EN 54-2:1997/AC:1999

Overview

EN 54-2:1997/AC:1999 is the European standard for control and indicating equipment used in fire detection and fire alarm systems. Published by CEN and adopted in national variants (e.g., SIST EN 54-2:1997/AC:2000), this part of the EN 54 series defines the functional and performance expectations for fire alarm control panels (FACPs) - the central units that receive detector signals, indicate status, and drive alarm outputs. The standard helps ensure reliable operation, clear indication and correct interfacing within installed fire alarm systems across buildings and facilities.

Key Topics

• Functionality of control and indicating equipment: role of the control panel in processing detector inputs, signalling fire and fault conditions, and managing alarm outputs.
• User interfaces and indicators: requirements for controls, status indicators, and event displays to support operators and maintenance teams.
• Alarm and fault outputs: specification of signalling outputs for audible/visual alarms, remote indicators and monitoring circuits.
• Power supply and backup: expectations for mains supply, battery backup and continued operation during power disruptions.
• Reliability and supervision: fault detection, self-monitoring, and supervision of input/output circuits to maintain system integrity.
• Environmental and durability considerations: construction, environmental resistance and suitability for the intended installation environment.
• Documentation and marking: manufacturer information, installation guidance, user manuals and labelling needed for safe operation and maintenance.
• Interfacing and compatibility: provisions for connecting detectors, manual call points, extinguishing interfaces and third‑party equipment.

Applications

EN 54-2 is targeted at professionals involved in the lifecycle of fire alarm systems:

• Manufacturers of fire alarm control panels and related equipment use it to design and certify compliant products.
• System designers and integrators reference it when specifying control panels for commercial, industrial, healthcare and public buildings.
• Installers and commissioning engineers apply the standard’s principles to ensure correct installation, wiring and verification.
• Facilities managers and building owners rely on compliance to meet regulatory and insurance requirements.
• Certification and testing bodies use it as a benchmark for product conformity and system interoperability.

Using EN 54-2 helps ensure consistent, interoperable and reliable fire alarm control behavior - improving safety, simplifying procurement and supporting regulatory compliance across the EU market.

Related Standards

• Other parts of the EN 54 series covering detectors, power supplies and system compatibility (for example, EN 54-4 for power supplies and EN 54-13 for system compatibility/assessment).
  For implementation or procurement, refer to the full EN 54 suite and the national adoption (e.g., SIST EN 54-2) for local requirements.