Fulleon have final release their wireless fire alarm system

At long last, it would appear that Fulleon have release their wireless fire alarm system. They appears to have been many problems bringing this fire alarm system to the market.

It also appears, that the fire detection, and wireless fire alarm panel and equipment will be offered through agents such as Channel Safety systems. The battery life of the fire detection has been quoted at 3 years.

Fire Systems Ltd will not be trying out this system until it has been in the market place for at least 3 years.

Protecting Assets with Fire Suppression

London based Fire Systems Ltd, is an independent fire alarm company leading the way in providing fire suppression systems for protecting assets such as computer suites.

However, the size of the fire suppression systems we are currently installing has reduced in size as the technology of the computer servers has improved.

The system usually has conventional fire detection, sounders and an electrical actuator circuit that is wired to the actuation on the fire suppression agent cylinder. The fire alarm panel is interfaced to the main building fire alarm system.

Wireless fire alarm systems are not used for fire suppression, but addressable fire alarm systems are now being used more frequently for larger systems.

Fire Systems Ltd adopting wireless fire alarms policy

Due to the advancement of the technology of wireless fire alarm systems, Fire Systems Ltd, have adopted a policy of installing wireless fire systems ahead of wired systems.

For the last two years the design and installation department of Fire Systems Ltd, have liaised with Sterling Safety Systems and are now at the forefront at installing wireless fire alarm installations.

The wireless addressable fire detection has the same capability to programme the cause and effects as wired systems, and the reliability has been impressive. However, it is important that the design and fire alarm installation is carried out by a competent fire alarm company.

Fire alarms with a delay to reduce false alarms

Many fire alarms connected to a central connection to the fire brigade are having a delayed timer programme into the Redcare unit. This gives the building occupier time to investigate the activation within a set period of time. If it is a false alarm the fire alarm is reset within the delayed time and the brigade are not summons.

This delay is only used on addressable fire alarm or wireless addressable fire alarm systems, as you will have to incorporate a coincidence and manual call point override on the fire detection, and this can not be incorporated on a manual convention fire alarm system.

Using a BAFE accredited fire alarm company such as Fire Systems Ltd is a good way of ensuring that your system is installed correctly and in accordance with current standards.

Fire alarm system for court complex

 

A new analogue addressable fire alarm system has been installed at Milton Keynes magistrates’ court to replace the existing single loop fire system.

A fire alarm company installed around 260 Apollo fire detection devices, including optical smoke and heat detectors, loop-powered beacons, manual call points and interfaces.

The fire alarm system was designed on a network of three fire alarm panels.

The fire alarm system with the Apollo fire detection was interfaced to a voice alarm system.
If an fire alarm is raised by the fire detection within the courtroom areas, evacuation procedures are initiated in these zones and an alert is transmitted to the custody suite. Equally, should an incident be detected in the custody suite, this area will be evacuated immediately and the court areas are put on stand-by.

This project did not incorporate any wireless fire alarm detection, and all detection was hard wired to a local fire alarm panel.

However, if a wireless fire alarm system had been considered, the installation would have been so much easier.

Fire Risk Assessments – Responsible person

When carrying out a fire risk assessment who is deemed the responsible person? Well, it is the employer.

The employer is responsible in ensuring that the fire protection safety mechanisms and management control is in accordance with the FSO, such as fire alarms, fire alarm maintenance, emergency lighting, escape routes, build up of combustible materials, etc.

The employer is also responsible to ensure that a fire risk assessment is carried out and the findings are acted upon within a reasonable period of time.

It is also important that the fire alarm is tested on a weekly basis and recorded in the fire log book.

Fire Systems Ltd, now do fire risk assessments in house and have qualified fire assessors to carry out this task.

Fire Risk Assessment to deemed if a fire alarm is required?

To determine whether a fire alarm system is required a fire risk assessment would have to have taken place and assessed the following: Size of the property, the amount of people working at the premises, the risk associated with the site, and whether having a fire alarm would assist personnel to evacuate quicker with earlier warning etc.

Once you have the answers to the questions above, it would then be a choice of what grade of fire alarm system is needed and if it is best to have an convention fire alarm, addressable fire alarm or a wireless fire alarm?

With today’s technology improving, wireless fire alarms are becoming more popular within today’s market place. Fire Systems Ltd is a London based fire alarm company and specialises in the design, supply and installation of all types of wireless fire alarm systems.

Is your fire alarm inspected and tested?

In accordance with the BS5839-1, and the RRO the fire alarm system should be tested weekly and have a service and maintenance every six months. This criteria applies whether the it is a convention, addressable or wireless fire alarm.

To carry out the weekly fire alarm test, a different manual call point should be tested each week and the results recorded.

With regards to the fire alarm maintenance, usually a professional fire alarm company such as BAFE accredited Fire Systems Ltd, should be used to test and inspect, all elements of the fire alarm operations to ensure all is working correctly.

Testing the fire alarm system and all other fire protection equipment is key in relation to the RRO that came into force in October 2006

Fire Alarms in Hotels

Fire protection and fire alarms in Hotels and BB’s are to be a decided factor as to whether you intend to stay there.

When travelling,especially with the family, and you are staying at Hotels or BB’s, it is important to make sure that the accommodation you have chosen has taken their responsibility of fire safety seriously.

Whenever, I stay at a hotel in England, I ensure there is a fire alarm. I can usually ascertain this by checking for the fire detection. I also, like to see a smoke detector within the bedroom and a fire alarm sounder.

I look for emergency lighting, check that all fire escape routes are clear, and I will familiarise myself with the escape routes. Fire doors are another important factor, if wedge open, this is a good indication of the fire safety management of the hotel.

If i have any serious concerns speak to the manager or stay any another hotel. It could save your life!

If you require a fire alarm company, why not go to www.firesystems.co.uk for more information.

Fire systems specialise in all types of fire alarms, especially wireless fire alarm systems.

Is “closed”protocol fire alarm systems to be banned?

Speaking to a colleague who works for Siemens, he has informed me that there is a white paper to ban “closed” protocol fire alarm systems.

Fire Alarm Companies such as Siemens and ADT have enjoyed installing closed protocol fire alarm systems and holding the client to ransom, with regards to fire alarm maintenance,and prohibiting other fire alarm companies from taking up the service and maintenance of those particular systems.

Fire System Ltd install’s “Open” fire alarms, plus wireless fire alarms, and maintain the clients continual service through providing a good service.

You can contact Fire System Ltd on www.firesystems.co.uk.

Ukrainian School resolve wireless fire alarm issues

A wireless fire alarm installed by Fire Systems Ltd, has finally had all the faults cleared and the fire alarm is now showing status normal.

The issues regarding the continuous fire and fault conditions was down to poor site management by the client. Following a site meeting with the client where what is required was explained, Fire Systems Ltd, have returned to site, carried out a fire alarm maintenance, cleared all faults, and sited all the equipment onto a drawing.

It is important when having a wireless fire alarm system installed that the fire alarm is looked after and managed properly.

Fire Alarm manual call points London Underground

Fire alarm systems resettable manual call points from STI Europe have been installed at London's Underground stations as part of an upgrade of fire protection by London Underground Limited.

Help points for London Underground

Fire Alarm manual call points, which were already installed in London Underground stations, have now been incorporated into help points – alarm boxes set up across the Underground for commuters that are interfaced onto the fire alarm system. The help points, which have been fitted on both the underground and external, use an IP-65 rated solution. The expansion followed trials in Great Portland Street, Baker Street and Euston Square underground stations.
Jonathan Summers, business development manager at STI (Europe), who worked with Mike Mannering, maintenance fire engineer with London Underground Maintain, said:

“At the start of last year Mike and I worked together to develop a new back box for the fire alarm call point – a 50mm version rather than the 30mm version – to ensure that it could accommodate all aspects of the existing cabling installations required within the London Underground remit.
"This had pretty significant consequences across the whole network. We also produced a simple ‘not in use’ label to readily identify those call points which had been decommissioned.”

London underground are preparing all their fire alarm systems for the 2012 Olympics.

Fire Alarm evacuation Survey

One in four British workers have never taken part in a fire alarm evacuation mock drill at their workplace, despite a government advisory that a full fire alarm drill must be performed at least once a year, a new study has revealed.

The survey of more than 2,000 adults by an insurance company also saw 5 per cent British workers reporting that their offices had no marked emergency fire exists. Surprisingly, 6 per cent of the people responding, said they would stop to pick up refreshments, such as a cup of tea even after they hear the fire alarm go off in their building.

While the London Fire Brigade says any building caught in flames must be emptied within two and a half minutes, employees seem to have little fire awareness about this rule of thumb. One-tenth of employees said they do not move from their seats for more than a minute even after they have heard the fire alarm, irrespective of whether they believe the fire call is real or a mere hoax.

The study found that a worker waits for about 36 seconds before reacting to an fire alarm. Forty-two per cent workers said they would fetch personal belongings or office documents before leaving the fire-struck building.

Fire systems ltd a London based fire alarm company have now started carrying out fire awareness training as part of their 6 monthly visits.

Fire Systems Ltd – Reviews latest detectomat wireless fire alarm system.

Following on from the RCP 6B Wireless fire alarm, detectomat launch the new SRC 3000, which is quicker and easier to install and maintain.

The new SRC 3000 wireless fire alarm panel is housed in the same housing as its predecessor. In a small contemporary designed enclosure the new system utilises a new Fire Panel facia to provide simpler management including a quicker alarm reset and a temporary "alarm silence" function plus an option of key-switch reset.

 

The fire detection is of a similar design with the contemporary design aspect is also extended into the overall system with the continued use of detectomat's "Designer Range" of self-contained smoke alarms.

Fire alarm installation is much easier and the fire alarm maintenance functions include improved radio strength measurement to facilitate "one man" installation, signal strength measurement of installed devices and an "inspection/service mode".

The system is suitable for retrofit as a complete system or as a radio gateway extension to existing Fire Alarm installations.

If you have an existing building, which needs a Fire Alarm upgrade to comply with the RRO (Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order) or are simply looking for a cost-effective, stylish, no mess minimal disruption solution the SRC 3000 may be the answer.

Fire alarm fault monitoring recommendations

When designing a fire alarm system the following recommendations should be observed: Please note the same would apply to a wireless fire alarm system.

The following recommendations are applicable.
a) A fault indication should be given at the fire alarm control panel and indicating equipment within 100 seconds of the occurrence of any of the following conditions:
1) A wiring short circuit or open circuit in any circuits serving the fire detection;
2) the removal of a fire call point or a fire detector that is designed to be detachable;
3) wiring short circuit or open circuit of any circuits serving fire alarm devices;
4) Power supply short circuit or open circuit of any wiring

5) Earth faults that will prevent the fire alarm from performing in accordance with BS5839
6) Blown fuse that prevents the fire alarm from performing in accordance with BS5839

7) a short circuit or open circuit in the wiring between separate control and/or indicating equipment
that is provided in order to satisfy the recommendations of this part of BS 5839;
8) a short circuit or open circuit in the wiring between main and any repeat control and/or indicating
equipment (such as a mimic diagram) that is provided in order to satisfy the recommendations of this
part of BS 5839;
9) a short circuit or open circuit in the wiring between control equipment and any separate enclosure
of equipment used for transmission of alarm signals to an alarm receiving centre see 15.2k);
10) removal from its circuit of a fire alarm device that is designed to be detachable.

Fault monitoring is an important part to ensure that any fault on the wireless fire alarm or wired fire alarm systems, is identified and can be rectified as quickly as possible.

For more information contact Fire Systems Ltd www.firesystems.co.uk

Fire Alarm Photoelectric smoke detectors

When discussing fire detection with a Fire alarm design, Photoelectric or as known as Optical Smoke Detectors are  capable of detecting visible combustion gases emanating from fires and shall employ the forward light-scatter principle.

The point-type optical smoke detectors shall be equally sensitive to a wide range of combustible materials and are used on wired and wireless fire alarm systems also known as Radio fire alarms.
The design of the point-type optical smoke detector sensing chamber shall be optimised to minimise the effect of dust deposit over a period of time. Dust can cause problems with fire detection, so the later more modern detectors limit the effect dust can have on their detectors.

Fire Systems ltd use the Sterling wireless fire alarms/Radio fire alarms with the Argus protocol. This protocol can handle 256 devices per loop.

Fire Risk Assessments and Competent person

There appears to be lots of debate on what is deemed a “competent” person when carrying out a fire risk assessment?

The initial RRO give you the impression, that any one with limited training could carry out a fire risk assessment. But when you evaluate what is required when carrying out a fire risk assessment, such as: Fire Alarms, Fire detection, Emergency lighting, escape routes, ignition sources, fire loading, fire partition and zoning, fire doors, fire extinguishers etc.. You can see from this list that a person without a good knowledge of fire would not be able to conduct a worthwhile assessment.

Fire Systems Ltd, who are an independent London based fire alarm company, are not only maintaining and installing fire alarm systems, but are now training staff to carry out fire risk assessment to a professional standard.

Fire Alarm Repeater Panel

Fire Alarm repeater panels are available for most fire alarm systems  and are required where the fire brigade or fire wardens may enter a building from more than one entrance, where security staff are located away from the main panel or where operational staff need the system information in more than one location, for example in hospital wards.

All fire control panels including most repeaters, require two forms of power supplies. The back up supply is built into the panel and is provided by sealed lead acid batteries, but a secure mains supply is
required for the primary power source. Fuses/isolation switches
should be clearly marked with “FIRE ALARM DO NOT SWITCH OFF” to ensure that the fire alarm system is not inadvertently powered down.

However, you will usually find that most repeater do not have a fire detection connected to it, but some manufactures do provide an option for this facility as a network.

Fire Alarm European Standard EN54

The fire alarm code for Europe EN54 suite of standards relates to the design and performance of items of equipment that make up a fire detection and fire alarm system.

Each part relates to a different piece of the fire equipment, for example part 3 relates to alarm devices, part 11 to manual call points, part 4 to power supplies etc.

Some parts of the EN54 fire code standards have options with requirements. These relate to specific features that are required in certain applications but not all. For example all fire control panels and indicating equipment must be able to detect fire (with the help of appropriate input devices), such as smoke or heat detectors, must monitor certain functions (such as cables for open and short circuit faults) and must have a disablement or isolate facility so that functions or areas of cover can be switched off for maintenance or similar activities. However it is optional to have a test facility or delays to fire alarm outputs, but if such features are either provided or required in the application (e.g. to allow a local search for fire prior to calling the brigade) then those facilities must meet specified criteria.
It is therefore necessary when specifying compliance to the European fire code EN54 that the relevant part is identified and that the application standard (such as BS5839-1) is consulted to identify specific options.

For example, the UK fire brigade almost always will require zonal light
emitting indicators to be incorporated in control equipment to show
the extent of the fire event at a glance; this is an option in EN54-

Fire Alarm cables

The fire alarm code BS5839-1:2002 introduced more onerous requirements for the types of cables used in fire detection and alarm systems.
Fire resistance cables should now be used for all parts of the fire system and enhanced fire resistance cables should be used where there is a requirement to ensure cable integrity over a longer period of
time.

For example when connecting to fire alarm sounders or where
the connection between sub-panels provides any part of the alarm
signal path.
Fire alarm wiring should be segregated from the cables of other
systems; they should be clearly marked, preferably red in colour
and should be installed through parts of the building that provide
minimum risk or maximum protection. This latter point is particularly relevant where the use of the building is being changed - for example if a fuel store is being moved.

Fire Alarms selection of detectors

Fire alarm information on the selection of Appropriate Automatic Detectors.

When putting together a fire alarm design, and considering the various options for fire detection, it is important that in order to avoid false alarms rate of rise heat detectors should not be
considered in areas subject to frequent temperature variations, such as in kitchens, boiler rooms and warehouses with large doors to open
air.

The fire code BS5839-1 recommends that the static response temperature of a heat detector should be a minimum of 29°C above the
maximum ambient temperature likely to be experienced for long
periods of time and 4°C above the maximum temperature likely
to be experienced for short periods of time.

Each type of conventional heat detector is manufactured to have
specific performance characteristics, which cannot be altered. Because analogue fire alarm systems are more sophisticated, only a single analogue heat detector is necessary, the characteristic of which can be programme to suit the relevant application requirements at the time of commissioning and can be adjusted later if required.

Fire Alarm Remote Indicators

Fire alarm remote indicators should be used in areas where the fire detection is mounting in a position that there is no ready access or is not easily viewed,for example in ceiling voids.

Remote indicators can also be used to dramatically reduce search distances where detectors are located inside rooms, such as in hotels, thus simplifying system zoning and reducing the time taken to locate the source of an alarm.

However, if the fire alarm company is installing an addressable fire alarm system, then it can be deemed that they are not necessarily required, as an addressable fire alarm will give the exact location of the activate detector, with the exception of an area where more then one detector is located.

Fire Suppression Systems

Fire Suppression systems are an essential part of many building that require critical asset protection,as they provide a fast and effective control of fire within these areas.

A fire suppression system will consist of a fire alarm panel with fire detection and a mechanical element of cylinders and pipe work.

Such systems are installed by a fire alarm company in line with strict codes and standards. This ensures quick and effective operation in the event of an activation. However, regardless of how good the fire suppression system may be, to prove truly effective in operation the system must be properly integrated with the rest of the building services serving the protected area.

Fire alarm detection coverage

When designing fire alarm systems it is important that the fire alarm installer ensures that the spacing between the detectors comply with BS5839.

Positioning of Smoke and Heat Detectors
All smoke detectors have similar spacing requirements, but this can vary according to whether the detector is installer in an open plan environment or a narrow corridor. Heat detectors also all have similar spacing requirements although these are different to smoke detectors.

According to BS5839 the fire code for fire systems design, detectors for general areas the spacing between any point in a protected area and the detector nearest to that point should not exceed 7.5m for a smoke detector and 5.3m for a heat detector.

Fire Protection in Pubs during the World Cup

01 June 2010

With Hundred of thousands of people due to watch the world cup in bars and pubs this summer the London Fire Brigade is urging these establishments to ensure they have carried out a fire risk assessment to make sure their premises are safe from fire.

Carrying out a fire risk assessment before the world cup starts, will assist you to identify any short falls of fire safety, such as is fire alarm working correctly, has it had a fire alarm maintenance inspection, are all the fire exits clear and all fire doors in good working order, as all the emergency lighting been inspected and working.

According to the British Beer and Pub Association the UK Bar and pub industry can expect around £124m during the world cup*. But the London Fire Brigade warn that pub and bar owners won’t be cashing in if they are in breach of the fire safety laws or have a fire on their premises.

Dartford Tunnel to get £8m Fire safety boost

Fire Safety Highways Agency chiefs are set to invest more than £8 million into the Dartford Crossing to improve its fire protection of the tunnel.

The cash will fund a fire suppression sprinkler system in both tunnels, designed to control a fire until the emergency services arrive

.

The fire safety upgrade, awarded to tunnel safety specialists Fogtec Brandschutz GmbH, will be similar to fire detection type systems installed and commissioned in the England to France Channel Tunnel following a large blaze there in early September 2008.

Work to install the fire suppression sprinkler system in the Dartford tunnels, which is estimated to cost close to £8.1 million, begins in October 2010 and is due finish in 2012.

Fire Alarm detection Zones

6.2 Detection Zones
Fire Alarm systems have fire detection zones that are essentially a convenient way of dividing up a building to assist in quickly locating the position of a fire.

The fire alarm zone boundaries are not physical features of the building,
although it is normal to make the zone boundary coincide with
walls, floors and specifically fire compartments. The size and
position of the fire detection zones will therefore tend to be dependant
on the shape of the buildings, but will also depend on what the
building is used for and to some extent the number of people the
building is expected to contain at any one time.

When designing a fire alarm system, whether it be a convention, wired addressable or a wireless fire alarm system, taking account of the fire zones in accordance with BS 5839-1 is important.
BS 5839-1 has some specific recommendations with respect to
detection zones:
- Zones should be restricted to single floors, except where the
total floor area of a building is less than 300m2
- Voids above or below the floor area of a room may be
included in the same zone as the room so long as they are
both in the same fire compartment
- Zones should not be larger than 2000m2 except for manual
systems in single storey open plan buildings, such as a
warehouse, where up to 10000m2 is allowed
- When it come to fire detection, fire detectors in an enclosed stairwell, lift shaft or the like should be considered as a separate zone
- The search distance within a zone should be less than 60m
(all possible entrance points must be considered). This can be
relaxed when using addressable fire alarm or wireless addressable fire alarms, if the information
provided at the control and indicating equipment would allow
fire fighters, unfamiliar with the building, to proceed directly to
the location of the fire. The search distance only relates to the
distance from entering a zone to being able to determine the
location of the fire, it is not necessary to travel to the fire
- Zones should not cross fire compartments, a fire compartment
can contain several zones but a zone should not contain more
than one fire compartment

Fire Systems - Fire Safety Tips

May 25, 2010

We have provided the following top tips for protecting you, your business and property from fire:

1. It is a legal requirement to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) on your premises, and document the FRA if you have 5 or more staff
2. All staff employed and is responsible for fire safety must be suitable trained.
3. Ensure you have an Fire Action plan in place.
4. Maintain and keep clear your emergency escape routes at all times
5. Practice your fire evacuation procedure at least every 12 months
6. Regularly test your Fire alarms and emergency lighting as described in the relevant standards
7. Maintain and test your fire extinguishers annually
8. Check your fire extinguishers every month
9. Have all your electrical portable appliances tested (PAT testing)
10. Maintain a fire log book and complete all records

Southend Pier chooses a Gent Fire Alarm system

31 May 2010

A new Gent fire alarm system with the Quad fire detection, is being installed at the re-built Southend Pier, due to re-open this summer after being severely damaged in a blaze in 2008.

The newly built pier features 18m high atria

However, I have to ask myself when using fire alarm systems such as Gent is this the best option in the long term? When it comes to fire alarm maintenance, only a few fire alarm companies (Gent Agents) will be able to offer the required service, and because it is not open protocol, you will usually find that the cost for Gent engineers are a lot higher then the cost of a Gent agent is higher.

London based Fire Systems Ltd, offer open protocol wired and wireless fire alarm systems. For more information, contact Fire Systems Ltd, on www.firesystems.co.uk.