Euralarm publishes new country factsheets

by Featured NewsFire Detection

Euralarm’s Fire Section has published new Country Fact Sheets for Finland, Portugal, Colombia, Switzerland, Sweden and Italy.

The Euralarm Country Fact Sheets give detailed information on requirements on products/systems of the classic fire detection business in a certain country.

The documents contain information on the main requirements for a country, such as fire standards, marking and certification, the legal and regulatory framework, major installation codes and additional notes.

The new factsheets joins Euralarm’s existing collection which includes sheets for: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, People Republic of China, the USA, Bulgaria, Poland, Australia and Brazil. New are the Country Fact Sheets on Finland, Portugal, Colombia, Switzerland, Sweden and Italy.

These documents are intended solely for guidance of Euralarm members. The documents can be downloaded here.

Teledyne unveils Spyglass flame detection series

by Featured NewsFire Detection

Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection has unveiled its Spyglass SG50-F series of flame detectors, featuring updated optics and algorithms and on-board video in either colour or near-infrared options.

The Spyglass SG50-F series open-path flame detectors elevate the level of reliability and functionality. The flame detectors come equipped with HD video capabilities, allowing for the detection of fires that may not be visible to the naked eye.

The on-board video enables remote confirmation of fire situations and provides valuable information on fire progression and suppression methods, which can prove vital in responding to fire emergencies and enabling users to make important safety decisions from a remote location.

The Spyglass series feature a robust and durable housing. Made from 316L stainless steel to meet IP66/IP68 and NEMA 250 6P protection rating standards, the enclosure houses state-of-the-art optic technology and advanced software algorithms, enabling rapid and reliable fire detection.

The range offers improved optical flame detection capabilities, with a quicker detection time and better performance even over extended distances. They are designed to be a cost-effective alternative to employing multiple line of sight point gas detectors, which would entail higher initial costs and maintenance expenses.

The detectors also offer industry-leading false alarm immunity to several challenging environments while performing in adverse climates.

All Spyglass flame detectors work by analysing the absorption of radiation caused by gases in the atmosphere and comparing it to background atmospheric absorption. They come with triple infrared (IR3) and UV-IR options to suit a range of applications.

The IR3 version is specifically designed to detect hydrocarbons, making it ideal for applications such as refineries, oil and gas platforms, FPSO (floating production storage and offloading) systems, petrochemical plants, marine facilities, compressor stations and turbine enclosures. There is also an IR3-H2 option for hydrogen and energy transition applications.

Hyfire and Absolute Security Protect HMS Victory

by Featured NewsProjects

As part of £35 million project to conserve HMS Victory, Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, a complex fire system designed around Hyfire’s wireless Taurus range has been installed to provide protection during works on the world’s oldest commissioned warship.  

Launched in 1765, HMS Victory is currently undergoing a 10-year programme of works to make her ship-shape for the next generation. In 2022, as she celebrated 100 years in drydock in Portsmouth, Absolute Security Systems Ltd took on design responsibility for the fire system that is providing comprehensive cover within the temporary structure surrounding the ship. 

This is being used to provide protection and access during the works, with allowance for members of the public to continue to visit HMS Victory, and also to view the works being carried out. 

Comprehensive protection

The fire system was installed and interfaced into the existing onboard fire system, offering flexibility so it can be repositioned to suit the ongoing progress of the refurbishment, which also involves replacing rotten planking from her hull with new oak, repairing Victory’s structural framework, and finally fully re-rigging the historic flagship. 

“With the possible exception of Titanic, I don’t think there is a ship in the world that’s more famous than HMS Victory, so we took on this project with a mix of trepidation and excitement,” said Paul Waddon, Fire Alarm Division Manager at Absolute Security. “A wireless fire system is a no-brainer in this situation, as it offers comprehensive protection to the vessel with little or no impact on the fabric.

“Using the TauREX design tool, and with input from the Hyfire team, we’ve been able to specify, install and commission the new fire system in record time. It may not be the most visible element of the reconstruction, but an effective fire system is absolutely vital to the protection and preservation of HMS Victory as conservation experts and skilled shipwrights work to make her ship-shape for at least the next 50 years.” 

Hyfire offers a wide range of commercial standard wireless fire devices, 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.

Fire panels are wired via a loop to translators, from which wireless devices can be used on their own to build fully wireless systems of virtually any size, or mixed with Hyfire wired products to provide seamless hybrid solutions, offering total flexibility to specifiers and installers.  

‘No need for complex and unseemly wiring’

Ollie Murray, National Sales Manager ‑ South at Hyfire, commented: “I think lots of people dream about being involved with a project like this, and it’s been an amazing experience to play a part in the future preservation of HMS Victory. Taurus wireless devices are perfect for structures like a ship as they can cover every void, deck and hard to reach space with no need for complex and unseemly wiring.” 

Developed in Trieste, Italy, the global centre for wireless fire design, Taurus 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 optimised 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. 

Kentec provides fire protection to Middle East oil and gas company

by Featured NewsProjects

Kentec Electronics, are helping a Middle Eastern oil and gas company to protect critical national infrastructure in the region by installing More than 40, 4- and 16-loop Taktis fire detection panels.

Khayber Fire and Security Systems WLL, a contractor of fire and security systems based in the Kingdom of Bahrain and a Kentec Installation Partner (KIP), is responsible for the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the project’s fire protection, fire and gas detection systems.

The installation project features 41 panels, of which 32 are a part of one ring network. In the next stage of the project Khayber is working with Kentec to utilise Vizulinx, a fire alarm management solution that facilitates the integration of the Taktis system with the plant DCS via Modbus signals. This enables site managers to monitor and control fire detection systems remotely, in real time through the DCS graphic.

Future proof

The Taktis 16L provides up to 144 zone indications, supports more than 2,000 detection devices and can network up to 127 panels, making it ideal for the very largest sites. Furthermore, its scalable nature provides the highest level of future-proofing and networking possibilities.   

The Khayber Fire and Security Systems WLL Team working on the project confirms the company has completed numerous projects in the region utilising Kentec panels, in all cases with their clients fully satisfied: “This project is vast in scale and critical in its protection of nationally vital assets and infrastructure. While the project did not originally specify Taktis, we were able to convince stakeholders that the 4- and 16-loop Taktis panel has the required capabilities and scale to be the right system for the project.”

Kevin Swann, MD of Kentec, said that this project is one of Taktis’ most globally significant installations: “With more than 60 buildings, linked to several thousand devices, the fire protection system is one of the world’s largest and most complex. Our thanks go to the team at Khayber for their detailed understanding of the Taktis system’s features and benefits, and dedication to such an important installation.”

Cygnus introduces fully wireless fire alarm system

by Featured NewsFire Detection

Cygnus has launched its new entirely wireless, EN54 compliant SmartNet fire alarm system range. This new system is designed to deliver a reliable, safe solution, significant reductions on fire alarm installation times as well as reduced costs for fire alarm installers, specifiers, M&E contractors and consultants. 

The Cygnus SmartNet system comprises a comprehensive range of EN54 compliant and Construction Products Regulation (CPR 305/2011) certified fire detection and alarm devices suitable for permanent installation across all types of building environment.

These include a choice of Radio Bases, with and without Sounders and Visual Indicators; Optical Smoke, Type B Heat Detectors, PIR Detectors and a Combi detector, which has a smoke and A1R sensor, together with Ceiling and Wall-Mounted Visual Alarm Devices, Call Points and Interface.

With the capability for 511 devices to operate on one wireless system, a SmartNet network is built on a combination of these battery powered radio devices, operating on a self-forming, self-healing mesh network using the SmartNet wireless protocol across 10 frequency channels operating at 865-868 MHz.

A minimum of two communication paths to each wireless device and innovative channel-hopping technology makes the network extremely reliable, protecting against the risk of broken communication links, network redundancy and interference.

In addition, SmartNet devices feature a long radio range, extending up to 350m (unobstructed), with the help of a 360o directional antenna. SmartNet enables installers to design 16, 32, 64, and 96 zone panel options with the possibility to network up to five panels together in a single system.

A fully wireless system

Austen Wells, Sales Manager at Cygnus, said the wireless system is a game changer for installers: “For the first time, it offers the sector a fully wireless system, which is quick and easy to install, and can be scaled effectively from small to large installations. As this system is designed to be fitted by SmartNet Certified Partners, Cygnus offers full training and technical support to its partners. SmartNet brings significant operational and installation benefits of wireless technology to the market, with no need for wired boosters, translators or any other wired element, it removes the often stressful first fix stage of an install.”

The SmartNet system reduces engineering time and the overall project cost by eliminating the need for cabling during installation, enabling faster and easier installation on new buildings, where project timescales are often extremely pressurised.

It also opens up the retrofit opportunity since wireless installation minimises occupant disruption and reduces the cost of rewiring. The wireless mesh network system also requires no gateway expanders or loop-powered translating devices to speed up installation still further.

BS 5839 and EN54 compliant

As a BS 5839 and EN54 compliant system, SmartNet eliminates the need for fire-resistant cabling, restrictions on device locations and multiple loops, which need to be protected against failure. The wireless system offers increased safety as there is no requirement for cable damage mitigation, no combustible fixings, no possibility of inadequate wiring and no risk of circuit overloading or high circuit loads.

The system is configured and commissioned using a Windows-based configuration tool on a PC, tablet or mobile device. The software includes an easy-to-use menu to guide engineers through each stage of the configuration and commissioning process, making the installation process as easy as possible. The tool also permits system diagnostics using any Windows device.

The SmartNet touch screen Control Panel offers a complete overview of the system as well as the capability to send reports about the alarms, low battery alerts, and faults, which are all identifiable by location. SmartNet is compliant with all relevant EN54 standards and can also be installed, serviced, and maintained in accordance with BS 5839-1.

Comelit-PAC fire system installed at Booth Hall

by Featured NewsProjects

Comelit-PAC’s fire system has been installed by CFS Systems on an 800-room student accommodation complex at Crewe’s new medical health science campus.

The Apollo Buckingham Health Science Campus (ABHSC) offers degrees in biomedical sciences as well as medical foundation and conversion courses for health workers.  The campus is majority owned by the University of Buckingham and Apollo and could have at least 3,000 students at the Crewe site by 2024.

Offering on-campus student accommodation at Booth Hall, the development includes 800 bedrooms, with a mix of communal spaces and facilities, including extended learning zones, meeting rooms and a gymnasium.

CFS Systems carried out a full risk assessment of the site to install the latest fire safety systems, with a nine-panel network and over 2000 devices.

Amanda Watson, Head of Operations at Apollo Buckingham Health Science Campus said: “The University of Buckingham’s Crewe campus offers students the opportunity to gain experience and relevant skills, combining a variety of courses with authentic clinical and laboratory experiences in a multi-professional learning environment”.

“Situated on the grounds of the Crewe campus, the student-friendly town is ideal for both learning and socialising.  Student welfare is a top priority and this includes at Booth Hall, ensuring fire safety and security measures are kept up to date and compliant.  Here, CFS Systems carried out a complete risk assessment and made recommendations, advising us on the best course of action, including installation of Comelit-PAC systems.”

User friendly

CFS Systems selected Comelit-PAC’s specialist fire safety solution, featuring a user friendly touch screen system, installing eight addressable panels, one per block and a new style repeater panel in the main reception area.

Finished in line with Comelit-PAC’s focus on aesthetics, it is fully networkable with the opportunity to expand with a facility or building requirement.

Craig Forster, Operations Director at CFS Systems commented: “If you’re responsible for fire safety in any kind of accommodation – halls of residence, rented flats or privately rented accommodation – there are considerable obligations to do everything possible to minimise the risk of fire”. 

“This includes a great level of responsibility to carry out fire risk assessments, identifying potential fire hazards and ensuring complete fire safety.  We did this at Booth Hall and installed Comelit-Pac, quickly and efficiently, as a system that could accommodate the sheer size of the development and remain simple to use and operate for all students and staff on site.”

Mandy Bowden, Fire Manager at Comelit-PAC concluded: “Fire safety is essential to any premises. In a student accommodation complex, there are special considerations to comply with latest legislation and maintain the safety of students, visitors and all staff”.   

“We worked closely with CFS Systems from training and initial design of the system, paying close attention to the bespoke requirements of Booth Hall.  We ensured the products were delivered quickly, to negate any need for a delay in the installation programme of works.  The result is a high quality, robust fire safety system that complies with latest legislation to offer the essential protection required.”

Breathing detectors help save lives in Turkey earthquake rescue effort

by Featured NewsFirefighting Equipment

Camero-Tech – a member of the SK Group and a pioneer and world-leader in the design and manufacture of pulse-based UWB micro-power radar ‘Through Wall Imaging’ systems – supplied its Xaver 400 and Xaver 100 systems to the search and rescue expedition sent by the IDF Home Front Command SAR Unit to the disaster area in Turkey.

These systems – which are capable of detecting the breathing of living people buried under layers of debris/ rubble, even without movement – are part of the company’s overall search & rescue kit, which is fully equipped with Camero-Tech’s STTW radar imaging systems, enabling search and rescue teams to detect live objects in disaster scenarios such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and fires.

Amir Beeri, CEO and founder of Camero-Tech, said: “As our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by this tragic event, we are proud that we have been able to assist the rescue efforts, using Camero systems to successfully save lives.

“The technology we have developed over the years, which is usually used in military and law enforcement missions, continues to prove its effectiveness in its original purpose of saving lives. This is not the first time we have witnessed the success of our unique technology in disaster areas; it was also used to locate and rescue survivors following the 2017 earthquake in Mexico.”

How it works

On arrival at the scene of a disaster, Camero’s compact search & rescue kit is ready to be deployed in less than a minute, enabling teams in the field to move agilely even in harsh environments, and to locate life under debris and collapsed buildings.

The kit contains two Camero Xaver 100 systems, a Xaver 400, a XaverNet and various rescue accessories – including a variety of straps, holding devices, and more – that can be used in a variety of situations.

The Xaver 100 is a compact, handheld detector and tracker that provides reliable primary information on the existence of live objects. It facilitates faster go/ no-go decision-making when searching in major disaster areas, such as collapsed buildings with many rooms and voids.

The Xaver 400 is a compact radar-based device that provides accurate, real-time, mission-critical information on live and static objects, indicating their location within a structure. It also provides simultaneous detection of static and moving objects.

The XaverNet is a remote wireless ToughPad that simultaneously controls and monitors up to four Xaver systems, enabling real-time visual data and data recording/ playback in multiple locations within the disaster area. It is the force multiplier that speeds up the process of finding survivors. The critical data can also be used for post-mission analysis and training.

Hochiki Europe buys multi-million pound facility in Kent

by Breaking NewsFire Detection

Global life safety company, Hochiki Europe has announced the purchase of multi-million-pound facility in Chatham, Kent representing an investment of £5.5 million by the group.

Residing on a site of 1.92 acres, the new building is over 24,000 square feet and will be in addition to the European Headquarters and Research and Development Centre in Gillingham, Kent.

The building is part of the ongoing strategic expansion of footprint for the European arm of the group and will afford the company space to expand the existing operations in warehousing, production and distribution as well as the sales and administrative teams.

2023 marks the 30th anniversary of Hochiki’s operations in Europe. Hochiki said the news can be seen as a significant investment in the future infrastructure of the company. The new facility will ensure future demand is met and order volume is delivered efficiently and effectively to customers in the UK, across Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa.

Speaking about the expansion plans Graham Lowe, Managing Director at Hochiki Europe said: “Despite the challenging few years we have faced as a global community, I am proud of the efforts our teams have made to ensure our continued growth and I would like to thank each team member. Over the last six months we have been able to expand our teams to strengthen the expertise we offer our customers and now, with this new building, we can continue to deliver a world class service in fire safety to existing loyal customers and ever-growing pool of new customers”

Globally Hochiki employ over 2000 employees who work across six manufacturing plants, 38 sales offices and 14 subsidiaries. The new facility will bring with it new employment opportunities to the South-East, adding to the 180 strong staff already employed at the Head Office in Kent.

Two join Hyfire UK team

by Featured NewsPeople

Global wireless fire detection and alarm devices company Hyfire has boosted its UK team with the appointment of Martin Lee [left] as Business Development Manager (UK & Ireland) and Richard Williams [right] as Regional Sales Manager – South West.  

Lee, 47, has worked in the fire industry for 26 years, most recently in a senior sales role with a well known global manufacturer. His role will be to develop the Hyfire brand and to promote it to key partners, end users and consultants.

Williams, 35, will take charge of developing existing Hyfire partnerships in the South West region, and identify new opportunities as the takeup of wireless fire technology continues to accelerate.  

Lee commented: “Hyfire has developed a fantastic product in the Taurus range and this, combined with the structure of a great sales and technical team, made the opportunity very exciting.

“I see the Hyfire business going from strength to strength as we continue to build market share, and become an increasingly significant disruptor in the wired marketplace.” 

Tom Crane, Hyfire International Director, said: “One of the few positives to come out of the pandemic is that end users and installers are beginning to appreciate the inherent advantages of wireless fire systems, and the continued expansion of our sales and business development teams is a major fact in helping Hyfire to capitalise on this growth. Both Martin and Richard have key roles to play in the continued Hyfire success story.” 

Williams said: “I was attracted to Hyfire by the company’s culture, offering industry-leading products backed up by superb service. I’m looking forward to building on the company’s established business in the South West, introducing wireless fire technology to more installers and end clients in the region.” 

Comelit-PAC makes multi-million pound leisure complex fire safe

by Featured NewsProjects

A new multi-million pound leisure centre, owned by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, is now fire safe thanks to a partnership with Secur-It specifying Comelit-PAC’s integrated solution.

The new £26m Marina Centre leisure complex on Great Yarmouth’s seafront, was designed to replace the old 1980s built centre.  With work starting in January 2021, it reopened in August 2022.

Operated by Freedom Leisure, the new facility features a six-lane swimming pool, learner pool and aqua play area with flumes, a 120-station gym, a four court sports hall, 10m indoor climbing zone, three studios and community spaces.

Says Freedom Leisure Area Manager Martin Marsh: “The opening of our new centre is a very exciting chapter for Great Yarmouth, and a significant investment that we are thrilled to present to our guests.  Whilst its core objective is to offer the latest and greatest facilities; it’s integral that it can be enjoyed in a fire safe and secure environment.   

“We worked in partnership with the main contractors, right from the early stages of the design, and specification of fire safety was a key priority.  The team could offer advice, recommendations and practical support on how and where to install measures to blend with their surroundings, without affecting the experience for our staff and guests.”

Main contractors Morgan Sindall worked with Secur-It right from initial design processes to incorporate Comelit-PAC’s fire safety solutions. This included integrating the fire safety with the access control, turnstile and security services alongside the PA system. 

Arnaud Marosi, Secur It Commercial Director added: “By specifying Comelit-PAC at The Marina Centre, we could present a fire system that balances offering a high performance life safety solution, without interfering with the natural flow of a busy leisure centre.  

“With excellent technical support available, we were able to integrate seamlessly with the security and PA system to enable staff to speed up response time and advise guests about the safest emergency route.  We could also install around the facilities without impacting on look or feel.  The result is a wonderful example of a new complex that is already making a big impact on its community, secure in the knowledge it’s doing so with all due care and attention to fire safety.”

In total, for the Marina Leisure Centre complex, the 20 zone fire safety system specified from Comelit-PAC included a 4 loop addressable panel, a repeater and 383 devices which included detectors, call points, sounders and visual alarm devices.

Mandy Bowden, Comelit-PAC Fire Manager concluded: “By considering the fire detection and alarm systems early in the programme of works, we could specify a tailor made, integrated and inclusive solution without impacting on its function, aesthetics or appearance.  The result once installed is so much more than a safe and secure leisure centre, but also a fantastic facility for residents’ health and wellbeing, and for the visitors to Great Yarmouth to enjoy.”