Anti-ligature wireless speaker developed for lockdown alerts in care settings

by EvacuationFeatured NewsFire Detection

Luminite launches anti-ligature Alertex wireless speaker

Luminite has announced that its Alertex wireless speaker is now available in an anti-ligature enclosure.

The company said the development follows interest from several children’s care homes.

Alertex is a range of wireless speakers, call points and sounder/beacons designed to issue a clear and unambiguous alert in the event of a lockdown.

According to Luminite, the anti-ligature version ensures the Alertex system can be installed safely in environments where residents may have complex emotional or behavioural needs.

The company added that the product’s wireless design makes it suitable for multiple alert types, including lockdown, evacuation and invacuation procedures.

New law drives demand for clear alerts

Luminite said the launch aligns with the passing of Martyn’s Law in Parliament.

The legislation will require all public venues with a capacity of 200 or more people to demonstrate clear and unambiguous alerts for lockdown, evacuation and invacuation in the event of a terrorist attack.

According to the company, this will apply to around 280,000 venues by 2027.

These include schools, hospitals, hotels, leisure centres and museums, as well as children’s homes.

Understanding anti-ligature safety

The company explained that ‘ligature’ refers to a method of self-harm involving the use of cords, ropes or clothing tied around the body.

Anti-ligature measures are designed to remove or minimise points where such attachments could occur.

Luminite stated that children’s homes and certain schools require all installed equipment, such as door handles and fixtures, to meet anti-ligature standards.

The anti-ligature enclosure now allows these sites to adopt Alertex for lockdown alerts without compromising safety requirements.

Multi-use audio and message options

According to Luminite, the Alertex system can broadcast up to 15MB of pre-recorded messages using its IP Bridge interface.

This capacity allows for approximately ten 20-second messages that can include instructions, calming music or safety announcements in multiple languages.

The company said this flexibility supports broader communication needs beyond lockdown events.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The availability of an anti-ligature version of Luminite’s Alertex wireless speaker introduces a compliant alerting option for facilities where standard fittings pose safety risks.

For safety officers, facility managers and system specifiers working in schools, healthcare institutions and residential care environments, the product provides a practical means of meeting Martyn’s Law requirements while maintaining anti-ligature standards.

Procurement teams responsible for specifying lockdown and evacuation systems in regulated environments can now consider Alertex within their compliance strategies.

This development also demonstrates how wireless technologies can be adapted for both physical safety and mental health considerations in protected settings.

Luminite expands UK presence with Norbain SD partnership

by Featured NewsFire Detection

Luminite appoints Norbain SD as distributor in the UK

Luminite Electronics has appointed Norbain SD as a distributor for its OCULi wireless PIR camera and Alertex Lockdown system in the UK.

Norbain SD supplies security solutions, including CCTV, access control, and external detection.

The company operates offices in Bracknell and Blackpool and has a distribution centre in Manchester, supporting its service across the UK and Ireland.

Luminite’s OCULi and Alertex Lockdown products

Luminite designs wireless security products, including OCULi, which provides security for remote sites, and Alertex Lockdown, which is used in educational settings for emergency lockdown situations.

The partnership will enable Norbain SD to supply these products to its customer base, which includes security installers and businesses seeking remote security and emergency communication solutions.

Statements from Luminite and Norbain SD

Laura Grainger, Director of Sales & Marketing at Luminite, said: “Norbain SD are a leading light in the security industry and we are delighted to be associated with this innovative market leader.”

Mark Field, Managing Director of Norbain SD, said: “Luminite is a great addition to the brands we carry.

“We are always looking to expand our portfolio with innovative solutions that will allow our customers to grow their businesses or explore new markets.

“We look forward to working together to achieve our shared goals.”

Distribution coverage across the UK and Ireland

Norbain SD’s distribution network allows it to service customers across the UK and Ireland.

The company offers technical support for its product range, aiming to assist security professionals in implementing wireless security solutions.

The agreement between Luminite and Norbain SD expands the availability of OCULi and Alertex Lockdown systems to a wider market, increasing accessibility to wireless security and emergency lockdown solutions.

Luminite partners with Norbain SD for UK security distribution: Summary

Luminite Electronics has appointed Norbain SD as a UK distributor for its OCULi wireless PIR camera and Alertex Lockdown system.

Norbain SD provides security solutions, including CCTV, access control, and external detection, and operates offices in Bracknell and Blackpool, with a distribution centre in Manchester.

Luminite’s OCULi product offers security for remote sites, while Alertex Lockdown is used in education settings for emergency lockdown procedures.

The partnership allows Norbain SD to expand its product offering and provide these solutions to its customers.

Laura Grainger of Luminite stated that the company is pleased to work with Norbain SD.

Mark Field of Norbain SD welcomed the addition of Luminite to its product portfolio.

Norbain SD’s network services the UK and Ireland, providing distribution and technical support for security professionals.

UK schools urged to apply for condition improvement funding for 2025-2026

by Featured NewsFire Detection

Bidding round for condition improvement funding opens

The annual bidding round for the Condition Improvement Funding (CIF) for the 2025-2026 cycle has been announced.

Luminite has encouraged schools and colleges across the UK to submit their applications by 17 December 2024 to be considered for this funding, which prioritises safety and maintenance improvements in educational facilities.

The fund, amounting to over £400 million, aims to support projects that address compliance, health, and safety needs in school and college buildings.

According to the funding guidelines, projects that focus on maintaining the safety and functionality of educational buildings are given top priority.

Compliance with health and safety standards is emphasised to ensure a secure learning environment for students and staff.

Lockdown protection systems eligible for funding

Among the eligible projects for CIF is the installation of lockdown protection systems.

This measure, encouraged by updated Ofsted guidelines, requires that lockdown alert sounds are distinctly different from fire alarms to avoid confusion in emergency situations.

The contrasting sounds aim to direct individuals either to seek a safe area or evacuate, depending on the nature of the alert.

The ALERTEX range, produced by Luminite, is among the products meeting these needs with a battery-powered system that facilitates rapid and strategic installation within schools.

Luminite’s offerings also include annunciators for schools preferring spoken messages for clear instructions upon activation.

Funding emphasises health and safety compliance

In line with its primary goals, CIF funding prioritises projects that address urgent health and safety issues within school and college environments.

This may include necessary repairs, safety updates, and compliance with relevant regulations, reflecting a broader commitment to secure educational spaces across the UK.

CIF funding, therefore, enables schools to address issues proactively, ensuring that building conditions meet health and safety standards.

Schools are advised to outline how their proposed projects will fulfil these criteria within their funding applications.

Additional information and application details

For schools interested in the lockdown solutions provided by Luminite, contact details for further information are available.

Laura Grainger at Luminite can be reached on 0208 368 7887, and additional information on both the CIF and Luminite’s lockdown solutions can be found on their website at www.luminite.co.uk.

UK schools urged to apply for condition improvement funding for 2025-2026: Summary

The UK government has announced the opening of the annual bidding round for Condition Improvement Funding (CIF) for 2025-2026, a £400 million fund aimed at supporting essential safety and condition improvement projects in schools and colleges.

The application deadline is set for 17 December 2024, with priority given to projects that ensure health, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards.

Eligible projects include the installation of lockdown alert systems that align with Ofsted guidelines, requiring distinct sounds for lockdown and fire alerts.

Luminite’s ALERTEX range is among the options available, featuring battery-powered systems for swift installation.

Schools can reach out to Laura Grainger at Luminite or visit their website for additional details.

Luminite appoints Laura Grainge as new director

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Luminite has appointed Laura Grainger as Director of Sales and Marketing. Laura has earned a promotion from within the company after she joined nine years ago and has played a key role in building relationships with distributors and end users, contributing to the wider growth of the business.

Graham Creek MD said “Laura is a vital member of the team and has proven to be a strategic Sales and Marketing Manager. Our future plans for growth with the addition and development of our wireless security range will entail a larger team which Laura will head and oversee.”

Commenting on the new appointment, Laura said “This opportunity comes at an exciting time for Luminite. Our increasingly diverse product range is opening up new and challenging avenues for the Company and I look forward to driving our sales and marketing plans forward.

Luminite manufactures PIR detection, wireless switching, IP connectivity and wireless alert systems. The North London based company has been around for more than 37 years operating in both the security and home automation markets.

Luminite adds heat and smoke detectors for construction sites

by ConstructionIndustry SectorsPassiveProducts

Luminite Electronics, manufacturer of the widely used wireless Genesis PIR detector range has added wireless heat and smoke detectors that, when used with a Genesis IP masthead receiver, will provide a site wide security solution for evolving construction projects.

When triggered, the heat and smoke detectors will send an alert via the masthead receiver informing the end user of the location of the heat/smoke event. The heat and smoke detectors can alternatively be used in conjuction with Nexus Fire Alerts so that the entire site can be alerted both audibly and visually via sounders and strobes.

Any existing system already using Genesis detectors with an IP masthead can add heat and smoke sensors to the system as one of it’s 64 reporting units. With the IP masthead working with a variety of remote monitoring software platforms including Immix, Hikvision and Dahua this added functionality is a powerful tool in the early detection of arson or accidental fires, particularly in timber framed buildings.

The Genesis PIR detectors and Nexus Call Points have a transmission range of 1km and heat and smoke detectors of 100m. The systems are portable and quick and easy to install with no civil works or cabling required.   

Heat and smoke detectors comply with European regulations. The smoke detectors are approved to EN15604:2005 standard and the heat detectors conform to BS5446-2:2003 standard. Genesis detectors are EN505-1 Grade 2 compliant.

For more information contact Laura Grainger at Luminite on 0208 368 7887 or visit www.luminite.co.uk