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Evacuation alerts with voice capabilities can improve occupant trust. They’re now more affordable for smaller properties, a company executive says.


Why should life-saving voice communication be limited by building size or budget?

Smaller facilities like schools and churches haven’t always had the budget for voice capabilities in their fire alarm systems. With the new 4017ES fire alarm control unit, that changes. 

In an interview with Facilities Dive, Johnson Controls senior director of product management for fire detection, Martin Schulte-Frankenfeld, provides an overview of the innovative, cost-effective control unit and why voice instructions are critical in emergencies, including:

  • Increasing clarity of directions
  • Underscoring the urgency of the situation
  • Building overall occupant trust

See what else Martin had to say.

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“Whether pre-recorded or live, people tend to react more quickly and accurately to the instructions if they’re given verbally…”

– Martin Schulte-Frankenfeld, Senior director of product management, Johnson Controls

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See how Simplex supports the 4017ES Fire Alarm Control Unit in a school.

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Got questions? We've got answers.


FAQs about voice-capable fire alarm control units.


What makes voice systems important in facilities?
Voice-enabled alert systems provide clear spoken instructions that help occupants understand what to do during an emergency, increasing trust and reducing hesitation compared with traditional alarms.  

How does the 4017ES differ from traditional fire alarm systems?
Unlike basic alarm systems, the 4017ES includes pre-programmed voice evacuation instructions and the ability for authorized users to make live announcements.  

Can the voice capabilities be used for more than emergencies? 
Yes. Although designed for fire safety, the system’s voice instructions can be applied to gas leaks, security threats, weather emergencies, public address announcements and even music.