Harold Pinter theatre in London adopts Apollo wireless protection devices

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProjects

London’s historic theatre finds wireless protection solution for fire safety

The Harold Pinter Theatre, a Victorian marvel nestled on Panton Street, Westminster, has embraced advanced wireless protection in the form of a fire system equipped with more than 100 devices from Apollo’s REACH range.

The theatre, dating back to 1881, is well-known for its preserved three-level horseshoe auditorium that can seat 796 spectators.

Not only is the theatre one of London’s finest preserved Victorian buildings, but it also holds an esteemed spot in the city’s West End theatre scene.

Balancing heritage with modern fire safety using wireless protection

The task of preserving a listed building while incorporating a state-of-the-art fire system has been challenging. However, wireless fire devices have brought about significant changes.

Sam Robinson, Project Manager at Barlows (UK) Ltd., pointed out: “Working with the theatre management and Apollo, we specified and installed a system with 110 wireless devices connected to four hubs.”

The benefits of the REACH wireless protection range

REACH’s wireless fire tech takes safety measures to a higher level. It solves complex installation scenarios, particularly for buildings with complex access, such as listed buildings.

Furthermore, its battery life of up to five years and advanced RF communications capability make it an ideal choice. REACH can also function as a standalone wireless system or as part of a hybrid network with both wires and wireless devices.

Craig Mole, Product Manager – Wireless at Apollo, stated: “The Harold Pinter Theatre is exactly the sort of building where wireless fire technology comes into its own.

“Not only is it simpler and quicker to install, but it also reduces cabling by up to 90 percent, resulting in less impact on the building and less need to make good once the installation is complete.”

Apollo’s mission to deliver wireless protection around the world

Apollo, a company dedicated to ensuring fire safety worldwide, specialises in designing and manufacturing high-quality fire detection solutions.

Since launching its XPander wireless range in 2008, the company expanded with the enhanced REACH Wireless range in 2022.

Barnaby Hallam, Technical and Building Manager at the Harold Pinter Theatre, said: “Working with the Apollo team, we were able to tick all the boxes and the finished system is doubly impressive, being both fit for purpose and also much less intrusive than the old wired network.”

Based in Havant, Hampshire, Apollo works through regional offices in the UK, China, Dubai, and Germany, supporting a network of partners and distributors on all five continents.

Since 1983, Apollo has been a part of Halma plc, a FTSE 100-listed group of life-saving technology companies.

IFSJ Comment

This advancement in the protection of historic structures represents an essential step in ensuring safety while respecting architectural integrity. The adoption of wireless protection by such a significant theatre in London underscores the importance and effectiveness of such systems in preserving heritage buildings.

About Apollo

Apollo is a world leader in fire safety solutions, dedicated to protecting people from fire every second of every day. The company has pioneered several innovative wireless protection technologies, including the XPander and the REACH range, ensuring efficient fire safety measures in over 100 countries around the world.

Dorset County Hospital undertakes substantial upgrade of fire systems

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProjects

Major upgrade to improve hospital safety

Dorset County Hospital, located in Dorchester, has successfully completed an extensive upgrade of its fire systems, implementing 2,700 Apollo Discovery fire detection devices amidst various challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic and the complexity of the hospital buildings. The hospital, a foundation trust, is home to 18 wards, 375 beds, and employs more than 3,300 staff. The old fire system, now outdated and inadequate, was replaced to enhance the safety of the buildings and to decrease the time taken for testing and operation of the fire system.

Navigating the hurdles of system installation

Installation teams faced the daunting task of implementing the new fire system while ensuring the hospital remained fully operational around the clock. This effort was further complicated by the need to observe additional safety measures imposed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Regardless of these complications, the installation was executed with minimal disturbance to the hospital’s services.

A tailored fire system solution

Mike Sutton, Regional Sales Manager – South at Apollo, spoke on the undertaking: “Our team worked closely with Dorset County Hospital to specify a fire system that meets the current needs of the site, and provides the option for future expansion or upgrades. About 2,700 multi-sensor devices were installed throughout the hospital, paired with an advanced fire panel, offering variable sensitivity settings to ensure optimal protection for patients, staff and visitors.”

Sutton further added: “The Hospital’s priority was to significantly improve fire safety across all its buildings, while reducing the required input from its staff and external fire engineers. This was achieved by streamlining the testing regime and decreasing the need for repairs and maintenance. Transitioning from a ‘make do and mend’ approach to the installation of a completely new fire system has significantly reduced the ongoing costs of testing and maintenance.”

Features and benefits of the new fire detection system

The fire detection devices installed are part of an innovative line of detectors, offering high versatility for complex environments. These detectors provide reliable fire detection and false alarm management, making them an ideal choice for facilities requiring a sophisticated fire system. The detectors feature five modes of operation, all approved to EN54-23 standards, allowing users to adjust the sensitivity based on the specific environment in which they are installed.

Roy Pinder, Fire Safety Advisor for the Dorset County Hospital, said: “The installation of the new fire system was particularly challenging during the pandemic, which consequently caused some delays. This has been a major project for the trust and could not have been delivered without the support of the staff and the estates team. Our new fire system provides greater versatility and flexibility.”

Superior detection capabilities and proactive safety measures

Apollos’ fire detection system is lauded for its superior detection capabilities, enhanced diagnostics, and maintenance features. The devices integrate seamlessly with the fire panel, providing a comprehensive fire safety solution. With self-monitoring capabilities, these detectors can identify and report potential issues before they escalate, ensuring the highest level of protection at all times. The range includes various detectors, including optical smoke detectors, heat detectors, and detectors with integrated carbon monoxide sensing, providing a holistic solution for diverse fire system needs.

The manufacturer of the fire detection devices, based in Havant, Hampshire, specialises in designing and manufacturing high-quality fire detection solutions. These protect people from fire in over 100 countries around the world. Since 1983, the company has been a part of a FTSE 100-listed group of life-saving technology companies.

Apollo launches hybrid wireless fire detection range for schools

by Products
Apollo’s new XPander hybrid wireless range offers a comprehensive solution to many problems that present themselves when installing a fire detection system. It is quick to install and requires minimal cabling and is reportedly 75% quicker to install, in comparison to a wired system.
XPander has many applications, its versatility key to deciding on which type of system fits best for a building. Ideal applications:
  • Time-sensitive Projects
  • Minimising Disruption to Building Operations
  • Temporary Structures (i.e. marquees)
  • Annexes
  • To Minimise Disturbance of Asbestos Materials
  • To Preserve Building Fabric (e.g. in Heritage / List Buildings)

A great example of a time-sensitive ­project where XPander excels is in schools. A school is generally occupied most of the time and therefore being able to install an entire fire system without jeopardising safety is a tricky line to walk. So, a quick and compliant solution is needed.

XPander can be used during a remodelling project, for an off-campus outbuilding, or even to protect a temporary structure like a graduation marquee. The physical interface is wired onto the loop as standard, but the detectors can be placed inside of these areas wirelessly during the event and then can be removed when the marquees are taken down. This is much faster than hard wiring each time. You can take comfort in the knowledge that students are kept safe in every scenario.

Another challenge is making upgrades to a school system during summer holidays. You might only have a small window of opportunity to make the upgrades before the students return. Having to wire in a complete system just so that building work can be completed, only to remove all of that wiring hard work, is both costly and time-consuming. A wireless solution is ideal, it removes the need to delay construction, and shaves off time at the end of the project as there are no wires to remove. Just simply detach the detectors.

Similar issues occur in the healthcare sector. A hospital, for instance, is almost never vacant and therefore extensive wiring work would cause uncomfortable disruption. XPander would eliminate these concerns and installing a compliant fire system would cause minimal disturbance.

“XPander allowed for an easier install where the project area was an Emergency Care Department (inc A&E) where minimal intrusion on a live site was key. Wireless was the logical solution to bring these areas up to L1 standards with a new system.” : Apollo Customer Testimonial.

Temporary structures offer a unique challenge when trying to keep people safe from fire. COVID-19 Pods and temporary accommodation for medical staff / resources need to be protected without unwanted complications. XPander can be quickly added to the existing hospital fire system. An interface is placed on the loop, this device ‘manages’ all of the wireless devices fitted in the temporary structure. The devices even show up on the panel, as if it was wired into the loop. This secures the integrity of the existing system and makes sure that any necessary expansion is protected from fire.

COVID-19 has caused unexpected slowdowns within the construction and fire industry communities. But as the restrictions lift there will be an influx of work. And having a quick and easy solution at the ready could mitigate any further frustrations.

www.apollo-fire.co.uk/products/range/xpander