Supermarkets are self-service shops that offer a wide variety of food and household products and, in some cases clothing and electrical products. Supermarkets generally occupy a large amount of floor space and shelving arrangements, and can be subject to regular change to cater for different product displays.
Supermarkets are open to the public and are, therefore, required by law to have a suitable fire detection system in place to ensure the safety of their visitors. Not only is this a legal requirement, but a reliable and efficient fire detection system can minimise damage to premises and stock as well as prevent injury and death.
Fire Detection for Supermarkets
Supermarkets have many different sections and are not just limited to the areas we see as customers. In most cases an average supermarket will have at least a few of the following:
- Office areas
- Warehouses
- Bakeries
- Staff rooms
- Toilets
Each area presents its own unique fire risk and should be given special consideration when designing a suitable fire detection system.
There are many types of fire detection on the market today. Depending on the size of the application and the requirements of the fire alarm system, most types can provide reliable detection. However, wireless or hybrid fire detection is becoming increasingly popular.
Hybrid Fire Detection for Supermarkets
Not only are new-build supermarkets always in development, but existing stores are continually being refurbished and updated. Therefore, having a fire detection system that offers a flexible solution will prove to be most cost-effective.
By using a hybrid fire detection system that combines hardwired and wireless technology, supermarkets can utilise wireless devices wherever necessary to accommodate for new developments and changes, and hardwired devices can be used in static areas as well as areas that require a specific detection type such as aspirating smoke detection.
Wi-Fyre
Wi-Fyre allows hardwired and wireless fire detection technologies to operate side-by-side to form a hybrid fire detection solution and is available with six, user-selectable modes of operation to provide increased compatibility with a range of different detection types:
- Conventional
- Addressable (Collective)
- ProFyre 2-Wire Addressable
- ProFyre Addressable
- Standalone
- Reflective
Wi-Fyre can be used as part of a new fire detection system or to extend or upgrade an existing system by installing a Wi-Fyre Transponder into the fire alarm wiring via a compatible interface module. Each transponder can then communicate with up to thirty field devices such as manual call points, detectors, sounders and input/outputs modules.
When installing new devices, a Wi-Fyre survey head is available to conduct a wireless survey – which must be completed to ensure the signal between the device and transponder 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.
Don’t forget you can follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Google+ or sign up to our newsletter (in the footer below) to receive all the latest information from Eurofyre.
