Draft for fire alarm system guidelines now open for feedback

by Featured NewsFire Detection

The FSH/12/1 committee, responsible for Installation and Servicing, has announced the availability of the BS 5839-1 draft for public review and comment.

This draft, titled “Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings – Part 1: Design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises – Code of practice,” is now accessible through the BSI Standards Development website.

Public comment period now open

The public comment period commenced on 16th February 2024 and will conclude on 16th April 2024.

Interested parties are encouraged to visit the dedicated page on the BSI Standards Development website to read the draft and provide their feedback.

About BS 5839-1

BS 5839-1 provides comprehensive recommendations for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises.

It addresses systems ranging from simple setups with manual call points and sounders to complex networked systems featuring numerous detectors and control panels.

While it focuses on fire detection and alarm systems, it does not cover systems primarily designed to extinguish or control fires, such as sprinkler systems.

However, it does include the use of signals from such systems as part of the fire alarm system.

The standard also outlines the interaction between fire detection and alarm systems and voice alarm systems, excluding recommendations for the latter.

It does not apply to systems combining fire alarm functions with non-fire related functions, the public emergency call system, or temporary fire detection and fire alarm systems.

BS 5839-1 is relevant not only for new systems but also for extensions and alterations to existing ones, ensuring that new work complies with current standards for design, installation, commissioning, and certification.

IFSJ comment

The opening of the BS 5839-1 draft for public comment represents a crucial step in the ongoing development and enhancement of standards for fire detection and alarm systems in non-domestic premises.

This opportunity for public involvement ensures that the final version of the standard will benefit from a wide range of insights and expertise, contributing to safer environments in buildings across the country.

It reflects the collective effort to maintain and improve safety standards, encouraging professionals and stakeholders in the fire safety industry to participate actively in this process.

AXA urges action following BT Redcare fire alarm service discontinuation

by Fire Detection

AXA UK urges quick response to BT Redcare’s closure

AXA UK has issued a warning to customers using BT’s Redcare signalling system for their intruder and fire alarms, urging them to seek alternative suppliers promptly.

The announcement of the service’s closure next year has highlighted the need for approximately 100,000 commercial and residential properties to update their alarm signalling equipment before 1 August 2025.

Redcare, a prominent provider in the UK, plays a crucial role in alerting property owners and the police when alarms are triggered.

Immediate steps required for fire alarm system continuity

Dougie Barnett, Director of Customer Risk Management at AXA Commercial, emphasized the importance of timely action: “It’s important that customers check the technical specifications of any new signalling equipment to ensure it’s a like-for-like replacement for the Redcare system.

“There are a limited number of alternative options so customers should act now rather than wait until next year when the Redcare service closes.

“If they don’t, they risk being faced with delays or even an interruption to their service if there are manufacturing or installation bottlenecks.”

Support and guidance for brokers and policyholders

AXA UK has proactively communicated with retail and commercial brokers, informing them of BT Redcare’s imminent closure and providing detailed technical guidance through the AXA Connect broker website.

Brokers are encouraged to ensure their clients are well-informed about the necessary changes to avoid potential impacts on their insurance policies.

Customers uncertain about the compatibility of new systems with their insurance requirements are advised to consult with their brokers or insurers.

Recommended replacements and certification requirements

To maintain the integrity of their alarm signalling, AXA UK advises customers to consider products like the CSL Dualcom Gradeshift Pro DP3 or any dual path alarm transmission system that matches the performance level DP3 and is certificated to BSEN50136-1:2012.

These alternatives are accepted by AXA as suitable replacements for the Redcare system, ensuring continued compliance with insurance policies.

IFSJ Comment

The closure of BT’s Redcare service will cause a significant transition for many UK property owners reliant on its alarm signalling capabilities.

AXA UK’s prompt advisement for customers to seek replacements underscores the importance of maintaining continuous alarm monitoring and communication with emergency services.

This situation highlights the need for readiness in the face of service discontinuations and the value of having robust, certificated systems in place that meet both safety standards and insurance requirements.

As the deadline approaches, the proactive engagement of customers, brokers, and insurers alike will be key to ensuring a seamless transition to new alarm signalling solutions.

Rising fire alarm market set to reach USD 50.8 billion by 2030

by AmericasBreaking NewsFire Detection

Expected growth at a 7.5% CAGR underscores the burgeoning fire alarm market

A new report by Zion Market Research has projected that the global fire alarm market will attain a size of USD 50.8 billion by the year 2030.

According to the findings of the research, this indicates a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 7.5% between 2023 and 2030. The report’s key details can be viewed here.

Fire alarm market to expand with rising incidents of fire-related fatalities

The increasing occurrence of fire-related fatalities is a key factor poised to drive the growth of the fire alarm market during the forecast period.

The market size, which was valued at around USD 28.5 billion in 2022, is estimated to more than double over the next eight years.

Manual initiating devices predicted to dominate the fire alarm market

The report divides the fire alarm market into segments based on product type, connectivity, end user, detectors, and region. In terms of product type, the manual initiating devices segment is anticipated to capture the most significant revenue share over the forecast period.

Addressable system to continue leading the fire alarm market

Concerning connectivity, the addressable system, which held the largest revenue share in 2021, is anticipated to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period.

Geographically, North America is predicted to remain the market leader during the same period.

Fire alarm systems play an integral role in safeguarding individuals and property, primarily by providing early warning signals in case of fire or smoke.

This alerts occupants to evacuate the premises promptly, while enabling emergency services to initiate appropriate actions.

The technological advancements in recent years have resulted in the development of more sophisticated fire alarm systems, such as addressable systems and intelligent systems, offering enhanced features like accurate location identification and advanced detection algorithms.

The fire alarm market continues to be fuelled by factors such as these technological advancements, strict regulations imposed by government bodies, and growing safety awareness.

This news is of crucial importance as it highlights the escalating need for fire alarm systems due to stringent fire safety regulations and increasing incidents of fire-related casualties and property damage.

The data outlined in the report will offer significant insight to manufacturers, stakeholders, and decision-makers within the fire and safety industry.

IFSJ Comment

This news is crucial for the fire and safety industry as it provides valuable insights into the projected market growth, indicating potential business opportunities and higher revenues.

It underscores the impact of technological advancements, which drive product innovation and competitiveness.

The report also highlights the significant influence of government regulations, emphasising the need for businesses to stay informed and adapt accordingly.

Furthermore, it provides details about regional trends and potential market challenges, guiding companies in strategic planning and problem-solving to ensure sustainable growth.

Cygnus Wireless Alarm System rebrands to SiteProtect

by Featured NewsProducts

Bull Products, a provider of temporary fire protection solutions suitable for the building and construction industries and other applications, has recently announced the launch of SiteNet, a new range of fire detection and alarm devices designed for temporary installation. Additionally, the company has renamed its popular Cygnus Wireless Alarm System to SiteProtect.

SiteProtect

Bull Products has renamed its original Cygnus Wireless Alarm System to SiteProtect. This temporary wireless alarm system will remain true to its original design, which sets a high standard in wireless emergency fire, first aid and intruder alarms.

Matthew Trigwell added, “This year we want to be clearer – your fire alarm protects your site, so from now on we are renaming our existing temporary fire alarm system Cygnus, to SiteProtect. SiteProtect will still link to Cygnus – it is just a name change to align with our business objectives and future plans. The name may be different, but the product is still the reliable system that it always has been.”

SiteNet

SiteNet is a fully EN54 compliant range of fire detection and alarm devices for temporary installation, featuring a control panel and six different fire call point, detection and alarm devices with multiple configurations and settings, as well as first aid alert functionality. With self-forming and self-healing wireless mesh protocol technology, SiteNet offers cause-and-effect programming capability for timed and zone-controlled evacuations, making it an ideal solution for any temporary project.

Matthew Trigwell, Sales Director at Bull Products, said, “We’re delighted to be introducing SiteNet to our range. This really is the gold-star temporary wireless solution. The system incorporates the latest technology into its range of smoke and heat detectors to provide enhanced early fire detection built on a wireless network that’s fully EN 54 compliant. It will improve fire safety on temporary sites and reduce the occurrence of unwanted or false alarms.”

Bull Products’ SiteNet and SiteProtect solutions offer a comprehensive range of temporary wireless fire detection and alarm devices, ensuring enhanced fire safety for temporary projects.

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.

C-TEC installs fire protection system at Welsh listed building

by Featured NewsProjects

C-TEC’s CAST XFP fire system has been installed at a spiritual retreat in Llangollen, North Wales.

Located in Ceiriog Valley, Tan-Y-Garth Hall is a Grade II listed house built in 1915. Owned by the International Hermeneutic Society, it provides a ‘spiritual haven’ for people interested in yoga, meditation, art, music and science.

The Society’s plans to additionally utilise the building as a hotel meant the existing manual fire alarm system had to be replaced to comply with the relevant regulations. Fire specialist company, Allied Fire Alarms & Escapes Ltd, specified an L1 category fire alarm system to provide the highest standard for the protection of life.

Featuring an XFP CAST panel connected to an array of heat, smoke and multi-sensor devices, the powerful system is designed to deliver the earliest possible warning should a fire occur at the historic 17-bedroomed hall, a popular venue for group workshops, location shoots, exhibitions and performances.

John Westerman, Allied’s Managing Director: “The entire project went exceptionally smoothly as CAST’s soft addressing feature makes installation and commissioning fast and easy – devices can be programmed at the panel so you don’t need to walk around site to physically program each one. The innate flexibility of the system also means that, if the needs of the site change in the future, devices can be easily adjusted via the panel’s programming tools to meet the client’s exact specification.”

“We chose CAST for its simplicity yet effectiveness in the field, specifically XFP CAST because of its compactness and functionality. When we handed over the system to our client, they were clearly impressed by its user-friendliness and capacity to be adapted in the future.”

Conceived and designed by C-TEC as part of a 10-year, multi-million-pound project, CAST is the world’s most-advanced ‘distributed intelligence’ fire alarm system protocol. CAST’s cutting-edge control panels, detection and alarm devices are all designed and manufactured at the company’s state-of-the-art UK manufacturing facility to guarantee that every single component integrates to create systems that work perfectly – from a simple ‘one out, all out’ system to a sophisticated multi-panel networked system.

UL Solutions launches service for fire alarm control units in UAE

by Featured NewsFire DetectionMiddle East - Featured News Archives

UL Solutions has introduced a new product category covering fire alarm control units and accessories intended to be used in the United Arab Emirates as part of a household fire-warning system.

To balance cultural practices with safety enhancements, UL Solutions, a global safety science leader, developed a new testing program and a new Certification Mark for the UAE.

The program tests residential fire alarm control units that permit residents to briefly disable alarms to burn incense. Products that demonstrate compliance with the testing protocol earn the all-new UL-AE Certification Mark.

By applying solid regional insights and deep industry expertise, UL’s new testing program for fire alarm control units aims to inspire greater confidence among UAE residents, opening the market for safer products and maximising emergency services resources.

In 2018, the UAE Civil Defense launched a campaign to introduce a smart fire detection, alarm and monitoring system to every residential villa in the UAE. The initiative involved designing and installing a fire detection system for early warning of a fire outbreak to inform occupants to evacuate the premises with almost instantaneous alarms.

To improve response times, the alarm systems are connected to a signal monitoring center that receives the signal of a fire outbreak and confers with the owner on the current situation before dispatching the necessary fire response resources.

This alarm feature is designed to reduce the possibility of false alarms to prepare civil defense crews on arrival, especially in villa homes with the highest incidence of fire calls in the UAE.

CertAlarm Rules successfully evaluated by EA and its members

by Featured NewsFire Detection

CertAlarm has published the updated versions of its Scheme Rules following confirmation of the successful audit from the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA) and its members, the European National Accreditation Bodies.

The Scheme Rules form the basis for CertAlarm’s approach, which is unique in Europe, to offer a pan-European quality mark in the fire protection and security systems industry.

While all other quality marks present in this industry in Europe primarily focus on the acceptance of their brand in their local markets, CertAlarm aims at the acceptance of the CertAlarm mark throughout Europe.

The updates made to parts 1 to 3 of the CertAlarm Scheme Rules are to ensure that one of CertAlarm’s long-standing partners, which is based in the UK, can still operate under the CertAlarm Scheme after Brexit and to create the possibility for Certification Bodies and Test Laboratories based outside Europe to become CertAlarm partners.

Benoît Stockbroeckx, Technical Manager of Euralarm and Chair of CertAlarm’s Technical Advisory Group, commented: “Furthermore, the change is intended to strengthen the active participation of the Certification Bodies and Test Laboratories in the activities of the Technical Advisory Group to further improve their alignment in the application of the standards.”

Part 2 of the Rules (“Standards specified for various products, systems and services”) has been adapted to the effect that the standards listed herein are now undated. This change was made to put in place a more flexible system to inform the users and the partners of the CertAlarm mark about the applicable version of the standards.

The new system avoids changing the Rules Part 2 each time a new version of a standard is available. The dated versions of all standards within the CertAlarm scope remain to be available on CertAlarm’s website.

Anja Kinsky, General Manager of CertAlarm, added: “We are very pleased that the CertAlarm Scheme has once again proven that it fulfils the requirements of an international certification scheme and thereby remains to be the only pan-European certification scheme for fire safety and security products and systems in Europe.”

Report reveals 90% of false fire alarms are caused by faulty apparatus

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProducts

According to the latest Home Office report, false alarms make up 98% of automatic fire alarm confirmed incidents in 2020/21; with 90% of this figure a result of faulty apparatus.

The research from the Home Office, which was collated from Fire and Rescue services across the country from the last financial year, found that just 2% of the incidents from automatic fire alarms were a result of an actual fire.

The findings indicated that most of the false alarms could have been avoided with proper maintenance and ensuring the correct type of life safety product is installed for the environment in the first place.

Commenting on this latest report from the home office, Mr Shinsuke Kubo, Commercial Director for Hochiki Europe, Middle East, Africa and India, said: “False alarms are a major problem across multiple industries, they have a significant impact on production and ultimately the economy. Building owners who choose to work with installers and manufacturers who understand that no two environments are the same will reap the benefits because the products recommended will be both fit for purpose and properly maintained”

London Fire Brigade recommends that responsible persons must make sure the fire alarm system installed is carefully considered for the type of premises and of course the occupancy. Other key factors must be considered to increase the overall “alarm reliability” of fire detection and fire alarm systems and ensuring new systems are installed in the case of use change.

Kubo suggested that multi-sensors could be the answer: “For complex life safety installation projects which have multiple usage scenarios, or are adapted over time, using intelligent devices can really help reduce false alarms.

“Modern devices which detect heat, smoke and in some cases, CO, can learn from their environments from the moment of installation. Our ACD multi-sensor which uses the S.M.A.R.T. algorithm to continuously monitor its surroundings, is used by our customers across multiple sectors from university accommodation, housing associations, theatres, and schools – all of which have seen a reduction in false alarms”.

Siemens selects Videcon as distribution partner for Cerberus FIT

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProducts

Siemens has announced Videcon as its new strategic partner for the Cerberus FIT range of fire detection and alarm products, marking Siemens first ever distribution partner for fire in the UK and Ireland.

Videcon was formed in 1995 and is currently one of the fastest growing security and fire distributors in the UK. Videcon will add Cerberus FIT to its existing portfolio of fire and security products and services, through its dedicated Fire Safety Division which is headed up by Sales Director Alan Fowlie.

Commenting on the new partnership, Fowlie said: “Our customers were increasingly looking for the advantages offered by an addressable system but at an affordable price.

“I knew Siemens from the work I did before my business became part of Videcon in 2020 and Cerberus FIT offers the ideal solution. It gives us a completely open protocol, engineer-friendly system with the brand values, quality and product quality that you expect from Siemens but at a price-point which is extremely competitive.”

Cerberus FIT has been designed specifically to provide a cost-effective option for moving from conventional to addressable systems for small to medium sized applications.

Rob Yates, Head of Fire Products at Siemens UK&I, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Videcon, having chosen them as a partner because of their clear commitment to training and support. The company’s client base is particulartly suited to Cerberus FIT which is an EN54-13 approved system designed with ease of installation and ease of use as its core guiding principles.

“That ensures it is an ideal option for a range of applications, including retail, leisure centres, warehouses and restaurants – in essence those facilities who would be considerng a conventional or stand-alone addressable system.

“This is the start of what we see as an exciting co-operation between the two businesses and look forward to taking the offering to the fire safety market in the UK and Ireland.”