Parkway Newbury is a new retail and residential development in the Berkshire town, which offers 50 shops, cafes, restaurants plus 150 residential apartments.
During its construction, a networked wireless fire alarm system designed around Kentec fire control panels was supplied and fitted by wireless fire alarms installer Fire Systems Ltd, to protect timber-framed apartments above the retail shop outlets and communal areas.
With some 300 workers on site at any time during the two-year building, and a constantly changing building framework, the installers were presented with a number of challenges. An independent wireless fire alarm was installed in each of the complex’s eight external blocks, interfaced on a wireless network to enable the fire signals from each block to be transmitted to the security office. The system, based around a single loop Kentec Syncro AS analogue addressable fire alarm control panel, used Argus open communications protocol with Argus wireless detectors.
Timber-framed construction is on the increase, but unlike traditionally built properties, a timber-framed building presents a greatest risk of fire during the construction phase due to large amounts of combustible elements being exposed and unprotected. For this reason, installation of a fire alarm on timber frame construction sites is now a priority.
Wireless fire alarms at install have a minimal amount of wiring, Kentec add. The wireless fire alarm equipment can be relocated with no disruption to contractors on site, according to the company; and devices can be reused on different phases of the project.
About Kentec Electronics Ltd
Ring +44 (0)1322 222121 or visit www.kentec.co.uk
