Paul Pope, Global Head of Fire & Life Safety Business at Ajax Systems, outlines wireless standards for installers through current European compliance requirements
What does EN54 certification require in practice and why does it matter for detection and alarm system performance?
In Europe, fire detection and alarm products must comply with the essential safety and performance requirements of the EN 54 Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and must be CE marked to be legally sold or placed on the market in European Union countries.
So, in Europe, performance specifications must state that the products must meet the relevant EN 54 product standards.
They must also state that product testing, inspection and certification must be carried out by a Notified Body,
A Notified Body is authorised by the EU to assess products under the relevant EN 54 CPR regulations.
Critical tasks performed by Notified Bodies include testing the product/s, verifying the supporting evidence that a product meets the test requirements, issuing a product certificate and undertaking ongoing testing or surveillance activities.
To achieve consistent regulatory compliance for their products, manufacturers can choose which EU Notified Body to appoint as long as it is certified to test against the relevant EN 54 standards.
What are EN54 Line’s key elements and how do they differ from traditional wired systems installers commonly use?
The main elements of our wireless system do not differ from those of traditional wired systems, with the exception of the additional product certification to EN54-25.
The EN54-25 European Standard specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for components used in fire alarm systems, installed in and around buildings, which use radio frequency links (RF links) to communicate.
It also provides requirements for the evaluation of conformity of the components to the requirements.
In addition to the other specific EN54 standards applicable to each fire product, for example, a wireless optical smoke detector would need both EN54-25 and EN54-7 to be listed on the EU CPR certificate to be fully compliant.
How does Ajax’s wireless approach aim to address the challenges of installation time and system complexity?
Ajax has designed the EN54 Line to be easier to install and configure, with cutting-edge technology and exceptionally high reliability.
Ajax fire detection and alarm systems resist signal jamming and provide a high level of protection that is not inferior in reliability to that of their wired counterparts.
Wireless systems focus on reducing disruption to the building structure, remedial works, structural damage, re-decoration and the need for costly fire-stopping.
Installation time constraints and access to areas within an operational business have always been challenges for professional installers.
The EN54 Line will address these issues and provide a cost-effective alternative to wired systems, as well as reducing the health and safety risks associated with installing cables and containment systems.
It was important for Ajax to provide the sector with a flexible system solution that can protect the premises not only from fire but also integrate security, automation scenarios and surveillance into one complete ecosystem.
System compatibility assurance is fundamental within fire and life safety systems.
There is a growing shift away from a product-based approach and towards a systems-based approach to specifying fire detection equipment.
We have witnessed a marked increase in the number of authorities, specifiers, installers and end users requesting the latest version of EN 54-13 system compatibility compliance and we are also seeing EN 54-13 compliance being stated in the certification requirements for commercial installations in several European countries.
EN 54-13 is a rigorous standard that proves all the components in a fire safety system are compatible and connectable, thereby working effectively as one system.
The EN54 Line has been certified to EN54-13, which will provide installers with the necessary third-party audited documentation and thus prove compliance with the system compatibility clauses written into many standards.
How does the system maintain resilience through power management, signal range and backup operation during outages?
The Ajax Fire Hub CIE (Control and indicating equipment) is responsible for managing the entire system and communicating with the cloud, the user and the fire/security company.
Radio communicators are built in and provide seamless connectivity between the Fire Hub and addressable fire detectors, sounders, VADs, I/O modules, manual call points and other system devices.
The Ajax Fire Hub is equipped with either 24 or 72-hour rechargeable back-up power supplies and four communication channels, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and two SIM card slots.
This principle of operation allows you to connect the device to two different Internet providers via Ethernet and Wi-Fi, as well as two cellular networks.
This means that when one of the communication channels is jammed, the system switches to backup channels, after which it informs users and the fire/security company about the jamming attempt.
Automatic switching between channels takes seconds.
The system uses the Ajax Jeweller communication protocol to transmit real-time device states, alarms, events and all measured readings to Ajax apps.
The Wings and TurboWings protocols are designed to ensure visual verification and large data packets for individual settings, such as interface languages and firmware updates.
The wireless range can reach up to 1,800 m.
The Ajax wireless fire alarm system devices can operate on dual pre-installed batteries without replacement for four to seven years.
Two-way communication allows you to track the status of system elements (charge level, etc.) via the EN54 Fire Hub and in mobile applications.
The user will be informed about the need to replace any batteries, as well as about the loss of communication with all of the elements of the system.
To enlarge system coverage, especially in large or multi-level buildings, there is EN54 REX Jeweller.
It extends the range between the system devices, supporting communication via both Ajax’s proprietary radio protocols (Jeweller, Wings and TurboWings) and Ethernet.
With five range extenders connected to one Fire Hub, the coverage can be boosted to up to 35 km².
The Ajax wireless fire alarm system devices can operate on dual pre-installed batteries without replacement for four to seven years.
Two-way communication allows you to track the status of system elements (charge level, etc.) via the EN54 Fire Hub and in mobile applications.
The user will be informed about the need to replace any batteries, as well as about the loss of communication with all of the elements of the system.
What advantages does EN54 Line offer installers in terms of business opportunities and everyday system usability?
Redefining how easy and fast a fire alarm can be installed in an industry known for its complexity is a major advantage to any business.
All the components can be added and configured via the Ajax mobile or desktop apps, so getting started is as efficient as it gets.
There is no need to program complex logic manually – configure the system using human-readable text through an intuitive, self-explanatory interface.
The EN54 Line devices work in synergy with our free mobile and desktop apps, which seamlessly integrate into the professionals’ workflow.
Ajax applications allow for managing all devices across the system: fire alarm, intrusion protection, video surveillance and automation.
There is no programming or outdated configuration tools – just an intuitive interface for faster installations, easier facility management and efficient remote service.
How does visual alarm verification contribute to safety and decision-making in real emergency situations?
The increasing use of remote monitoring of fire protection systems, whilst not completely new, has been ushered in, despite the fire industry typically being slow to adapt to such technology.
What we are seeing now is just the start of the remote connectivity revolution.
Professional monitoring is now available beyond the basic fire and fault events that have been the norm for so long.
It can no longer be taken for granted that Fire and rescue services will attend automatic alarms.
Many individual services now require confirmation of a real fire before dispatching crews to an activation.
To ensure a response, you must verify the alarm is genuine or have a person at the site confirm the fire.
Advanced fire technology within the EN54 Line will provide central monitoring stations and end-users with more detailed, actionable information than ever – including precise alarm data, visual verification, live and archived video feeds and voice communication.
Smart integration with other related systems will provide real-time intelligence, which can radically increase the speed of information, control and response to evolving emergency situations.
How will wireless systems evolve under regulatory and commercial pressures and what role will Ajax play?
There is a growing Global demand for reliable, secure technology that provides solutions to real issues and wireless integrated systems will evolve further to meet the future demands.
With this fast-paced high technology, it is important to be up to date with regulatory insights and develop robust compliance strategies into the design and development processes.
The importance of data protection, ensuring client confidentiality and protecting sensitive information, alongside the latest cybersecurity, will ensure all potential and real risks to future systems through connectivity and inter-connectivity will be eliminated.
In a professional sector such as fire, product standards, regulation and certification development play an important role in enabling innovation to enter markets.
We will continue to work with trade associations, governments, standards and certification bodies to help shape the future of our industries.