Call systems: Characteristic features

Call systems are used to summon or search for people and transmit additional information. Characteristic is a danger to the callerif faults are not signaled or not detected in time. Call systems are independent systems in which all devices and transmission media are constantly and independently monitored for failure. 

Scope of the standard
These requirements often consist of:

• Hospitals
• Nursing homes, old people's and retirement homes, etc.
• Prisons, police stations, courts, etc.
• Homes for the disabled
• Disabled WCs in publicly accessible facilities
• and technical systems if these include the function of a call system.

Draft of a new version has been published since April 2025

A new version of the standard was developed in the standardization committee with our cooperation. A draft has now been published.

The following changes compared to the previous DIN VDE 0834-1:2016-06 (see e.g. ZVEI publication) have been made in the new version:

• The scope of application of DIN VDE 0834 has been revised and defined more precisely, and police stations, for example, have now also been officially included;
• References to standards have been updated;
• Terms have been clarified, revised and specified;
• Requirements have been updated and revised;
• The structure of the call system has been redefined and displayed with new graphics;
• The "Planning" and "Construction" sections have been updated and supplemented;
• A new section on "Special applications" has been added, with a part on barrier-free WCs and another on prisons and similar institutions;
• A new section "Minimum qualification for responsible persons" has been drawn up;
• Various attachments have been added.

It is interesting to note, for example, that a single transmission path is now always mandatory. Exceptions are no longer possible. Furthermore, safe isolation must be implemented in accordance with EN 60601-1. As has been the case since 2016, measures must be taken in the call system for this purpose, e.g. in the case of light activation by the call systems (see our relay solutions).

Further information on this topic can be found in publications in the journals GIT SECURITY + MANAGEMENT (WILEY-VCH) and Engineering mirror (PUBLIC VERLAG). One of our managing directors is one of the authors of both articles.

We also recommend seminars at the following organizers: ZVEI, BHE, DGWZ.

Standard-compliant solutions from EFE

With our components, you can set up standard-compliant nurse call systems for care and justice. We are also happy to advise you on planning, installation and operation in accordance with the standard.