Modular buildings are prefabricated buildings that consist of repeated sections known as modules. “Modular” is a construction method that involves building sections away from the building site and then delivering them to where they are to be installed. Modular buildings can be used for long-term, temporary or permanent facilities such as construction camps, civilian and military housing, and industrial facilities.
Modular buildings are extremely versatile. One can simply add to a modular building, adding extra rooms, compartments and storeys. When the circumstances change, modular buildings can be disassembled and the modules relocated or refurbished for their next use. Essentially, modular buildings can be entirely recycled.
Many modular buildings require a fire detection system to be installed, especially if they are for commercial use. With this, certain requirements must be met to ensure that the system remains cost-effective.
What are the Requirements?
Fire detection systems for modular buildings must be:
- Easy to Deploy
As modules for this type of building are built off-site and transported in, cabling can be difficult. This means that any cabling that is required must be well planned during the design stage and kept to a minimum where possible. - Flexible
Modular buildings are versatile and can be upsized very quickly. Therefore, the fire detection system in place must be able to easily accommodate additional devices with minimal wiring requirements. - Agile
When modular buildings are used as temporary structures or are relocated to different areas, the fire alarm must be easy to decommission and then recommission at the new location. The ability to reinstall the system in a different configuration is also preferred.
What is the Solution?
Wi-Fyre delivers the perfect fire detection solution for modular buildings. It is easy to deploy, flexible, agile and cost-effective.
Wi-Fyre is a hybrid detection solution. This means that it combines wireless and hardwired detection technology to provide a complete detection system. In modular buildings, wired technology can be used in more permanent structures and wireless devices can be used to extend the detection system when new modules are added, in areas that may be subject to change or for modules and buildings that will be removed and redeployed somewhere else.
How Does Wi-Fyre Work?
Wi-Fyre uses wireless transponders that are installed into the fire alarms wiring via a compatible interface module. Each transponder can communicate with up to 30 mixed field devices such as manual call points, detectors, sounders and I/O modules.
When a device is triggered, it sends a wireless signal to the transponder which will then trigger the fire alarm control panel to act accordingly. Devices are easy to deploy and can be removed and reinstalled wherever necessary (subject to suitable signal strength).
A Wi-Fyre Wireless Survey Head is available and must be used to ensure that the signal between each device and its corresponding transponder is strong enough for the system to operate efficiently.
For more information about how Wi-Fyre can be used to protect modular buildings or other semi-permanent structures from fire, 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. You can also find more applications where Wi-Fyre can provide a reliable and cost-effective fire detection solution on our Blog.
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