Kevin Swann

Kentec, a manufacturer of life-critical control systems, launches VR Nimbus, an advanced management tool for fire detection, which enables integrators and service companies to remotely access and manage their fire safety system. VR Nimbus allows end-users to gain access to data from all fire-safety systems to assess performance and make fact-based decisions using the latest analytical technologies. It also runs fire detection tests and documents events in real time to the Nimbus cloud to achieve the latest status reports. Improving Service Integrity For Service Providers Using the latest communications and analytical technologies, VR Nimbus can help reduce costs" The new technology provides an in-depth event log which extends beyond that of the fire panel itself; events can be easily filtered to view specific event types and within specific date and time ranges. Notifications detailing the event action, associated control panel descriptive labels and protocol data can be sent to any number of recipients. Kevin Swann, Managing Director of Kentec, says that VR Nimbus offers a number of key benefits: “Using the latest communications and analytical technologies, VR Nimbus can help reduce costs, false alarms and call outs and improve service integrity for service providers, building owners and facilities managers.” Delivering Fire Alarm Notifications VR Nimbus is a non-intrusive add-on to Kentec’s Taktis or Syncro addressable fire system meaning installation and connection can be completed in minutes. Managers can administer their account and add/edit the number of clients, sites and users on the system. Electronic files can be attached and stored, making VR Nimbus the ideal location for storing fire risk assessments, certifications and site plans – therefore simplifying audit inspections. The system also comes with three possible phone applications for both iPhone and Android, using the Nimbus cloud, delivering fire alarm notifications until the alerts are cleared. Android users can also use Nimbus Weekly Test, which provides users with notifications and reminders for pending weekly fire alarm tests; and Nimbus Engineer, an App that enables engineers to record notes whilst testing.

Kentec, a manufacturer of life-critical control systems, has launched the XT+, a new multi-area releasing control unit designed to be easily interfaced with Kentec’s UL864 single and dual loop fire safety products. It features intelligent functionality to make it simple to install, configure and use, and manages the activation of gas suppression systems and all associated releasing monitoring and control circuits. The interface with the fire detection system is via a simple RS485 communication channel. Kevin Swann, Managing Director of Kentec, says ease of integration is critical to the future of fire safety: “We are now able to integrate multiple fire safety, security and building management systems with relative ease, and it is our duty as an industry to capitalise on these capabilities,”  he says. The panel’s multi-area releasing control units contain one or two releasing modules interfaced with the master fire alarm panel. Each module can accommodate a separate hazard, defined by two specific zones. interface for end-users configuration XT+’s functionality has been designed to accommodate a wide range of fire-safety scenarios” This means that gas suppression need only be activated within the required area, therefore limiting the potential damage and disruption to the overall site. Kentec’s configuration software, Loop Explorer 2, provides a simple programming interface for end-users to configure the inputs and outputs for each releasing module. Other features include (for each area): first and second stage dual releasing outputs; first and second stage NAC outputs; and first and second stage volt-free changeover relays. Volt-free relays signal to other systems that gas has been released, and also fault volt-free relays alert other systems to any faults and their location. “The XT+’s interoperability and intelligent functionality have been meticulously designed to accommodate a wide range of fire-safety scenarios, providing user convenience and the very highest standards of safety,” adds Kevin. “It is also one of the first products of its kind to be listed to UL864 (10th edition).”  The XT+ unit is equipped with a 5.25 A power supply (120 VAC or 240 VAC).

A highly sophisticated Taktis fire alarm and control panel from Kentec, a life safety control systems manufacturer, is providing the highest levels of fire safety at Brenntag UK & Ireland’s facility in Sunderland. Brenntag is a market leader in chemical distribution with a global network of more than 580 locations across 73 countries. Its North East team moved into the new site in Sunderland, one of the company’s 24 sites across the UK & Ireland, last December. Comprehensive fire safety and alarm system Pitts Wilson, the electrical contractor, was approached by Brenntag to recommend and install a comprehensive fire safety and alarm system for the entire site. They selected Kentec’s technology as an integral part of the installation, which has helped Pitts Wilson pass a BAFE/NSI inspection. Kentec’s Taktis panel ranges from 2 to 16 detection loops to provide up to 144 zone indicators and can network up to 128 panels. Its enhanced integration and networking capabilities mean it is able to meet the current and future needs of even the largest sites. Integrated with the Hochiki systems The flexibility of the Taktis panel makes it very simple to install and commission" Mark Ellse, Fire Systems Manager at Pitts Wilson, says Kentec has provided an intelligent solution: “The flexibility of the Taktis panel makes it very simple to install and commission, and because it is fully open-protocol it is also fully integrated with the Hochiki systems on site. “The full color 7” touch-screen display is easy for the customer to use and understand, especially in an emergency. Along with providing a great system, Kentec also provided excellent customer support throughout the project.” Kevin Swann, Managing Director at Kentec, says Taktis is the ideal solution for large and complex sites and infrastructure: “The scalability of Taktis means it provides a future-proofed solution, able to expand and develop in line with Brenntag’s requirements. And because it is truly open protocol, it provides installers and end-users maximum choice in their system design.”

Kentec, a life safety control systems manufacturer, has appointed Derrick Hall as Director of Sales and Costas Constantinides as Head of International Business Development to further drive the company’s domestic and international growth. The appointments will support Kentec’s successful growth strategy that has led to it doubling its manufacturing capacity and expanding its presence worldwide.  Derrick brings with him more than 20 years of experience in the fire detection and alarm industry. He was responsible for launching Cerberus Pro into the UK market and setting up the VAP channel network during his twelve years at Siemens. Expanding the company globally Derrick says Kentec has an excellent reputation among installers, but there is further work to be done to increase awareness with end users: “Kentec has an enviable customer base, and my immediate priority is to assess opportunities across the broad range of sectors and territories where our products are established, but where not all end users are fully aware of the Kentec brand.” He will be supported internationally by Costas Constantinides, whose newly-created role reflects the company’s strategy to invest internationally and grow the company globally. Kentec has a deserved reputation as a world leader in the industry"Costas has over 34 years of multinational and diverse experience in the fire and industrial sector, managing numerous overseas operations. During his seven years at FirePro as Head of Business Development, he built successful partnerships in Europe, The Middle East/Gulf, Asia and North and South America optimising the company’s market and financial growth. Building further partnerships “Kentec has a deserved reputation as a world leader in the industry,” says Costas. “In this new role, my wide expertise in a number of territories will help in leading the international sales team to build further partnerships and opportunities. Together with my colleagues, I intend to launch Kentec into a new era as the Life Safety system specialists.” Kevin Swann, Managing Director at Kentec, says the appointments significantly add to the company’s sales strength: “Having joined Kentec earlier this year, I have seen the company go from strength to strength, particularly in our focus on improving the customer experience. Derrick and Costas’ wealth of experience puts them in the ideal position to support this ambition further.”