Fire Alarms and Fire detection – Beam detectors

Large indoor areas can present challenges for  fire alarm systems. Will Mason of Fire Systems Ltd will examine the role of optical beam smoke detection in protecting such spaces.

Large, wide indoor areas can present a challenge to traditional fire alarm systems: in order to provide effective fire detection over such spaces, complex networks of multiple overlapping fire detection sensors will be required. However, optical beam smoke detectors, on the other hand, are designed exactly for such situations – one single beam detector installed on a wall, so as to cover a distance of 100m, can detect smoke over an area of up to 1500m² (BS 5839-1). More coverage per beam detector means fewer smoke detectors, with associated reductions to the time and cost of installation and wiring, as well as a reduced aesthetic intrusion. Mounting on the vertical wall, as opposed to the horizontal ceiling, can allow more convenient access for fire alarm maintenance, and a low-level controller further speeds and eases the process. A space which might need as many as 15 smoke detectors could therefore be maintained from one single low-level controller, as opposed to organising height access to 15 different spots.

There is already a lively debate about the relative merits and drawbacks of different smoke detection fire alarm systems, with the main methods being point smoke detection, aspirating (sampling)/HSSD smoke detection, and beam smoke detection. A common theme is that beam detection may not be as reliable or trouble-free as other methods; however this is almost always due to incorrect or poor installation by the fire alarm installer. Beams, in fact, can be much more suitable for some situations than other detection systems, and this article will explain how to get the best from beams.

Fire alarm company Fire Systems Ltd, install all types of smoke detection and is a BAFE fire alarm installer. Whether it be a beam detection system or a wireless fire alarm system you can rely on fire systems to provide a good service and a quality fire alarm installation.

Clarendon Hotel to have wireless fire alarm upgrade

London based fire alarm installer, Fire Systems Ltd, will be upgrading the existing fire alarm system in the Clarendon Hotel in Greenwich.

The existing fire alarm system is a basic approximately 24 zone conventional, and this makes it difficult to locate a fire alarm activation.

The fire detection, is wired in electrical flex, and therefore does not comply with the current standards.

Also, the hotel is installing additional fire detection with the bedrooms, using wireless fire alarm technology from Hyfire.

Fire systems, who currently carry out the fire alarm maintenance, has designed a Hybrid wireless fire alarm system with addressable fire detection.

Installation of the new fire alarm system will be sometime in June.

Fire alarm and fire awareness training

It is important to implement fire alarm and fire awareness training for yourself and your staff.

You have to ask yourself the question? Does your staff know what to do in the event of a fire alarm activation?

Do your staff know how to operate a fire extinguisher if require to tackle a fire?

What is the procedure to evacuate staff or visitors with disabilities?

Know what to do in the above situations can save lives.

Why not contact London based fire alarm company Fire Systems who can provide you and your company the required fire awareness training, fire alarm maintenance or fire alarm training.

Weekly fire alarm testing, and training how to operate your fire alarm is important when it comes to fire safety.

You can contact Fire Systems on www.firesystems.co.uk

Is there still a need for small conventional fire alarms?

I have to ask myself the question? Is their still a justifiable need for your small typical 4 Zone conventional fire alarm system?

Will Mason from Fire Systems Ltd an independent London based fire alarm company states” we hardly ever install this type of fire alarm system. We find that the cost of your typical cost effective addressable fire alarm system works out about the same as a conventional fire alarm system.

The fire detection on the conventional system is cheaper than the addressable, but not by much. However, you make a saving on the wiring of the addressable fire alarm.

Fire alarm maintenance on a addressable fire alarm is lower as you can test several devices in one go, whereby you cannot achieve this on a conventional.

However, the cost of a wireless fire alarm system is still a lot more expensive if comparing it to conventional fire alarm. But I still prefer wireless fire alarms.

Fire Alarm Systems on Construction sites

It would appear that the HSE are visiting Construction sites and closing sites if they do not have a suitable form of evacuation/fire alarm on site.

The London based fire alarm company Fire Systems Ltd, who specialise in wireless fire alarms, have had to recently install at short notice a wireless fire alarm system at Great Ormond street Hospital and at another building site in West London, where the main building construction was out of timber.

The fire detection on these types of sites is usually manual call points with a limited amount of smoke detection is some areas.

Fire Systems Ltd, a BAFE accredited fire alarm installer, was able to install the fire alarm within days, commission and tested before the return inspection by the HSE.

Fire Systems has also offered their services in fire alarm maintenance of the newly installed systems and instructed the client about their responsibility to carry out weekly fire alarm testing.

Landlords warned about fire safety in HMO

 

04 May 2010

Somerset and Devon Fire Services has reminded landlords and owners of rented accommodation of their legal responsibilities after a fatal fire last month at a residential property in Teignmouth.

The property was a rented house in multiple occupation and looking at the evidence from an early view point, the fire having started accidentally from cooking.

April Ridley the owner of the property, died in hospital from her injuries and two other people had to be rescued by fire fighters.
“Devon and Somerset Fire  Service would like to remind owners, landlords, or managing agents of rented accommodation of their legal responsibilities and duty of care for the safety of their tenants or people facilitating the building with regard to fire,” a fire service spokesperson said. “An appropriate fire risk assessment must be carried out and the necessary fire precautions implemented.

This could include having to install a fire alarm system, fire alarm maintenance of the system, fire extinguishers, emergency and many other fire safety measures.

Fire systems Ltd, a London based fire alarm company, offers fire alarm installation, of wired or wireless fire alarms.

BAM Construction saved by Wireless fire alarm

BAM Construction was threaten with a site closure if a fire alarm evacuation system was not installed on their very prestigious site at Great Ormond Street Hospital as of Wednesday 5th May.

Phoenix Fire detection was given the order to install a Fire Alarm within a week. Phoenix Fire detection opted for a Hyfire wireless fire alarm system. Due to the size of the project, they contracted out the commissioning to a London Fire alarm company who specialise in wireless fire alarm systems, Fire System Ltd.

Fire Systems Ltd, completed the commissioning within the very tight time frame.

BAM construction and the Health and Safety inspectors were very please with the wireless fire alarm system was installed.

Fire Alarm Maintenance

 

Periodic fire alarm maintenance is important to ensure that the fire alarm system is in good working order and is a British Standards  and RRO requirement

Fire Systems Ltd provide a, reliable and cost effective fire alarm maintenance, testing and certification programme to suit your requirements.

Our 6 monthly fire alarm inspection and testing procedures include the following:

• Inspecting log book
• Visually inspecting any changes to the building layout and assess whether changes to the fire alarm system are required
• Checking the log book for any false alarms
• Battery checking and testing
• Checking and testing the full functions of the control panel functions
• Testing of fire detection
• Checking automatic transmission of fire alarm signals to an alarm receiving centre (ARC)
• Other checks and tests recommended by the manufacturer
• Reporting of outstanding defects
• Completing fire log book
• Issuing fire alarm maintenance certificate

 

Our yearly fire alarm maintenance inspection and fire alarm testing procedures include the following:

• Testing of the switch mechanism of every manual call point
• Examining and testing all fire detection
• Visual and audible testing of all fire alarm devices
• Replacement of filament lamps
• Checking of radio fire detection and fire alarm system signal strengths
• Visual inspection of readily accessible cable fixings
• Checking of the programming cause and effect.
• Checking of the standby power supply capacity
• Other annual checks and tests recommended by the system component manufacturers
• Reporting of outstanding faults or defects
• Issuing the servicing fire maintenance certificate

If you require assistance with your fire alarm maintenance, you may contact a professional and reliable fire alarm company Fire Systems Ltd, not only do they provide maintenance, but are also a professional and reliable fire alarm installer.

Lebanon Embassy to have new Wireless fire alarm

The London based fire alarm company Fire Systems Ltd has been awarded the contract to install a wireless fire alarm system in the Lebanon Embassy.

The Wireless fire alarm has been designed to a category L2, using Argus fire detection. The L2 design protects all escape routes, rooms coming off of the escape route and areas of high risk.

Fire Systems, has also secured the fire alarm maintenance for the embassy offices and the office state building opposite. Fire Systems who have been an fire alarm installer since 1992, won the contract due to their professional tender, and advance design knowledge.

Both fire alarms will also be connected to Fire Systems, central station.

The need for a fire alarm.

No matter what type of property or business you may have, or how big your office premises maybe, it is important to make sure that the building is protected in the case of a fire. Therefore, fire alarm is a real investment into your business, to ensure all your employees and assets are protected.

If you have ever seen the effects of what a fire can do taking lives or the damage to a business, you would not hesitate to make sure you have a convention wired fire alarm or wireless fire alarm in place. Fire can cause a loss of electronic or paper data, damage crucial equipment and more importantly, can result in human injury and even loss of life. It is no wonder then that most businesses or companies that experience a major fire on their premises usually go out of business within three years of the incident.

By installing a fire alarm system by a competent fire alarm installer, such as Fire Systems Ltd, you can go a long way to preventing the effect a fire can have on your business. There are many types of system to choose from, within the wired fire alarms and wireless fire alarm system range so you will be able to find the right one for your business.

In order to benefit from this worthwhile investment, you need to get in touch with a fire alarm company such as Fire systems Ltd as they are in the position to offer you all the required services such as fire alarm installation and  fire alarm maintenance.