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Our Partner’s Thoughts
“The FyreLine Digital LHD system is easy to install and configure. The self-monitoring for fault/UPS fault and fire meterage identification allows for minimal maintenance. The system was integrated with an external open protocol fire control panel.
Overall, the system fits all the requirements to conform with the FRA from a design, installation, commissioning and maintainability perspective. Also the rapid turnaround and availability of the Eurofyre system exceeded expectations.“
Garry Newman – NBB Rail
Our Partner
NBB Rail, located in London, UK, is a certified BAFE SP203-1 organisation that offers a diverse range of services, encompassing electrical, mechanical, civil/structural design, and specialised fire detection solutions.
In recent times, the issue of Fire Safety has taken on heightened significance in the public eye. NBB Rail treats this concern with the utmost seriousness and is pleased to report the successful completion of witness testing for their most recent endeavour at East Village (the first phase of a larger project).
Collaborating closely with the contractor on their cladding replacement initiative, NBB Rail took on the responsibility of designing, installing, and commissioning a FyreLine Digital linear heat detection system on the scaffolding during the construction process.
East Village
East Village, located in Stratford, London, is a dynamic and evolving neighbourhood. Emerging from the 2012 Olympic Games, it is a blend of modernity and history. East Village is a mix of contemporary buildings nestled alongside the iconic Olympic Park. It’s a hub of activity with the London Stadium, art installations, and a diverse range of shops, cafes, and eateries. With excellent transport links, including Stratford International Station, it’s a convenient place for commuters. East Village captures the essence of East London, offering a mix of urban energy and a touch of British character.
The Project
Amongst the diverse properties in East Village is an eight storey domestic apartment block with bridging balconies and commercial units below. However, this particular building was built using cladding that is no-longer compliant with EWS1 since regulations were updated following the Grenfell Tower fire. Therefore, the cladding covering the entire buildings needed to be updated and, to do so, a scaffolding structure needed to be erected around the building. This would present a fire risk in itself – the hot works used to remove the existing cladding would cause an increased risk of fire while the wooden boarding would further bridge the fire barriers.
The Requirements
A temporary fire detection system was required to protect the building’s external structure while the scaffolding structure was in place. The system installed would need to be suitable for use in external environments without causing false alarms and unnecessary evacuation.
The fire alarm system would need to give an early warning of fire and provide an accurate location of any fire events to facilitate fast investigation and response.
The Approach & Challenges
There are a number of challenges that are presented when designing a fire alarm system to work outdoors. These include:
- Weather Conditions
- UK weather can be quite unpredictable. Fire alarm systems installed externally may need to withstand rain, snow, extreme temperatures, and other weather-related challenges without false alarms.
- Maintenance
- Regular maintenance and testing of external fire alarm systems is crucial. Maintaining these systems, especially in hard-to-reach or exposed locations, can be costly and logistically challenging.
- False Positives from Environmental Factors
- Environmental factors such as high winds or nearby industrial processes can lead to false alarms. Designing a fire detection system to account for these factors can be complex.
- Power Supply and Backup
- External fire alarm systems need a reliable power supply and backup to function during power outages. Ensuring a constant power source in outdoor environments can be challenging.
- False Alarms
- External fire alarm systems can be triggered by various factors such as smoke from cooking, bonfires, or even insects. Reducing false alarms while ensuring genuine alarms are not missed is a challenge.
After careful consideration, it was determined that a FyreLine Linear Heat Detection system was the only viable solution for protecting the outside of the building from fire while the re-cladding work was carried out.
FyreLine Digital is unaffected by weather conditions and environmental factors, is low-maintenance and easy to install. This means it can provide a cost-effective and reliable fire detection solution for this type of application with very little risk of false alarms.
FyreLine Heat Detection Cable was installed around the temporary scaffolding structure while the works were carried out providing ample coverage with minimal maintenance requirements.
The System
FyreLine Digital Linear Heat Detection provides a cost-effective and reliable fixed temperature heat detection solution that can be used to protect a wide range of applications from fire.
FyreLine Digital Heat Sensing Cable is made up of two tri-metallic conductors that are coated with an advanced temperature sensitive polymer. The two conductors are twisted together and protected by an outer sheath.
Once the temperature sensitive polymer reaches its rated temperature it melts, causing the two conductors to come into contact. The resulting short circuit signals to the fire alarm control panel that a fire (or extreme heat) has been detected. The Fyreline Digital Interface Module can then report the precise location of the temperature event.
Fyreline Digital Linear Heat Sensing Cable is available with temperature ratings of 68°C, 88°C, 105°C or 185°C. Different outersheaths are available, making FyreLine Digital Heat Sensing Cable suitable for most applications, including internal and external, hazardous, dusty or dirty environments and many more.
Fyreline Digital can be integrated into both conventional and analogue addressable fire alarm systems.
The Benefits
Dual zones can monitor two digital LHD cables.
Displays distances to the alarm point in feet or metres.
Low installation, maintenance and repair costs.
3,000m maximum LHD cable length per zone.
Coincidence detection mode provides a fail-safe alarm.
Simulation of fault and alarm conditions.
The System Components
The components used at East Village include:
Digital LHD Controller
Quantity: 18
The FyreLine Digital Controller is a dual-zone module for monitoring up to two zones of LHD cable. If an overheat for fire event occurs, the unit displays the distance along the cable to the alarm trigger point. It has power, fault and alarm lights and volt-free outputs for fault and alarm.
Quantity: 18
Elmdene power supply units provide a full rated current at 27.6V DC with an additional current for battery charging. They also support intelligent battery charging and monitoring using Elmdene’s EcoCharge technology and independent volt-free outputs to report mains failure and battery faults, charger faults or loss of output reports.
Quantity: 10
FyreLine Linear Digital Heat Sensing Cable is constructed using two twisted and tensioned, tri-metallic conductors. Each of the conductive cables are coated in a heat sensitive polymer which, when heated to its rated temperature, melts, causing the two cables to touch. The resulting short sends a signal to the fire alarm control panel, indicating that a fire (or excessive heat) has been detected.
Quantity: 33
FyreLine Digital EOL units with an incorporated test switch can monitor up to two LHD cables or zones and offer hassle-free functional testing of the system. They are used with interface modules to terminate LHD cable and, thanks to their carefully designed printed circuit board, incorporate a test switch that allows the user to simulate trouble, fault and alarm conditions.
Why Choose Eurofyre?
- Complete System Supplier
- Eurofyre manufactures and supplies all aspects of fire detection including linear heat detection and its associated products and can provide expert advice and consultation.
- Demonstration and Training
- We offer demonstrations and expert training on a range of systems, including FyreLine linear heat detection systems, in our very own sophisticated training facility.
- After-Sales Support
- Eurofyre offers both on-site and telephone support to assist you in ensuring that your system is fully functional and operating at maximum efficiency. Our after-sales care and support are second to none.
For more information about FyreLine Linear Heat Detection, or to discuss any of the other products that Eurofyre has to offer, please feel free to get in touch either by phone on +44 (0) 1329 835 024, by email to [email protected] or via the online enquiry form situated on our contact page.
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