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Improving fire safety solutions

Technological developments and enhancements in the codes and standards means that addressable fire systems have advanced fire safety by ensuring that systems are expandable, future proof and able to integrate with other technology verticals, such as intrusion and CCTV systems.

Weslee Davey, fire detection product specialist at Elvey, says: “The need to quickly and accurately pinpoint potential fire events is critical to safeguarding human life and assets.”

Elvey currently promotes the use of the FireClass addressable part 2 and 4 panels. With the recent introduction in the European market of EN54 Part 23, the standard which provides specific guidance on ensuring a fire system takes into consideration the needs of people who suffer from impaired hearing, Elvey has started to educate its customers on the value and importance of visual alarm devices.

Elvey uses FireClass technology, for instance the use of a 0.5 lux beacon which gives a measurable amount of reflected light and enables easy recognition of an active alarm allowing everyone, in particular people with hearing impairments, to be sufficiently and accurately warned of fire danger.

EN54 part 13 is a standard for system performance rather than a product standard. The standard specifies the minimum functions required to be performed by the control and indicating equipment (CIE) and associated components. It specifies the requirements for network systems. It extends the monitoring requirements for all transmission paths over and above the requirements specified in individual product standards.

Triple sensing technology

FireClass offers a range of sophisticated detectors with triple sensing technology. These detectors have the ability to sense all elements of a fire such as heat levels, CO levels and smoke. These high-tech detectors have become increasingly popular in hospitals and hotels, because of their ability to sense fires with improved accuracy and drastically reduce false alarms.

Davey explains: “The triple sensing detector combines heat, optical and CO detection to send a signal to the fire control panel. Through sophisticated data analysis and high-speed processing from all three sensors simultaneously, the system is designed to accurately identify a real fire situation. Single sensors only react to one indicator of potential fire, meaning the risk of false alarm is greater. With the sophistication of triple sensing, false alarms are reduced and systems can accurately and confidently detect a real fire.”

Multi Account Engine

FireClass Multi Account Engine (FC MAE) software allows users to monitor multiple FireClass FC500 panels in numerous locations. This is made possible by sending data over IP connections from a central control location to the local fire alarm panel, programming panel and building evacuation system. There is a once-off setup fee, but no licence fees.

All data shown on Ethernet can be encrypted to ensure full protection of the information. The system allows the display of graphical maps of any of the FireClass systems being monitored. Davey says: “Elvey is currently targeting fire departments and authorities to ensure that they will be able to receive verification of real fire incidents quickly and accurately.”

The system can be integrated with IP cameras on site to provide a full visual view of the site. This will provide fire departments and authorities with crucial information about the incident and therefore assist with a quick response to the fire.

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