FOCUS
Heritage and refurbishment
or other features such as wall panelling, therefore it is possible to colour the wireless fire detectors and other devices in order to disguise them within the room, as with our Decorline range. Combined with the lack of associated wiring, this can significantly reduce the visual impact of the fire system while still allowing high performance devices to be positioned for optimum protection, and offering the best in false alarm rejection. The fact that most wireless fire devices work with standard fire panels gives a number of advantages to specifiers, installers and end users. The correct panel can be chosen for the right
site, delivering high performance cause and effect and evacuation methodologies. Some wireless systems also operate in hybrid mode, allowing wired devices to be installed side by side on the same cable loops as wireless translators. This further opens up a number of detection and input and output technologies, starting with the ability to expand or update an existing wired system with wireless devices. In the past, wireless was often seen as a
temporary alternative to wired. For example, where a fully wired system was being installed based on the existing cable network, temporary wireless devices could be used to cover each zone while the upgrade work was taking place. While this remains an option, most installers now see wireless as a preferable long term replacement for wired systems, offering enhanced reliability and continuing reassurance to clients.
30 APRIL 2020
www.frmjournal.com
A final advantage is that, because the
installation of a wireless system is a relatively light touch process, it can be done outside of a wider refurbishment schedule, which is a significant benefit if an urgent upgrade or extension of the system is required – perhaps due to new legislation or the opening up of additional areas for public access. With no need for extensive intervention in the
fabric, there is also less requirement to move or store valuable artworks and furniture, which can be an expensive and complex process in itself.
Bridging the gap
A challenge that is not unique to historic buildings, but to which they are always prone, is the need to place devices in inaccessible places while ensuring effective coverage and allowing for future maintenance. The good news is that with modern battery and LED technologies, wireless devices will only need to be physically accessed for tests once a year, with new batteries fitted every three or more years on the best systems. Not only does this lower the lifetime cost of the
fire system, it also means less upfront expense, less interruption to the daily use of the building and less need for potentially intrusive scaffolding. Thanks to advances in battery technology and LED lighting, wireless systems can run for many years without a battery change, a period that’s likely to extend further in the future. The choice, lifetime and cost of batteries become key differentiators in
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