Wireless fire detection systems are fast becoming the ‘must have’ for many installers and end users. Now, the heat is being turned upon the latest fire industry technology, as Eurotech Fire Systems’ Vincent Agius reports:
Although wireless fire detection is not new, the technology is evolving rapidly. However, to ensure that novelty does not compromise safety, as of March 2011 all wireless fire detection systems have to be approved to the new European EN54-25 Standard.
Eurotech Fire Systems www.eurotechfire.com supplies the leading EN54-25 approved systems and is believed to be the first to gain full Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) approval to the new standard. These systems offer a complete approved range, using ‘intelligent’ optical, heat or multi-sensor detectors, as well as AV devices and modules.
The wireless option is fast heading to the top of customer charts. There are a number of very good reasons for choosing wireless detection systems – not all of them financial.Speed of installation, flexibility and architectural compliance are also big plusses for wireless.
The practicalities
At the risk of stating the obvious, the most important benefit of wireless fire detection systems is that they are wireless. In practical terms this means they are totally flexible.
They can be fitted from scratch using only wireless detectors, sounders, beacons, call points and even voice sounders. However, they can also provide a ‘hybrid’ solution, integrating wireless with hard-wired systems. These are ideal, for example, for property extensions or where a whole new building is added to an existing site. Avoiding additional cabling, wireless units can be installed and the devices added to an existing system simply by including the appropriate module.
Wireless systems are also proving popular for the ‘temporary’ market, providing the ideal solution for event and exhibition organisers who frequently require robust, compliant fire detection in structures such as marquees and temporary show halls.
For architects, particularly those specialising in renovation, the wireless solution is becoming a metaphorical lifesaver as well as a literal one. The challenge of fire detection in listed buildings is difficult enough because of the age and materials used in such properties. Add to that the regulations concerning structural change, including re-wiring, and wireless fire detection becomes the only realistic option for this type of renovation.
Speed of installation is also a big plus for wireless systems. Because the whole system can be set-up and programmed off-site, it is possible to reduce installation times from days to hours. This also means that disruption to the customer, and other trades, is minimal. In public buildings, and particularly in hotels, this is essential and – amazingly – a wireless fire detector and sounder can be installed in an hotel bedroom faster than the room itself can be cleaned.
Overcoming wireless worries
For most customers considering wireless fire detection solutions, there are two main concerns: reliability and cost.
For any fire system, reliable and robust interaction between fire detectors and control panels is critical; even more so where a wireless interface is involved. With the latest technology, bi-directional communication solves this problem. Every few seconds, the panel ‘talks’ to each address and every device ‘checks-in’ with the control panel. This constant bi-directional chatter ensures that any signal or unit failures are almost instantly picked up.
Where weak signals are encountered, boosters can be installed to overcome the problem. Eurotech Fire Systems has recently installed a wireless detection system in a property where the walls were more than three feet thick and it worked faultlessly. Even if two systems are installed adjacent to each other, there is no danger of signal ‘bleed’ or crossover, thanks to site-specific coding.
When it comes to cost, all of the above leads to a solution which can offer a better value overall package than a hard-wired system. In many cases, the combination of time savings, lack of wiring, ease of installation and use of detection hardware with a standard appearance, can mean significant cost reduction.
Perfect for most, but not for all
It is clear that wireless fire detection is the latest in a history of developments that has harnessed technology with life and property-saving fire industry know-how. In many cases it offers significant benefits over traditional fire detection applications.
However, there are some specialist environments – such as the need for smoke and steam differentiation requiring dual-wave optical technology, or premises that need air sampling detection – where Eurotech’s other range of detection is better suited, either as hard-wired or hybrid wireless systems. But it’s only a matter of time before even these situations are covered – without wires attached.
New fire alarm kits
Sabre Fire and Security Ltd www.sabre-fire.co.uk has launched its new 2011 catalogue. This incorporates a wide range of new products, such as wireless fire detection equipment and contractor kits from Eurotech Fire Systems. The system uses an ‘open’ protocol, so is compatible with other fire alarm systems.
These new contractor kits, exclusively distributed by Sabre, are made in the UK and meet all relevant safety standards. They are ideal for professional users who demand quality, especially when it comes to safety.
The new kit is available in two-zone, four-zone and eight-zone versions, and it contains everything needed for a professional alarm system – additional components can be purchased separately.
Paul Hale, a director of Sabre comments: “In 2009/10 in the Highlands and Islands alone, there were over 2000 false alarms calls, an increase of 39% in five years. According to the Highlands and Islands fire board, the cost of attending false calls was around £235,000. It is therefore vitally important that we do not sacrifice quality for price.
“Furthermore, although our website has been very popular with contractors in 2010, we felt that our customers required the extra facility of a catalogue to enable them to get quick access to products and prices on the go.
“Our new contractor forum, which is being put together jointly by the Electrical Contractors Buying Group www.ecbg.co.uk and Sabre Fire and Security, enables contractors anywhere in the UK to discuss their problems with each other and our manufacturing partners”, Hale concludes.
