How did it happen?
Here is mistake 7 we made when deploying a PAG system, skipping end to end testing.
Everything was in place. We installed, configured, and prepared the systems for go-live.
But when we powered up the PAGA (Public Address and General Alarm) system, something was off — half the speakers in the engine room played at a very low volume.
Our investigation revealed that several speaker zones had improper terminations or mismatched wiring loads, and some amplifiers were miscalibrated, resulting in weak audio output.
To make things worse, the failover system didn’t kick in during a simulated power cut. The redundancy path — meant to provide backup power — was physically disconnected and not properly configured in the system logic.
In short:
- Low speaker volume came from hardware and calibration issues.
- Failover failure came from a missing redundancy path.
Both issues could have been identified early through comprehensive end-to-end testing.
What was our fix?
We created a strict end-to-end test checklist that covered every zone, speaker, amplifier, and power path.
We didn’t sign off until:
✅ We tested every speaker at full volume
✅ We verified every failover path under live conditions
✅ We inspected every zone physically
Now, this process is a non-negotiable part of our commissioning work.
Lesson learned?
Installation doesn’t mark the finish line, testing does. It’s the critical step that ensures every system functions exactly as intended under real-world conditions. Without thorough verification, hidden issues can compromise safety, reliability, and performance.
If you fail to test every alarm, every speaker, and every backup system before going live, you’re not just skipping a step, you’re taking a serious gamble with operational safety.
Failures in PAGA systems or failover mechanisms can lead to miscommunication during emergencies, putting personnel and assets at risk.
That’s a risk no one should ever take. Proper end-to-end testing isn’t optional; it’s a non-negotiable part of delivering safe, reliable, and compliant systems.
Upgrade With Vivo
If your offshore or industrial site still runs a PAGA system with outdated or improperly implemented grounding practices, now’s the time to upgrade.
Vivo Asia brings field-proven expertise, compliance with international standards, and a strong track record in offshore communication systems with our expert engineers.
For more information or requirements reach out to us on contact@vivoasia.com
More from our 7 mistake series
Did you miss the series? Don’t worry watch it here! 7 mistakes we made when deploying an offshore PAGA system – so you don’t have to make them.
