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.

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 maintenance on all types of fire alarm systems.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

To most people, the fire alarm panel is an electrical box on the wall, and nobody takes much notice of it, until it is activated. I have visited some buildings whereby the person trained as the Fire Warden does not know where the fire alarm panel is located, or taken me to the intruder panel.

In some buildings, the only time the fire alarm is checked to confirm it is working, is when the fire alarm engineer carries out his fire alarm servicing visit. This visit may be anything from every three months to every six months, depending on the fire alarm maintenance contract that is in place.
However, checking whether the fire alarm is operational is important as the purpose of the fire alarm is to detect a fire at an early stage and evacuate the building quickly, hence giving people as much time as possible to escape the threat of fire.
The person/s responsible for the fire alarm should check if the power light is illuminated whenever they pass the fire alarm control panel. The standards state this should be once a day.
Being familiar with your fire alarm panel is important and one way to achieve this is to carry out a fire alarm weekly test.

So what’s involved in carrying out this test? Well, it is straight forward.
• Liaise with all personnel in the building informing them when you plan to carry out the test.
Try and carry out the test at the same time every week.
• Ensure that if the fire alarm is connected to an ARC (Alarm Receiving Centre), you call the ARC and put the system on “Test”.
• Make sure you have a manual call point reset key. This will be required to reset the manual call point after you have activated it.
• Go to a manual call point and activate it. Wait for the sounders to start.
• Insert your manual call point reset key and reset the manual call point.
• Return back to the fire alarm control panel and confirm that the activated manual call point address and zone is correct.
• If ok. Silence the sounders and reset the fire alarm control panel.
• Record the test in the fire log book.
• Contact the ARC (Alarm Receiving Centre) and confirm they have received the fire signal and take the system off “test”.
It is as simple as that.

However, if you are too busy, do not have the time or not very good with electrical equipment, why not contact our office on 020 541 5646 or visit our website and complete the contact page. We offer a service to carry out the weekly test on your behalf, plus fire alarm maintenance.

Fulleon Radio Plus - Wireless fire alarm

Fulleon is the latest company to appreciate the significance improvement in wireless technology and the increasing market share by Radio fire alarms. Realising that Wireless fire alarms are the future, they have developed their own wireless fire alarm system the “Radio Plus.”
Fire Systems Ltd, went along to a training session at Firesense offices in Tunbridge Wells to establish how the new Fulleon Plus compare against its rivals.
The panel has a touch screen had you as wireless panels go, it looks pretty good. In my opinion, the biggest drawback, is you can only boost the radio signal once.
Only time and many installations later will we known how good this Radio fire alarm really is, and where it compares against its competitors.
There are now currently five manufactures within the wireless fire alarm market in the UK:
• EMS
• EDA
• Hyfire
• Detectomat
• Fulleon
As you can appreciate all the wireless fire alarm systems produced by the various manufacturer’s states, have advantages and disadvantages according to their application. Fire Systems Ltd is an independent fire alarm specialist with an in-depth knowledge and experience designing and installation wireless fire alarms. We are therefore, in a good position to use the correct system according to the requirements of the application.
As our engineers are trained in all types of wireless fire alarms, we are able to carry out a fire alarm service and maintenance on any system.