Fire Systems Ltd, Wireless fire alarm and Aspirating systems protecting the Art’s. (Video)

Posted on February 12, 2012 by Will Mason

The video within the blog shows our fire alarm installation within the “Old Vic Tunnels” under Waterloo station.

Fire Systems Ltd, originally got involved with the Old Vic Tunnel project in 2009, because of our reputation of installing wireless fire alarm systems. The client “The Old Vic” acquired the space of five tunnels under Waterloo station. However, an art exhibition had been arranged to start within 3 weeks of acquiring the lease, and a fire alarm had to be installed and commission before the tunnels could be open to the public. The five large tunnels were 25,000 sqm, and were numbered 232, 231, 230,229 and 228.

To get a fire alarm installed and commission in time for the opening was not going to be an easy task. Our system designers put forward a wireless fire alarm mainly consisting of manual call points, a few heat detectors and sounders. Our design was submitted to the authorities who accepted our proposal. The system was installed within a two-week programme, and the Old Vic Tunnel opened on time.

However, a year later the Old Vic Tunnel was force to close due to a fire in December 2010. A blaze broke out just before midnight on a Tuesday, following a performance. It was reported that four fire engines and 20 fire fighters tackled the fire, and it took four hours to get the fire under control. A spokesman for the Old Vic stated, “The show had finished and all audience members had left the premises.” The fire was to believe to have started by a spot light close to a curtain.
The fire led to the cancellation of a sell-out arts festival that was due to take place that weekend.

Following the fire, a comprehensive fire risk assessment was undertaken. The recommendations suggested within the assessment were to upgrade the passive fire protection within the tunnels. This would include installing fire doors between the five tunnels forming smaller fire compartments. All exits from the tunnels had their fire rating increased.

The fire alarm system also had to be upgraded to provide automatic smoke detection in all five tunnels. The radio fire alarm also had to be connected to a security monitoring centre. Our designers opted for an Air Sampling system to provide the required automatic smoke detection, plus wireless heat detectors to provide coverage during art performances where artificial smoke was used as per of the performance.

The aspirating system used on this project was the Stratos Micra 100 detectors. We installed one air sampling detector in each tunnel. The detectors are all interfaced onto the wireless fire alarm which is connected to a security office within the underground station.

The radio fire alarm equipment used on this project was the” Hyfire” radio fire alarm range of equipment.

The Old Vic now has an enhanced and robust fire system protected the tunnels. The air sampling system offers advance early warning of any smoke within the tunnels, backed up with wireless fire alarm heat detectors, manual call points and sounders. The system is now connected to the rail security network should an incident occur when the tunnels are unoccupied.

Fire alarm servicing is important to ensure the fire protection equipment remains in good working order. Fire Systems Ltd, now undertake the fire alarm maintenance, plus the maintenance of the emergency lighting and the fire extinguishers.
If you required a fire alarm system why not connect our office for more information or complete the contact form on our website.

If you required a fire alarm system why not connect our office for more information or complete the contact form on our website.

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Fire Systems Ltd – New Fire Alarm installation at Neasden Depot’s new service facility. See video

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Will Mason

Fire Systems Ltd, will be working with Kingfell Engineering, NG Bailey Rail and BAM Nuttall on the design, supply, installation and commissioning of a new fire alarm system on the Neasden Depot upgrade project.

Neasden Depot located in North West London is the largest facility on the network, and is where the Metropolitan fleet of trains are serviced, cleaned, inspected, repaired and stored.

However, to accommodate the new generation ‘S’ car stock of trains the Depot is in the process of constructing a new train maintenance facility to accommodate the new generation ‘S’ car stock of trains. The new facility will consist of two sheds, each approximately 180m long and 25m wide.

Fire Systems Ltd, is currently working with Kingfell Engineering to finalise the fire alarm design for the project. The fire alarm system will be protecting two new large maintenance sheds and an accommodation facility area.

The new maintenance facility will be divided into three areas.
1. The Lift Shed
2. The Maintenance Shed
3. Accommodation Block.

Due to the height of the maintenance sheds approximately 12m, the chosen form of detection will be an aspirating system. The make and model we have selected with be the AirSense Stratos HSSD-2 detectors.

Our proposal is to have four HSSD-2 detectors in each of the two sheds. Each detector will be protecting approximately 1000m2. The accommodation block will have your standard point detection in the form of dual sensor Hochiki detectors.

All eight Stratos HSSD-2 detectors will be connected via a RS485 network communication highway, back to a central control panel. The benefits of using a network as appose to individually interfacing each detector onto the loop, is that all the commissioning and fire alarm maintenance can be carried out at one central point, rather than having to go to each panel individually, especially as the detectors are spread over a large area.

The fire alarm panel will be a four loop Kentec Syncro London Underground specification with Hochiki protocol.

All exits will have a fire alarm manual call point installed at all exits leaving the facility, plus manual call points will also be installed at the exits of the maintenance pits.

Due to the expected ambient noise levels within the maintenance facility, personnel working within these areas may have ear defenders and therefore, visual fire alarm notification in the form of Xenon Beacons, will be installed in all areas in conjunction with the voice alarm system.

The accommodation area will have fourteen dampers within the ceiling voids. The dampers will be control by four, four way damper control panels. The damper panels will be interfaced onto the fire alarm panel to activate on common alarm.

The design category will be to L1, and the fire alarm system will be on a site wide network to the other buildings on the depot.

All equipment selected for this design must be on London Undergrounds approval register.

As this is a London Underground project the specification and quality of work is of a very high standard.

We will be posting blogs and videos throughout the project, showing the progress of the installation.

If you require assistance with design or installation of fire alarm systems contact our office on 020 85415646 or complete the contact form on our website.

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Wireless Fire Alarm Protecting Parkway Newbury Development

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Will Mason

Following on from a previous blog announcement that we had been awarded the contract to supply and install a networked wireless fire alarm for the Parkway Newbury development, we now have some video footage of the installation on site.

Our contract was to protect the timber framed apartments that were situated above the retail shop outlets. The development included a large Debenhams department store, three more large stores, 50 shops, eight kiosks, a “food terrace” and 184 apartments.

During the construction of the apartments, the units were protected against fire under the JCOP (Joint Code of Partice) for timber frame sites. Fire Systems Ltd, a specialist supplying and installing wireless fire alarms, installed a network wireless fire alarm systems protecting the apartments and communal areas on the project.

The large complex has eight external blocks. All blocks had an independent wireless fire alarm system, interfaced on a wireless network to enable the fire signals from each block to be transmitted back to the security office.

There are currently 300 workers on the site at the moment but more than 4000 construction workers, sub-contractors and specialist tradesmen were employed on the site during the two-year program.

As you can image this is a challenging project for our designers has the frame work of all the buildings are constantly changing. However, working with our client the electrical contractor we have been able to supply and install a reliable wireless fire alarm system.

The increased use of Timber Frame construction, particularly in larger residential accommodation has resulted in a number of serious fires. Unlike traditionally built property, a timber framed building is at the greatest risk of fire during the construction phase due to the amount of exposed and unprotected combustible elements. For this reason installation of a fire alarm on timber frame construction sites is now a priority.

A wireless fire alarm is a good option for this type of construction, as it is quick and easy to install with a minimal amount of wiring. The wireless fire alarm equipment can be relocated very easily with no disruption to the contractors on site. It is also very cost effective, as devices can be reused on different phases of the project.

For more information why not contact our office or visit our website.

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The benefits of using a Wireless fire alarm specialist

Posted on January 15, 2012 by Will Mason

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When considering installing a fire alarm, you may decide to consider the wireless option due to the many obvious advantages.

However, it is important to choose a good reliable fire alarm company, who have the experience and expertise to install this type of specialist system. There are many companies who are capable of installing wired fire alarms. However, wireless fire alarms are a totally different “animal.”  If a wireless fire alarm is poorly designed, by fire alarm companies who are not experts in this field,this can cause the client no end of problems.

It is important to carry out a radio fire alarm signal strength survey, as this will help the designer decide the location of any required radio boosters.

Another important factor to consider, is the quality of the Radio fire alarm equipment. Cheapest is not always best. When considering wireless fire alarms, it is important to install good quality equipment in accordance with the latest EN54 Radio Fire Alarm Standards.

Fire Systems Ltd, currently install more wireless then wired fire alarms, and is regarded with the industry as the “wireless fire alarm specialist.”

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Fire Alarm – Managing your Fire Alarm System can reduce false alarms.

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Will Mason

Knowing how to disable smoke detectors on your fire alarm system helps to reduce false alarms.

With some fire authorities now taking an approach not to attend commercial premises due to the amount of false alarms being generated by faulty fire alarms systems, it is necessary for all involved to manage and look after their system to ensure false alarms are kept to a minimum.

You may have to isolate an area or zone due to the activities that may generate smoke/hot works. Another scenario is you may have a contaminated detector that has activated the fire alarm panel. It is these types of circumstances that will require you to disable the detector until the works are complete or the fire alarm engineer arrives to investigate the false alarm.

Many clients are not aware of their responsibilities when it comes to managing their fire alarm system. They believe on the completion of the installation of their fire alarm, that their responsibility ends there. However, the reality is, this is where it should start.
Apart from the client arranging for the fire alarm maintenance (advisable to use an accredited BAFE company), the client themselves needs to know how to operate the fire alarm panel and follow a procedure:

1. Locate the device as indicated on the panel.
2. Try and establish the cause of the activation.
3. If the cause is due to atmospheric conditions, such as smoke from a known source, i.e Hot works, isolate the detector or zones effected, until the conditions are back to normal.
4. If the cause is due to a very old or contaminated detector, again isolate this device until it can be replaced.
5. If you are unable to establish the cause, call you fire alarm Maintenance Company to investigate. If possible, leave the fire alarm in the fire condition, but silence the sounders/bells. This will give the fire alarm engineer something to work with when he arrives.
6. If you are satisfied that the reason for the activation has been established reset the fire alarm.

Far too often, clients are not following the points above and resetting the panel without any investigation. Furthermore, without finding the cause of the activation, there is a good chance the fire alarm system will reactivate, causing unnecessary false alarms.

Managing the fire alarm in residential blocks can be challenging, as the caretaker or a responsible person is not always available. However, the managing agents and the residents should get together and discuss what is to be done in the event of the fire alarm activating.

If you require assistance or additional information why not contact our offices on 020 8541 5646 or complete the website contact form.

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Wireless fire alarm at the Clarendon Hotel

Posted on November 13, 2011 by Will Mason

A wireless fire alarm system proved to be the solution when the Clarendon Hotel decided to upgrade their fire alarm system. The hotel is an 18th century building, and the management had concerns about cables being on show, damage to the decoration installing any cables and disruption to the everyday running of the hotel during the installation period.

Fire Systems Ltd, put forward a detailed proposal for a wireless fire alarm that could be installed as per the following:

  • No unsightly cables
  • No Damage to the decoration
  • Minimal disruption to the running of the hotel
  • Minimal amount of noise
  • All rooms to be available on the return of the guest.

The new fire alarm is now installed within 3 weeks, with not damaged to any decoration, no cables on show and the hotel was not disrupted in anyway. Can you imagine how long it would take to install a fire alarm system in a 180 bedroom hotel if it had to be wired? Think of the disruption, getting in and out of a guest room before they returned. With wireless it only took 10 minutes to fit the detector. Therefore, the guest would not be disturbed or any rooms made unavailable due to installation of wires, etc.

The wireless fire alarm system has enhanced the safety of the guest and staff staying at the hotel and demonstrates the hotels commitment to protecting and looking after their guest when staying at the hotel.

For more information on our wireless fire alarm, please complete our contact form or call the office on 020 8541 5646 for more details or a survey.

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Installing a new fire alarm? What equipment do I need?

Posted on November 6, 2011 by Will Mason

Installing a new fire alarm? What equipment do I need?

If you are in a situation whereby you are required to install or upgrade a fire alarm system, you may ask yourself, how many detectors, manual call points and sounders do I require, and what should their locations be?

Well, the first thing that has to be done is a fire risk assessment. The fire risk assessment is usually done by a qualified assessor who will carry out the fire risk assessment and compile a report. This report will identify the fire risk associated with your property and with this information, a recommendation as to the type of fire alarm system that is required.

fire alarm design drawing

When designing fire alarm to protect life, there are six categories:

M – Manual call points only.

L4 – An L4 category is design to protect all the escape routes from the building. This is considered as the lowest category when considering the installation of detectors. However, and L4 system is important as you are protecting your escape routes. This category is a good grade to start from if your budget is limited.

L3 – Is an L4 as stated above, but with additional detection added to the rooms coming off of the escape routes. Fire alarms designed to an L3 will give an earlier warning of fire before the escape routes become impassable with smoke or toxic gases.

L2 – Is the same as an L3, but with additional detectors in areas of high risk. Such as boiler rooms, kitchens, Plant rooms, Electrical intake rooms etc.

L1 – Is the highest level of protection, with automatic detection in all rooms.

Fire Alarm sounders and Bells.

The next question is how many fire alarm sounders or bells do I need? This is governed by the minimum sound levels as listed within the fire code BS5839-1. It states that all areas should have a minimum sound level of 65 decibels. Therefore, a designer will provide an even amount of sounders throughout the premises and make an approximation as to what sound levels will be achieved.  However, it is only after completion of the fire alarm, and a decibel test will the designer know whether additional fire alarm sounders is required.

It is important to choose a fire alarm company competent and experience with fire alarm design. Choosing a BAFE accredited company such as Fire Systems Ltd, will give you peace of mind knowing the equipment, design and installation complies with the standards and the manufacture’s guidelines. For more information and advice why not contact our office on 020 8541 5646 or complete our contact form and we  will get back to you.

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Coming soon! SCR 4000 Detectomat Wireless fire alarm System – Fire Systems Ltd

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Will Mason

We are having a brief look at is the latest Radio fire alarm system the SRC4000 from detectomat. It should be entering the UK market in the first quarter of next year. The SRC 4000 is an upgrade from their popular wireless fire alarm system the SRC 3000. These pictures and video you are watching are probably the first images showing this particular product.

Detectomat SRC4000 wireless fire alarm

Fire Systems Ltd, and a few partners of detectomat were invited to Germany to celebrate their 40th Anniversary. It was during this event, we were invited to preview their latest wireless fire alarm system and to tour their new production facilities.

This latest version will be compliant with the new Radio fire alarm standard   and will have many advanced features, such as: dynamic routing, auto learning, and Radio signal strength interrogation from the laptop.

Detectomat, are keen that the new product retains the cost effective advantage it currently has over its rivals, but has increased the radio technology of this product.

Fire Systems Ltd, the leader in supplying and installing wireless fire alarms has been selected to preview and trial this product on behalf of detectomat. So when we get our hands on the SRC4000, we will let you know the results. But, by what we have seen so far, the product looks a winner!

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Are you managing your Fire Suppression System?

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Will Mason

I thought I would share this piece of information with you.

We recently obtained a fire suppression system maintenance in the Surrey area. It would appear that the company who were maintaining the system before us, carried out the required testing of the system, but did not carry out any integrity testing. Furthermore, the room was quite large with a main entrance and three futher exits throughout the perimeter of the room. However, the three side exits doors did not have any door closures or manual release buttons/manual call points.

It also became apparent, that management who were responsible for the protected area which was the “Deed store,” did not really understand how a fire suppression system operated.

Therefore, I put together the following information below to help them manage their protected area (Deed store). You may find this useful.

Recommendations are as follows:

The fire suppression system can be left in either manual mode or automatic mode.
The functions of the two modes are as follows:

Manual Mode: The detectors will have the ability to raise the alarm, however; the detectors will not have the ability to activate the fire suppression agent. The fire suppression agent can only be activated by operating the manual release button at the front of the fire alarm control panel or manual release buttons adjacent each exit from the room, if fitted.

Automatic Mode: Both the detectors and the manual release will have the ability to discharge the fire suppression agent.

I would advise that the fire suppression system be left in Automatic Mode at all times, when the deed store is unoccupied.
All staff entering the Deed Store should have the appropriate training as to how to operate the fire suppression system and the operational function of the system should be part of the training.

A permit to enter the Deed store should be in place with a sign “in” and “out” register kept as a log.

The three escape doors currently have no self-door closures or manual release call points at the three exits. This must be implemented as soon as possible, the door closure will ensure the door is closed to maintain the integrity of the room should a member of staff have to use one of these exits to escape a fire. And by installing the required manual release buttons adjacent each exit, will enable the member of staff to activate the manual release to discharge the gas into the protected area, whilst using one of these exits.

Instructions for use of the room would be as follows:
1. Sign in the register provided.
2. Change the system over from Auto to Manual.
3. On completing work, leave the deed store.
4. Change the system back from Manual to Auto
5. Sign register with time and confirmation that the Deed store has been reverted back to Auto.

In the event of discovering a fire whilst working with the Deed store the following procedure is to be followed:
1. Leave by the nearest exit.
2. Ensure the door is closed behind you.
3. Activate the manual release button adjacent the exit.

If a fire were to occur with no one in the Deed store the system should be in auto mode and discharge automatically as per the design.

The above, when implemented will greatly reduce the possibility of the system failing to operate when required.

Your insurance company will expect the above to be in place.

It is important that the people responsible for operating the fire suppression system understand the concept of the system and ensure the system is in Automatic mode if the room is unoccupied. Ensuring the fire suppression system is maintained to the relevant standard is also very important.

 

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The next Generation of Fire Alarm Panels has finally arrived – Kentec Taktis

Posted on October 22, 2011 by Will Mason

Fire alarm panels and the associated ancillary equipment has basically remained the same for the last 30 years. I remember the good old days when the Dunford Hepburn addressable fire alarm panels were, in my opinion, the best panels around. However, in general, the fire alarm panel itself has remained the same, with minor improvements to the display, the speed of the detection, cause and effects programming, but nothing to say WOW! Until now.

Kentec Electronics, a UK base fire alarm panel manufacture has unveiled its latest product range to take them into the future. The range called Taktis was unveiled at this year’s Firex. I was at the show, but did not manage to see the range myself as the stand was extremely busy.

Therefore, Kentec invited fire alarm companies and fire consultants to their offices in Dartford for a personal demonstration of the new Taktis product range.

I will let you view the video clip of the demonstration performed by the Managing Director Ray King and let you draw your own conclusion. However, I was very impressed by what I saw.

The control panel is what I would describe as a fully computerized piece of equipment, and has Linux operating system. It reminds me of the leaped made by the iphone by apple in the mobile phone market. This panel will change the way other fire alarm panels will be made in the future. The question now is, how long is it going to take the other manufactures to catch up?

I cannot think of any panel on the market that will come close to this product, and I can see the Taktis panel range cleaning up in this market. The panel is more like a computer, and because of this, the system has the potential to programme any function you require. The panel is really user friendly for fire alarm servicing with advance features for testing zones and the records it keeps. For example, a standard fire alarm panel will have an event log store of 500 events, the Taktis range has 50,000!
Gent, Ziton, Siemens, Morley, Kidde, Advance, Protec and I could go on…. Need to go back to the drawing board and come up with a computer to match this product.

Fortunately, Fire Systems Ltd, are an independent fire alarm company and only source the best products for our clients. We are not locked in to any manufacturer and therefore, source the most cost effective and advance equipment suitable for our client’s requirements. We will definitely be added this product range to our portfolio.

So, view the video’s and write a comment giving me your opinion..

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