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.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service introduces “call challenge” approach to reduce false alarms

by Featured NewsFire Detection

The “call challenge” approach: Aiming to bring down false alarms

Starting 1st July 2023, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has stated that they will no longer respond to all automatic fire alarm system signals.

Instead, a “call challenge” approach will be initiated, targeting a reduction in false alarms attended by their teams.

Facing the high volume of false alarms: SFRS’s perspective

Fire and rescue service teams in the UK are accountable for providing immediate assistance and support in emergencies.

However, a steady rise in false alarms in recent years has put additional strain on these services.

In Scotland alone, SFRS crews are called to an average of 28,000 false alarms each year, involving numerous firefighters and up to two fire appliances per incident.

This translates to around 252,000 firefighters called out unnecessarily each year, a time they could be spending on real fires, training or community safety work.

How does the “call challenge” approach work?

The “call challenge” process is activated when a single smoke detector generates a fire signal.

Duty holders at the site are immediately contacted and asked a series of questions to confirm the severity and nature of the incident.

The goal is to ensure that the call is a genuine emergency requiring immediate response from a fire crew and appliance.

False alarms are often triggered by automatic fire alarm systems (AFAS) due to various reasons such as cooking fumes, dust from construction work, or lack of regular system maintenance and testing.

Implications of the “call challenge” approach: What do building owners need to know?

In a recent webinar, SFRS and guest speaker Colin Todd, MBE for services to the Fire Industry, highlighted the implications of the new approach.

He stated: “Building owners have a responsibility under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 to maintain facilities and equipment”.

Failure to comply could lead to prosecution.

It was also pointed out that staff and building occupants should be aware of how to respond to AFAS activations, and that building insurance might be affected by the SFRS’s new approach, depending on the type of fire alarm system and devices installed.

The use of true multi-sensors to reduce false alarms was recommended.

These devices operate by combining more than one trigger (smoke, heat, CO) to quickly confirm a fire’s presence, and the SFRS have pledged to respond to alarm signals from these intelligent multi-sensors.

The British Standard for fire system design, BS 5839 Part 1, defines a multi-sensor as a fire sensor that monitors more than one physical and/or chemical phenomenon associated with fire.

Research from the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and The Fire Industry Association (FIA) supports the use of advanced multi-sensors that detect multiple criteria to reduce false alarms without compromising real fire detection.

Industry experts weigh in on the “call challenge” approach

Nathan Hudson from Hochiki Europe commented on the SFRS’s announcement.

He shared: “Research shows false alarms cause millions of pounds in disruption to the UK economy every year, causing complacency in staff and the public, and wasting valuable resources for fire services”.

He further added: “The correct and compliant installation of true multi-sensors mean false alarms can be reduced”.

Hudson suggests the use of Hochiki’s ACC multi-sensor, which uses a combined sensing element response, making it an ideal choice for building owners needing to update

IFSJ Comment

The ‘call challenge’ approach represents a significant shift in policy, and it’s vital news for both the fire safety industry and the wider public.

The change will not only relieve the pressure on fire services but also encourage building owners and managers to be more responsible for maintaining their fire alarm systems.

Furthermore, the potential for false alarms to undermine trust in fire systems is a significant issue.

By reducing false alarms, we can improve trust in these systems, leading to better responses when real fires occur.

This approach by SFRS could well set a precedent for fire services worldwide.

About SFRS

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is Scotland’s nationwide fire and rescue service, responsible for delivering fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue activities across the country.

It’s a critical organisation that plays a pivotal role in ensuring public safety and maintaining emergency response readiness.

About Hochiki

For over a century, Hochiki has been a leading innovator in the design and manufacturing of high-quality, reliable commercial and industrial fire detection and emergency lighting products.

With global sales turnover exceeding £400m, the independent, multinational, publicly listed company employs over 2000 individuals across 14 subsidiaries, six manufacturing plants, and 38 sales offices.

Hochiki’s commitment to innovative manufacturing ensures customer satisfaction and international continuity in quality, service, and supply.

Largest wireless fire protection system installed in Solihull high-rise towers

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProjects

An ambitious initiative by Solihull Community Housing to safeguard its residences

Solihull Community Housing has spearheaded a significant safety initiative by incorporating an advanced wireless fire detection and alarm system across its 37 high-rise towers. The implementation, claimed to be the largest of its kind, ensures reliable and early warning fire protection for the inhabitants of these buildings. The equipment has been supplied by Kentec Electronics, a leader in the field of life-critical control systems.

Collaboration with West Midlands Fire Service and Early Birds Fire Protection

This comprehensive project was conducted in close cooperation with the West Midlands Fire Service. Early Birds Fire Protection, a specialist fire protection firm, took up the challenge of installing the equipment. They chose the K-Mesh system from Kentec Electronics, noting its reliability and ease of installation. The system was installed in around 2,000 apartments within a five-mile radius, offering a quick and minimally disruptive solution for local residents and the housing association.

Advanced system offers real-time updates to the emergency services

The innovative system includes approximately 4,000 sensors linked to a mix of Kentec’s Taktis panels and Syncro AS analogue control panels. These are subsequently connected to an alarm monitoring station. “Such is the sophistication of the technology, that in the event of an alarm being raised, fire services and incident commanders are given an immediate view of exactly where smoke has been detected, and/or how far a fire may have progressed,” reports Derrick Hall, Director of Sales at Kentec Electronics.

Consideration for a diverse demographic in installation planning

The planning phase of this project encountered challenges due to the range of residents inhabiting the buildings. Several towers accommodate residents aged 50 and above. An extensive consultation with residents, staff, contractors and the local authority was conducted to understand their needs and take into consideration the significance of early warnings, particularly for residents living with disabilities or dementia.

Endorsements from project stakeholders and beneficiaries

Craig Puddefoot, Managing Director of Early Birds Fire Protection, lauded the project’s execution: “A large project is going to plan with great success and minimal disruption to residents and staff.” Steve Murray, Senior Project Manager for Solihull Community Housing, echoed these sentiments, stating that the project not only offered a customised safety solution but also presented an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of residents’ lifestyles and the importance of early warning systems in emergencies. “We are now able to provide opportunities to spot emergencies sooner, provide life-saving information to fire and emergency staff and keep our community safe,” he said.

With this substantial upgrade to their fire safety system, Solihull Community Housing is paving the way in residential fire safety, setting a potential standard for other housing associations to follow.

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.

Ramtech boosts construction safety in UAE with wireless fire and evacuation system

by Featured NewsMiddle East - Projects

Success marks a strong partnership in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

In a promising partnership with Liberty Fire and Safety, Ramtech, a global wireless solutions provider, is making significant strides in the United Arab Emirates. Their collaboration has seen the successful installation of Ramtech’s Wireless Fire and Evacuation System (WES) within a $2.5bn mixed-use development project in Dubai.

Promoting safety in Sobha Hartland waterfront development

The EN54-25 compliant WES solution is now integral to several ventures in the eight million sq ft Sobha Hartland waterfront project, aiming to bolster safety across construction sites. The initial site to enjoy the benefits of this system was the 36-storey Waves Grande tower. A single connect unit, 22 call points, and two link units facilitated automatic fire and medical alerts throughout all stages of the development, which is slated for completion early next year.

Simplifying fire safety solutions in a complex construction environment

Liberty Fire and Safety’s sales director, Tim Young, stated that the implementation of WES allows Sobha Hartland to “move with the times”. He explained that the system ensures sites are protected, especially during out-of-hours periods when emergencies are most likely to occur. He further commented that “WES can easily be scaled up or scaled down,” suiting the demands of various projects like Waves Grande, a residential tower set to enhance luxury living in Dubai.

Future projects and widespread protection for construction workers

The WES system will next be installed at Creek Vista Heights, another project due to be completed by 2026. The development, featuring views of the Burj Khalifa, will offer a range of apartments. Both Waves Grande and Creek Vista Heights are part of the larger Sobha Hartland project within the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City, which includes 5,000 apartments and 353 villas and employs over 3,000 workers.

Nelson George, the senior manager for health, safety, security and environmental at Sobha Construction, emphasised the importance of a coordinated response plan in the face of potential onsite incidents. He praised the WES system, saying it “delivers complete fire safety coordination, measurement, and auditing at the touch of a button.”

About Ramtech

For further details about Ramtech and its comprehensive wireless fire safety solutions, please visit www.ramtechglobal.com.

About Liberty Fire and Safety

To learn more about Liberty Fire and Safety, visit https://libertyfiresafety.com/.

Comelit-PAC to showcase LogiFire at FIM Expo

by Featured NewsProducts

Global security and fire safety specialist, Comelit-PAC, is set to present its LogiFire solutions at the FIM Expo 2023, including its new cloud technology-based monitoring and management capabilities and specialist integration opportunities with IP video door entry.

Hosted by the Fire Industry Association (FIA), the FIM Expo is one of the most eagerly awaited industry events of the year, convening professionals and industry leaders to demonstrate the latest fire safety technologies and innovations. The event will take place on June 20th, 2023 at The City Ground in Nottingham.

Comelit-PAC is primed to exhibit the next evolution of its LogiFire fire safety system, showcasing a user-friendly touchscreen display paired with a design that blends technology and style seamlessly. Taking it a step further, Comelit-PAC has integrated the system with the fully responsive MyComelit app, enabling users to monitor and manage their fire safety systems remotely, providing safety assurance no matter their location.

In addition to the LogiFire system, attendees visiting Comelit-PAC’s stand will also have the opportunity to witness live demonstrations of the new FIRE2VIP interface. This solution provides a synergistic integration of fire safety systems with IP video door entry, creating a cohesive building management system for comprehensive safety.

Mandy Bowden, Comelit-PAC Fire Manager, said: “We’re really excited to be participating in FIM Expo as an ideal opportunity to share our latest LogiFire fire safety portfolio.  We will be able to demonstrate how our latest integration with cloud technology through the powerful MyComelit app, allows users to monitor and control their fire safety systems from anywhere, at any time. 

“The addition of FIRE2VIP really highlights its innovative capability to work with a building management system and enhance the convenience and accessibility of fire safety maintenance programmes.  This is all whilst improving the overall safety and security of residential and commercial buildings and properties, for all who live work, or visit a site.”

About Comelit-PAC

Comelit-PAC is a global leader in security and fire safety solutions. Committed to pioneering innovative technologies, Comelit-PAC offers a comprehensive range of products and services to safeguard residential and commercial properties. Through its dedication to safety, convenience, and style, Comelit-PAC continues to transform the industry, providing peace of mind to all those who live, work, or visit its secured sites.

Hyfire’s TauREX software update transforms wireless fire tech

by Featured NewsFire Detection

Hyfire, a pioneer in global wireless fire technology, has announced the release of a new update to its TauREX software package. The upgrade, known as TauREX 1.3, offers a range of enhancements that will significantly transform the experience of anyone involved in installing or maintaining Taurus wireless fire systems.

TauREX software, designed as a single tool for the installation, commissioning, and maintenance of Taurus systems, has been a key component in the transformation of wireless technology from a niche to a mainstream choice in the fire industry. This latest update from Hyfire brings significant improvements, including enhanced usability and speed of programming, as well as a new feature that streamlines maintenance work.

Tom Crane, Hyfire International Director, said:”regular software updates are just one part of our commitment to making regular enhancements to the capabilities and reliability of Taurus devices and systems that support them. Thousands of fire installers and end clients have already chosen Taurus devices for their performance, efficiency, and reliability, and the latest TauREX update builds on this to deliver an even smoother, simpler experience for installers, fire engineers, and technicians.”

The new version of the TauREX software enhances usability, refines the process of associating network devices and field devices, and streamlines the programming and maintenance processes to make them faster and more convenient. The update also fine-tunes the EasyScan feature, enabling Taurus devices to be installed using a QR code, and adds an enhanced ‘Drag & Drop’ feature that automatically groups associated devices with the network node, making the software even more efficient to use.

Hyfire offers the widest range of commercial standard wireless fire devices on the market, ranging from optical, multi-criteria, and heat detectors to EN54-23 Approved VAD’s, all fully certified to EN54. All products offer the highest performance and quality in the industry, and are also fully compliant with BS5839 Part 1.

Hyfire’s commitment to excellence is not limited to the purchase of the product. Crane explained: “Our commitment to excellence doesn’t end when you buy the product; in fact, that’s just the beginning. We think that the customer deserves constant support and updates throughout the lifecycle of the product.” Hyfire provides software and firmware updates to ensure that Taurus products remain at the cutting edge of fire technology, maximizing the performance potential of the physical devices.

About Taurus

Taurus, developed in Trieste, Italy, the global center for wireless fire design, features Pathfinder Technology, which allows the devices to communicate over 1km, point to point in open air, and further where expansion hops are used. Antenna technology has been optimized to allow communication across different frequencies and environments, which means that Taurus can do the job with less equipment and less batteries, thus saving on costs.

About Hyfire

Since its launch in 2007, Hyfire has become synonymous with quality, reliability, and innovation in the commercial fire sector. The Hyfire brand comes with a five-year warranty and is backed up by a dedicated partner program. Hyfire is part of The Orama Group, an alliance of companies committed to keeping people and their environment safe using the

Read IFSJ’s exclusive interview with Hyfire’s Ollie Murray, Head of Sales for the UK.

Exclusive: The importance of fire system survivability with GFE

by AmericasBreaking NewsFire Detection

Paul Pope, Group Business Development Director at Global Fire Equipment (GFE), takes a closer look at the complex but important subject of fire system survivability

Fire system survivability relates to ability of the entire fire detection and alarm system (FDAS) to perform properly and remain fully operational while under attack by fire. If systems require a phased or complex evacuation, the FDAS needs to be able to continue working while the fire is taking place as this will ensure that the fire management authorities can establish the location of the fire and monitor its spread – information which is critical to ensure a safe and controlled evacuation.

A badly designed FDAS could fail relatively quickly, and failure in one area due to poor survivability could result in the system being unable to activate audible and visual alarms to warn people of the imminent danger. In the case of a phased evacuation, the system might be incapable of further evacuating another alarm zone area where the fire is spreading to. If all the detection control panels are located in one area and there is a fire in that area, for example, the entire system would be wiped out very quickly.

System survivability should be a shared responsibility

Survivability should be a prerequisite of all complex systems, and each building needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Although some standards touch on survivability – including BS7975, BS8629, BS 5839 and BS 8519 – there is no clear industry performance specification for FDAS survivability and how the standards are actually achieved comes down to the design, installation and system commissioning process. And this is the root of the problem.

Many different factors determine the survivability of a FDAS and unless it has been designed with survivability in mind from the outset – and each individual element of the system is capable of surviving for the length of time required by the building and its evacuation strategy – the risk of system failure is high.

There is a lack of industry understanding about the length of time FDASs should be able to survive. There is a common misconception that the different elements of the FDAS only need to survive for 30 minutes before they can fail, but this is not long enough in complex buildings such as large residential buildings, offices, shopping malls, airports and hospitals etc.

Complex buildings must be actively assessed as a single, coherent system of interdependent components. In these types of buildings, the design and the connectivity of a FDAS and the building’s evacuation system have to last much longer than 30 minutes.

Specifiers need to fully understand the intended use of the building, its detailed fire/evacuation strategy and must specify the survival time of fire alarm/fire-fighting systems. Engineers must understand the fire risk experienced by the whole system to ensure continued fire/evacuation strategy and system design compliance. And those responsible for procurement need to manage expectations of survivability performance.   

Using technology to achieve system survivability

One way in which GFE is leading the way in system survivability is our inbuilt mesh network. Our Chameleon multi-master, multi-path peer-to-peer network is a fundamental departure from previous fire alarm control panels’ (FACP) networking arrangements as it creates an extremely resilient infrastructure for the management and interaction between multiple FACPs in a single system.

Every FACP connects directly, dynamically and non-hierarchically to all the other FACPs in the network. This contributes to extremely high resilience, particularly in complex buildings, where higher levels of system are required for life safety and fire-fighting applications, including circuit integrity during a fire.

A fully closed loop and multi-path solution, Chameleon addresses and overcomes the limitations associated with traditional RS485 multi-drop topology. When RS485 multi-drop topology is used, there is no redundancy in the network so in the event of a short circuit in the cables, all interaction and communication between the different FACPs would cease because the information can only travel from node to node in a linear manner, to the left or right. In comparison, Chameleon has point-to-point communication across the entire network.

The FACP forwards every event through all network communications ports, effectively broadcasting the event across the entire network. Each node then records the event on its local event log (up to 10,000 entries). Each FACP can send and receive messages from other FACPs, ensuring high network redundancy because all FACPs are interconnected. If one or more FACP links go down, all the other FACPs participate in the information relay so the entire network will continue working while the individual incident or issue with the FACP/FACPs is resolved. 

What next?

Moving forward, we need to push for FDASs to be designed for survivability from the outset rather than as an afterthought. We also need to ensure those responsible for specifying, procuring, installing and using fire and life safety systems have a better understanding of system survivability and accept shared responsibility for it.

For further information on Global Fire Equipment, please visit www.globalfire-equipment.com.

This exclusive article was originally published in the May 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Exclusive: Choosing the right fire system with Advanced

by AmericasBreaking NewsFire Detection

Advanced looks at the key things to consider when deciding on the best fire system for your site

Choosing the right fire system can be a challenge. With a variety of solutions and options available, knowing which products are best suited to your needs and meets the right fire safety legislation and regulations for your location can prove confusing.  

Whether you are looking for a panel or a full system, here are some of the key choices to make when deciding on the best solution for your site.

Protocol compatibility

At the centre of any active system is the fire panel – single or multi-loop, standalone or networked. The choice available is wide, and the priority should be finding a solution that offers versatility.

Open- or multi-protocol fire systems allow much greater freedom of device choice, allowing you to choose devices that best suit the site’s needs rather than restricting you to what’s available in a particular manufacturer’s range. Some brands of devices lend themselves much better to the demands of areas prone to false alarms, for example, while others are ideal for buildings that require flush-mounted devices for reduced visual impact.

Leading detector protocols include Apollo, Argus, Hochiki and Nittan, and it’s worth looking out for these names when choosing your fire system to ensure you can access a complete range of wired and wireless devices. For retrofit projects, backwards compatibility and the option to easily combine existing and new equipment are also important considerations, and choosing a fire panel that works with a variety of protocols can save time and money.

Compliance

Fire industry legislation and regulations can be a minefield, and it can be frustrating trying to find a product that has the features you want, approved for use in your region.

Advanced offers solutions for both UL and EN markets – so you can be confident you’re getting the great Advanced features you need while complying with your country’s local fire safety standards.

Featuring a high-performance addressable panel approved to EN54 Parts 2, 4 and 13, Axis EN has been tested to the highest standards of quality, reliability and technical integrity. Offering the versatility of UK best-seller the MxPro 5 panel, combined with complete peripheral and wired and wireless device ranges, it’s a great fire system option for territories that have adopted European product standards.

Part 13 compliance ensures that a fire system will continue to perform to its maximum capability during a fire situation. Increased current in alarm conditions combined with a high-resistance connection (e.g. an incorrectly tightened screw in a sounder base), could prevent the sounders and beacons from operating on what would have incorrectly appeared to have been an acceptable ‘fault-free’ installation. Axis EN continuously monitors all transmission lines for compliance, checking and reporting faults every minute of every day to ensure maximum safety.

Meanwhile, Axis AX offers the same high-performance and flexibility of Axis EN to those who require UL compliance, combining feature-packed addressable panels with audio systems, command centres and a comprehensive range of detectors.

Built with versatility and choice in mind, Axis AX is designed to be scalable and flexible, allowing you to easily adapt your fire alarm system to suit your needs with minimal disruption. Its modular system makes customisation easy, offering a wide variety of configurations and applications.

Even better, Advanced’s easy-to-use fire panel software is available for both its EN and UL-approved products, so benefits like easy configuration, networking and BMS integration are available no matter where you are in the world.

Site size

While large business sites might need complex multi-loop networked fire panels with a high number of detectors, smaller and medium-sized businesses, such as coffee shops, GP surgeries, small offices, bars and restaurants often have far more straightforward requirements for a simpler alarm solution with fewer detectors.

These types of sites generally don’t have the capacity to invest in a solution that goes beyond their needs, instead looking for systems offering value for money, reliability, performance and quality. For example, in a small coffee shop if a fire occurs the shop will be instantly evacuated so there is no need for a sophisticated multi-loop fire panel which allows the phased evacuation that would be necessary in a hospital.

With small-site budgets in mind, cost-efficiencies have been central to the development of Advanced’s Go, the new generation, single-loop fire alarm control panel which gives access to popular MxPro 5 premium features but in a simpler, non-networkable format for complete fire protection peace of mind. Developed for smaller locations while still offering flexible and powerful protection, Go’s versatility provides complete freedom to quickly and easily design the perfect wired or wireless solution for any standalone site.

Advanced also offers a cost-effective, single-loop option for countries where EN standards apply, in the form of AxisGo. Featuring the same reliability and flexibility of the premium Axis EN range, AxisGo is a great choice for simpler sites where networking isn’t required.

Wired or wireless?

For many locations, standard wired devices are the go-to option. But what solutions are there for sites where cabling would impact the building’s aesthetic, or be difficult and costly to reach inaccessible areas?

Choosing a fire alarm system that supports wireless detection means you’ll have the flexibility to opt for wireless devices, whether you require a fully wireless or hybrid system.

Wireless solutions not only mean lower visual and physical impact, they are also faster and cheaper to install, making them an increasingly popular alternative for sites where downtime isn’t an option, or re-wiring would prove disruptive. Thanks to two-way communication with the panel, battery replacement and fault reporting can also be worked into the on-going maintenance schedule via the panel service tools.

Advanced open-protocol MxPro 5 and Go panels both support a versatile range of wireless devices, including Apollo REACH, Argus Taurus and Hochiki Ekho so there’s plenty of flexibility to customise your system to best suit your needs.

There are wireless options available for Axis EN users too. Axis wireless devices are powerful, reliable and fast to install and configure. They’re also rigorously tested to meet EN54-25 standards and can be used as part of completely wireless or hybrid systems, providing a trusted, flexible solution.

System integration

When choosing your fire system it is a good idea to consider any add-ons you might want to incorporate – either now or at a later stage – to ensure your system supports them. For example, do you want to integrate your fire alarm panel with other safety or security systems, or a wider Building Management System (BMS)? It is worth checking with your chosen supplier if they have their own solutions for your requirements, or if you will need integration with third-party equipment for full protection.

A popular requirement is the option to link the fire control panel to an intelligent emergency lighting system, such as Advanced’s Dynamic Safety Signage (DSS). Available in the UK, it can be used as a standalone system, or integrated with a fire alarm panel programmed to trigger emergency lighting if an incident occurs.

Proven to make building evacuations faster and safer, DSS uses green moving and pulsing LED arrows to clearly indicate safe exits and red LED crosses to boldly show no-go areas. It provides a safer alternative to traditional static signage, particularly when installed at high-footfall sites where people are likely to be unfamiliar with the layout, such as transport hubs, hospitals, and stadiums.

Fire system integration means it’s also possible to program cause and effect, allowing DSS to be used adaptively. This ensures that as evacuation situations evolve, only the safest escape routes are highlighted whilst unviable exits are clearly marked as no-go areas. For added safety, DSS is also compatible with Advanced’s LuxIntelligent emergency lighting test system, making it easy to prove compliance and identify any parts of the system requiring attention.

Depending on your site, you may also want to consider including additional fire protection measures in your system. For example, high-risk and sensitive areas such as IT server rooms, or museums housing historic or cultural collections, may benefit from including a gas extinguishing panel such as Advanced’s ExGo.

Like Dynamic Safety Signage, ExGo offers the versatility of standalone use, or it can be integrated with an Advanced MxPro 5 panel or Axis EN fire system, or with any third-party fire system.

Used all over the world to protect sensitive and strategic assets – from the Magna Carta at Lincoln Castle, to M Station, the United Arab Emirates’ largest power generation and desalination plant – ExGo provides a simple, dependable solution to complex fire protection problems.

The choice is yours

When it comes to making decisions about your fire system, the options really are endless. Ultimately, the key thing to look out for is versatility. Your supplier should be able to offer everything you need to achieve your required level of functionality, while providing peace of mind that your site and the people in it are being effectively protected. Choosing a fire equipment manufacturer that offers a versatile range of options is the best way to guarantee compatibility, compliance and above all, safety.

This exclusive article was originally published in the May 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

IFSJ Exclusive: No cause for alarm with STI

by Breaking NewsFire Detection

STI looks at why false fire alarms are continue to cost the UK

False fire alarm numbers continue to rise post-pandemic causing major issues for the economy by wasting vital time and resources.

The latest Home Office figures from the year ending September 2022 reveal fire and rescue services attended 238,885 fire false alarms, the largest total of false fire alarms in over a decade, an increase of 10% compared with the previous year.

With an 18% increase from the previous year for malicious false fire alarms, 6,473 false alarms were determined, the number still rising post-COVID.

False fire alarms continue to be the largest proportion of incidents attended at 38% and so it is increasingly important to minimise false alarms to ensure both the safety of individuals and the efficient use of emergency services.

The British Standard BS 5839:2017-1 recommends that: “All MCPs should be fitted with a protective cover, which is moved to gain access to the frangible element” – to reduce false alarms.

The recommendation is essential in helping to ensure that buildings are adequately protected against the risk of false fire alarms, leading to complacency and therefore possible fatalities.

Protective covers can also act as a deterrent to malicious activations of call points, a teenager was arrested in Aberdeen after setting off fire alarms more than a dozen times, which police investigated as ‘deliberate and malicious’. Firefighters attended calls and wasted time and resources, meaning they could not respond to real emergency calls.  

False alarms are costly and disruptive, amounting to around £1 billion a year for the UK they often require emergency responders to mobilise and respond to a non-existent emergency, wasting resources and time.

False fire alarms can be costly for building owners with fines introduced for repeated false alarms from emergency services, as they may have to attend multiple times, causing a drain on resources that could be better used elsewhere.

They can also cause panic and confusion, particularly if they occur frequently, making it harder for people to take the necessary steps to evacuate safely in the event of a real fire. Frequent false alarms can lead to complacency among building occupants, who may not take real fire alarms seriously, potentially putting themselves and others at risk.

Firefighters attended false alarms a considerable number of times at Basset Lodge, an independent living facility for many elderly and disabled people. False fire alarms are not only disruptive for staff and residents but also pose a risk to their safety, and place additional strain on fire and rescue services.

Residents of the facility said they were concerned that fire crews may not attend if there is a real emergency due to the number of false alarms. A 73-year-old resident, who has lived at the site for 19 years, expressed her frustration with the situation, said that the false alarms are causing panic among those with disabilities and health problems. She also noted that some tenants have to use the stairs because the lift is not working due to the alarm system.

These repeated false alarms can lead to complacency in the public, lowering the sense of urgency in real evacuations.

“Protective covers can help to control the number of accidental and malicious fire alarms.”

Protective covers can help to control the number of accidental and malicious fire alarms, but there are many ways in which you can reduce false alarms, for example regularly checking and testing equipment to ensure it is not faulty is one approach to preventing unnecessary risk for the fire department and public from false alarms.

As the original call point cover manufacturer, Safety Technology International manufacture tough covers that have been specifically designed to help deter false fire alarms and to prevent malicious or accidental activation of manual call points. The strong, durable construction of our Stopper polycarbonate call point protectors means they can withstand the toughest knocks, whilst offering lasting protection against false fire alarms.

With various models available in a range of sizes and colours, and multi-language or custom text options, we have covers suitable for most applications or devices. Sounder models help to deter malicious activations with an audible alarm that draws immediate attention to the area. Waterproof models also allow for outside application, protecting devices and manual call points against the ingress of dust or water.

You can view the full Stopper range on stand FI.2620 at FIREX International between 16-18 May 2023. 

10-year high

In the year ending September 2022, UK Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) attended 238,885 fire false alarms according to a report from the Home Office. This marks the largest total of fire false alarms since the year ending September 2012, and a 10% increase compared to the previous year’s figures of 217,925. False alarms were categorized into three types: due to apparatus, good intent, and malicious.

Due to apparatus calls accounted for 68% of all false alarms, with 163,257 recorded in the year ending September 2022. This represents a 10% increase from the previous year and a 9% increase compared to five years ago.

Good intent calls, made in good faith by the caller believing that the FRS would attend a fire, accounted for 29% of all false alarms. The number of good intent calls was 69,155, an 8% increase from the previous year and a 4% increase compared to five years ago.

Malicious false alarms, made with the intent of getting the FRS to attend a non-existent incident, accounted for 3% of all false alarms. The number of malicious false alarms was 6,473, an 18% increase from the previous year but a 9% decrease compared to five years ago.

The proportion of total incidents that were fire false alarms in the year ending September 2022 was 38%, which has been relatively stable over the past decade, varying between 38% and 44%.

The report notes that the number of fire false alarms attended by FRSs in England had been on a downward trajectory, from a peak of around 393,900 in the early 2000s to a low of around 211,000 in the year ending September 2015. However, since then, there has been a gradual increase to around 239,000 fire false alarms in the year ending September 2022.

The report suggests that the increase in false alarms may be due to a range of factors, including increased use of automatic fire alarm systems and changes to building use and occupancy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This exclusive article was originally published in the May 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.