As technology progresses, fire alarm systems become more and more advanced. There is a suitable fire alarm for every application, all providing reliable detection and fast response times.
When designing a fire alarm system for any application, there are a huge number of factors to consider to ensure that it complies with fire safety regulations; what type of detection is required, how many devices are needed, how many loops or zones are required – the list goes on.
One big consideration is whether a hardwired system, a wireless system or, thanks to newly available technology, a system that utilises both hardwired and wireless devices is most suited to the installation.
Hardwired fire alarm systems use cabling to transmit signals between devices and the system’s control panel, whereas wireless fire alarm systems transmit their signals through a radio frequency. But, what are some of the other differences and which is the best choice for your application?
Hardwired Fire Alarm Systems
Cost
Wired devices tend to be cheaper than their wireless equivalents and, although wireless systems are becoming more and more popular and available, spare parts for wired systems can be easier to source.
Reliable Power Source
Wired fire alarm systems are mains powered and incorporate a backup battery in case of failure; therefore many installers feel that wired systems can be more reliable.
Signal Interference
As well as a reliable power source, hardwired fire alarm systems are not affected by signal interference and devices can be as close to or as far apart from each other as is necessary.
Wireless Fire Alarm Systems
Installation Time
Wireless fire alarms are quicker and cheaper to install. There is no wiring, and you don’t need to pay for hundreds of metres of cabling or the labour costs to install it. In many cases, wireless fire alarms are more expensive than hardwired devices, but reduced installation costs can often offset this.
More Aesthetic
With wireless fire alarms, there is no unsightly cabling affecting the aesthetics of a building. As well as this, no drilling or cable channelling is required.
Durability
No cables means that no cables can become damaged.
More Flexibility
Wireless fire alarms can be more flexible; devices can easily be replaced, or a system can be extended or altered to suit new requirements. With a wireless fire alarm system, maintenance becomes easier, and the integrity of the system can be readily maintained.
Wi-Fyre
Until recently, wireless fire alarm technology has only been available as a complete system-based solution. However, Wi-Fyre offers the best of both worlds by allowing hard-wired and wireless detection technologies to coexist seamlessly.
Wi-Fyre gives the system designer freedom to use wireless devices wherever they feel necessary to provide reliable and complete protection in the most convenient and cost-effective way possible.
Wi-Fyre can be used as part of a new installation, or to extend or upgrade an existing hard-wired installation, irrespective of the type, age or technology used.
How Does Wi-Fyre Work?
When integrating Wi-Fyre detectors with a new or existing fire alarm system, at least one Wi-Fyre Transponder must be connected directly to the fire alarm wiring. Each transponder is capable of communicating with up to 30 Wi-Fyre field devices.
Before any device is installed, a wireless survey must be conducted, using the Wi-Fyre Wireless Survey Head, to ensure that the signal between the wireless device and the transponder is strong enough for the system to work effectively.
Each device can then be positioned and connected wirelessly to the transponder.
What Devices Are Available?
There are a number of field devices available in the Wi-Fyre range:
- Wi-Fyre Wireless Heat and Smoke Detectors
- Wi-Fyre Wireless Manual Call Points
- Wi-Fyre Wireless Interfaces
- Wi-Fyre Wireless Sounders
If you would like to discuss how you can use Wi-Fyre to benefit your fire alarm system, 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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