EMS Group has provided a site-wide integrated wire-free fire detection system for the British Museum's North London storage facility.
The Museum needed a flexible solution for expanding its fire protection as part of a recent refurbishment. The storage facility, which houses a study collection from the museum, consists of two multi-storey buildings physically separated by a road and loading area. The flexibility of the EMS 5000 FirePoint radio analogue fire system was therefore an ideal solution for the refurbishment.
Three network control panels and over 200 fire devices were installed by PowerPoint Fire Systems without disrupting the operation of the facility or its contents. In addition a radio-network was utilised to interconnect the fire systems from each building. This eliminated any costly building works that would be needed to run fire-rated cable between buildings if a traditional wired system had been installed.
5000 FirePoint fire sensors are based on established industry designs, have no external aerials and have built-in replaceable power packs with a typical 5-year life. System wide power management facilities and advanced in-device electronics ensures battery replacement can be scheduled within normal maintenance routines, reducing operational costs. The elimination of expensive fire-rated cable means that EMS Group's wire-free sensors can be typically installed in less than 10 minutes.
This project demonstrates the flexibility of radio-based fire detection systems where large areas are involved. EMS Group's wire-free solutions have been installed in many site-wide applications where wired systems would have been prohibitively expensive. The company's range of radio-based solutions includes analogue fire detection, voice evacuation, intruder security and personal protection, all of which can be installed without the need for cable.
