Advanced Electronics intelligent fire alarm control panels have been chosen to protect The Challenge Works, a converted 19th century building in Sheffield that now provides student accommodation.
Installed by Absolute Fire & Security, the system comprises of a MX-4000 control panel and repeater connected to Apollo fire sensors, call points and sounders. The system has been designed and installed as part of an effort to combat nuisance alarms in student buildings. The building has 20 separate apartments, with every bedroom equipped with its own multi-sensor and sounder. Other areas of the building are protected using heat detectors and optical smoke detectors.
The cause and effect functions in the Mx-4000 are being used to help reduce false alarms. If an alarm is raised in an individual room, only the local sounder is activated for a period of two minutes. If no further fire signatures are detected, the control panel clears and resets the fire detector in question and logs the incident. This avoids nuisance alarms due to transient sources such as cigarette smoke or burning toast. If another detector goes into alarm during the two minute period, a full evacuation of the building is initiated. A full evacuation is automatically triggered by the operation of a manual call point or by the detection of smoke on any designated escape route.
Commenting on the project
Mick Gillott of MPG Properties, the property management company, said: “We are very pleased with the new fire detection system and the service we received from Absolute Fire & Security. Providing fire protection whilst minimising nuisance alarms in accommodation like The Challenge Works is a delicate balance, but the system is performing very well.”
“The Advanced system was chosen for its flexibility in reducing false alarms,” said Chris Gillis, Director of Absolute Fire & Security. “We have used the equipment before and it has proved to be very reliable and is backed up with excellent technical support.”
Advanced Electronics Ltd manufactures a range of intelligent control and indicating panels, software and peripherals for fire detection, smoke control and the emergency lighting market. Advanced also make the LifeLine family of DDA-compliant fire safety products for the deaf and hearing impaired.
