printer friendly version

Elvey on fire

False alarms are typically associated with intruder detection systems, but are equally frustrating for businesses and individuals who have fire detection installations. At best they are annoying and at worst they lead to the ‘cry wolf’ scenario where true event alarms are ignored.

According to Jack Edery, CEO of Elvey, this all too common issue can be tackled with a carefully planned fire prevention installation that takes the facility size, risk areas and appropriate technology into account. He advises end users to consider two critical criteria when selecting an installer and fire detection technology.

Firstly, installers should be certified by an SAQCC-Fire endorsed training provider and have worked for six months under the super-vision of a registered competent person. Both the supervisor and the candidate must have the relevant SAQCC accreditation.

Edery says that Elvey states as a prerequisite that any sales of its fire detection control panels to installers is contingent upon the installer producing the SAQCC-Fire certification. This will ensure that such installers are well versed on appropriate fire detection and fire fighting methodologies and be competent in the installation and maintenance of fire detection control panel systems.

Secondly, the technology that is selected should be manufactured in accordance with the EN54 standards. This will provide end users with the assurance that the fire control panel has been subjected to rigorous verification tests to ensure that it performs according to stipulated international specifications. Furthermore, with regard to fire detection installations, compliance with SANS 10139 should be a given, with insurance companies generally insisting on a P1 system.

Standards compliant

As well-defined suppliers of a wide range of traditional security products, Elvey saw the addition of fire control panels as a complementary and natural evolution. The company began its journey into the fire control panel field with membership of FPASA in 2014 and its subsequent membership of the FDIA in 2016. Edery explains that alignment with these two reputed and well-established industry associations was an important and strategic part of the company’s increasing penetration of the market.

The company currently distributes the Tyco range of FireClass fire detection equipment, which not only comply with EN54 Part 2 and 4, but also with VDS and LPSB standards. Available in a number of variants, the gas, conventional and addressable control panels are suitable for smaller installations all the way up to large, enterprise-wide networked installations.

Weslee Davey, fire product specialist at Elvey, says that the company supplies two different systems – conventional and addressable. These panels provide an indication of zones covered by fire detection equipment. In addition, there are a number of addressable control panels available for larger installations.

Davey recommends that addressable panels are selected wherever possible in these installations since they allow users to pinpoint the exact location of the smoke/fire event rather than just providing a zone, which could in larger installations cover an extensive area.

Increased flexibility

FireClass’ multi-criteria detectors are proven to reduce false alarms. Equipped with triple sensors that monitor optical smoke, heat and CO, as opposed to standard versions that monitor only two variants, true readings are provided to ensure that only justifiable events are reported on. These detectors are proving highly popular in Europe due to their reduced installation costs, increased flexibility and early detection capabilities.

FireClass offers graphic software free to all customers purchasing their entry-level FC501, FC510 and FC520 addressable fire control panels. This DIY type software is easy to use and provides a pop-up map of the building when an alarm is activated, to indicate the location of the event.

In addition, the company launched multi-account engine software (MAES) in December 2015. This software is ideal for use in control rooms and for fire departments. Up to 32 panels can be loaded into the system on a PC. Users can then remotely reprogram any of the panels using the user-friendly software.

The system will alert the control room when an event takes place to allow them to interrogate the software graphics and to dispatch a responder or to inform the fire department. Popular in the United Kingdom, the software has undergone extensive tests in South Africa and is now ready for local consumption.

Edery points out that Elvey has qualified personnel available throughout South Africa to assist in the design and commissioning of fire systems. Each member of the technical team involved in fire detection products, has undergone SAQCC-Fire training in terms of the designations designer, commissioner/serviceman, installer and cabler. Advice can be provided not only on the specific type of system needed for an installation, but also on the required certifications to ensure that insurance cover is guaranteed and adequate in the event of claims taking place.

Share this article:

Further reading: