FireClass FC-EAS Evacuation Alert System provides simple and intuitive operation for fire and rescue personnel

November 21, 2025

Share

  • Designed to meet UK mandates for evacuation alert systems in buildings containing flats, per BS8629 code of practice
  • System allows fire and rescue service personnel to initiate an evacuation alert signal quickly and easily
  • Zoned system guides safe and controlled egress within multi-story buildings

MILWAUKEE – July 11, 2023 – Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, today announced the launch of the FireClass FC-EAS Evacuation Alert System. The system is designed to provide fire and rescue service personnel a simple and intuitive way to initiate an evacuation alert signal within high-rise structures. This helps residential high-rise buildings in the UK comply with the recently mandated BS8629:2019 code of practice requiring the use of sounders or similar devices to alert residents and other occupants of an emergency and help guide them to safety.

“When it comes to fire safety, swift and controlled evacuation is paramount. Recent events in London have brought to light the critical need to re-evaluate evacuation protocols within densely populated buildings,” said Tony Gryscavage, director, Product Management, Fire Detection Products, Johnson Controls. “There are 80,000 high-rise buildings currently located in London alone, and many more planned for construction in the UK. Having the right technology in place is an important part of ensuring the safety of people living and working in these buildings.”

The FC-EAS (Evacuation Alert System) is designed to guide safe and controlled evacuation using an easy-to-operate, zoned communication system. Individual toggle switches allow the operator to systematically activate and cancel the sounders to each floor. The indicators also let operators know the sounders on each floor are working properly. As evacuation is initiated, LED identifiers located on the exterior of the panel indicate status and availability of power within each zone.

The FireClass FC-EAS Evacuation Alert System features a two- to four-loop power system that can support up to 16 building zones. The entire system can be extended by networking with the FC-EAS-BB Evacuation Alert System Black Box panel or additional FC-EAS Evacuation Alert System panels.

Access to the panel is protected by a unique key to ensure operation is permitted only to first responders. A simple user interface provides intuitive and quick operation during critical moments. Safety and performance is further enhanced with the support of EN 54-24 certified speakers, sounders and power supply equipment.

The evacuation alert system operates independently from the fire detection system. This allows it to be installed alongside new or existing fire detection systems within new construction and retrofit buildings. A highly durable exterior casing helps prevent tampering and keeps the system protected and ready for when it is needed most.


To learn more about the FireClass FC-EAS Evacuation Alert System, visit fireclass.co.uk.

Media Contacts:

Melissa Talbott

Manager, Global Products, Public Relations & Media

Johnson Controls

melissa.talbott@jci.com

###

 

About Johnson Controls:

At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.

Building on a proud history of nearly 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.

Today, with a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.

Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @JohnsonControls on social platforms.

                                                                                                                                                 ###

Photo caption: The FireClass FC-EAS Evacuation Alert System provides simple and intuitive operation for fire and rescue personnel
evacuation

Share