Outbuildings are usually small constructions that accompany a main building. Outbuildings can be anything from a shed, barn or stable to a garage, storage area or temporary building.
There are a number of risks associated with outbuildings that leave them vulnerable to fire. Therefore, it’s crucial that suitable fire detection is in place to ensure that any incidents can be dealt with in a timely manner.
Due to the varying types of outbuildings, there is no “one size fits all” fire detection system available and unique circumstances call for different types of detection. While some outbuildings, such as sheds and bin stores, benefit from a robust, water and dust-proof heat detection system (find out more about using hybrid fire detection for bin stores) others, such as barns and stables, benefit more from linear heat detection.
Linear Heat Detection
Linear heat detection uses heat sensing cable to detect excessive heat anywhere along its length. Once an increase in temperature has been detected, a signal is sent to the fire alarm control panel which will act accordingly.
Linear heat detection cable can be installed in the roof space or ceiling and around or nearby high-risk machinery or equipment to provide fast and reliable detection.
The Problem
As outbuildings, particularly barns and stables, are separate from the main building and often left unattended, detection devices need to connect to the main fire alarm control panel in order to provide a sufficient warning of fire. Running cables between buildings can be extremely expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, it is not always practical.
The Solution
Wi-Fyre hybrid fire detection allows hardwired and wireless detection to work together to form part of the same fire alarm system. Using Wi-Fyre, wireless detectors, sounders, manual call points and I/O devices can be connected to a new or existing hardwired fire alarm system. This means that a hardwired system can be upgraded or extended without the need for new cabling.
A Wi-Fyre Transponder, installed into the fire alarm’s wiring via a compatible interface module, can communicate with up to thirty mixed field devices, including input/output devices.
Given the switch-like nature of linear heat detection, a wireless Input/Output device can be used to relay the status of the linear heat detection system to the fire alarm control panel. This eliminates the need for impractical cabling and allows optimum detection for barns and stables.
A wireless survey must be conducted, using a Wi-Fyre Survey Head, to ensure the signal between the transponder and connected devices is strong enough for the system to operate efficiently.
For more information about Wi-Fyre, please feel free to give us a call on +44 (0)1329 835024 or email [email protected] where we would be happy to answer any questions.
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