Advanced to showcase range of fire solutions at Intersec

by Featured NewsFire Detection

Advanced, a world leader in intelligent fire systems, will be exhibiting on stand F24, Hall 4 at Intersec 2023 (17-19 January at Dubai World Trade Centre).

Advanced will be showcasing its versatile and scalable offering that makes it the one-stop shop for fire-safety solutions. On display will be some new and updated products including the company’s innovative AxisGo, the UL system Axis AX, and its versatile wireless technology.

The fire systems provider’s flexible product range offers solutions suitable for a wide range of settings – from large, complex commercial and industrial sites to small leisure, retail and high-end residential installations. Offering solutions for both UL and EN markets, Advanced really is a one-stop shop for fire safety solutions.

Sasi Kumar, Commercial Manager Middle East and Africa at Advanced said “We’re delighted to be exhibiting at Intersec once again and demonstrating how we can meet a wide variety of fire-safety needs across a wide range of different sites and sectors – from high-rise and infrastructure to hospitality and commercial. We will be showcasing new and updated products and explaining the benefits of each and the problems they can solve.

“Advanced is pleased to be able to offer both EN and UL standard compliance in our Axis EN and Axis AX product ranges respectively. This flexibility is essential for our customers in the Middle East where both EN and UL solutions are used. Furthermore, we are proud that our UK-made products are proven to be robust, reliable, resilient and efficient and offer very effective false-alarm reduction capabilities.”

AxisGo

AxisGo is the new-generation, single-loop fire panel from Advanced that is versatile and packed with premium features, offering a powerful option for protecting smaller sites such as shops, restaurants, surgeries and villas.

Available as a wired, wireless or hybrid system, this versatility makes AxisGo an ideal option when retrofitting onto existing systems that need to be expanded or in settings where disruption from fire system work must be avoided.

To meet demand in the GCC for both EN and UL solutions Advanced offers the Axis EN and Axis AX product ranges respectively. The Axis range is robust, versatile and easy to use – from installation and commissioning to servicing, maintenance and day-to-day operation.

Axis EN

The Axis EN system provides powerful networking capacity and can create robust networks of up to 200 panels. Networks can also be combined to create very large fire systems making the Axis EN ideal for complex, large-scale installations where the EN54 standard is specified.

Whether networking complex, high-risk sites with complicated cause and effect, remotely monitoring networked sites, or integrating with building management systems (BMS), intuitive software and panel navigation make setup straightforward.

Axis EN is also effective in minimising unwanted alarms thanks to AlarmCalm, Advanced’s built-in false alarm management and reduction software which all adds up to making Axis EN a trusted choice.

Axis AX

The UL 864-approved Axis AX fire system makes light work of integrating smoke control and audio or voice options which are frequently required for fire systems in the Middle East. The flexible Axis AX offers integrated audio for automatic (and manual) fire alarm signalling and live voice paging during emergencies.

The system also provides access to DynamixSmoke, a revolutionary approach to smoke control that uses a simple setup and programming process that radically reduces the time and associated costs of configuring fans and dampers. Whether configuring protection across a large networked site, integrating smoke control or combining an audio solution alongside a fire system, Axis AX’s solutions give peace of mind that you are in complete control of your fire protection.

Wireless solutions

Advanced will also be demonstrating the versatility of its wireless offering at Intersec and will be showcasing its MxPro 5 open protocol approach. MxPro 5 offers freedom, flexibility and safety thanks to the panel’s compatibility with a range of leading detector protocols, making it ideal for retrofitting.

Also on display will be the ExGo extinguishing panel which protects critical infrastructure, data centres and sensitive sites where water extinguishing would destroy irreplaceable assets, so gas extinguishing is required. While, Advanced’s specialist redundant panel kicks in if the main fire panel stops working and offers 100% hot redundant panel protection – especially useful in settings where there can be no break in fire protection, such as large industrial plants and production lines.

International expansion

Advanced is also looking to expand its presence in the GCC. The company has distribution partners in UAE, Oman and South Africa and is actively looking for new partners in the rest of the GCC and beyond, as well as OEM partnerships globally. In addition, Advanced is recruiting in the region to expand its sales and support teams. Come and to talk to the team on the Advanced stand to find out more.

As a world leader in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems, Advanced is committed to creating a safer future. A reputation for performance, quality and ease of use see Advanced products specified in locations around the world, from single-panel installations to large, multi-site networks. The Advanced product portfolio includes complete fire detection systems, multiprotocol fire panels, extinguishing control, false alarm management and reduction solutions as well as emergency lighting.

Advanced is owned by FTSE 100 company Halma PLC – a global group of life-saving technology companies with a clear purpose to grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day.

Intersec Saudi Arabia: Day One highlights

by EventsFeatured NewsMiddle East - Breaking NewsMiddle East - EventsMiddle East - Featured News Archives

The fourth edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia, the exhibition which is a nexus of the Kingdom’s fire and emergency services, security, and safety industry, returns live and in-person to Riyadh today. The show and associated conference, which have attracted an extensive local, regional, and international exhibitor and speaker profile, will run at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center (RICEC) until Thursday, September 15.

His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah ALMarshed, Vice Chairman of Board of Directors, Chairman, Real Estate Committee of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Intersec Saudi Arabia’s patron, inaugurated today’s exhibition.

He commented: “It is reassuring to welcome Intersec Saudi Arabia and all its local, regional, and international participants back to the capital for what promises to be an intense three days of partnership building, business deals and informative insights into the Kingdom’s comprehensive security market, its future needs and the new technology and systems which can serve it.”

More than 150 exhibitors from 20 countries are participating in the exhibition looking for market breakthroughs or expansion in the Kingdom – the largest and fastest growing market for security, safety, and fire protection in the Middle East, which is estimated, by analysts 6WResearch, to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.3% to reach US$1.2 billion in 2026.

Alex Nicholl, Intersec Saudi Arabia’s Show Director, said: “The potential of the Kingdom’s security market, which now covers cyber security which is being prioritised by the Kingdom’s national infrastructure security leaders, has drawn an expansive international exhibitor profile which covers the entire industry eco-system and includes manufacturers, service providers, distributors and wholesalers who are presenting a wide range of innovations from the key security and fire and safety product groups.”

The show covers five product groups across commercial & perimeter security, cybersecurity, homeland security and policing, fire and rescue as well as safety and health.

The fourth edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia also comes as the Kingdom looks to improve nationwide fire safety and industrial security regulations with 6WResearch forecasting the nation’s fire safety systems and equipment market – the largest in the GCC – will register 5.5 per cent compound annual growth until 2025 reaching a cumulative value of $402m. Growth is being driven in part by government regulation of compulsory installation of fire safety, detection, and alarm systems in buildings and the recent strengthening of the remit of Saudi Arabia’s High Commission for Industrial Security (HCIS).

Meanwhile, government leaders, agencies, organisational heads, world-class speakers, government stakeholders, policymakers, law enforcement, civil defence and private sector players are also gathering in Riyadh for Intersec Saudi Arabia 2022’s Conference. Over three days, the influential gathering will debate and define the future of the Kingdom’s security industry and its role in fulfilling its Vision 2030 goals.

The conference will feature a National Security Leaders’ Panel where industry leaders will examine ways of securing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 through a multi-domain approach to addressing challenges from land, maritime, air, and space.

“Delegates will hear of the latest initiatives for national security, and the existing collaborations between the Government and the private sector to gain a deeper understanding of the implications of Vision 2030 in national security,” added Nicholl.

The conference will also examine strategic opportunities to solve the human resource gap within the Kingdom’s security Industry and the means to attract, retain, and grow local talent, while creating strong and successful succession planning programs, and reaching optimal Saudization levels in the sector.

Intersec Saudi Arabia is organised by Saudi-based Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE) Group under licence from UAE-headquartered Messe Frankfurt Middle East, which organises Intersec, the world’s leading exhibition for security, safety, and fire protection.

Intersec Saudi Arabia is held in participation with Saudi Civil Defense, together with the industry at large.

More information on Intersec Saudi Arabia is available at www.intersec-ksa.com

Intersec Saudi Arabia returns

by Breaking NewsEventsMiddle East - Breaking NewsMiddle East - Events

After a three year gap, Intersec Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom’s largest trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection prepares for its long-awaited return in Riyadh this month. Taking place from 13-15 September 2022 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Intersec Saudi Arabia’s 4th edition will feature more 150 exhibitors from 20 countries, covering the four key pillars of Fire and Safety, Commercial Security, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity.

The momentum of what has been a highlight on the annual events calendar for security and safety professionals across the Kingdom has been building since the trade show last took place in 2019 and now the annual three-day trade fair is set to be back in full force, with organisers turning away prospective exhibitor enquiries, having put up the ‘sold out’ sign on available exhibition space several months ago.

There is a clear pent-up demand to tap into the Middle East’s largest market, with Saudi’s Vision 2030, and the corresponding opportunities in securing infrastructure, people and assets a central talking point.

Intersec Saudi Arabia is organised by Saudi-based Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE) Group under licence from UAE-headquartered Messe Frankfurt Middle East, which organises Intersec, the world’s leading exhibition for security, safety, and fire protection.

Safety in focus

Alex Nicholl, Intersec’s Director said that safety and security are high on the agenda of Saudi’s Vision 2030 and that there is a perennial requirement for safety and security products, fire protection and the accompanying innovations, all of which will be on display this year at Intersec Saudi Arabia 2022.

“Exhibitors are fully aware of the likes of NEOM, Amaala, Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya, and the immense opportunities these provide,” said Nicholls. “They’re accordingly tailoring their stand designs and solutions to target these ‘giga’ projects specifically and this will only ramp up in intensity every year as each project phase nears completion.”

Headline international exhibitors returning to the spotlight include Axis Communications, Hikvision, Genetec, Toshiba, and Milestone Systems, Nedap, Draeger, and Gatekeeper, while SAFE (National Security Services Company), Al-Alameya Group, Al Rajhi Telecom Company, Saudi Sicli Company, Abana Enterprises Group, and Al Aswad Fire Fighting System are flying the Saudi flag proudly.

NFSSP (National Factory for Safety and Security Products) is among those launching new products in Saudi Arabia, with the UAE company set to unveil its Hoods brand of tactical and safety footwear.

The UAE-made range of footwear, of which there are 41 models, are made of innovative materials including leather-tech air flow systems, fibre glass and Kevlar, offering lightweight, breathable, and durable footwear ideally suited to harsh Middle East climates. 

“Our company has been manufacturing in the UAE for more than 12 years, producing high quality tactical and safety shoes for many categories including military, police, security, oil & gas, construction and general factories,” said Jaime Ramirez, EMEA Sales and Marketing Manager at NFFSP.

“Saudi Arabia is a hugely important market for us and is continuously growing.  We see massive opportunity in particular in the construction and oil & gas sectors. We estimate we can contribute around 200,000 pairs of shoes to the market in 2023, growing 10 percent over the next five years.”

Elsewhere, SB Group International will showcase its Netix and Teknoware brands of IoT and cloud-enabled building automation and life safety solutions at Intersec Saudi Arabia 2022. SB Group’s Chairman Sanjeev Bhatia said the company is eager to connect digitalization and optimization savvy clients with its wide range of smart solutions, including control panels, luminaires, IoT controllers, and its AI-powered Netix Konnect platform.

“Saudi Arabia is a prime focus of our emerging business markets growth plan,” said Bhatia.  “Teknoware, being a global leader in the manufacturing of emergency lighting solutions, and Netix, driving Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), is fully aligned with and compliments the growth and technology implementations of Vision 2030.

Security and fire protection

Intersec Saudi Arabia 2022 takes place amid rising national demand for security and fire protection.  Saudi has announced multiple infrastructure projects backed by the government sector, highlighting strong potential growth for the security industry.

According to consultancy 6Wresearch, Saudi’s spend on commercial security (CCTV, access control, and intrusion detection), safety, fire systems and equipment will reach nearly US$1 billion in 2022, and increasing to US$1.16 billion annually by 2025. 

“Growth is driven in part by government regulation of compulsory installation of fire safety, detection, and alarm systems in buildings and the opportunities emerging from new measures aimed at ensuring the security and safety for both citizens and visitors to the Kingdom,” explained Nicholl. 

“Intersec Saudi Arabia’s strategic location of Riyadh also means that exhibitors will have easier access to key decision makers and government and ministerial delegates based in the Saudi Arabia capital, which will enhance the sustainability of the event.”

Prevention and mitigation

In addition to a packed exhibition floor, a three-day Intersec Saudi Arabia Forum 2022 will gather security, safety and fire protection professionals with equipment manufacturers, integrators, consultants, and government authorities to navigate the future of the Kingdom’s integrated vision for safety, security, prevention and mitigation.

Saudi’s Vision 2030 will form the central theme for day one, revolving around core topics such as the implications of aligning security and safety strategies with some of the boldest ‘giga projects’ the world has ever seen. 

Speakers and panellists will address the challenges from land, maritime, air, and space in a multi-domain approach that is essential in securing the multitude of related vision 2030 projects that are expected to attract hundreds of billions of dollars of investment in the coming years.  

Day two of the conference will shine the spotlight on cybersecurity, including an opening keynote on Saudi’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, while safeguarding critical infrastructure, oil and gas, and energy assets from costly digital attacks will also be under scrutiny. 

The conference will wrap up on day three with key government partner sessions and regulatory framework updates from the Saudi Civil Defence and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), along with an afternoon session of fire protection. 

“While serving as a vital knowledge-sharing platform, the forum will bring together key government leaders, agencies and organisational heads with outstanding world-class speakers, innovative products, technology and solutions across all key sectors,” said Nicholl.

“The program will present a veritable ‘Think Tank’ for regional leaders in the security industry, bringing together stakeholders from policy makers, law enforcement, civil defence and private organisations to define the future of security.  Our advisory board of seasoned industry experts have crafted an engaging conference program.”

Saudi Arabia has also seen a boom in the cybersecurity sector, prioritising AI and digitisation as key pillars of its economic development in-line with its Vision 2030 initiative.  Nicholl said cybersecurity is likewise a key focus area for Intersec Saudi Arabia, with the objective to present those providers of cyber solutions for IP-based systems and networks at enterprise level across all sectors. 

“As technology advances and evolves, so too do risks associated with harmful breaches and costly downtimes of integrated networks,” he said.  “It’s important therefore that IT professionals and system integrators are aware and armed with the latest solutions that leading industry names are bringing to Intersec Saudi Arabia 2022.”

Back to business

Upon speaking to key exhibitors and government partners, Nicholl said the anticipation is building fast ahead the final countdown of what will be a welcome return to business for Intersec Saudi Arabia. 

“It’s been three years since the last Intersec Saudi Arabia, and we know our exhibitors are immensely excited to showcase their latest innovations and developments in Saudi’s security, safety, and fire protection market, that will reach nearly US$1 billion in revenues this year,” he concluded. 

“Aside from the conference, plenty of new product launches will be displayed in the Kingdom for the first time, targeting key sectors such as energy, healthcare, education, transportation and infrastructure.

“Safety and security is all around us, in everything we do, but in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 and its 24 key projects supporting the vision, we’re keen to drive the agenda of urban environments, tourism, residential, arts and culture.”

Intersec Saudi Arabia is supported by key government entities including the Saudi Ministry of Interior, and the Saudi Civil Defense.  More information for Intersec Saudi Arabia is available at www.intersec-ksa.com.

This article was originally published in the September edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Saudi Arabia: At the forefront of fire safety

by Featured NewsMiddle East - Featured News Archives

As Saudi Arabia looks to improve nationwide fire safety and industrial security regulations, the Kingdom’s demand for fire prevention and safety implementation systems is forecast to continue its upward trajectory during the next three years.

Market consultancy firm 6WResearch has forecast the Kingdom’s fire safety systems and equipment market – the largest in the GCC – will register 5.5 per cent compound annual growth by 2025, reaching a cumulative value of US$402m. Growth is being driven in part by government regulation of compulsory installation of fire safety, detection, and alarm systems in buildings and the recent strengthening of the remit of Saudi Arabia’s High Commission for Industrial Security (HCIS).

In August this year, Saudi Arabia’s higher authorities granted the HCIS – which sets policies overseeing security, safety, and fire protection for the Kingdom’s industrial sectors – increased powers to boost its efficiency. It means HCIS will now fully regulate policies governing security, safety, and fire protection in the petroleum, industrial, and service sectors. All facilities in these sectors can now only progress projects with the collaboration of the Commission.

“This will all result in increased demand for state-of-the-art systems and sector-wide training, which helps explain the 6WResearch forecast of a further upwards trajectory,” said Alex Nicholl, Director Intersec, which runs from September 13-15 and is a key annual event in the Kingdom’s fire and emergency services, security, and safety industry.

“This all adds to the increased opportunities being held out to the fire protection and safety industries by the Kingdom’s plans to attract investments worth USD32 billion in the mining and mineral sector. This is expected to be achieved through nine new projects, including manufacturing facilities to produce steel plates for shipbuilding, electric vehicle batteries, and copper and zinc refineries, all of which are part of helping realise Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives of making the mining sector the third pillar of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program.”

The huge new potential of the Kingdom’s market is driving more sector-wide players to Saudi Arabia, as witnessed by the growth in Intersec Saudi Arabia, the fourth edition set to be held at Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre (RICEC) on 13-15 September.

“This is shaping up to be our most comprehensive showcase to date,” said Nicholl. “We have received intense interest from the entire industrial eco-system, including key government leaders, agencies, and organisational heads.”

Intersec Saudi Arabia is witnessing growth across its five largest product categories: commercial & perimeter security; cybersecurity; homeland security; fire, and rescue; and safety and health.

Though the international fire, rescue, safety, and security suppliers now have Saudi Arabia firmly in their sights, regional players believe they have a supply advantage as proximity to the Kingdom can enable them to counter the global supply chain challenges that have hampered their international counterparts.

UAE exhibitor National Factory for Safety and Security Products (NFSSP) plans to unveil its Hoods brand of tactical and safety footwear at Intersec Saudi Arabia and says it hopes to reap the benefit of its geographic accessibility to the Kingdom.

“Saudi Arabia is a hugely important market for us and is continuously growing,” said Majed Abdulaziz Ahmed Ateq Albakeri, CEO and chairman of NFSSP. “We see massive opportunities in the construction and oil and gas sectors. We estimate we can contribute around 200,000 pairs of shoes to the market in 2023 and grow 10 per cent over the next five years.

“Globally, many companies are facing issues and high costs in logistics, petrol, and other challenges when it comes to supplying the market. This makes our UAE-made shoes a great option for the Saudi and GCC markets. We are well-positioned, competitive, and our quality and technology are approved to European standards.”

Supply chain challenges will be among the topics addressed at Intersec Saudi Arabia’s Conferences. Running for three days, the conference will bring together key government leaders, agencies, organisational heads, as well as world-class speakers, government stakeholders, policymakers, law enforcement, civil defence, and private sector players to define the future of security in the Kingdom.

“The Intersec Saudi Arabia Conference is a think tank for regional and international security industry players, who will gain key leader’s security perspectives on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030,” added Nicholl. “These insights will enable all parties to better prepare to meet the Kingdom’s security needs for the next decade and more.”

Intersec Saudi Arabia is organised by Al Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE), Saudi Arabia’s leading event organiser, and is licensed by Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, one of the world’s largest exhibition organisers.

Building the future

In line with its ambition of serving as a key multidisciplinary consultancy firm to the wave of giga-projects in Saudi Arabia, AESG, a leading specialist engineering and advisory firm, announced it has successfully achieved the status of Saudi Civil Defense approved Fire and Life Safety (FLS) Consultants.

This follows two years of focused effort by the firm in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to establish itself as a fully licensed Saudi professional entity for engineering services, train and certify its FLS resources, engage with regulatory authorities, and demonstrate its alignment with the country’s Saudisation agenda.

As one of the few global consultancy firms to achieve this certification, AESG is positioned to guide construction projects in the Kingdom in implementing the highest international standards and industry best-practices.

The firm’s extensive presence and commitment to the Kingdom will grant the country’s developers access to a pool of highly qualified consultants, thereby enabling them to strictly adhere to the FLS requirements of the new Saudi Building Codes which were issued in 2018 and implemented in July 2021.

Commenting on the value of adhering to the stipulations of the FLS code, Saeed Al Abbar, CEO at AESG said: “Becoming a fully licensed Saudi engineering firm and Saudi Civil Defense approved FLS Consultant is a further step in our commitment and expansion to the Saudi market.

“AESG’s international experience throughout the Middle East, Asia, the UK and Europe, coupled with our deep local understanding of the Saudi market enable us to work closely and effectively with clients and local authorities to deliver the best outcomes.”

With the Saudi Civil Defense FLS approval, AESG’s consultants are working closely with the authority to ensure new and existing building designs and implementations comply with the Saudi Building Codes.

Al Abbar added: “Our efforts mean that developers of the giga-projects taking place in Saudi Arabia have easy access to qualified, locally based Fire and Life Safety experts. This fulfils a pressing need for these professionals and will ensure these ambitious projects can proceed at pace, and in-line with highest safety standards.”

Certified Safe

UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science, announced its collaboration with GCC Labs’ safety arm to advance fire safety in the Middle East. With this collaboration, GCC Labs became the exclusive partner laboratory of UL Solutions in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. UL Solutions is now a strategic and exclusive partner providing fire-related certification services for GCC Labs.

Combining the safety science expertise, market access knowledge and the global resources that UL Solutions offers with the fire safety testing skill and competency of GCC Labs, the collaboration will advance the journey to product certification for the Middle East market while improving customer access to a local test solution. GCC Labs’ state-of-the-art fire testing labs offer broad capabilities that include fire resistance, containment testing, building inspections, building envelope testing and advisory services.

The strategic alliance will also include electrical services for switchgear, transformers and high-voltage and low-voltage cables, which will give the alliance customers a priority status in securing testing and certification services. 

Based in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, GCC Labs helps enable major manufacturing in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the surrounding region by offering cost-effective and world-class testing and certification services to help ensure the highest levels of equipment safety, reliability and efficiency.

Hamid Syed, Vice President And General Manager of UL Solutions in the Middle East, said: “This strategic alliance represents each organisation’s strong commitment to providing customers with a wide range of fire safety services to meet necessary regional and global regulatory requirements.

“Working with GCC Labs, we are proud to apply our safety science expertise to help transform safety challenges into business opportunities, helping engineer a safer and more sustainable world. We look forward to helping manufacturers in the region achieve increased speed to market and the ability to demonstrate their commitment to fire safety to their customers.”

Saleh Al-Amri, Chief Executive Officer of GCC Labs, added: “We are delighted to partner with UL Solutions and help manufacturers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and their stakeholders, advance the reliability and fire safety of their products and systems in the Middle East. Working with UL Solutions, we look forward to providing testing solutions that lead to product certification, helping raise the overall building safety and fostering safe living and working environments in our region.” 

This article was originally published in the September edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Kentec uses Intersec to showcase life safety systems

by Active

Kentec Electronics, a leading manufacturer of life-critical control systems, will be utilising Intersec 2022 to showcase how its latest wireless detection technology, Sigma and Taktis control panels have been designed to make the lives of installers and end users easier.  

Taking centre stage will be Kentec’s latest wireless mesh technology, which not only reduces installation costs and timescales, but also removes the design limitations associated with wired systems, such as building work, fire stopping and containment systems. The mesh technology provides enhanced reliability by providing multiple wireless communication routes between field devices and wireless translators, which provides unrivalled levels of redundancy.  

The Kentec team will be highlighting how a wireless translator module, which sits at the centre of the system, is hard-wired to the fire alarm control panel loop and communicates continuously with the wireless devices.   

The wireless systems’ next-generation capabilities include: a communication range of 1200 metres, up to eight times further than typical wireless devices; and detection device battery life of 10 years, twice that of typical systems. In addition to the devices all having LPCB approval, the system is also EN54-25 certified, and it is also the only wireless full-range fire detection system to have the radio equipment directive (RED) approval, which sets essential requirements for safety and health, electromagnetic compatibility, and the efficient use of the radio spectrum.  

Now available for general purchase following full BETA field testing in the UK, Europe and South Africa Kentec’s Sigma ZXT single-area extinguishing control panel will be another principal element of the Kentec stand. New functionality, improved display and multiple configuration options for a targeted response to a fire incident further Sigma XT’s market-leading reputation for user-friendly reliability.    

Building on hundreds of thousands Sigma XT sales in nearly 90 countries, the Sigma ZXT provides additional features, controls and indications for a single-area extinguishing release system, enabling targeted extinguishing that limits damage and reduces costs. Three conventional detection zones provide the alarm ‘trigger’ required to activate the release of extinguishant, and the system can be configured to release the extinguishant on an alarm from any single zone or combination of multiple zones.  

A new feature on the Sigma ZXT is the event log which records event data from the panel such as alarms, faults, operation, configuration changes etc. along with a time and date stamp. This historical visibility is critical for diagnostics, identifying the cause of alarms and faults, as well as reasons for activations. Up to 1000 events can be stored within the panel which can be viewed through the LCD or can be downloaded and saved using Kentec’s LE2 software.  

As Kentec’s flagship control panel, Taktis will be a vital part of its Intersec demonstrations and industry discussions. Available in up to 16 loops, it provides up to 144 zone indications, and supports more than 2,000 detection devices. It can network up to 127 panels, making it ideal for the largest sites such as schools, hospitals, multi-site retail/supermarkets, critical infrastructure and major commercial and industrial facilities.   

Kevin Swann, Managing Director at Kentec, says the business is eager to showcase Kentec’s life safety systems’ latest developments and what benefits they are bringing to installers and end users:   

“The Sigma ZXT, for example, is fully programmable through the front fascia, with clear password and access menu structures for easy configuration,” he says. “With straight-forward separate access for users and engineers the product is designed to be easy to use for both installer and end user. Single-area functionality enables targeted extinguishing that has clear benefits for the end user and installer. And to support our existing Sigma XT customers, the Sigma ZXT is fully backward compatible with the legacy SI status units, along with all the ancillary devices and components.” 

Commenting on the Kentec’s wireless technology, Kevin adds: “It is simple to design and enables fast commissioning, which means systems can be installed in a matter of days – and because it can be designed, programmed and commissioned from the complementary software prior to installation, there is less time required on site – also important for Covid-safety measures,” he says.  

Kentec stand number: Hall 4, Stand A20 

Case study

Alien Systems and Technologies, based in South Africa, was one of the Kentec Authorised Distributors (KAD) involved in the Sigma ZXT BETA testing. It installed the Sigma ZXT at a Motor Control Centre (MCC) substation with a total of 15 Pyroshield IG55 cylinders and an Oil Lubrication Room using a Pyrostorm dry chemical powder automatic extinguishing system. Grant Wilkinson of Alien Systems and Technologies says the customer originally ordered Kentec’s Sigma XT panels, but was so taken by the ZXT’s extra features they decided to upscale:   

“The key selling point was the secure event logger, and also compelling was the option of a programmable second actuation circuit meaning the customer can add rooms to the fire protection system as and when required.”   Summarising the business’ take on the ZXT, Grant adds: “Most of us here are Star Trek fans, you can see by the name of the company. I always like Romulan War Bird Disruptors. Now Kentec has a disruptor and it’s called the ZXT.”

Patrick Carnell, Managing Director of PJC Electrical, an installer on the KIP scheme that installed Kentec’s wireless technology, says the range’s ‘self-healing’ mesh technology significantly increases its reliability and system performance:   

“It means the system utilises additional transmission routes if one signal is broken and adapts automatically to changing operating conditions.”   Commenting on its ease of use, he says: “We were able to programme the devices at our offices, so when we got on site it was just a matter of fixing and turning them on. Spending less time on site benefits us, and also provides peace of mind to the occupiers. I will definitely be using and recommending for future projects.”

New exhibition head appointed by Intersec to lead event program

by People

Intersec has strengthened its leadership team by appointing expert industry veteran Alex Nicholl as Intersec Exhibition Head.

The senior hire is further demonstration of Intersec’s investment in the significant growth of the flagship event that will mark its return in January 2022 by uniting global leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities within the industry at the highly anticipated event.

Nicholl ­– who has 20 years of experience in the events industry spanning India, the UAE and UK ­– brings deep expertise to Intersec, having held leading roles at major homeland security, aerospace and defence exhibitions, combined with almost two decades of service as a senior officer with the British Army.

Christine Davidson, Group Exhibition Director at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “We are delighted to welcome Alex Nicholl to the Intersec team. With the immense focus on the industry in the last 18 months, Messe Frankfurt recognises that Intersec’s importance to the safety and security industry has never been greater, we are bringing the best in the industry onboard to develop the most relevant and comprehensive event for the industry.

“Alex’s sector experience is second to none, with two decades of defence and security events industry experience and 18 years as a Senior Officer in the British Military, his vast network of relationships across government and business entities will be invaluable. His appointment is testament to our commitment to deliver a world-class event that brings strategic value to the industry and meets the needs of every stakeholder, from government entities to sponsors, exhibitors and attendees.” 

Alex Nicholl, Intersec Exhibition Head, said: “I am excited to be joining the most significant event in our industry. The exhibition brings the entire emergency services, security and safety ecosystem together at one time and, after limited opportunity to meet in recent times, Intersec’s 23rd edition is set to be the best yet – we have listened to what our stakeholders need and have a ground-breaking event in development that will inspire discussion, collaboration, connections and business that will support them in building a safer and more secure world.”

Intersec, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will be held at the Dubai World Trade Center from 16-18 January 2022 under the theme of ‘Uniting the world’s leading industry specialists for the safety & security of future generations.’ 

Demonstrating Intersec’s strategic importance to the UAE, long-standing Official Supporters include Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Civil Defence, Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) and NAFFCO, while additional government partners for 2022 will be announced shortly.

Seen as a nexus for the industry, Intersec will bring together thousands of its most powerful stakeholders for bilateral government and business discussions on mitigating and addressing vulnerabilities of the future. They will be joined by leading regional and international brands exhibiting the most innovative systems and solutions in a dynamic environment that will enable face-to-face and virtual exchange through interactive roundtables, workshops and ‘closed-door’ confidential conversations.

For more information about Intersec, please visit www.intersec.com.

Vimpex’s ‘big three’ take centre stage at Intersec 2020

by Breaking News

Vimpex, the independent manufacturer and distributor of fire detection, alarm and evacuation products, will be showcasing its ‘BIG 3’ at Intersec 2020.

The ‘big three’ include:

Identifire: The state-of-the-art Identifire range of 50+ evacuation and alarm sounders, beacons and system accessories are all manufactured in the UK by Vimpex. UL certified, their “flawless functionality” combines with sleek design to ensure easy installation. They can be customised and come with versatile flush or surface mounted options.

Fire-Cryer: The Fire-Cryer range of voice enhanced sounders, proudly manufactured by Vimpex in the UK, is the “proven solution” that reduces delay and evacuation response times, yet is as simple to install as electronic sounders. Fire-Cryer Solo provides the clearest, unambiguous voice message for communication at critical times.

Smart+Guard: The Smart+Guard range has been designed to protect essential fire and security equipment against unwanted false alarms. These toughened hinged protective covers can be easily installed over a range of emergency switches and other devices to provide protection from vandalism, accidental damage or misuse.