Houses in multiple occupation (HMO), or houses of multiple occupancy refers to residential properties where common areas are shared by more than one household. An HMO is typically a larger house that has been divided to provide living quarters for multiple occupants.
In HMOs, bathrooms and kitchens are typically designated as common areas and shared by all tenants. However, contractually speaking, common areas may also include living rooms, stairwells, gardens and landings.
The definition of an HMO was introduced as part of fire safety legislation, following a series of publicised, preventable deaths in overcrowded buildings. Landlords of HMOs now have a legal obligation to carry out fire risk assessments and take action to minimise the risk of fire. In most circumstances, this will include ensuring that suitable fire detection is in place and, in larger properties, that fire extinguishers are available. Landlords who fail to comply with fire safety regulations not only put the lives of their tenants and their properties at risk but also face the possibility of hefty fines.
Due to the nature of this type of building, installing and maintaining a suitable fire detection system can be a difficult task. Adapting or altering a building to accommodate cabling, gaining access to install and maintain devices, and ensuring the systems operate effectively can be difficult when using traditional detection types.
Wireless Fire Detection
Wireless fire detection can provide all the benefits of hardwired detection systems, but with relatively wire-free installation. This means that the fire detection solution can be delivered quickly and with minimal disruption. Furthermore, modern wireless fire detection technologies can be combined with new or existing hardwired fire alarm systems; this not only allows existing systems to be easily updated or expanded, but that wired devices can be used where possible and wireless devices used only where access is limited, thus helping to keep the total cost low.
Wi-Fyre Xenos
Wi-Fyre Xenos removes the need for complex cable networks, and all of the challenges that come with them. This drastically reduces installation time and enables a fire detection system to be installed in even the largest HMO in just a matter of days.
A Xenos system survey, carried out during the design stage, defines the exact wireless infrastructure required for the system to operate efficiently. This allows for precise planning and guaranteed equipment requirements and costs.
Devices on Wi-Fyre Xenos wireless fire detection systems can be pre-programmed away from the HMO to reduce installation time and the number of engineers required for installation; further reducing costs and helping to meet deadlines.
Wi-Fyre Xenos wireless fire detection systems are fully certified to the relevant EN54 standards and offer the highest performing range of fire sensing and notification to provide the best possible solution for protecting houses of multiple occupancy from fire.
Wireless Architecture
To create a Wi-Fyre Xenos fire detection system, a Wi-Fyre Xenos Translator Module is used to create a unique wireless infrastructure and manage protocol communications with the fire alarm control panel. Upto 128 Xenos wireless devices can be attached to the translator to make up a sophisticated fire detection system.
The user can lock the translator module with a password to prevent unauthorised access and avoid residents tampering with the system.
Xenos Expander Modules can be used to expand the wireless network, with each expander able to extend the range of the network by up to 1km and increase the stability and continuity of the system.
Handpicked Products for a HMO
A typical wireless fire detection system for a HMO will be made up of:
Addressable Fire Alarm Panel
The Esprit 1-2 Loop Analogue Addressable Fire Alarm Control Panel has been developed to provide an easy-to-use, robust and cost-effective solution for the intelligent fire systems market.
Wireless Translators & Expanders
The Wi-Fyre Xenos Wireless Translator module is the main component of a Wi-Fyre Xenos intelligent hybrid fire detection and alarm system. When connected to a compatible loop, the Xenos translator module can wirelessly link up to 128 wireless field devices to the fire alarm system.
Wi-Fyre Xenos Wireless Expanders provide a convenient method to increase the radio communication range by relaying the information to other expanders or directly to wireless field devices. This allows the user to create large fully wireless configurations or to add wireless devices into areas where cabling for translators is not possible.
Elmdene STX power supplies are designed for EN 54 compliant fire systems and are certified to EN 54-4:1997, A1:2002 and A2:2006. They provide a full rated current at 27.6V dc with additional current for battery charging and support intelligent battery charging and monitoring using Elmdene’s EcoCharge technology. These units also feature battery deep discharge protection in the event of a prolonged mains failure.
Wireless Devices
Wi-Fyre Xenos Wireless Optical Smoke Detectors use dual optical smoke detection technologies and algorithms for improved performance whilst maintaining the highest levels of false alarm rejection.
Wi-Fyre Xenos Wireless Heat Detectors are designed to give the best possible warning of fire in locations where smoke detection technology is not suitable. They can be configured for either high-temperature or rate-of-rise heat detection.
Wi-Fyre Xenos Wireless Sounder Bases can be used as a stand-alone notification device (with a blanking cap) or as a combined detection and alarm device when fitted with a Xenos detector. They have 32 recognised primary and secondary sounder tones and four levels of volume adjustment.
Wi-Fyre Xenos Wireless Manual Call Points have a resettable plastic element. Once the unit has been activated, it can simply be reset using the key provided. The unit includes a transparent cover that protects it from accidental activation and there is a weatherproof enclosure available for outdoor use.
Wireless Site Survey
It is imperative that a wireless survey is conducted prior to installing a Wi-Fyre Xenos wireless fire alarm system. A wireless survey not only ensures that the wireless fire alarm system will operate safely and effectively but it also speeds up installation time.
A survey kit is available from Eurofyre to make conducting a Wi-Fyre Xenos site survey quick and easy, and the option to hire a complete survey kit makes the process extremely cost-effective.
The Wi-Fyre Xenos Survey Kit provides all the equipment necessary to test the channels or frequency bands that will be used and determine their reliability. Upon completion, the installer can select the most reliable channels to use.
Why Choose Eurofyre?
- Complete System Supplier
- Eurofyre is a complete system supplier which means we can offer expert advice and supply all aspects of fire detection.
- Demonstration and Training
- We have a sophisticated training facility where we offer demonstrations and expert training on a range of systems, including Wi-Fyre Xenos Wireless Detection systems.
- After-Sales Support
- Eurofyre prides itself on providing after-sales care and support that is second to none. We offer both on-site and telephone assistance to help you ensure that your system is fully operational and working at its best.
For more information about Wi-Fyre Xenos, or to discuss any of the other products that Eurofyre have 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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