Certified for Japan’s Fire Service Act: Jazz Hipster Delivers Loudspeakers You Can Launch With

In the Japanese market, when an Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) of loudspeakers claims its products “comply with the Japanese Fire Service Act,” it signifies that these products have passed stringent fire safety standards and certification procedures. This allows them to be used in fire-related alarm and public address (PA) systems.

As Jazz Hipster, an experienced ODM with a deep understanding of global compliance challenges, we have successfully navigated these complex Japanese regulations. This report, drawing from our direct experience and technical achievements, will elaborate on these aspects from five perspectives: regulatory and technical standards, certification bodies, current market conditions, certification marks, and practical application scenarios.

Fire Service Act Specifications and Technical Requirements for Sound Equipment

Japan’s Fire Service Act and its related enforcement orders and regulations clearly define the technical requirements and installation standards for “acoustic devices” within fire alarm equipment. For instance, Article 24 of the Fire Service Act Enforcement Order categorizes “emergency alarm equipment” into types such as manual alarm devices (alarm bells, manual sirens, megaphones) and broadcasting equipment (PA systems). It mandates that fire-resistant buildings must be equipped with at least one of these alarm types.

For such acoustic alarm devices, Japanese fire safety laws demand that their performance meets minimum standards for volume, heat resistance, reliability, and more:

• Volume and Coverage: According to the technical standards of the Fire Service Act Enforcement Regulations, acoustic devices for fire alarms must achieve a specific sound pressure level (SPL) at a distance of 1 meter. Generally, this is stipulated as at least 90 dB. If the alarm is delivered via voice (through loudspeakers), the requirement increases to at least 92 dB.
  This ensures the alarm sound is sufficiently audible throughout the building. Furthermore, regulations require that the horizontal distance from any point on each floor to the nearest loudspeaker does not exceed a certain limit. For stairs and ramps, at least one loudspeaker must be installed for every 15 meters of vertical distance, ensuring effective alarm reception in all areas.
  
• Heat Resistance: The Fire Service Act stipulates that fire alarm loudspeakers must possess high-temperature resistance to remain operational during the initial high-temperature environment of a fire. Certification standards require loudspeakers to function continuously in an 80°C hot air stream for 30 minutes without any loss of functionality.
  In other words, the speaker’s construction and materials must withstand high temperatures in a fire, ensuring that the alarm sound is not prematurely interrupted due to rising ambient temperatures.
  
• Electrical and Other Performance: The regulations also specify requirements for the operating voltage range, insulation, and durability of acoustic devices. For example, loudspeakers should operate normally within 85% to 110% of their rated voltage. Insulation resistance must meet specified values, and no abnormalities should occur within an ambient temperature range of 0°C to 40°C. Some regulations also require that a faulty loudspeaker does not cause a short circuit affecting the entire system and that it automatically plays an alarm upon receiving a fire alarm activation signal.
  For voice broadcast loudspeakers, to ensure speech intelligibility, performance grades (such as L-class, M-class, and S-class, corresponding to different SPLs and coverage capabilities) are defined based on directivity and frequency response. For example, L-class speakers must achieve 92 dB or more at 1 meter, covering larger areas; M-class requires 87 dB or more; and S-class 84 dB or more, allowing for the selection of appropriate types and quantities of speakers based on room size.
  It’s important to note that compliance is not merely about a single speaker model but about meeting the holistic requirements of the Japanese disaster prevention system’s regulatory certification. This often involves ensuring that all utilized loudspeakers, regardless of their driver size, achieve the specified dB levels (typically 92dB or higher for voice alerts) as per rigorous testing protocols. This can include batch testing at designated facilities and the submission of comprehensive test reports for parameters like sound pressure and impedance – processes that Jazz Hipster has integrated into its quality assurance systems.
  

In summary, the Japanese Fire Service Act has explicit technical standards for fire-rated loudspeakers concerning volume coverage, heat-resistant construction, and electrical safety. Only products meeting these benchmarks can claim to “comply with the Japanese Fire Service Act” and be permitted for use in fire alarm and emergency broadcast systems.

Certification and Testing Bodies

Japan employs a model of government supervision and private-sector implementation for managing the type approval certification of fire equipment. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications formulates relevant technical standards and oversees the system. However, the actual product inspection and certification testing are primarily conducted by government-authorized professional organizations.

In Japan, almost all inspection, accreditation, certification, or evaluation of fire safety equipment is performed by private-sector bodies, while the government is responsible for on-site safety inspections after installation.

Key certification bodies related to fire safety loudspeakers include:

• Japan Fire Equipment Inspection Institute (JFEII) (日本消防検定協会): This is the sole official public institution in Japan dedicated to the performance inspection of fire-fighting machinery and tools, operating under the supervision of the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications.
  JFEII conducts type approvals or performance evaluations for fire equipment (such as fire alarms, alarm devices, etc.) to confirm whether products meet the technical standards established by ministerial ordinances and FDMA notifications. If a product passes inspection, the institute issues an inspection合格 (gōkaku – pass) number and permits the manufacturer to display the approval mark (sticker).
  
• Fire Equipment and Safety Center of Japan (FESC) (一般財団法人 日本消防設備安全センター): This is one of the registered accreditation bodies designated by the Director-General of the FDMA. It is responsible for implementing the voluntary accreditation system for fire protection equipment, among other tasks.
  This voluntary accreditation applies to equipment not legally mandated for type approval but still needing to meet technical standards. Manufacturers voluntarily apply to FESC for accreditation, and FESC tests products against FDMA-established evaluation criteria, issuing certificates to compliant products.
  

Additionally, Certified Fire Protection Equipment Engineers/Technicians (消防設備士 – Shōbō Setsubishi) are professionals qualified through examination, responsible for the installation and maintenance of fire protection equipment. While not product certification bodies themselves, the Fire Service Act mandates that such fire equipment must be installed and maintained by qualified personnel. This ensures that certified loudspeakers are correctly installed and wired on-site, meeting all installation standards.

Scarcity and Value of Compliant ODM Manufacturers

Due to high certification thresholds, rigorous testing procedures, and considerable costs associated with the Japanese Fire Service Act, the number of loudspeaker manufacturers genuinely meeting these regulatory requirements is relatively limited. Most products with such certifications come from Japanese domestic companies or manufacturers deeply specialized in this field.

For ODM manufacturers, obtaining compliance with the Japanese Fire Service Act is considerably difficult. This inherent difficulty means that ODMs capable of achieving this certification are remarkably scarce. Jazz Hipster stands as one of these select ODMs, having invested the resources, R&D, and meticulous attention to detail required to successfully meet these stringent requirements.

The benefits for our partners are clear:

• Reduced Time-to-Market: Leveraging Jazz Hipster’s pre-certified solutions or our expertise in achieving certification significantly shortens development cycles.
• Lowered Risk & Cost: Navigating the complex certification process independently can be costly and uncertain. Partnering with Jazz Hipster mitigates these risks.
• Enhanced Brand Reputation: Associating with an ODM that meets Japan’s highest safety standards enhances your brand’s image for quality and reliability.
• Access to a Premium Market: Our compliance opens doors to the lucrative Japanese market for fire safety and public address systems.

This capability not only underscores our technical proficiency but also provides our partners with a crucial competitive edge, enhanced brand trust, and assurance of regulatory adherence when introducing products into the demanding Japanese market. Selecting an ODM like Jazz Hipster, with proven Fire Service Act compliance, dramatically enhances the reliability and market acceptance of the end equipment.

Official Certification Marks and Their Promotional Use

Fire-rated loudspeakers certified under the Japanese Fire Service Act are permitted to display official certification marks on the product and to reference this compliance in promotional materials. These marks are often referred to as “消防法基準適合マーク” (Fire Service Act Standard Conformity Mark) and are issued by the certification body. For example, the JFEII issues a square sticker mark with the letters “NS” for products that have passed type conformity assessment.

After obtaining certification, manufacturers typically include a certificate of conformity sticker with the product shipment and affix it to the product body for inspection by installation contractors and acceptance personnel. In marketing communications, manufacturers can legitimately claim and showcase their product’s fire safety certification status with phrases like “Certified under the Japanese Fire Service Act” or “Features Fire Service Act Conformity Mark” to attract customers with high safety performance requirements.

Jazz Hipster ensures all its compliant products are correctly marked and documented, providing clear evidence of conformity for our partners and their end-users.

Application Scenarios Requiring Compliant Speaker Systems

The Japanese Fire Service Act mandates the installation of compliant fire alarm and emergency evacuation broadcast systems in numerous public and special-use buildings. Therefore, the use of loudspeaker systems compliant with the Fire Service Act for fire alarms or emergency broadcasts is compulsory in the following types of locations:

• Large Public Buildings: Such as department stores, shopping malls, exhibition halls, theaters, and cinemas where large numbers of people congregate.
• Underground Facilities and Public Transport Spaces: Including subway stations, underground shopping arcades, tunnels, airport terminals, and train station buildings.
• Hospitals and Nursing Care Facilities: Classified as special occupancies due to the presence of individuals with mobility impairments, these facilities have more stringent requirements for fire alarm equipment.
• High-Rise Buildings and Complex Facilities: Such as high-rise office buildings, hotels, and large multi-purpose complexes.
• Other Special Locations: Including schools, inns/smaller hotels, gymnasiums, parking garages, and large factories.

Partner with Jazz Hipster for Compliant, High-Quality Audio Solutions in Japan

For loudspeaker products, “compliance with the Japanese Fire Service Act” signifies achieving a high standard in the realm of fire safety. At the regulatory level, products must meet stringent technical benchmarks and adhere to equipment installation codes. At the certification level, they must pass testing and audits by specialized Japanese institutions and obtain the relevant approval marks.

Jazz Hipster’s success in achieving this compliance demonstrates our robust engineering capabilities, meticulous quality control, and profound understanding of complex international standards. This positions us as a uniquely qualified and valuable ODM partner for companies targeting the Japanese market. Our compliant products are more than just components; they are symbols of quality, reliability, and an unwavering commitment to safety.

For international and Japanese companies looking to confidently enter or expand within the Japanese market with fire safety-compliant audio solutions, partnering with Jazz Hipster offers a distinct advantage. We provide a streamlined path to market, reduce your regulatory burden, and offer access to proven, certified technology and expertise. Choosing Jazz Hipster means choosing a partner dedicated to helping you meet Japan’s exacting fire safety standards, ultimately delivering peace of mind and a strong competitive position for your business.

Reference

1. 能美防災株式会社: 消防用設備等の種類って？ | 法令について | 火災から学ぶために防災について学ぼう | 個人の方向け製品のご案内 | 製品・サービス
2. TOA Corporation: [PDF] 非常用放送設備マニュアル
3. 総務省消防庁 (FDMA): 音圧は取り付けられた音響装置の 中心から１メートル離れた位置で ９０（音声により警報を発するもの にあっては９２）デシベル以上であること。
4. TOA Corporation: F-003 非常用放送設備マニュアル
5. 総務省消防庁 (FDMA): 階段又は傾斜路に設ける場合を除 き、感知器の作動と連動して作動す るもので、当該設備を設置した防火 対象物又はその部分の全区域に有… 各階ごとに、その階の各部分から 一の地区音響装置までの水平距離 が２５メートル以下となるように 設けること。
6. 総務省消防庁 (FDMA): ※ 上記のほか、押ボタン等により起動する「非常警報設備」（非常ベル、放送設備等） についても、音による警報について規定（消防法施行令第２４条）。
7. TOA Corporation: 消防法について | 音声警報対応・非常用放送設備
8. TOA Corporation: L級＝音圧92dB／1m以上 M級＝音圧87dB／1m以上 S級＝音圧84dB／1m以上 ・地震の発生時刻、発生場所（震源）の推定値、地震発生場所の震央地名
9. TOA Corporation: 100m2超 L級 50m2超え100m2以下 L級またはM級 50m2以下 L級、M級またはS級 ◆使用スピーカーの条件
10. National Development Council, Taiwan: 公務出國報告資訊網-出國報告詳細資料-赴日本研究消防安全設備自願性認可及特殊消防用設備性能評鑑制度
11. 日本消防検定協会 (JFEII): 日本消防検定協会は消防用機械器具等の性能を 確保する公的機関です。
12. 日本消防検定協会 (JFEII): [PDF] 地区音響装置 – 消防設備早わかり講座 「認評音第〇〇～〇〇号」という形式で、表示. されます。 〇 型式適合評価合格の表示。 登録検定機関である日本消防検定協会の型式適合評価に合. 格した製品には、右図の …
13. 日本消防検定協会 (JFEII): [PDF] 非常警報設備の非常ベル、自動式サイレン及び放送設備 非常ベル及び非常サイレンには「認評非第〇〇. ～〇〇号」、放送設備には「認評放第〇〇～〇〇号」という形式で表示されます。 〇 型式適合評価合格の表示。 登録検定機関である日本 …
14. National Development Council, Taiwan: 出國報告（出國類別：考察）
15. TOA Global: コンパクトスピーカー Fシリーズ拡充 消防認定取得済の12機種を発売
16. 日本消防検定協会 (JFEII): スピーカー ２ 音響装置の構造及び性能 音響装置の構造及び性能は、次に掲げるところによるものとする。 （ア）火災報知設備用又はガス漏れ火災警報設備用の音響装置は定格電圧の８０パーセントから１１０パーセントまでの電圧で、電気火災警報器用の音響装置は定格電圧の９０パーセントから１１０パーセントまでの電圧で、音響を発しない音響装置にあっては、 定格電圧の８０パーセントから１１０パーセントまでの電圧で音響を発すること。 （イ）定格電圧における音圧は、無響室で音響装置の中心から前方１メートル離れた地点 で測定した値が、火災報知設備に用いる主音響装置にあっては７０デシベル（Ｐ型 １級受信機又はＧＰ型１級受信機に接続するものにあっては、９０デシベル）以上、 その他のものにあっては７０デシベル以上であること。
17. TOA Corporation: 非常放送設備で使用できるスピーカーはどういった種類の物がありますか？ | よくあるご質問(FAQ)
18. 株式会社トチノ: 非常放送用スピーカの取替工事にかかる費用相場～種類や設置・配線基準についても | 建築×防災ログ