This European Standard specifies requirements, methods of test and performance criteria for voice alarm control and indicating equipment (VACIE) (see item C of Figure 1 of EN 54-1) for use in fire detection and fire alarm systems installed in buildings. This standard may also be used for the assessment of similar control and indicating equipment for use in systems where the alarm output is only in the form of alarm tones (no emergency message content). Although the scope of this standard does not cover emergency alarm systems for non-fire applications, it may be used as a basis for the assessment of the control and indication equipment for such systems. The VACIE may include combinations of emergency microphones, message stores, amplifiers, routing and prioritising matrices delay lines, equalization, and ambient noise level compensators. This standard does not specify requirements for such components as separate parts; they are tested as part of the VACIE as a whole. However, recommendations are made for standards that may be applicable to these components in informative Annex E. This part of EN 54 applies only to voice alarm control equipment for use in fire detection and fire alarm systems. The overall requirements of a voice alarm system, especially concerning audibility and intelligibility, are not covered in this part of EN 54. The manufacturer shall ensure compliance with this product standard. In addition the manufacturer shall consider requirements of an overall system that may affect the equipment design. Such system requirements may be specified in another part of this standard, in national legislation, codes and standards or in contractual documents.