Disabled Refuge (EVC) Systems

A disabled refuge system, also called Emergency Voice Communication (EVC), lets someone who can’t easily use the stairs call for help and stay in contact with rescue teams during an evacuation. We design, install and maintain refuge and EVC systems for commercial and public buildings across the UK.

In a fire the lifts are usually out of action, so anyone who can’t take the stairs waits in a protected refuge point. EVC gives them clear two-way communication with the people coordinating the evacuation, so nobody is left wondering whether help is coming. For many buildings it’s a legal requirement. Based in Leicester and available nationwide, we make sure yours is specified and installed to the right standard.

What we install

• Refuge point call units and disabled toilet alarm systems
• Central control panels for staff or fire wardens
• Fire telephone systems for larger or higher-risk buildings
• Systems compliant with BS 5839-9

How we work

We survey the building and its fire strategy, design a system that meets the standard, and install and commission it properly. We can then maintain it, because a refuge system that hasn’t been tested is one you can’t rely on when it counts.