio/control input
supervision

–

Backup power supply

–

Loudspeaker line supervision

–

The ability of the emergency
microphone to make a ‘fail
safe’ call in case of a
controller defect

–

A/B group wiring of
loudspeakers

d configuring and commissioning
instructions;

Configuring and commissioning
instructions are included in the
IUI/SCM (installation and user
instruction and software
configuration manual).

operating instructions;

Operating instructions are included
in the IUI.

maintenance information.

Maintenance information of the
Plena Voice Alarm System is
included in the IUI.

13.2.2 The manufacturer shall prepare

All of the mentioned design

design documentation that shall be

documentation is available as TPD

submitted to the testing authority

for inspection by testing

together with the VACIE. This

authorities.

documentation shall include drawings,
parts lists, block diagrams, circuit
diagrams and a functional description to
such an extent that compliance with this
European Standard may be checked and
that a general assessment of the
mechanical and electrical design is made
possible.

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13.3 Mechanical design requirements

Plena Voice Alarm System is
compliant.

13.3.1 The cabinet of the VACIE shall be

The installer is responsible for

of robust construction consistent with

implementing this requirement for

the method of installation recommended

19”-units, by means of using a

in the documentation. It shall meet at

correct 19”- frame, meeting at

least classification IP30 of

least classification IP30 of EN

EN 60529:1991+A1:2000.

60529:1991+A1:2000.

13.3.2 All interconnections and settings

If the installer ensures that the

inside the cabinet shall be accessible at

physical access to the Plena Voice

level 3.

Alarm System is restricted to
access level 3, all interconnections
and settings inside the cabinet
(e.g. interconnections between the
system elements) are accessible at
this access level.

13.3.3 The VACIE may be housed in more

The IUI shows that the Plena Voice

than one cabinet. If the documentation

Alarm System cabinets may be

shows that the cabinets may be installed

installed in locations distributed

in locations distributed within the

within the premises. One

protected premises, then all of the

dedicated Plena Voice Alarm

mandatory manual controls and

System remote control panels with

indicators shall be on one cabinet or on

extentions as needed, can then be

cabinets declared to be only suitable for

used for all of the mandatory

mounting adjacent to each other.

controls and indicators. The
installer is responsible for proper
installation in order to fulfill this
requirement.

13.3.4 All mandatory manual controls and All indicators are clearly labeled.
light emitting indicators shall be clearly

For language other than English.

labeled to indicate their purpose. The

Permanent labels are available.

labels shall be legible at 0.8 m distance in
an ambient light intensity from 100 lux to
500 lux.

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13.3.5 The terminations for transmission

All terminations for transmission

paths and the fuses shall be clearly

paths are clearly labeled on all of

labeled.

the Plena Voice Alarm System

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elements (near the relevant
connectors).
The mains fuse for each Plena
Voice Alarm System element that
has a mains connector is labeled
on the rear plate of the element.
The rest of the fuses are not easily
accessible (only during service),
therefore this requirement does
not apply to them.
13.4 Electrical and other design

Plena Voice Alarm System is

requirements

compliant.

13.4.1 The processing of signals shall give Calls within the Plena Voice Alarm
the highest priority to the voice alarm

System have a configured priority.

condition.

In case of conflicting requirements,
system resources are assigned to
the calls in order of priority. Voice
alarm call must be configured with
a high priority. All secondary
functions of the system are preconfigured to stop in case calls
above emergency priority are
present; this includes calls below
the emergency priority.

13.4.2 Transitions between the main and

Transition between the main and

the standby power sources shall not

standby power sources does not

change any indications and/or the state

change any of the indications

of any outputs, except those relating to

and/or state of any outputs of the

the power supplies.

Plena Voice Alarm System, except
for the fault warning indication
(global and individual) in order to
report the failure of a power
source.

13.4.3 If the VACIE has provision for

The Plena Voice Alarm System

disconnecting or adjusting the main or

elements that have a mains and

the standby power source, this shall only

backup power supply offer

be possible at access level 3 or 4.

connectors for the main and
standby power source, a rearmounted voltage selector switch
and on/off switch. The installer is
responsible to ensure that these
items are only accessible at access
level 3 or 4.

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13.5 Integrity of transmission paths

Plena Voice Alarm System is
compliant.

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13.5.1 A fault in any voice alarm

The Plena Voice Alarm System has

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transmission path between the VACIE and the following voice alarm
other components of the voice alarm

transmission paths between itself

system shall not affect the correct

and other parts of the voice alarm

functioning of the VACIE or of any other

system:

voice alarm transmission path.

–

transmission path between
CIE and Plena Voice Alarm
System via input contact or
Open Interface;

–

transmission path between
Plena Voice Alarm System and
the loudspeaker(s).

If there is a fault in the
transmission path between the CIE
and an input contact of the Plena
Voice Alarm System, the
configured action of the input
contact will not be automatically
activated or de-activated. The
correct functioning of the Plena
Voice Alarm System or of any other
voice alarm transmission path is
therefore not affected. The fault
will be reported.
If there is a fault in the
transmission path between the CIE
and the Ethernet connection of the
controller of the Plena Voice Alarm
System (connection via Open
Interface), methods can no longer
be invoked by the CIE and no
events can be notified to the CIE.
However the fault will not affect
the correct functioning of the
Plena Voice Alarm System or any
other voice alarm transmission
path. The fault will just be
reported.
If there is a fault in the
transmission path between the
Plena Voice Alarm System, i.e. the
amplifier outputs and the
loudspeaker(s), the loudspeaker(s)
will not be able to produce the
intended audio signal. However the
fault will not affect the correct
functioning of the Plena Voice

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Alarm System or any other voice
alarm transmission path. The fault
will just be reported.
13.5.2 Means shall be specified and

Each audio output of the Plena

provided to ensure that a short circuit or

Voice Alarm System is only

an interruption in the transmission path

assigned to one voice alarm zone

to the loudspeaker(s) does not affect

by definition. The IUI specifies this

more than one voice alarm zone for

clearly. Due to this, a short circuit

longer than 100 s following the

or interruption in the transmission

occurrence of the fault.

path to the loudspeaker(s) only
affects the voice alarm zone it was
assigned to.
Multiple zones may share one
amplifier channel. However, if
configured correctly (line
supervision switched on) the
routers will perform short circuit
isolation.

13.5.3 Means shall be specified and

The voice alarm transmission path

provided to ensure that a single short

between distributed cabinets of

circuit or an interruption in any voice

the Plena Voice Alarm System is

alarm transmission path between

achieved by means of the system

distributed cabinets of a VACIE does not

bus.

prevent the activation of a voice alarm

A single interruption or short

output condition to more than one voice

circuit in this bus will lead to loss

alarm zone for longer than 100 s

of functionality. To comply with

following the occurrence of the fault.

this article, all Plena Voice Alarm
System equipment must be housed
in one 19” rack.

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13.5.4 If the VACIE is designed to be used If a 19”-cabinet (rack) or adjacent
with a power supply (item L of Figure 1 of cabinets provide enough space for
EN 54-1) contained in a separate cabinet, the battery and/or charger, the
then an interface shall be provided for at

installer can install the complete

least two voice alarm transmission paths

PSE (power supply equipment) as

to the power supply, such that a short

referred in EN54-4 in one cabinet.

circuit or an interruption in one does not

In that case this requirement is not

affect the other.

applicable.
In case the installer installs the
backup part of the PSE (battery
and charger) in a separate cabinet,
Plena Voice Alarm System provides
a separate (monitored) DC-backup
connection on the Plena Voice
Alarm System units. This implies
that a Plena Voice Alarm System
installation will always have two
separate voice alarm transmission
paths to the power supply: one for
mains and one for DC backup.
Both will not influence each other
(except for current drawn).
It is the responsibility of the
installer to let the installation
comply with this requirement.

13.6 Accessibility of indications and

Plena Voice Alarm System is

controls

compliant.

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Four access levels shall be provided on

The Plena Voice Alarm System

the VACIE, from access level 1 (most

offers three types of user accounts

accessible) to access level 4 (least

(with different access rights):

accessible). Manual controls at a given

–

User: user account type that

access level shall not be accessible at a

offers operational control of

lower access level.The following shall

the system; meant for

apply:

operational users of the Plena
Voice Alarm System;
–

Installer: user account type
that offers operational
control, configuration and
diagnosis of the Plena Voice
Alarm System; meant for
installers and/or configurators
of the Plena Voice Alarm
System;

–

Administrator: user account
type that offers full control of
the system including user
management, i.e. the ability to
add and delete user accounts.

Access level 1 is intended for
operational users of the Plena
Voice Alarm System. It provides
direct (unrestricted) operational
access to the Plena Voice Alarm
System via:
–

Input contacts of system
components;

–

The front panels of system
components;

–

Remote control panels.

Access level 2 is intended for
operational users of the Plena
Voice Alarm System. Access level 2
needs to be secured by correct
installation and restriction access
to certain components.
–

The open interface; access is
restricted by restriction
access to the PC.

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Access level 3 is intended for
installers and/or configurators of
the Plena Voice Alarm System. It
provides access for configuration
and diagnosis of the Plena Voice
Alarm System. This level of access
is offered through:
–

The PC interface offered by
the configuration program of
the controller. A user name
and password need to be
provided to get access to this
interface.

–

Physical access control by
means of installing the system
elements in a restricted
environment, such as placing
the 19”-units in a 19”-rack
with key lock. This type of
access can be used for
physical diagnosis of the
system, e.g. inspect
interconnections.

Access level 4 is intended for
maintenance personnel of the
Plena Voice Alarm System. It
provides software/firmware
upgrade of the Plena Voice Alarm
System components after logical
identification. This level of access
is offered through:
–

The file transfer application of
the Plena Voice Alarm System
to transfer message sets to
the controller and upgrade the
system software. A password
is needed to be able to use
the File Transfer Application
and get access to the
controller.

all mandatory indications shall be

All indicators of the Plena Voice

visible at access level 1 without prior

Alarm System can be visible at

manual intervention (e.g. the need to

access level 1. The installer is

open a door);

responsible for correct
implementation of this
requirement.

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b manual controls at access level 1 shall Manual controls of the Plena Voice
be accessible without special

Alarm System at access level 1 are

procedures;

accessible without special
procedures.

indications and manual controls that

All Plena Voice Alarm System

are mandatory at access level 1 shall

indications (LEDs, equipment

also be accessible at access level 2;

connected to output contacts,
front panel display) and manual
controls (input contacts, call
station keys, front panel menus)
that are accessible at access level
1 will also be accessible at access
level 2. It may be needed to iinstal
the equipment in a 19”rack with a
glass door.

d entry to access level 2 shall be
restricted by a special procedure;

Physical access control by means
of installing the system elements in
a restricted environment, such as
placing (parts of the) 19”-units in a
19”-rack with key lock will be
needed.

entry to access level 3 shall be

Entry to access level 3 is restricted

restricted by a special procedure,

by a special procedure, see

differing from that for access level 2;

clause13.6, access level 3
description for details. Correct
configuration and installation
(physical access control) will
ensure that the special procedure
differs from that of access level 2.
The installer should ensure that
the physical access procedure
differs from that of the physical
access procedure of access level 2,
if applicable.

the entry to access level 4 shall be

Entry to access level 4 is restricted

restricted by special means which are

by means of having to use the File

not part of the VACIE.

Transfer Application (FTA), see
clause13.6, access level 4
description for details. This FTA is
only used for access level 4
functions and is therefore not part
of the daily operation/
configuration of the Plena Voice
Alarm System.

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NOTE - Further access levels are
permitted provided that they are distinct
from the access levels described in this
standard.
13.7 Indications by means of light-

Plena Voice Alarm System is

emitting indicators

compliant.

13.7.1 Mandatory indications from light

All of the light emitting indicators

emitting indicators shall be visible in an

of the Plena Voice Alarm System

ambient light intensity up to 500 lux, at

fulfill this requirement. When

any angle up to 22.5° from a line through

external light emitting indicators

the indicator perpendicular to its

are installed, such as LEDs

mounting surface

connected to fault contacts, or

–

at 3 m distance for the general

light emitting indicators connected

indications of functional condition,

to output contacts, the installer is

at 3 m distance for the indication of

responsible for using indicators

the supply of power, and

that fulfill this requirement.

–
–

at 0.8 m distance for other
indications.

13.7.2 If flashing indications are used,

The fault indication does not flash;

both the on period and the off period

it is steady on.

shall be greater than or equal to 0.25 s,

The voice alarm indication on the

and the frequencies of flash shall not be

equipment flashes with a

less than

frequency of 1 Hz (on and off

–

1 Hz for voice alarm indications, and

period of 0.5 s).

–

0.2 Hz for fault indications.

13.7.3 If the same light emitting

Disablement indication is not

indicators are used for the indication of

available in the Plena Voice Alarm

specific faults and disablements, fault

System since Plena Voice Alarm

indications shall be flashing and

System does not support the

disablement indications shall be steady.

optional disablement condition.

13.8 Indications on alphanumeric

Plena Voice Alarm System does not

displays

have an alphanumeric display.

13.8.1 If an alphanumeric display consists
of elements or segments, the failure of
one of these shall not affect the
interpretation of the displayed
information.
13.8.2 If an alphanumeric display is used
to display mandatory indications, it shall
be clear and unambiguous.

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13.8.3 Mandatory indications on an
alphanumeric display shall be legible for
at least one hour following the display of
a new indication of the voice alarm
condition and at least 5 minutes for fault
or disablement conditions, at 0,8 m
distance, in ambient light intensities from
5 to 500 lux, at any angle from the normal
to the plane of the display up to
–

22.5º when viewed from each side,
and

–

15º when viewed from above and
below.

13.9 Indication colors

Plena Voice Alarm System is
compliant.

13.9.1 The colors of the general and
specific indications from light emitting
indicators shall be
a

red for indications of voice alarms;

The system status LED of Plena
Voice Alarm System call stations is
on (red) when the system is in the
voice alarm condition. The
indicators on the controller and
remote control panels are red. The
installer is responsible for
connecting a red light emitting
indicator to a ‘Visual EVAC
indicator’ output contact of the
Plena Voice Alarm System. All zone
indicators in emergency mode are
red.

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Clause / Requirement

Compliance

b yellow for indications of

The Fault LED of Plena Voice Alarm

–

fault warnings, and

System controller, routers and

–

disablements, or

remote control panels are yellow.

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Additionally the call station
indicator is also yellow when the
system is in the fault warning
condition. The installer is
responsible for connecting a yellow
light emitting indicator to the
‘Visual fault indicator’ output
contact (or another output contact
configured for this function).
Disablement indication is not
available in the Plena Voice Alarm
System since Plena Voice Alarm
System does not support the
optional disablement condition.
c

green for the indication that the VACIE All light emitting indicators of the
is supplied with power.

Plena Voice Alarm System that
indicate power supply are green.

NOTE - Where voice alarm automatic
message status indicators are provided, it
may be advantageous to indicate the
difference between evacuation and alert
messages. In this case, red will be used
for emergency messages and yellow may
be used for alert messages.
13.9.2 The use of different colors is not

The Plena Voice Alarm System do

necessary for indications on

not use alphanumeric displays.

alphanumeric displays. However, if
different colors are used for different
indications, the colors used shall be as
specified in 13.9.1.
13.10 Audible indications

Plena Voice Alarm System is
compliant.

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13.10.1 Audible indicators shall be part of The monitor loudspeaker of the
the VACIE. The same device may be used

Voice Alarm System is used for

for voice alarm zone activated and fault

both fault warning (continuous

warning indications.

tone) and emergency condition
(intermittent tone). If additional
sounders are desired, the installer
is responsible for connecting
sounders to output contacts
configured as ‘EVAC indicator’ or
‘fault indicator’. The installer may
decide to connect both the voice
alarm activated output contact as
well as the fault warning condition
activated output contact to the
same sounder.

13.10.2 The minimum sound pressure

The installer is responsible for

level, measured under anechoic

either connecting a sounder that

conditions at a distance of 1 m, with any

complies with this clause outside

access door(s) on the VACIE closed, shall or inside the rack, or install the
be
–
–

system in a rack that is sufficiently
60 dBA for the voice alarm condition, acoustic transparent. Advice is to
and

install a remote control panel, all

50 dBA for the fault warning

remote control panels and the

condition.

fireman’s panel have a monitor
speaker.

13.11 Indicator testing

Plena Voice Alarm System is
compliant.

All mandatory visible and audible

Plena Voice Alarm System provides

indicators shall be testable by a manual

an ‘Indicator test’ button. When

operation at access level 1 or 2.

activated all indications the system
and all its connected routers are
switched on to visually check the
indicators. The remote control
panels have their own test button.
The indicators of that remote
control panel and connected
extensions will light up.
The installer is responsible for
making indicators that are
connected to control output
contacts testable.

13.12 Audio performance

Plena Voice Alarm System is
compliant.

13.12.1 Output power

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The VACIE output power shall be as

The output power of the amplifier

declared by the manufacturer.

elements of the Plena Voice Alarm

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System (Power Amplifiers, Basic
Amplifiers) are specified in the
data sheets and in the IUI.
13.12.2 Signal-to-noise ratio
The VACIE shall have an A-weighted

The A-weighted signal-to-noise

signal-to-noise ratio of at least 45 dB (see ratio of the Plena Voice Alarm
IEC 60268-1).

System amplifiers (Power
Amplifiers and Basic Amplifiers) is
specified in the data sheets and in
the IUI. The signal-to-noise ratio is
above 75 dB. The complete signal
chain from microphone to
loudspeaker is compliant to this
clause.

13.12.3 Frequency response
The frequency response of the VACIE
shall fit within the non-shaded area in
Figure 1 for sound sources without
microphone(s) (e.g. message store) and
Figure 2 for sound sources with
microphone(s).
The frequency response of all

Plena Voice Alarm System sound

paths that do not include

1
0
-1

0,125

microphones is within the

0,4
1,0

4,0

8,0

specified limits of this clause.

-10
-15
-20

VACIE frequency response limits without
microphone(s)
Key
1 relative output signal level, with
reference to 0 dB signal level
measured at 1 kHz (dB)
2 1/3 octave frequency band (Hz)

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The frequency response of all
20

Plena Voice Alarm System sound

paths that include microphones is

10
5

0,5 0,63
0,2

1,25
0,8

1,0

1,6

4,0

within the specified limits of this
clause.

-5
-10
-15
-20

VACIE frequency response limits with
microphone(s)
Key
1 relative output signal level, with
reference to 0 dB signal level
measured at 1 kHz (dB)
2 1/3 octave frequency band (Hz)
NOTE - The frequency response limits
exclude loudspeakers.
NOTE - A bandwidth of 400 Hz to 4 kHz is
sufficient to achieve acceptable
intelligibility in some acoustic
environments. However, a higher
frequency limit may be necessary to
achieve acceptable intelligibility in more
difficult acoustic environments due, for
example, to the masking effect caused by
reverberation and/or ambient noise.
13.13 Message store(s)

Plena Voice Alarm System is
compliant.

Pre-recorded messages shall be stored in

The pre-recorded messages of the

non-volatile memory that retains the

Plena Voice Alarm System are

messages when all power sources are

digitally stored on a Flash memory

removed.

in uncompressed format (linear
PCM, 16-bit, 44.1kHz). This card
retains the messages when all
power sources are removed.

NOTE - The use of tapes or magnetic or
optical data disks for the storage of
emergency messages is not acceptable at
the time of drafting this European
Standard (see Annex C)

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13.14 Redundant power amplifiers

Plena Voice Alarm System is

(option with requirements)

compliant.

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13.14.1 The VACIE may have provision for The Plena Voice Alarm System has
at least one spare power amplifier. In this a minimum of one main amplifier
case:

and one call amplifier. It has a
maximum of one main amplifier per
router and one spare amplifier per
router (including the router built in
the controller). Each router of the
Plena Voice Alarm System has an
input for connecting a spare
amplifier channel. It also contains
switch-over relays to switch the
loudspeaker load from the original
amplifier output to the spare
amplifier output. A spare amplifier
channel assignment is configurable
to multiple routers (in single
channel mode).

in the event of the failure of a power

After fault detection of an amplifier

amplifier, the faulty amplifier shall be

all loudspeaker lines are switched

capable of being replaced

automatically to the spare amplifier

automatically with a spare amplifier

(if connected and configured)

within 10 s of the fault being

within 10 s.

detected;
NOTE - This can be achieved, for
example, by switching or by permanently
connected parallel amplifiers.
b the spare power amplifier(s) shall

Each router of the Plena Voice

have at least the same functionality

Alarm System has a spare amplifier

and output power as the replaced

input. The installer is responsible

amplifier.

for proper installation and
configuration of the amplifiers to
match amplifier power and load.
Plena Voice Alarm System takes
care of input signal switching to
the spare amplifier channel. This
way the spare power amplifier(s)
will have the same functionality
and output power as the replaced
amplifier.

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13.14.2 Every fault of an amplifier shall

All Plena Voice Alarm System

be indicated by a general fault warning

power amplifiers are supervised for

indicator as specified in .2

overload, overheating, shortcircuit, ground short and amplifier
defect. If any such fault is detected
it is indicated both by means of the
general fault warning indicator and
by means of an individual fault
LED.

13.14.3 Supervision of the spare

The spare amplifiers are

amplifier(s) shall be maintained during

continuously supervised,

the functional condition whilst the VACIE

supervision is identical to the main

is powered by either the mains or

(call) amplifier.

standby power supplies.

The supervision is active whilst the
Plena Voice Alarm System is
powered by either the mains or
standby power supplies.
Note: the spare amplifiers in the
Voice Alarm System are used as
background music amplifiers (if so
configured).

14 Additional design requirements for software controlled VACIE
Clause / Requirement

Compliance

Signature

14.1 General requirements and

Plena Voice Alarm System is

manufacturer's declarations

compliant.

In order to fulfill requirements of this

The Plena Voice Alarm System is

European Standard the VACIE may

centrally controlled by the

contain elements which are controlled by

software running on the controller.

software. In this case, the VACIE shall
comply with the requirements of Clause
13 Design requirements and this clause
where relevant to the technology used.
14.2 Software documentation

Plena Voice Alarm System is
compliant.

14.2.1 The manufacturer shall prepare

The software design

documentation that gives an overview of

documentation is available for

the software design, which shall be

testing authorities. It is in

submitted to the testing authority

sufficient detail for the design to

together with the VACIE. This

be inspected for compliance.

documentation shall be in sufficient detail
for the design to be inspected for
compliance with this European Standard
and shall comprise at least the following:

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Clause / Requirement

Compliance

functional description, using a clear

Software design documents are

methodology appropriate to the

available and maintained.

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Signature

nature of the software, e.g. graphical
representations of the system design,
data flows and control flows andof the
main program flow, including:
1 a brief description of each module
and the tasks it performs,
2 the way in which the modules
interact,

Architecture documents are
available.
Architecture and design
documents are available.

3 the way in which the modules are

Architecture and design

called, including any interrupt

documents are available.

processing, and
4 the overall hierarchy of the
program;

Architecture documents are
available.

b a description of which areas of
memory are used for the various

Memory usage is described in the
system architecture document.

purposes (e.g. the program, site
specific data and running data);
c

a description of how the software

Hardware software interaction is

interacts with the hardware of the

desribed in a set of Hardware-

VACIE.

Software Interface documentation.

Where dynamic memory management is

The program is located in separate

employed, a separation shall be

Flash EPROMs that are reserved

implemented between the program, site

for the program executable.

specific data and running data and this

The message data is stored on a

shall be described in connection with the

separate Flash EPROMs.

method of memory allocation.
14.2.2 The manufacturer shall prepare

The software design documents

and maintain detailed design

contain detailed design

documentation. This need not be

documentation. Furthermore code

submitted to the testing authority but

comments also contain detailed

shall be available for inspection in a

design documentation.

manner which respects the
manufacturer's rights of confidentiality.
This documentation shall comprise at
least the following:
a

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

a description of each module of the

The Plena Voice Alarm System

program, as it is implemented in the

software component descriptions

source code of the program,

(module descriptions) are available

containing:

from the software architecture

–

the name of the module, and

documents. These documents

–

the identification of the

contain the names of the

author(s);

components.
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b the source code listing, including all

The source code can be obtained.

global and local variables, constants
and labels used, and sufficient
comment for the program flow to be
recognized;
c

details of any software tools used in

The list can be composed on

the preparation of the program (e.g.

request and contains high level

high level design tools, compilers,

design tools, compilers for various

assemblers).

processors, syntax validation tools,
build tools, test tools, performance
validation tools, version control
tools, and defect tracking tools.

14.3 Software design

Plena Voice Alarm System is
compliant.

In order to ensure the reliability of the
VACIE the following requirements for
software design shall apply:
a

the software shall have a modular

The modular structure of the Plena

structure;

Voice Alarm System software is
documented in the software
architecture documents.

b the design of the interfaces for

The interfaces between the

manually and automatically generated

modules and to external

data shall not permit invalid data to

components are well defined and

cause an error in the program

described in the design documents

execution;

and external interface documents
(Open Interface). Asserts are used
to validate inputs on component
boundaries.

the software shall be designed to

Design guidelines are in place to

avoid the occurrence of a deadlock in

avoid deadlocks. Multi threading

the program flow.

within components is avoided
where feasible and components
have an input command queue for
safe decoupling of threads.

14.4 Program monitoring (see also

Plena Voice Alarm System is

Annex C)

compliant.

14.4.1 The execution of the program shall
be monitored as under 14.4.2 or 14.4.3. If
routines associated with the main
functions of the program are no longer
executed, either or both of the following
shall apply:

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Clause / Requirement
a

Compliance

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the VACIE shall indicate a system fault Upon activation of a watchdog, a
(as in 8.3);

fault is reported after restart of the
failing component indicating the
failing unit and processor. A
system fault is indicated when
entering the fault condition.

b the VACIE shall enter the fault warning Upon activation of a watchdog, a
condition and indicate faults of

fault is reported after restart of the

affected supervised functions (as in

failing component indicating the

8.2.4, 8.2.5, 8.2.6 and 8.3), where only failing unit and processor.
these functions are affected.
14.4.2 If the program executes in one

All processors used in the Plena

processor, the execution of the routines

Voice Alarm System are either

in 14.4.1, it shall be monitored by a

guarded by a hardware watchdog

monitoring device as in 14.4.4.

or are monitored by a processor
that is guarded by a hardware
watchdog.

14.4.3 If the program executes in more

All processors are either guarded

than one processor, the execution of the

by a hardware watchdog or are

routines in 14.4.1 shall be monitored in

monitored by a processor that is

each processor. A monitoring device as in guarded by a hardware watchdog.
14.4.4 shall be associated with one or

The controller is responsible for

more processors, and at least one such

monitoring all processors in the

processor shall monitor the functioning of system. Upon failure of one of the
any processor not associated with such a

processors, either due to a

monitoring device.

watchdog failure or due to a
communication failure a fault is
generated. Failure of the controller
itself will cause the system fault
output contact to be de-energized
to indicate a system fault.

14.4.4 The monitoring device of 14.4.2

All processors are either guarded

and 14.4.3 shall have a time-base

by a hardware watchdog or are

independent of that of the monitored

monitored by a processor that is

system. The functioning of the monitoring guarded by a hardware watchdog.
device, and the signaling of a fault

Additionally the correct operation

warning, shall not be prevented by a

of the main processor of all system

failure in the execution of the program of

elements is validated by adding

the monitored system.

execution checks on relevant
locations in the code. This to
assure that no important flow is
excluded from execution.

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14.4.5 In the event of a system fault as

Upon restart of a unit other than

specified in 14.4.1 a) or 14.6, those parts the Controller, the unit will be
of the VACIE affected shall enter a safe

reinitialized and reordered to its

state not later than the indication of the

expected state.

system fault. This safe state shall not
result in the false activation of mandatory
outputs.
14.5 The storage of programs and data

Plena Voice Alarm System is

(see also Annex C)

compliant.

14.5.1 All executable code and data

All Plena Voice Alarm System

necessary to comply with this European

programs (executable code and

Standard shall be held in memory that is

data) are stored in Flash EEPROM.

capable of continuous, unmaintained,
reliable operation for a period of at least
10 years.
14.5.2 For the program, the following
requirements shall apply:
a

the program shall be held in non-

Firmware (i.e. the program) can be

volatile memory, which can only be

replaced using the File Transfer

written to at access level 4, and

Application. Using the File Transfer
Application requires access level 4.

b it shall be possible to identify the
version reference or references of the

The version of the firmware of the
units is visible on the units It is

program at access level 3. The version noted on the rear of the unit
reference or references shall be in

(access level 3).

accordance with the documentation of
13.2.1.
14.5.3 For site-specific data, including
emergency message(s), the following
requirements shall apply:
a

the alteration of site specific data

Alteration of configuration can only

shall only be possible at access level 3 be done via the configuration
or 4;

program or access to the units
from the rear. This includes the
File Transfer Application (message
sets). Getting access to the
configuration of the controller
requires access level 3. Using the
File Transfer Application requires
access level 4.

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Clause / Requirement

Compliance

b the alteration of site specific data

Configuration of the Plena Voice

shall not affect the structure of the

Alarm System is implemented to

program;

be data-driven and is not part of

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the program executable. Also
transferring message sets to the
Plena Voice Alarm System is datadriven and is not part of the
program executable. Therefore
alteration of the site specific data
does not affect the structure of the
program.
c

if stored in read-write memory, there

Site specific data is stored in a

shall be a mechanism which prevents

Flash EEPROM based file system.

the memory being written to during

Writing of data is only possible via

normal operation at access level 1 or

the password protected PC

2, such that its contents are protected program.
during a failure in program execution;
d It shall be possible to either read or
interrogate the site specific data at

Site specific data can be viewed
and maintained from the

access level 2 or 3, or the site specific configuration (PC) program. Using
data shall be given a version reference the configuration (PC) program
that shall be updated when each set

requires access level 3.

of alterations is carried out.
e

If the site specific data has a version

The site specific data of the Plena

reference, it shall be possible to

Voice Alarm System does not have

identify this at access level 2 or 3.

a version reference.

14.6 Monitoring of memory contents

Plena Voice Alarm System is
compliant.

The contents of the memories containing

The message store is checked

the site specific data shall be

every 100 s using checksum

automatically checked at intervals not

validation. Upon detecting

exceeding 1 h. The checking device shall

corruption, a fault is reported

signal a system fault if a corruption of the indicating a corrupt message store.
memory contents is detected.
15 Marking
Clause / Requirement

Compliance

Signature

Plena Voice Alarm System is
compliant.
The VACIE shall be marked with the
following information, which shall be
legible at access level 1:

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Compliance

Signature

the number of this European

Marking the Plena Voice Alarm

Standard;

System with the number of this
European standard (which is legible
at access level 1) is the
responsibility of the installer, since
the installer will have to install and
configure the system properly in
order to let the installation comply
with this standard.

b the name or trademark of the
manufacturer or supplier;

The name ‘Bosch ’ is visible on each
element of the Plena Voice Alarm
System. It is the responsibility of the
installer to ensure that this name is
legible at access level 1 for all
system elements.

the type number or other

The type number of each unit of the

designation of the VACIE.

Plena Voice Alarm System is present
on the unit itself. The installer is
responsible for ensuring that this
type number is legible at access
level 1.

It shall be possible to identify a code or

The hardware version and

number that identifies the production

production data are visible on the

period of the VACIE at access level 1 or

type number plate of each unit of

2 or 3.

the Plena Voice Alarm System. The
installer is responsible for ensuring
that this type number plate is
identifiable at access level 1, 2 or 3.

Where Annex ZA.3 covers the same
requirements as this clause, the
requirements of this clause are met.
16 Tests
Clause / Requirement

Compliance

Signature

Test have been carried out during
certification of the Plena Voice Alarm
System.

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Installation and Operation manual

Bosch Security Systems B.V.

Bosch Security Systems B.V.
Torenallee 49
5617 BA Eindhoven
The Netherlands
www.boschsecurity.com
© Bosch Security Systems B.V., 2013

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