Strengthening partnership between Kentec and Mercury Security
Kentec Electronics, a leader in life safety solutions, and Mercury Security Distribution, a top provider of fire detection technology in Ireland, have elevated their partnership.
Mercury Security Distribution has become the first Irish company to be part of Kentec’s Authorised Distributors Plus (KAD+) programme.
This new status follows over a year of Mercury being a Kentec Authorised Distributor, enhancing their service capabilities with advanced products like Taktis and K-Mesh.
Conor O’Donovan, Managing Director of Mercury Security Distribution, emphasised the importance of customer satisfaction and the value this advancement brings to their service and support capabilities.
KAD+ programme and its impact
The KAD+ programme assembles a global network of fire safety specialists known for their profound expertise in Kentec’s products and solutions.
Members of this elite group, distinguished by the KAD+ logo, assure immediate access to the entire Kentec range for installers and end users, with expedited delivery.
Kevin O’Connell, Commercial Director at Mercury Security Distribution, highlighted their role in offering solutions and technical support for various projects, including Ireland’s major buildings.
He noted that KAD+ status is a testament to their product knowledge and expertise in delivering sophisticated fire safety solutions.
Training and customer benefits
Mercury Security Distribution’s technical team has undergone comprehensive training from Kentec, ensuring in-depth knowledge of Kentec’s products, including the Taktis fire alarm panel and K-Mesh wireless system.
This training enables them to provide reliable and prompt service across Ireland, backed by Kentec’s extensive resources.
Johnny Martin, Business Development Manager at Kentec, welcomed Mercury Security Distribution to the KAD+ programme, reflecting on the shared ethos of both companies and the commitment to customer-first approaches.
IFSJ Comment
The advancement of Mercury Security Distribution to Kentec Electronics’ KAD+ status in Ireland marks a significant step in enhancing fire safety technology access and expertise.
It signifies a strong collaboration aimed at setting new industry standards and ensuring high levels of safety and customer satisfaction.
Why Kentec Electronic’s Taktis Fire is taking centre stage at Intersec’s milestone anniversary trade show
Kentec Electronics, a leading manufacturer of life-critical control systems, will showcase its leading range of extinguishant release panels and its depth of fire detection, alarm and control portfolio at Intersec 2024; demonstrating how the future of the industry lies within open-protocol technology.
Fire control system innovation
The award-winning Taktis Fire, will take centre stage, with the UL and EN variant exhibiting a new era of integration with fire safety systems being connected with building infrastructure and intelligence; and across a number of global regions and compliance regulations.
Enhanced by powerful cause and effect technology, and a system of failsafe redundancy features, Kentec’s premium panel, Taktis Fire, is suitable for the most complex of sites; configurable for up to 40,000 inputs or outputs across an entire connected network; across up to 144 zone indications; and networking up to 127 panels.
This power is further realised through its open-protocol makeup, providing installers and customers with flexibility in system design, site customisation and in the third-party devices that they use, with the added benefit of interchangeable component parts.
Building upon the global success of the market-leading Sigma XT, Kentec will also be showcasing the Sigma ZXT extinguishant release and control system.
The ZXT can be configured to release targeted extinguishant upon alarm across a single or combination of up to three conventional detection zones, limiting property damage and reducing costs in the event of fire or false alarm.
Kentec’s K-Mesh wireless detection system will also be featured, showing how its patented self-healing and configuring MESH technology delivers optimum levels of reliability in wireless applications.
Configurable from two to 2,000 devices across a communication range of up to 1,200m, and enhanced by a market-leading 10-year battery life, K-Mesh allows multiple avenues of wireless communication to be relayed between field devices, wireless translators and their associated fire control panels.
And rounding off its display, Kentec’s Elite RS analogue addressable fire control panel will also feature at Intersec.
Suitable for small and medium sites that require advanced fire sensing and evacuation options, the Elite RS control panel can be expanded to become part of a much larger system, with microprocessor-based electronics providing a flexible system with a high degree of reliability and integrity.
With its large graphical display and ergonomic button and indicator layout, and the added benefit of UL and FM approvals, the Elite RS is simple and straightforward to understand for installers, commissioning engineers and end-users alike.
‘Life-critical technologies’
Derrick Hall, Director of Sales and Marketing at Kentec, says Intersec provides an opportunity to highlight the broad scope of Kentec’s expertise: “We look forward to showing Kentec’s life-critical technologies, and how integration is not just a buzzword, but a priority for a modern manufacturer like us,” he explains.
“The ability to combine a host of life-saving technologies into building infrastructure, and network systems with one another, regardless of what is already installed, is exciting, and means our products can be utilised in several different scenarios and projects.
The technology on show at Intersec reflects our commitment to making life easier for installers and enhancing operation and lifecycle performance for end users, specifiers and decision makers alike.”
“Plus, we will be demonstrating some recent updates to our premium product – Taktis Fire , for powerful cause and effect features making it suitable for smoke and fire damper controls and the most demanding and complex building applications – so be sure to come by and visit.”
IFSJ Comment
The integration of various fire safety solutions by Kentec Electronics are demonstrative of a pivotal development in fire safety management.
This integration facilitates a cohesive approach to fire safety, where different systems, such as the Taktis Fire, Sigma ZXT, K-Mesh, and Elite RS, work in unison, ensuring a more comprehensive safety net.
This synergy is crucial in emergency scenarios where every second counts, and coordinated system responses can significantly mitigate damage and enhance safety.
The adaptability of these systems to various building infrastructures and compliance regulations is especially pertinent in a world where fire safety standards are continually evolving and varying across geographies.
Kentec’s solutions provide a one-stop answer to these diverse and changing needs, ensuring that buildings everywhere can be equipped with state-of-the-art fire safety technology.
The open-protocol nature of these systems offers easier integration with existing infrastructure and third-party devices, making these practical and cost-effective for installers and end-users.
Kentec’s integrated solutions underscore the importance of interoperability, adaptability, and user-friendliness in modern fire safety systems.
These attributes contribute to creating safer, more efficient, and more responsive fire management infrastructures, crucial in today’s fast-paced and safety-conscious world.
Intersec Dubai will take place between the 16th and 18th of January at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai. Kentec’s Stand Number is 3-E22. To find out more about Kentec, visit: https://kentec.co.uk/
This article was originally published in the January 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.
Kentec Electronics, a leading manufacturer in life-critical control systems, is set to display its pioneering range of fire detection, alarm, and control systems at Intersec 2024.
The trade show, known for marking significant milestones in safety and security, will witness Kentec’s demonstration of open-protocol technology’s future in the industry.
Taktis Fire: A new era in fire safety integration
The highlight of Kentec’s showcase is the award-winning Taktis Fire.
This advanced control panel exemplifies the integration of fire safety systems with building infrastructure and intelligence.
Designed to meet various global compliance regulations, the UL and EN variant of Taktis Fire represents a new era in integration and connectivity.
Advanced features of Taktis Fire
Taktis Fire, enhanced with robust cause and effect technology and failsafe redundancy features, is suitable for complex sites.
It can be configured for up to 40,000 inputs or outputs across a network, supporting up to 144 zone indications and networking up to 127 panels.
Its open-protocol design offers flexibility in system design, site customisation, and third-party device compatibility, with the added benefit of interchangeable component parts.
Sigma ZXT and K-Mesh: Targeted extinguishant release and wireless detection
Kentec will also showcase the Sigma ZXT extinguishant release and control system and the K-Mesh wireless detection system.
The Sigma ZXT can release targeted extinguishant upon alarm in up to three conventional detection zones.
K-Mesh’s self-healing MESH technology provides reliable wireless communication, supporting up to 2,000 devices with a 10-year battery life.
Elite RS: Versatility for small and medium sites
The Elite RS analogue addressable fire control panel, suitable for small and medium sites requiring advanced fire sensing and evacuation options, will also feature at Intersec.
With a large graphical display, ergonomic button and indicator layout, and UL and FM approvals, the Elite RS is user-friendly for installers, engineers, and end-users.
Derrick Hall on Kentec’s role at Intersec
Derrick Hall, Director of Sales at Kentec, emphasises the importance of Intersec for showcasing Kentec’s broad expertise:
“We look forward to showing Kentec’s life-critical technologies, and how integration is not just a buzzword, but a priority for a modern manufacturer like us,” he states.
“The ability to combine a host of life-saving technologies into building infrastructure, and network systems with one another, is exciting, and means our products can be utilised in several different scenarios and projects.
The technology on show at Intersec reflects our commitment to making life easier for installers and enhancing operation and lifecycle performance for end users, specifiers and decision makers alike.”
Visit Kentec at Intersec
Intersec Dubai, scheduled for the 16th to the 18th of January at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will host Kentec at Stand Number 3-E22.
Visitors are invited to explore the latest updates to Taktis Fire and its powerful cause and effect features, ideal for smoke and fire damper controls and complex building applications.
IFSJ Comment
Kentec Electronics’ participation at Intersec 2024 underscores the evolving landscape of fire safety technology.
Their showcase, particularly of Taktis Fire, highlights the industry’s shift towards integrated, intelligent systems that enhance safety while ensuring flexibility and ease of use.
The exhibition of Kentec’s products at such a prestigious event not only demonstrates their leadership in the field but also their commitment to innovation and adaptability in life-critical technologies.
As the industry moves towards more interconnected and intelligent systems, Kentec’s offerings at Intersec 2024 represent a significant step in that direction, showcasing the potential for enhanced safety and efficiency in fire detection and control.
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.”
Life-critical control systems manufacturer, Kentec, has celebrated the third anniversary of its Kentec Installation Programme (KIP) at this year’s FIREX, now with more than 200 installers registered across 19 countries.
Since its launch at Firex three years ago, installers have been benefiting from the scheme which include training to ensure every installation is optimised to realise the technology’s full potential. The scheme also provides KIP-dedicated technical support (including on-site), and advanced access to the latest Kentec systems and software.
Kevin Swann, Managing Director of Kentec Electronics, said: “In addition to training and support, our KIPs tell us that their membership supports client tenders by demonstrating individual competency on the award-winning Taktis panel and ever-loved Syncro AS, which is fantastic to hear.
“Covid-19 hit while the scheme was still in its infancy, which forced us to look to ways to make virtual training as impactful as possible. That’s opened the doors to so many efficiencies and opportunities – and has helped build the scheme into one that we are very proud of,” he adds. “The team and I are looking forward to speaking to customers and taking them through the highlights of our stand, at what promises to be another fantastic industry event.”
Kentec’s latest wireless Mesh technology was a leading focus on its FIREX stand this year. The team demonstrated how it reduces installation costs and timescales and removes the installation and construction limitations associated with wired systems, including building work, fire stopping and containment systems.
Derrick Hall – Director of Sales – Kentec Electronics, sheds light on the company’s extensive development of its fire extinguishing panels, and the rise of wireless systems.
The Sigma ZXT extinguishant panel was unveiled in 2019 and followed some interesting work behind the scenes thereafter. Shed some light on the launch path of the product. The ZXT was built to be a premium product for a wide range of complex and large-scale applications, with extended features in comparison to our market-leading and internationally renowned Sigma XT. With the ZXT we have an audit trail of all the events on the panel that can be downloaded, and maintained, by the end user. We collected extensive customer feedback which signaled that the market needed a panel that could automatically switch from primary extinguishing cylinders to a secondary supply.
In addition, end users also wanted clearer visibility of the events, which is why we introduced a dynamic event LCD display. The display is colour coded to the different operations taking place at that moment in time.
Beta testing of the ZXT was conducted with a handful of trusted installers across the world, who also put the product into their own training facilities. We wanted to make sure we got it right, as with an advanced extinguishing system such as this you are likely to be protecting high-value, even critical assets. Also important is that the extinguishing agent can be costly, meaning facilities managers and landlords require a system that minimises unnecessary activations.
The beta testing process meant that when the ZXT was fully launched to the market, all our customers were assured the panel was robust and worked to protect people and critical assets.
Derrick Hall.
You sell a widely popular XT model, what happens to that fire extinguishing panel with the ZXT’s launch?
The ZXT is a premium product, that has not replaced the XT fire extinguishing panel – they are very much complementary products. The XT has been in the market for approximately 15 years, with several thousand sales annually. The ZXT is built using the ultra-reliable and highly robust technology of the XT, useful as it well known by installers and end-users globally, but with extended features for added scale and capabilities.
Tell us about Kentec’s research and development department.
Kentec has more than 40 in-house engineers working in research and development (R&D) of new materials and life safety products and systems. Our team is based in Kent, in the southeast of the UK. The team benefits from being closely connected to Kentec’s manufacturing factory, also based in Kent. For nearly four decades, we have specialised in life safety systems, with a long-standing team dedicated to creating systems that deliver the utmost in safety, based on technological expertise, customer feedback and inputs we collect globally.
We spend 10-15% of our revenues annually on R&D, which is a high percentage of spend and relatively unusual for manufacturers. Our products and systems focus on the two main markets for certification and compliance for standards: the EN standard for Europe; and UL standards for the American and Middle Eastern markets. Our business is divided 50-50 across both sets of products.
Globally, we have worked hard to achieve a vast suite of global standards, especially in the countries where they use a combination of EN and UL standards. For us it is important that our customers have the flexibility to change between those standards without having to learn a completely new technology, which is why our products are based on the same technology, essentially using one set of technology for both EN and UL. This means the installation engineers can work between the two seamlessly – that is different to our competitors.
What new markets have your products been used in?
The world has become much more IT connected, meaning the global importance on data storage has never been greater and will only increase as more and more systems become cloud-based. The way we use and store energy is also changing. And it is in these applications, as well where public safety is paramount such as in hospitals and transport hubs, that the ZXT is coming into its own. For instance, energy storage solutions that are linked to clean energy generators, facilities such as these have no room for fire safety error.
As such, there is a boom towards, not just protecting data centres, but also critical energy storage facilities. These energy storage units can range from the size of a shipping container to a large building, and it fills us with great pride that our panels are protecting such key infrastructure.
What has Kentec’s financial year performance been like for 2021?
Kentec had a record-breaking financial year in 2021. Which was mainly due to the expansion into new global territories and the launch of new products and systems. A big driver for that growth came in the form of a new wireless fire detection system called K-Mesh, which was launched in April 2021.
The installation of wired fire alarm systems can be a lengthy process. It inherently requires installing cables, which is sometimes problematic depending on the age and fabric of a building, and can involve complex planning, commissioning, and installation. With a wireless detection system, however, cabling challenges are of course removed. Using wireless technology, we are now able to reduce installation and set-up time to a matter of hours, which previously took several weeks – and often much longer when considering planning and commissioning.
The brilliance of the K-Mesh system is its ability to communicate with several translators and expanders, and its self-healing and configuring Mesh technology also means it is quicker in its response time when compared to many other wireless systems. It delivers optimum levels of reliability and performance, and importantly is easy to use, install and commission – and ultimately provides robust assurance that fire incidents are detected and communicated immediately.
Historically, installers have been concerned about reliability and redundancy of wireless systems, but this has changed dramatically over the last decade and will soon be a concern of the past.
The K-Mesh system allows you to have up to nine redundant paths going back to a panel, which overcomes any signal path failure issues. In terms of application, wireless was a natural solution for Chester Cathedral, where K-Mesh was recently installed by the Charles Thomas Heritage Fire Protection. It’s a building that dates back more than 1000 years and where thick walls and lead-lined roofs posed unique installation and connectivity challenges. It is the inherent robustness of K-Mesh’s technology that made it the best system choice for the project.
What trends are you witnessing in the domestic and residential housing sectors?
There have been major changes regarding the installation of fire systems in residential buildings following the Grenfell tragedy. Previously, not all residential developments required a fire alarm or evacuation alert system.
However, the BS 8629 standard introduced in 2020, which is a code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of evacuation alert systems for use by the fire and rescue services when attending incidents in buildings containing flats. It means buildings need to have an evacuation system installed, and the much discussed ‘waking watch’ round-the-clock patrols are not required if a fire detection system is also installed.
An important factor to consider during evacuation is people living with disabilities. It’s one thing to evacuate able-bodied residents from a building, who find it easy to respond to an alarm, and evacuate the building accordingly. However, it is vital that solutions are provided to residents who are blind or partially sighted, hard of hearing or suffer neurological impairments.
The K-Mesh system has also been able to bring innovation in this area. In addition to sounding an alarm, K-Mesh is also programmable to give a clear spoken message and to integrate with emergency lighting systems to provide visual prompts for evacuation. Industry research has found that, in fact, all people are more likely to respond quickly to the spoken message, so this functionality is proving impactful across a number of K-Mesh installations. Ultimately, we believe the K-Mesh system has been designed with the utmost in safety at its core and aligned to Kentec’s guiding philosophy of making the lives of its installers and end users easier and ultimately – safer.
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.”
Kentec has launched its Intelligent Networking Solutions (iNS) providing advanced interconnectivity and monitoring of fire alarm control panel networks – critical where multiple panels are installed across a single site.
The sharing of status information between protected areas is essential to the management of site safety procedures, enabling the correct response when an event such as a fire occurs, for example, the direction of emergency responders and phased evacuation of building or areas.
The iNS product range is said to provide solutions for advanced networking of addressable fire alarm systems (both new and already-installed legacy panels such as Taktis and Syncro), and Remote Interface Modules (RIM) for simple interconnectivity solutions for non-networkable systems using ethernet networks. A Transient suppression module (TSM) provides network protection from Transient voltages.
The performance of any networked fire system relies on efficient data flow between panels. Losses in data will slow response times and can result in intermittent fault events as the panels fail to communicate correctly. iNS network analysers are compatible with the full range of Kentec addressable fire alarm panels, and even though Kentec’s panels use the most robust RS485 data protocols, Kevin Swann, Managing Director of Kentec, says the protocol can still be affected by poor-quality cables and extreme external interference:
“iNS network analysers are designed to continuously monitor network performance and where possible automatically compensate for changes in data quality and signal strength, ensuring the network is always preforming at its optimum level,” he says. “One of the key features of these modules is the monitoring and diagnostics function which not only makes fault finding quicker and easier, but also enables preventative maintenance by highlighting performance issues before a critical failure.”
iNS network analysers provide both copper and fibre optic network solutions. The fibre optic analyser can provide single mode, multi-mode and Bi-directional fibre optic solutions within a single module using plug-and-play fibre optic transceivers along with unique Digital Optical Monitoring for early warning of network issues.
RIM modules are said to provide “straightforward interconnectivity of panels” that are non-networkable or where it is not possible to run cables between panels. RIM modules monitor fire and fault status outputs on a fire alarm control panel and can transmit the active state of these outputs to another remote fire alarm control panel using an existing ethernet network. This enables two panels to share simple status information.
Transient Suppression Modules are designed to protect the fire alarm control panel from transients on the network cabling, and can also be used as an RS485 repeater/booster to extend the distance between panel nodes on an RS485 wired network.
“Using iNS products to manage fire alarm panel networks provides full visibility of network performance and mitigates infrastructure degradation by providing warning of any performance reductions,” concludes Kevin. “A highly valuable range of solutions for building occupiers, designed to make their lives more straightforward.”
The Kentec Installer Programme (KIP), launched by the leading manufacturer of life-critical control systems at last year’s Firex, is now expanding to include Kentec’s vast international installation customer network. To date it has registered more than 100 installers, making it one of the largest partner programmes in the fire industry.
The scheme provides Kentec’s registered customers with a wide-ranging programme of bespoke training and best-in-class technical support, as well as dedicated software and enhanced product functionality. It has been designed to further professionalism within the industry and assure end users that their installations take best advantage of even Kentec’s most advanced and sophisticated panels.
It also provides access to Kentec’s protected partner site, Virtual Resource, as well as Taktis LE2 commissioning software and enhanced Bridge Functionality – the solution for migrating Syncro panel networks to the latest Taktis technology.
A dedicated KIP technical support helpline provides installers with access to Kentec’s experienced team, training is providing on Kentec’s full fire product range and all KIP members can promote their Kentec product expertise with the KIP logo on their websites and marketing collateral. Kentec also features a list of its KIP partners on its own website.
Kentec’s approach is about considering the evolving market place and the requirements of installers to demonstrate competency on the manufacturers equipment, whilst not leaving its core values of being ‘open protocol’ behind.
Mark Wheeler, Managing Director of EA-RS Fire Engineering Ltd, says the Covid-19 outbreak has been a good opportunity to invest in training:
“We predict there will be a surge in business in coming months with projects that were put on hold due to Covid-19 being re-scheduled. It therefore makes sense to use training to put the company in the strongest position to meet additional demand,” he says.
“Creating the KIP scheme was a bold step for Kentec, acknowledging that a higher industry standard was required. It has been an important step in furthering the assurance we provide end users that critical life safety systems are only being installed by fully-competent firms, that have received training on the latest industry innovations. This ultimately ensures that life safety systems are optimised.”
Daren Pool, Managing Director of Triple Star Fire & Security Limited, joined the scheme as his business saw Kentec’s Taktis panel becoming increasingly prevalent:
“Taktis has become one of our preferred panel choices for its networking capabilities and easy-to-use interface. As we are installing the panel into more and more customer sites, across a range of critical sectors, I felt it was important that myself and engineers fully understood the latest developments and full capabilities of the panel in order that our customers are able to realise its full potential. The scheme has worked very well in providing us with full confidence that we are providing all our customers with this service.”
Derrick Hall, Director of Sales at Kentec, says he is proud of what the KIP scheme has achieved so far:
“Our KIP partners have been carefully selected based on their skill, expertise, experience and accreditations. We are proud to have developed a system that installers find useful in optimising installations of our highly-sophisticated fire panels. We’ve adapting to lockdown to make sure training can be delivered online and this has worked very well.”
The Sigma A-XT gas extinguishing panel from Kentec, has launched the ‘Luke 227’ fire extinguishing system integrated by the experts at GECO Mechanical and Electrical Ltd. Co. (GECO) to preserve the Holy Quran and other holy texts at the Holy Quran Academy within Al Qasimia University in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Al Qasimia University is a vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler of the Emirates of Sharjah and a member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates. In 2017, His Highness Dr. Sultan issued instructions for the creation of the Holy Quran Academy, a first of its kind in the UAE.
GECO, MEP contractor and turnkey fire protection solutions provider in the UAE, was chosen to undertake this special project to create and install a reliable and sustainable solution for the preservation of the Holy Quran, ancient manuscripts and other holy books at the Holy Quran Academy; GECO recommends the most adequate set of equipment suitable for this salient task – Luke Alexander’s ‘Luke 227’ fire extinguishing system, controlled by the Kentec’s Sigma A-XT gas extinguishing panel.
The Luke fire extinguishing system is available in 16 different size options and made with high-quality stainless steel directly sourced from Luke Alexander’s manufacturing location in Singapore. As the only company in the world that manufactures both the fire extinguishing agent and the fire extinguishing system, Luke Alexander provides an unparalleled sense of reliability and convenience to safeguard the most valuable and important assets.
Kentec’s Sigma A-XT releasing panel provides three initiation circuits as standard, which means the release of the extinguishant can be configured to activate from any combination of detection zone inputs to allow specific and controlled activations. It also features a large LED display, simplifying configuration and displaying the time remaining until release for added user safety.
Mr Sundararajan, Senior Sales Engineer of GECO, says it is an honour to be entrusted with such a culturally important project: “We take great pride in the systems we install being able to ensure the continuity and preservation of such significant artefacts.”
Kevin Swann, Managing Director of Kentec, says Sigma A-XT’s worldwide reputation (availability in over 90 countries) is built on its reliability and advanced configuration capabilities: “The extinguishing panels are both robust and easy to install, and allow the functionality of the system to be extensively modified to suit any type of installation, including this prestigious site. We are extremely proud that our trusted and reliable solutions are helping to ensure the continued preservation of such holy texts and important artefacts at the university complex.”
Ms. Yvonne Mun, Director of Luke Alexander, expresses gratitude and appreciation for this opportunity: “My team and I are humbled to be selected as the chosen brand to undertake a project of paramount importance in preserving the heritage of UAE. We consider this as another Milestone Project for Luke Alexander. This reminds us that what we do is more than just a business, rather it is ensuring safety and security with our best quality products. This vision is what continues to motivate us to elevate and improve our craft to better provide innovative and excellent solutions to the public.”
Luke 227 fire extinguishing agent has been approved under UL 2166 and FM 5600 standards and is a recognised trade name listed on the U.S EPA SNAP Program. Luke fire extinguishing system components are individually listed in the UL component recognition program and are collectively approved under UL 2166 standard as a UL approved system.
The Sigma A-XT has been approved to UL864 and is FM listed. EN approved versions are also available.
