The Advance of Wireless Fire Detection – Part 3

07/08/2022 |

The Advance of Wireless Fire Detection - Part 3

Hochiki Ekho - A New Generation of Hybrid Wireless Fire Detection.

Ekho is a wireless based family of products which can be fully integrated into Hochiki’s renowned ESP intelligent hardwired system. At the core of the system is the wireless Translator module.

It is hard-wired to the fire alarm control panel loop and communicates continuously with the wireless devices. Wireless Expander modules are used to extend the radio mesh network, increasing the reach and capacity of the overall system.

Self-Configuring Mesh Network

The Ekho Expander modules create a self-configuring mesh network, which constantly relays field device signals back to the Translator module.

Each wireless device determines which Expander has the strongest signal path and automatically connects to it. The Expander mesh network guarantees an “always on” connection between the wireless devices and the Translator/fire control panel

Key benefits of the Ekho range

– Patented Wireless technology
– ESP Compatible
– Expandable
– Simple Installation
– Self Configuring Mesh Network
– Hybrid System Capable
– Robust and Secure Communication
– Fully Intelligent

Ekho Devices

A full complement of Hochiki Wireless devices are available such as Wireless Traslator Modules, Optical Sensors, Heat and Multi Sensors, Call Points and Sounders.

Adaptable for a broad range of environments

Castles, Cathedrals, Churches, Museums, Modular Construction, Remote Buildings, Asbestos sites, Temporary structures, Banks, Aesthetically sensitive interiors, Concrete structures, Historic / protected buildings, Prisons, Hotels and Offices

RES delivering Ehko

RES have completed a number of installations using the Ehko technology in a Country Manor House, a local School and a Retail Property.

See our latest Hochiki Ekho Case Study here

Images © Hochiki Europe, LLC

FPA DEVELOPS NEW FIRE COMPARTMENTATION AND DOOR SURVEY TECHNOLOGY

07/08/2022 |

FPA DEVELOPS NEW FIRE COMPARTMENTATION AND DOOR SURVEY TECHNOLOGY

The FPA’s expert surveyors have been conducting comprehensive, non-destructive fire compartmentation surveys and delivering detailed reports for several years. We are delighted to announce that we have recently developed new technology to significantly improve the outputs for our customers.

New technology benefits

Using a tablet device, our software application enables our surveyors to upload building floor plans which are used to describe the compartmentation strategy, and identify the location of each fire door and any identified compartmentation issue/breach. Each issue is given a unique ID number on the drawing which corresponds with the digital survey report. A RAG rating is also included to enable the prioritisation of remedial works.

This technology enables us to produce a clear, concise, comprehensive digital report which links any identified issues to the location on the building floor plans. Annotated drawings are provided in AutoCAD and pdf formats and the report is produced in a useable format so that clients can filter, extract, and import data into their own systems.

Our compartmentation survey outputs comprise:

  • > annotated plans of each building floor showing the lines of compartmentation
  • > details of each compartmentation breach, hole, and imperfection identified with suggested repair detail
  • > a thorough review of all elements of each fire door and remedial actions described using the BM TRADA Accepted Repair Techniques
  • > actual or expected damper locations
  • > any obvious fire hazards or risks
  • > rough order costs for each issue (if required).

This new technology can also be used to carry out fire door inspection surveys as a discrete activity.

FPA Director of Operations and Principal Consultant, Howard Passey said: “We’re really pleased to have reinvigorated the way in which we carry out our compartmentation surveys and fire door inspections through the development of this technology. It offers considerable improvements for our clients as it makes the process of carrying out the surveys quicker, and therefore more cost effective. The outputs are also more comprehensive and more user friendly, and I look forward to our clients reaping the benefits.”

Find out more about our new compartmentation survey and fire door inspection technology.

Article originally published by the Fire Protection Association, FPA Media, 6 July 2022 © COPYRIGHT THE FPA 2022

RES are members of the FPA

The Advance of Wireless Fire Detection – Part 2

04/22/2022 |

The Advance of Wireless Fire Detection - Part 2

The EMS FireCell Solution

EMS FireCell is a “comprehensive analogue addressable fire detection solution with a set of features that make it one of the most advanced fire detection systems available – all without the need for cable.”

EMS has a number wireless / hybrid solutions available that can be used for almost any application.

All solutions are full EN54-25 third party approved products.

Fully Scalable

EMS FireCell is fully scalable from standalone smaller single loop systems through to multi building networks.

It’s “Hub” and “Cluster” infrastructure enables Firecell to be used as a 100% wireless system or as part of a hybrid system.

Control Panel

At the heart of the EMS FireCell Solution is the Taktis Control Panel which features a 7” colour touch screen which provides a powerful yet easy to understand interface.

The Taktis Control Panel enables complex configurations to be setup as well as diagnostic functions to be performed.

Taktis Fire Control panels can be upgraded from 2 to 8 loops, accommodating 126 FireCell wireless devices.

Additional surface mounted repeater panels are also available which can be added around your premises.

Other EMS Fire Control panels are also available in the FireCell range, such as the Syncro AS Control Panel.

Wireless Devices

A complete range EMS Wireless devices are available to complement the solution such as wireless Smoke Detectors, Heat Detectors, Sounders, Beacons, Call Points, Door Controllers, Radio Hubs and Repeater Panels.

The EMS FireCell Solution is ideal for all customer applications, offering flexibility, reliability – all at a competitive price point.

RES Wireless Fire Detection and Alarm Installations

RES have now successfully installed a number of EMS FireCell solutions using the Syncro AS Panel at various customer sites such as at a Health Clinic and a Residential Apartment block.

Please see our case studies for delivered EMS FireCell Installs:
Wireless Fire Detection and Alarm System for Residential Property

Wireless System for Prestigious London Apartments

Our next article will cover the Hochiki Ekho Wireless Solution

The Advance of Wireless Fire Detection – Part 1

03/30/2022 |

The Advance of Wireless Fire Detection

RES provide comprehensive Fire Detection and Alarm System installation and maintenance services to our customers, and as part of this service we continually strive to offer the latest technology and products to our customers.

Our engineers undertake regular training, either in house or via our suppliers/manufacturers on the technological advancements such as the latest wireless fire detection and alarm equipment available.

In a series of three articles, we will look at three powerful Wireless Fire Detection solutions on offer that we can employ for customer installations.

Wireless Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
There are a number of solutions available, however the three most reliable and adaptable systems we offer are:
EMS FireCell

EMS – FireCell
A comprehensive analogue addressable fire detection solution providing one of the most advanced fire detection systems available – all without the need for cable.
http://emsgroup.co.uk/

Hochiki Ekho

Hochiki – Ekho
A new generation of Hybrid Wireless Fire Detection.
https://www.hochikieurope.com/product/ekho-hybrid-wireless

Hyfire Taurus

HYFIRE – Taurus
The newest, incredibly powerful and easy to configure EN54-25 wireless system on the market today.
https://hyfirewireless.com/

Why the difference in wireless solutions?

RES are focused on keeping our engineers informed and trained on the latest solutions available today. As a result, we recognise that certain solutions may benefit customers if different ways, the main reasons being:

  1. The existing Fire detection and alarm system may have the capability and capacity to be extended upon, therefore a suitable solution wireless solution that can be linked to the existing protocol can be used.
  2. Each wireless system has its own features and specifications, ranging from differing signal technology, the style and size of the wireless units and the capacity of devices. The system recommended by RES would depend on the specific requirements of the customers premises.
Wireless Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

The Main Benefits of Wireless Fire Detection

  • – Eliminate the need for complex cable networks
  • – Quick and easy installation with minimal disruption
  • – Future Expandability and Greater Flexibility
  • – Can be used to extend an existing system

Let’s look firstly at the Hyfire - Taurus Solution

hyfire taurus wireless fire detection and alarm system

Designed and built around the latest standards, Taurus benefits from Hyfire’s consolidated experience in wireless fire protection.

hyfire taurus wireless fire detection and alarm system

This highly flexible solution is suited to Commercial Properties, Residential Buildings, Highrise Buildings, Healthcare and Education, Hospitality and Catering Facilities, Public and Government Buildings, Schools and Universities, Historic and Landmark Buildings and Temporary Event Sites.

“Taurus ensures unprecedented fire detection performance, application scale and superior reliability. The Taurus wireless platform can easily answer the needs of both small-medium or large sites”

Hyfire’s control panel connects to Taurus translator devices which in turn communicate with up to 128 Taurus wireless devices per each translator. The system is energy efficient and environmentally friendly due to it’s innovative electrical design, ensuring battery management is optimised, giving 10 year battery life on inputs (detectors and call points) and 5 years on outputs (sounders, VADs).

hyfire taurus wireless fire detection and alarm system

The design of your system is undertaken in Hyfire’s innovative TauREX software, which allows the drag and drop of devices onto your imported floor plan. This process reduces on site install times and provides a complete system overview for easy maintenance.

hyfire taurus wireless fire detection and alarm system

The Taurus solution uses Hyfire’s Pathfinder technology, which delivers the perfect balance of range and confidence.

RES can see multiple customer applications for this solution for Hybrid installations, where it is more cost effective and practical to install wireless devices across a site.

RES recently completed an installation using the Hyfire Taurus solution – click here to read more.

In our next article we will look at the EMS FireCell solution

RES Christmas 2021 Office Hours

12/09/2021 |

RES Christmas 2021 Office Hours

Friday 24th December 2021, from 12 noon – Office Closed

Tuesday 4th January 2022, 0800 nomal office hours resume

During the festive period our offices are open by appointment only

Customer 24/7 Emergency Call Outs are not affected

Types of Emergency Lighting

10/20/2021 |

Types of Emergency Lighting

RES can provide a wide range of Emergency Lights for your business premises. Emergency escape lighting is defined as “that part of emergency lighting that is provided to enable safe exit in the event of failure of the normal supply”.

As well as highlighting fire exits, emergency lighting provides essential illumination throughout escape routes including steps, stairways, changes in direction and fire and first aid points.

The design and placement of Emergency Lighting is subject to BS EN 1838:2013 which specifies escape and standby lighting requirements for businesses in the event of a power failure.

What is maintained and non-maintained emergency lighting?

A maintained emergency light is always on and will stay illuminated in the event of a power failure. These lights are usually installed in communal areas such as corridors and stair wells.

A non-maintained emergency light only comes on in the event of a power failure. These lights will usually be installed in areas that don’t need a permanent light source.

Typical Products Used

LED Bulkhead Emergency Light

Designed to provide emergency lighting and illuminate escape routes during a power cut

  • – LED Light Source
  • – 3 Hour Emergency Duration
  • – Suitable for ceiling and wall mounting
  • – Maintained or Non-Maintained

Wall/Ceiling Mounted LED Emergency Exit Sign

Designed for ceiling/wall mounting along corridors that form part of the escape route

  • – LED Light Source or 8-Watt Fluorescent Tube
  • – 3 Hour Emergency Duration
  • – Suitable for ceiling and wall mounting
  • – Maintained or Non-Maintained

Round Bulkhead Light

Designed to provide emergency lighting and illuminate escape routes during a power cut

  • – LED Light Source
  • – 3 Hour Emergency Duration
  • – Suitable for ceiling and wall mounting
  • – Maintained or Non-Maintained

LED Twin Spot Emergency Light

Designed for large or high areas such as escape routes, sports stadiums, high bay warehouse, car workshops, racked areas and railway stations

  • – LED Light Source
  • – 3 Hour Emergency Duration
  • – Suitable for wall mounting
  • – Non-Maintained

Emergency Downlights

Emergency downlights are designed to be small and unobtrusive yet highly effective in the event of a loss of mains power.

  • – LED Light Source
  • – 3 Hour Emergency Duration
  • – Discreet ceiling mounting
  • – Maintained or non-maintained
Speak to RES about your Emergency Lighting requirements
    • – Emergency Lighting Installation & Commissioning
    • – Emergency Lighting Inspection and Testing
    • – Emergency Lighting Fault Finding and Repairs
    • – Emergency Lighting Regular Checks

Why use Lith-Ex Fire Extinguishers?

10/18/2021 |

Why use Lith-Ex Fire Extinguishers?

Lith-Ex extinguishers have been specifically designed to tackle Lithium-Ion battery fires. These batteries can be found in electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops, but also vaping machines, power tools, toys, electric scooters, e bikes and also cars.

Lithium-Ion battery fires can occur when there is thermal runaway which produces enough heat to eventually produce fire. This can occur as a result of electrical shorting, rapid discharge, overcharging, manufacturer defects, poor design or mechanical damage.

The storage of Lithium-Ion batteries in high volumes needs to be carefully managed through suppression, cooling, isolation, and containment. Whether you are storing them for goods distribution, battery collection bins, battery recycling, public services, battery charging stations etc.

Lithium-Ion battery fires are difficult to tackle as the design of the cells often prevent direct access of the extinguishing agent to the source of the fire.

Lith-Ex extinguishers contain Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD), a revolutionary fire extinguishing agent. The water content of the extinguisher cools the fire source, while the Vermiculite platelets encapsulate the fuel source creating a thermal barrier to prevent propagation of the fire. The Vermiculite film is not electrically conductive. AVD is nearly twice as effective as water on a Class A fires and is environmentally friendly.

The LITH-EX EXTINGUISHER

The world’s first Fire Extinguisher to tackle Lithium ion battery fires such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, toys, power tools and electric scooters.

    • – Designed for use on lithium battery fires up to a battery power rating of 250 – 500Wh
    • – Compact
    • – Lightweight
    • – Easy to store
    • – Non-toxic
    • – Environmentally friendly

Available in 500ML, 1L, 2L, 6L, 9L, 25L or 50L sizes.

Recommended Accessories

We also recommend the use of Heavy Duty Lithium Battery Fire Blankets which Provides safe storage and protection in transit, Working temperature up to 1000°C , Fire resistant technical fabrics and industrial stitching.

Lithium Battery Fire Suppression Kit  for the Safe storage of extinguished devices. Reduces the risk of explosion after the fire has been extinguished. Withstands temperature in excess of 1000°C

Lithium Battery Fire Resistant Container. Safe storage and transit of Lithium-ion battery packs, fireworks, and flammable chemicals. Acts as a thermal shield to reduce the threat of ignition from thermal conductivity.

 

Get in touch for more information

The Importance of Regular Fire Safety Inspections and Maintenance – October 2021

10/12/2021 |

It is vitally important to regularly inspect and maintain your buildings fire safety equipment. As a business owner, you are responsible for the safety of your building, employees and visitors. This includes the provision of adequate fire safety equipment and systems throughout the building. With more and more businesses returning to the office, it is essential to check that your fire safety equipment is regularly inspected.

Fire Extinguishers­

Fire Extinguishers need to be inspected and maintained by a competent person once a year in accordance with BS 5306. During these thorough checks your extinguisher is serviced and any necessary repairs are carried out or a replacement is recommended. A basic service would include checking it is in date, hasn’t been tampered with, is in good working order, is the correct weight and pressure and has the correct signage and positioning.

BS5306 recommends that fire extinguishers are tested by discharge every five years (water foam and powder) and refilled or replaced, and every ten years (CO2).  CO2 bottles are hydraulically tested at the ten year point, or the extinguisher is replaced.

It is also a requirement to keep a record of all servicing, maintenance and inspections of fire extinguishers.

Outside of the annual inspections, the responsible person for the premises should ensure that a visual inspection is carried out on all fire extinguishers monthly as follows;

    • – Check that the extinguishers are in the correct location
    • – Check that the anti-tamper seals are not missing
    • – Check the pressure gauge is in the green section
    • – Check for any damage to the extinguishers
    • – Confirm the operating instructions are legible
    • – Ensure the extinguishers not obstructed and are visible

RES extinguisher engineers are BAFE accredited (BAFE BS 5306 Part 3- Portable Extinguisher Maintenance).

Fire Alarms

British Standard: BS 5839 recommends any installed fire alarm system in your premises be maintained by a competent person at least twice a year. This includes detectors, call points and panels. A competent person is someone who has sufficient technical knowledge, understands the different types of fire alarms and how they work, is familiar with the makes and models, and has a good understanding of the legal requirements including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO/FSO) and the BS 5839.

Routine fire alarm maintenance checks should be carried out by a competent person and include the following:

    • – Control panels
    • – Devices (sensors and detectors)
    • – Call points
    • – Voice alarms
    • – Batteries
    • – Reporting (Log book entry is a requirement)

RES provide fire alarm regular checks, servicing and maintenance. RES fire alarm engineers are BAFE accredited to BAFE SP203 – Fire Detection and Alarm System Modular Scheme SP203 – Part 1.

Emergency Lighting

Emergency Lighting is covered by BS EN 50172 / BS 5266-8 which provides guidance on the minimum level of testing dependant on the type of site you operate. Your responsible person should oversee the appropriate schedule.

Testing is as follows:

Monthly – Test all emergency lighting systems and ensure all luminaries and signs illuminate and are clean and present. A quick flick test is adequate.

Annually – To check that the lights remain illuminated for their full rated duration.

For safety reasons, the standards advise that the emergency lighting testing should be carried out at times of least risk to the buildings occupants or if possible, when the premises are unoccupied or in unoccupied portions of those premises.

RES provide Emergency Lighting Inspection and Testing, Fault Finding, Repairs and Regular Checks

RES fire alarm engineers are BAFE accredited to BAFE SP203 – Fire Detection and Alarm System Modular Scheme SP203 – Part 1.

Passive Fire Protection – Fire Doors

It is good practice to regularly inspect that your fire doors function correctly and that it will perform to its designed standard. Fire doors where traffic is high are more likely to be damaged and should be checked once a week/month (dependent on usage) by the responsible person for the property.

Periodic checks should be carried out every six months. Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO/FSO) makes it a legal requirement to ensure that fire resisting doors and escape doors are correctly installed and adequately maintained in order for them to be fit for purpose.

RES passive engineers are FIRAS Certified for Fire Door Maintenance.

Passive Fire Protection – Fire Stopping

According to FIRAS, fire protection measures can be degraded over time and it is the legal responsibility of the Responsible Person that the fire protection be adequately maintained. It is the responsibility of the responsible person to ensure that regular inspection takes place. Fire stopping is the compartmentation of a building bounded by fire resisting elements such as walls, floors and ceilings. Fire resisting elements are used around cables, pipes and ventilation systems.

We recommend your fire stopping is inspected every six months.

RES passive engineers are FIRAS Certified for Penetration Sealing (Fire Stopping).

Smoke Control / Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs)

Smoke vents have moving parts such as struts, hinges, pistons and actuators which remain stationary for long periods of time. As a result these systems can be prone to failure or fault. These systems should be regularly checked and subject to two maintenance visits per year to ensure they operate correctly.

RES undertake the servicing and maintenance of Smoke Control / Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs).

Dry Risers

BS 9990 requires that Dry Riser systems to undergo an annual static pressure test and inspection and a six monthly visual inspection, by a competent person. This ensures that the Dry riser system is maintained and functioning correctly for the fire brigade at all times.

RES can undertake dry riser servicing, testing and maintenance.

Fire Hydrants

BS 9990 requires that private fire hydrants to undergo an annual test and inspection and a six monthly inspection by a competent person to ensure the hydrant remains ready and in a working condition for brigade use. The Responsible Person should make periodical inspections of all Hydrants on a weekly and or a monthly basis.

Contact RES for ALL your Servicing, Testing and Maintenance needs.

This article is for general guidance only, please get in touch if you need assistance

What is a Fire Alarm Zone Plan? 

09/01/2021 |

What is a Fire Alarm Zone Plan? 

A fire alarm zone plan is an illustrated layout of your building, listing all its fire alarm zones. It should show the building exits, stairs, corridors, lifts etc. The fire alarm zone plan should be located next to the fire alarm panel, which can immediately identify where any potential fire situation may have occurred.

Do I need a zone plan? 

Under BS5839-1:2017, it is essential for buildings to have fire alarm zone plans

Your zone plan should show as a minimum all building entrances, circulation areas (corridors, stairs, lifts etc) and accurately indicate the orientation of the building. The division into zones and should also include a ‘You Are Here’ sign so you can locate where you are in the building.

Did you know? 

In at least one multiple-fatality fire, it has been determined that some or all the deaths could have been avoided if a diagrammatic representation of the premises (commonly described as a zone plan) had been provided in close proximity to the CIE (Control and indicating equipment).

Accordingly, it is important to ensure that a suitable zone plan is provided adjacent to all CIE (including any repeat control and/or indicating equipment), unless the CIE incorporates a suitable display (e.g. an illuminated mimic diagram). The objective is to ensure that those responding to a fire alarm signal (including staff on the premises and firefighters) are given unambiguous information as to the location of a fire.

RES can provide a Fire Alarm Zone plan for your premises, as well as Fire Evacuation and Procedure Plans, Fire Escape Plans, Fire Equipment Plans, Fire Compartmentation Plans, Occupancy Assessment Plans. These can be printed at A4 or A3 size and are typically mounted in specialist anti-glare snap frames.

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