Loudspeakers

Depending on the region loudspeakers in a PA/VA installation need to be certified just like the hardware and wiring. Our PA/VA loudspeaker portfolio includes EN-certified ceiling speakers, wall-mounted speakers, cabinet speakers, sound projectors, horn speakers, and column speakers. These are the most common type of loudspeakers and each speaker is optimized for a specific use case and installation type.

Selection depends on the space size, acoustics, and use case. For example, column speakers suit large halls, horn speakers are ideal for noisy industrial sites, and flush mounted ceiling speakers are optimal for offices, retail, and hotels. We have a loudspeaker selection filter based on the most common variables in the online product catalog. For specific questions, please contact our sales team for further support.

A regular loudspeaker is designed mainly for background music or general announcements. While it may offer good sound quality, it is not guaranteed to operate during an emergency. A certified loudspeaker such as EN 54-24 in Europe or UL 1480/2043 in North America, is specially designed and tested to meet strict safety standards. Certification ensures that:

• The loudspeaker continues to work for a certain amount of time under extreme conditions such as heat or fire.
• Speech remains clear and intelligible, which is critical for evacuation instructions.
• It complies with regional building codes and legal requirements for life safety systems.
• In case of loudspeaker damage, it prevents system failure: ceramic terminals withstand flames and heat to avoid short-circuiting speaker lines.
• It reduces hazard propagation: fire domes prevent holes from forming in ceilings, which would otherwise let oxygen feed the fire and allow smoke and flames to spread through ceiling cavities.

Regular loudspeakers are for everyday use, while EN 54 or UL-certified loudspeakers are mandatory in safety-critical applications where reliable evacuation messages and fire protection measures are required.

Yes and no. Under the EN 54-24 standard (Europe), only passive loudspeakers can be certified. Passive models contain no built-in amplifier or electronics, ensuring they remain reliable when connected to an EN 54-16 certified Voice Alarm system. Active (powered) loudspeakers, which require an external power source, cannot be certified under EN 54-24.

In North America, some active loudspeakers can be UL-listed (for example, under UL 1480A for fire protective signaling or UL 2043 for plenum-rated speakers). These listings confirm that the complete loudspeaker including its built-in amplifier and electronics, meets fire and safety requirements. This allows system designers more flexibility, especially in IP-based systems, where active loudspeakers with built-in amplification and network interfaces are increasingly common.