Kentec announces its ‘one-stop shop’ K-System fire detection solution

by Products

Kentec Electronics, a manufacturer of innovative life safety solutions, has announced the K-System, wired addressable fire detection. 

Drawing on Kentec’s panel expertise which features an open protocol, K-System compliments Kentec’s proven wireless range, K-Mesh, making Kentec a ‘one-stop’ solution for wired and wireless addressable fire detection in both EN and UL standards.

The K-System was created in response to the global market and specifiers requiring a single-branded system, whilst continuing its ethos of open protocol and supporting its community of technology partners. Solely available through Kentec Installation Partners (KIPs) and those on the Kentec Authorised Distributors Plus (KAD+) Programme, the K-System is backed by Kentec’s reputation for high quality, excellent technical support and comprehensive product training.

Features of the K-System

K-System includes a range of high performance intelligent detection devices, Manual Call Points, sounders, VADs (Visual Alarm Devices), interface modules and an assortment of ancillaries. The range also includes a highly sophisticated CO multi-sensor with 24 EN approved modes of operation. This device uses the CO sensing element not just for early detection of smoldering fires but to monitor the threat to life from COHb (Carboxyhaemoglobin) toxicity. 

The K-System range will include UL variant, featuring 268 7th Edition addressable and conventional devices which will be available from February.

K-System devices are fully configurable through the control panels configuration software providing such features, as adjustable sensitivity settings, day/night operating parameters, sounder tones/volumes, and enhanced cause and effect programming allowing K-System to be designed and configured to meet the needs of the application.

K-System’s detection device

Each K-System detection device has a unique type of code which enables the fire alarm control panel to identify what type of device has activated, this means users can tell whether an alarm has been generated from a smoke or heat sensor, a combination sensor or a manual call point, and an appropriate response is therefore ensured. An Interrupt System guarantees rapid responses from any device, and the time lapse between operation of a call point and indication of fire on the system is typically less than 1.5 seconds.

K-System devices are electronically addressed using a special programming tool, restricting this operation to trained engineers only. Up to 254 loop addresses are supported on K-System devices with addresses 1-127 allocated to detection devices, Manual Call Points, interfaces etc. and addresses 128-254 allocated to base sounder/sounder beacon devices.

In addition, K-System interface modules support sub-addressing where each input and output provided on an interface module are automatically allocated a sub-address of the main loop address. This allows independent monitoring, control, cause and effect programming for inputs and outputs. Sounder beacon devices also use sub-addressing to enable individual control of the sounder element and beacon element of the device.

Kentec Electronics announce K-System fire detection solution: Summary

Kentec’s new K-System is the `one-stop shop’ wired addressable fire detection solution. It was created in response to the specifiers and global market requiring a single branded system.

Brazos Valley Council of Governments deploys Motorola Solutions’ cloud-based 9-1-1 software

by Americas - Projects

Motorola Solutions has announced that Brazos Valley Council of Governments and its member jurisdiction, Washington County, Texas, have deployed the company’s CommandCentral 9-1-1 Smart Transcription and CommandCentral 9-1-1 Citizen Input cloud-based solutions.

The deployments are two of multiple cloud-based software deployments for first responders completed by Motorola Solutions during the second quarter of 2020, as the company leveraged the cloud to meet increased customer demand for cloud-based software during COVID-19.

“When a resident contacts 9-1-1 for help, the technology a 9-1-1 operator has at his or her fingertips can make all the difference in a successful outcome to the call,” said Anita Pitt, 9-1-1 program manager, Brazos Valley Council of Governments in Texas. “We are deploying CommandCentral 9-1-1 Smart Transcription and CommandCentral 9-1-1 Citizen Input because these cloud-based solutions offer our 9-1-1 call takers critical advantages.”

With CommandCentral 9-1-1 Smart Transcription, call takers do not have to remember everything as the call – often a stressful situation – is unfolding. Real-time voice to text transcription provides them with a second pair of ears to make sure they heard everything correctly as they share information with dispatchers to coordinate an effective response to the crisis.

Similarly, CommandCentral 9-1-1 Citizen Input allows the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) to receive photos, recorded video or streaming video from a caller to better understand the situation and coordinate the response. It does this while at the same time protecting the call taker from possibly traumatic images by providing the PSAP with tools to control who sees the media.

“These solutions further evidence our progress and our commitment to our command centre suite cloud strategy,” said Andrew Sinclair, senior vice president and general manager, Software Enterprise, Motorola Solutions. “During COVID-19, we’ve seen and have responded to an unprecedented demand for cloud solutions. Our command centre customers are now reaping the benefits of ‘cloud without compromise’ with secure and resilient, innovative and scalable solutions that help them respond to their residents’ calls for help with confidence.”

The Brazos Valley Council of Governments CommandCentral 9-1-1 Smart Transcription and CommandCentral 9-1-1 Citizen Input deployments are two of five cloud-based software deployments for Motorola Solutions in the second quarter of 2020. Others include:

CommandCentral 9-1-1 Smart Transcription 

  • Manatee County, Fla.

PremierOne Cloud CAD 

  • City of Cayce, SC
  • Hampton County Central Dispatch E911, SC

Apollo launches hybrid wireless fire detection range for schools

by Products
Apollo’s new XPander hybrid wireless range offers a comprehensive solution to many problems that present themselves when installing a fire detection system. It is quick to install and requires minimal cabling and is reportedly 75% quicker to install, in comparison to a wired system.
XPander has many applications, its versatility key to deciding on which type of system fits best for a building. Ideal applications:
  • Time-sensitive Projects
  • Minimising Disruption to Building Operations
  • Temporary Structures (i.e. marquees)
  • Annexes
  • To Minimise Disturbance of Asbestos Materials
  • To Preserve Building Fabric (e.g. in Heritage / List Buildings)

A great example of a time-sensitive ­project where XPander excels is in schools. A school is generally occupied most of the time and therefore being able to install an entire fire system without jeopardising safety is a tricky line to walk. So, a quick and compliant solution is needed.

XPander can be used during a remodelling project, for an off-campus outbuilding, or even to protect a temporary structure like a graduation marquee. The physical interface is wired onto the loop as standard, but the detectors can be placed inside of these areas wirelessly during the event and then can be removed when the marquees are taken down. This is much faster than hard wiring each time. You can take comfort in the knowledge that students are kept safe in every scenario.

Another challenge is making upgrades to a school system during summer holidays. You might only have a small window of opportunity to make the upgrades before the students return. Having to wire in a complete system just so that building work can be completed, only to remove all of that wiring hard work, is both costly and time-consuming. A wireless solution is ideal, it removes the need to delay construction, and shaves off time at the end of the project as there are no wires to remove. Just simply detach the detectors.

Similar issues occur in the healthcare sector. A hospital, for instance, is almost never vacant and therefore extensive wiring work would cause uncomfortable disruption. XPander would eliminate these concerns and installing a compliant fire system would cause minimal disturbance.

“XPander allowed for an easier install where the project area was an Emergency Care Department (inc A&E) where minimal intrusion on a live site was key. Wireless was the logical solution to bring these areas up to L1 standards with a new system.” : Apollo Customer Testimonial.

Temporary structures offer a unique challenge when trying to keep people safe from fire. COVID-19 Pods and temporary accommodation for medical staff / resources need to be protected without unwanted complications. XPander can be quickly added to the existing hospital fire system. An interface is placed on the loop, this device ‘manages’ all of the wireless devices fitted in the temporary structure. The devices even show up on the panel, as if it was wired into the loop. This secures the integrity of the existing system and makes sure that any necessary expansion is protected from fire.

COVID-19 has caused unexpected slowdowns within the construction and fire industry communities. But as the restrictions lift there will be an influx of work. And having a quick and easy solution at the ready could mitigate any further frustrations.

www.apollo-fire.co.uk/products/range/xpander

United Safety acquires QTEC Fire Services PTY Ltd

by Featured NewsProjects

United Safety, a global manufacturer of safety and survivability solutions, has announced the acquisition of QTEC Fire Services Pty Ltd, effective from 1st July. QTEC, an Australian-based manufacturer of pre-engineered fire suppression systems for mobile plant and equipment for the mining, construction, transportation, and forestry industries is the second fire protection acquisition the company has made in recent years.

United Safety President and CEO Joe Mirabile stated, “We are extremely excited to welcome QTEC Fire Services into the United Safety family. QTEC will significantly increase our available offerings and allow us to provide multiple high-quality fire suppression products to our global customers. This is a continuation of our mission to deliver many more lifesaving products to those who need them.”

QTEC Fire Services Pty Ltd was founded in 1992 with a focus on manufacturing Australia’s highest quality fire suppression systems. The company continues to shape the fire suppression industry as the only Australian based company to continually develop and manufacture products in Australia for both domestic and international applications. Mike Hompesch, partner at Dubin Clark, United Safety’s ownership firm stated, “United Safety continues to be a dramatic growth story that delivers groundbreaking products that save lives around the world. We are proud to have recognized a great opportunity with this team and we look forward to continuing to partner with and support management to expand the company further.”

“It is with great excitement we announce that United Safety & Survivability Corporation has completed the acquisition of QTEC Fire Services and I am excited about the future,” QTEC founder, Mark Ivanovic said. Ivanovic has been highly successful in manufacturing fire suppression products for over 28 years, founded on the principal of high-quality Australian manufacturing.

The news comes after last year’s acquisition of Firestorm Fire Protection, another Australian based fire protection company, further widening the reach of United Safety’s focus on fire safety and strengthening the company’s portfolio of product offerings. Firestorm CEO Kristian Bischoff commented, “The ability to own and operate a first-class Australian manufactured fire suppression group such as QTEC Fire Services is fantastic and complements the Fogmaker misting system and the service and installation of Firestorm. Our future looks extremely promising and 2020 is shaping up to be a record year.”

www.unitedsafety.net/