Wireless Fire Alarms – EN54 Part 25 Compliant? Fire Systems Ltd

Posted on July 11, 2012 by Will Mason

Over the last 5 years wireless fire alarms have improved immensely, and the fire code BS5839-1 has had to try and keep pace with the progress in the technology of the wireless fire alarm system.
wireless fire alarm panel
However, as of March 2011 all compliant wireless fire alarm systems must comply with the code EN54 Part 25. This code is now the standard for all wireless fire alarms across Europe.

This new standard was established to ensure that wireless fire alarm provide the same level of protection as per their wired counterparts. The EN54-25 is an improvement to what was expected in BS5839-1. The new standard has made many major changes to the way wireless fire alarms operate, such as introduction of bi directional communication, dual battery back up sources, improved fault monitoring and a defined product testing procedures.

The frequency now dedicated to wireless fire alarm is 868 Mhz. All the compliant systems on the market in the UK have moved over to this frequency. The old frequency used by many manufactures use to be 468Mz. The lower frequency of 468MZ does provide an advantage of a larger signal range than the 868Mz; however, the big disadvantage of using the 468Mz bandwidth, is it is very congested with such items as wireless car alarm fobs, baby alarms, remote controls etc.

With the EN54-25 now in place, it is important to ensure that if you are considering having a wireless fire alarm installed, it is important the installer does not mislead you into purchasing a system that is not EN54-25 compliant.

So what manufacturers are currently complying with EN54-25?
Well, there are currently five wireless fire alarm manufactures that I know of.

• Hyfire – Sterling Safety Systems.
• Fire Cell – EMS
• Zerio Plus – Electro-Detectors (EDA)
• Radio Plus – Fulleon Cooper
• Detectomat

I have carried out some research and what I have discovered; it would appear only three are fully compliant with EN54-25. They are:

• Hyfire – Sterling Safety Systems.
• Fire Cell – EMS
• Zerio Plus – Electro-Detectors (EDA)

Radio Plus – Fulleon – Are currently going through 3rd party approval, and I have been informed by fulleon that approval is expected in the first quarter of 2013. I will update this blog when approval has been achieved.

The Hyfire range, which entered the market in 2005, has always been EN54-25 compliant and operating at the 868Mz frequency.

EMS use to have a wireless range call “Fire Point 5000” operating at 468Mz. But due to the enforcement of the EN54-25, they had to redesign their wireless fire alarm and brought to the market their new range called “Fire Cell” This is EN54-25 compliant.

EDA, had an old range called the Millennium, there newer range called the Zerio was launch in 2004.However, like EMS, the Millennium and the first Zerio panel did not comply with EN54-25. Therefore the Zerio Plus was introduced to comply with EN54-25.

To make sure you get the right Radio fire alarm, why not contact the specialist in this field. Fire Systems Ltd specialize in all types of wireless fire alarms and are able to design, install and maintain all types of fire alarm systems. We also carry out fire alarm servicing on wired and wireless fire alarms.

For more information why not give us a call on 020 8541 5646 or visit our website on www.firesystems.co.uk and complete on contact form.

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Wireless Fire alarm – In an 18th Century Property – Video

Posted on June 30, 2012 by Will Mason

The building situated in Surrey, was built around the 18th Century. Our client refurbished the property and converted it into a modern 12 bedroom residence.

Wireless fire alarm - 18th Century Building

The walls are very thick and there are limited voids to install any cables. The majority of electrical cables had to be chased into the walls.

 

The builder wanted to keep the running of cables to a minimum and requested Fire Systems Ltd, to design and install an addressable wireless fire alarm system.

Our designer visited the site and carry out a radio signal strength survey. It is important when making a decision to install a wireless fire alarm that you employ a company that has many years experience installing such systems.

As we enter the property you begin to appreciate the benefits of installing a wireless fire alarm as opposed to a wired system. An installation of a wired fire alarm in a property such as this would require a large amount of building works and expense.

Our engineers have been working with wireless fire alarms for over 6 years on a continuous basis. They also attend the manufacturers training sessions and refresher courses to ensure they are kept up to date with the equipment they are installing.

On this particular project, we used the Hyfire wireless range of fire alarm equipment. The Hyfire range of wireless fire alarm equipment is fully compliant with the latest European standard for wireless fire alarms   EN54 – Part 25. The new standard EN54 Part 25 was introduced to ensure that wireless fire alarms   operate and perform to the same level as a wired system. Introduction of bi-directional communications protocols, improved fault monitoring, dual battery supplies and better product testing procedures are just some of the improvements.

Another important piece of advice is to use a company with a good reputation and experience installing wireless fire alarms. Ask for references, request to visit a property with one of their wireless fire alarm installed, find out how many systems  the Fire Alarm Company or installer has installed in the last three months? This will help you to access whether the company is installing a one off wireless fire alarm and is familiar with the equipment they are installing and the wireless fire code.

For more information, contact Fire Systems Ltd on 020 8541 5646 or visit our website on www.firesystems.co.uk

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Fire Alarms on Construction sites

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Will Mason

Is a construction site a big fire risk during the construction phase of the project?

Fire Alarm on Construction sites
Is a fire alarm required?

 

Well the Fire Safety Order 2005 and JCOP “Joint Code of Practice”, state you should have a means to evacuate the site in the event of a fire emergency.
The Joint Code of Practice on the Protection from Fire on Construction sites is currently in its seventh edition. It was formed in 1992 after two significant fires that resulted in a combined loss to the insurance companies of £150 million. This loss was at a level where insurers were questioning whether the insurance of construction sites was a viable option?
Of the many items within the code, the item that interested us was the ability to evacuate the site, protect the temporary structures to BS5839, monitoring the site to an alarm receiving centre and provide an element of automatic detection when required.

So, what is the best way to evacuate a construction site? Air horns, bells, shouting “Fire”, a manual call point evacuation alarm system linked by radio, or a proper fire alarm to BS5839?
Well, as you can imagine, it is all down to the size of the construction site and the results of the fire risk assessment.

On a small site air horns or a manual hand bell will suffice. However, on larger sites the sound levels generated by a bell or air horn will not travel to provide the require decibel sound level. Plus, you cannot guarantee that someone will stay and continuous sounding the horn or bell in the real event of a fire.
Therefore, on larger sites an evacuation Howler type alarm system or monitored fire alarm system is required.

The advantage of a howler system is it is a cheap option. However, the system is not monitored for faults, therefore, you do not know if the system is working unless you test it. Being on a construction site, there is a fair chance that the wiring get can damaged. Therefore, a monitored fire alarm system is a good option.

At Fire System Ltd, our preferred choice is a monitored Wireless fire alarm compliant with the wireless fire alarm code EN54-25. It is easy to install with a minimal amount of wires. This makes it less likely for the fire alarm wiring to get in the way of the construction and be damaged by the building works.

Another important factor is what type of Fire evacuation plan is being operated on the construction site. On very large sites with a large amount of workers a “Stay put and investigate” policy may be the preferred option. What type of system could accommodate such a strategy, a wireless fire alarm to EN54-25 can be programmed to identify the activated manual call point, activate the zone/area where the activated device is located and place the remaining areas of the site on an alert. The alert signal can be pulsing or silent and set to a predefine time period, say three minutes. A fire alarm system with these programmable features, will be able to evacuate the site, even if the fire marshalls are unable to carry out their duties due to the fire.

For more information on our range of wireless fire alarm for construction sites contact our office on 020 8541 5646 or visit our website on www.firesystems.co.uk and complete our contact form.

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Fire Brigades reducing Fire Cover for Businesses – Video

Posted on April 28, 2012 by Will Mason


Reading an article on the Fire Industry Association website dated 11 May 2011, it would appear that as many as 12 Fire Rescue Services within England have modified their policy on responding to automatic fire alarms. The article goes on to say that some brigades have a call confirmation scheme in place.

However, do you really blame the Fire Brigades for taking such an approach? According to figures published last year, there were 337,300 false alarms attended by fire and rescue services. We have in this country a system whereby anyone is allowed to design and install a fire alarm system. The standards state you have to be competent, but define ‘competent?’ For this reason, there are too many poorly designed and maintained fire alarm systems producing false alarms.

A fire alarm producing false alarms not only drains the fire brigade resources; it also puts lives and property at risk if the fire alarm fails to activate when required. In challenging economic times, looking for the cheapest price may seem the best option; however, over the life of the system, you may pay a heavy price if the fire alarm system is poorly design, produces false alarms and does not operate correctly when required.

What is required is some form of regulation. The intruder industry had a similar problem 20 years ago with the Police called to many false alarms from poorly designed and faulty intruder alarms. Now the police will only respond to a call if the intruder alarm is fitted by a reputable alarm company (Usually a NACOSS company) and they also have policy that if you have three false alarms in a certain time frame, they will not respond to you premises for a set time period.

The fire alarm industry needs to start adopting similar policies and manage who is allowed to design and install an automatic fire alarm system.

With the introduction of the Fire Safety Order 2005, it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure their fire alarm system is working correctly and maintained.

The FIA recommends that businesses review their fire risk assessments and contact their Fire alarm maintenance company to review fire alarm system and to see what amendments may be required to compensate this change in the fire brigades attendance policy.

With the fire brigades adopting this approach, it is important that you ensure you have an up to date fire risk assessment and your fire alarm is designed and maintained by a professional and competent fire alarm company such as Fire Systems Ltd. Our company is accredited by BAFE, and our engineers are trained to the highest standards.

To ensure you have peace of mind, use a professional fire alarm company with a good reputation such as Fire Systems Ltd.

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EDA – Electro Detectors Wireless fire alarms meet FS at Firex South.

Posted on April 22, 2012 by Will Mason


EDA, have been manufacturing Radio fire alarms since the early eighties. They now have a new product the Zerio Plus, that complies with the new European standard for wireless fire alarms the EN54 Part 25.

 

EDA, have two wireless fire alarm products, the Millennium which came out in 1995 and their latest product the Zerio that came out in 2005. The Zerio range has two panels, the Zerio and the Zerio Plus. The Zerio Plus was designed specifically to comply with the latest wireless fire alarm European Code EN54 Part 25. The Zerio has eight zones and capable of controlling 99 devices. This would allow this panel to be used in small to medium size applications.

Both EDA and EMS have had to bring out new products to ensure compliance to the new fire code EN54-25. As of March 2011, wireless fire alarm systems should be designed and installed to the new standard.

Electro Detectors have been producing wireless fire alarm equipment since 1988. Back in the seventies there were only two manufacturers who produced Radio fire alarm equipment; EMS and EDA.

Because of the lack of competition within the manufacturing market, EDA use to sell their equipment through their network of distributors in the UK. Therefore, this restricted fire alarm companies obtaining equipment and training, who were not part of their network. Having such a situation allowed Electro Detectors network of fire alarm companies to be in a privileged position, due to lack of competition.
However, EDA, no longer restrict access to their product and we believe this is due to the increase competition. There are no longer just two manufacturers, but five.
• EMS
• EDA
• Hyfire
• Detectomat
• Fulleon

If you require a wireless fire alarm system that fully complies with the latest European Standard EN54 Part 25, contact Fire Systems Ltd on 020 8541 5646 or visit our website and complete the contact page.
We also provide fire alarm servicing on all types of fire alarm systems.

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Video – Hyfire wireless fire alarms at Firex South – Meets Fire Systems Ltd

Posted on April 21, 2012 by Will Mason
Hyfire Wireless Fire alarms

Hyfire Wireless Fire alarms

To stay at the forefront of wireless fire alarms, Fire Systems Ltd, make sure we meet our suppliers at events such as Firex South.  We see what new products and improvements we can expect in the future. This short video clip shows are visit to the Hyfire Stand.

 

Hyfire is now one of the leading wireless fire alarm brands in the UK. The equipment is distributed by Sterling Safety Systems, who are based in Warwickshire. Before the arrival of Hyfire on the market, there were only two main wireless fire alarm equipment manufacturers, EMS and EDA. Having a limited amount of suppliers of wireless fire alarm equipment was not a good situation for the end user and the installer. The prices were very high and one of the manufactures EDA, would only sell their equipment through their chosen selected group of fire alarm companies.

However, the arrival of Hyfire in 2006 meant that there was now a viable alternative to acquire quality wireless fire alarm equipment, fully compliant with the latest European wireless fire alarm code EN54-25, at an affordable price.

During our recent visit to Firex South, we met up with some of the Sterling Safety Systems representatives, Mark Stubbs (Technical), Chris McGregor (Regional Sales Manager – South) and Managing Director Glen Jones.

Hyfire will be releasing some additional products to their product range soon; they will be bringing out a translator which can handle 128 devices with dynamic routing and a voice alarm base sounder.

I am not sure what percentage of the market Hyfire currently have, but they are certainly having an impact and taking market share from both EMS and EDA. Fulleon has also entered the wireless fire alarm market with their product called “Radio Plus.” However, the Radio Plus, can only boost a signal once and therefore, will be limited to the jobs and market it can be used.

To ensure we stay at the forefront of the Radio fire alarm technology, we continue to meet the manufactures at venues such as this.

Fire Systems Ltd, is the leader in the design, installation and maintenance of wireless fire alarm systems.

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Video – Fire Systems Ltd meets wireless fire alarm Manufacture EMS at Firex South 2012

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Will Mason

Being an independent wireless fire alarm installer, we take every opportunity to meet with the manufacturers and see what’s new within their product range.

 

The Fire Point 5000 has been a reliable product over many years, but due to the new European code for fire alarms the EN54 Part 25, EMS has had to totally change their product range of the existing Fire Point 5000 that operated on a radio frequency of VHF – 173.2 MHz -173.5 MHz (receiver) and UHF – 458.5 MHz – 589.5 MHz (transmitter),and bring in the new FireCell to comply with the new standard.

The FireCell operates on the new radio frequency of 868MZ. This is the European Standard radio frequency dedicated for wireless fire alarms. The FireCell also complies with the latest wireless fire alarm code EN54 Part 25.

EMS had their new wireless fire alarm system on display at Firex South, and Gareth Brand of EMS gave us a give overview of their FireCell system.

Fire Systems Ltd, carry out fire alarm maintenance on EMS wireless fire alarm systems.

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Video – Wireless Fire Alarm – Radio Signal Strength Survey

Posted on April 15, 2012 by Will Mason

Wireless fire alarm Signal Strength Survey

When designing a wireless fire alarm system, some will say it is crucial that you should always carry out a radio signal strength survey. I would agree that carrying out such a survey is important; however, if you have installed many wireless fire alarms such as we have and understand the equipment you are installing, it is not always necessary.

 

As you can appreciate there is a cost with regards to time and traveling expense if it is your intention to carry out a radio signal strength survey on every job you quote. Plus, if you carry out a survey properly, a system with say 40 devices will take up half a day, with no guarantee that you will secure the order. However, if you have limited knowledge installing wireless fire alarms, then you really have no choice but to attend site and carry out a survey, because the cost of installing a poorly design wireless fire alarm can be costly.

I have designed and quoted many wireless fire alarms from drawings and without going to site. And I am able to do this because we specialise in wireless fire alarms and therefore, have that experience to design a system according to the structure and layout of the building.

However, you will always have to carry out a radio signal strength survey on some buildings no matter how experienced you are; buildings such as: Churches, buildings with very thick walls, solid thick concrete floors, Heavy metal structural beams or walls with a sheet/layer of some form of  metallic coating. All these things will restrict the power of the radio signal, and careful planning is required. Nevertheless, wireless fire alarms can be installed in such buildings; hence the reason why it is important that the fire alarm company that is installing the system has the required experience and expertise. We have systems in churches and similar construction with no problems.

The obvious easy buildings to design are: Buildings with open plan areas, wooden construction, standard partitioned walls, accessible shafts, etc.

Furthermore, one has to remember, even if you carry out a detailed Radio Signal Strength, you cannot guarantee to achieve all the readings as per the survey. The survey only gives you a guide. The true radio signal’s strengths are only known when all the wireless fire alarm equipment is installed and the signal strength readings are taken from the panel, or radio hub to the devices.

A survey kit usually consists of the radio hub unit that is to be place in the position of the fire alarm control panel or booster and the detector device. This unit is to be positioned in the locations of the detector, manual call point or sounder. By reviewing the readings on the hand held device, you are able to ascertain if the panel and the device in the allocated position are able to communicate together within the parameters set out by the panel manufacturers.

The radio signal strength survey kit shown in this video is the Hyfire. The Hyfire range of equipment can be installed on the Kentec and Advance fire alarm control panels with Argus protocol. The Hyfire range allows you to have both wired and wireless fire detection on the same loop. Due to our independence, we are able to select the best wireless fire alarm manufacturer in accordance with the requirement of the project and the budget available. This may be Hyfire, EMS, Detectomat, EDA or Fulleon. As you can appreciate all the different manufacturers will have advantages and disadvantages according to what is required.

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Video Wireless Fire Alarm at Tesco – Every little helps – JCOP

Posted on April 7, 2012 by Will Mason

A building in George Street Croydon has been renovated to become a Tesco Express in Croydon. The building work was carried out by Falcon Construction Services.  Falcon Construction aware of their responsibility under JCOP which is short for the “Joint Code of Practice” on Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation, contacted Fire Systems Ltd, to design and install a wireless fire alarm system to enable the personnel on site to evacuate the building in the event of a fire.

 

Compliance with JCOP is very important when considering whether the construction site is insured or not?

A note out of the code is as follows:” If compliance with this Code forms part of the insurance contract, non-compliance with this Code could possibly result in insurance ceasing to be available or being withdrawn, resulting in a possible breach of a construction contract which requires the provision of such insurance.”

When designing such a fire alarm system, factors such as travel distance to the nearest manual call point, installation of automatic detection (usually heat) in areas of high risk and most importantly will the fire alarm sounders be heard throughout all areas of the building, especially as you have to consider the noise that may be generated by mechanical and electrical tools, etc. Having a reliable and suitable fire alarm is a must to protect the workers on site and to ensure you are insured in the event of fire.

Picture of the fire alarm panel following a fire at the Tesco Express

Picture of the fire alarm panel following a fire at the Tesco Express

On this particular site, during the construction phase there was actually a fire. The fire took hold and damaged some of the building. Thankfully, as Falcon had all their fire protection and procedures in place there was little damage, and no one was hurt. The fire brigade was in attendance and following any fire; the fire brigade would have carried out their own investigation into the cause and of course, all the required paperwork under the CDM and The Fire Safety Order would also be inspected. Not having the correct paperwork or fire Safety measures in place can lead to prosecution under the FSO and the Health and Safety at work Act.

The highest risk of fire is usually during the construction phase of a project, as not all the completed fire protection measures are in place and operational. For this reason it is vital to ensure all possible temporary fire protection measures are in place during this vulnerable period.

There are many construction sites with a hand bell or air horn as the device chosen to evacuate the site in the event of fire, but as you can imagine using this method has many flaws and requires a member of staff to operate the device during the evacuation, and this cannot always be guaranteed.

You never know when or where the fire may start. Is it not easy for all staff to have a simple fire evacuation procedure? Such as” in the event of fire operate the nearest fire alarm manual call point and leave by the nearest exit”. By doing this, you know that the alarm will be heard throughout the whole site giving all personnel as much time as possible to escape.

With the advancement of wireless fire alarms, more construction sites aware of JCOP are using our systems to protect their sites and to keep the system operation during the construction period. Using this approach ensures you have a functional fire alarm system at all times.

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Video – Wireless Fire Alarm at Tesco (Every little helps) – JCOP

Posted on April 6, 2012 by Will Mason

A building in George Street Croydon has been renovated to become a Tesco Express in Croydon. The building work was carried out by Falcon Construction Services.  Falcon Construction aware of their responsibility under JCOP which is short for the “Joint Code of Practice” on Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation, contacted Fire Systems Ltd, to design and install a wireless fire alarm system to enable the personnel on site to evacuate the building in the event of a fire.

 

Compliance with JCOP is very important when considering whether the construction site is insured or not?

A note out of the code is as follows:” If compliance with this Code forms part of the insurance contract, non-compliance with this Code could possibly result in insurance ceasing to be available or being withdrawn, resulting in a possible breach of a construction contract which requires the provision of such insurance.”

When designing such a fire alarm system, factors such as travel distance to the nearest manual call point, installation of automatic detection (usually heat) in areas of high risk and most importantly will the fire alarm sounders be heard throughout all areas of the building, especially as you have to consider the noise that may be generated by mechanical and electrical tools, etc. Having a reliable and suitable fire alarm is a must to protect the workers on site and to ensure you are insured in the event of fire.

Picture of the fire alarm panel following a fire at the Tesco Express

 

On this particular site, during the construction phase there was actually a fire. The fire took hold and damaged some of the building. Thankfully, as Falcon had all their fire protection and procedures in place there was little damage, and no one was hurt. The fire brigade was in attendance and following any fire; the fire brigade would have carried out their own investigation into the cause and of course, all the required paperwork under the CDM and The Fire Safety Order would also be inspected. Not having the correct paperwork or fire Safety measures in place can lead to prosecution under the FSO and the Health and Safety at work Act.

The highest risk of fire is usually during the construction phase of a project, as not all the completed fire protection measures are in place and operational. For this reason it is vital to ensure all possible temporary fire protection measures are in place during this vulnerable period.

There are many construction sites with a hand bell or air horn as the device chosen to evacuate the site in the event of fire, but as you can imagine using this method has many flaws and requires a member of staff to operate the device during the evacuation, and this cannot always be guaranteed.

You never know when or where the fire may start. Is it not easy for all staff to have a simple fire evacuation procedure? Such as” in the event of fire operate the nearest fire alarm manual call point and leave by the nearest exit”. By doing this, you know that the alarm will be heard throughout the whole site giving all personnel as much time as possible to escape.

 

With the advancement of wireless or radio fire alarms, more construction sites aware of JCOP are using our systems to protect their sites and to keep the system operation during the construction period.  Using this approach ensures you have a functional fire alarm system at all times.

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