Spas are tranquil spaces designed for relaxation and rejuvenation, typically featuring treatment rooms, saunas, steam rooms and hydrotherapy facilities. These environments often use a variety of electrical and heating equipment, alongside flammable materials such as oils and candles.
While the focus is on comfort and calm, the nature of these settings introduces specific fire risks. Effective fire detection is, therefore, not only vital for the preservation of life and valuable assets, but also a legal requirement in maintaining a safe and compliant environment.
Risks
Despite their serene atmosphere, spas can present several hidden fire risks due to the nature of their operations and materials used. Key fire risks in spa environments include:
- Electrical Equipment
- Treatment tools, massage beds, lighting and saunas all rely on electricity and can pose a fire hazard if faulty or improperly maintained.
- Flammable Oils and Lotions
- Many treatments involve the use of essential oils and creams, some of which are highly flammable.
- Candles and Open Flames
- Often used to enhance ambience, candles can be a major ignition source if left unattended or placed near flammable materials.
- Overheated Sauna or Steam Equipment
- Poorly regulated or malfunctioning heating systems can cause overheating and potentially ignite surrounding structures.
- Towel and Laundry Storage
- Towels soaked in oils or left in warm conditions can self-heat and combust, especially if stored in bulk.
Challenges
Designing effective fire detection systems for spas presents several unique challenges due to the nature of the environment. Key challenges include:
- High Humidity
- Steam rooms, saunas and hydrotherapy areas generate moisture that can trigger false alarms in conventional smoke detectors.
- Aesthetic Considerations
- Spas prioritise a calming, visually pleasing atmosphere, so detectors must be discreet and minimally intrusive.
- Zoned and Isolated Rooms
- Treatment rooms and relaxation areas are often separated or soundproofed, making consistent coverage and audibility more difficult.
- Frequent Layout Changes
- Portable treatment setups and refurbishments can disrupt fixed detection systems if not adaptable.
- Limited Access for Wiring
- Many spa areas feature finished surfaces and restricted ceiling access, complicating the installation of hard-wired systems.
Wi-Fyre Xenos
Wireless fire detection systems use secure radio signals to communicate between detectors, control panels and alarm devices, eliminating the need for extensive cabling. These systems are quick to install, highly flexible and ideal for environments where traditional wiring is impractical or disruptive. They offer reliable protection while maintaining the aesthetics and functionality of the space.
Wi-Fyre Xenos is a cutting-edge wireless fire detection system designed for fast and flexible installation with minimal disruption. It includes a full suite of devices such as smoke, heat and multi-sensor detectors, manual call points, sounders and visual alarms. Using secure radio communication across multiple channels, Xenos ensures reliable and interference-free operation.
Its scalable architecture supports up to 240 devices per hybrid loop, making it suitable for projects of all sizes. With extended battery life and intuitive software for commissioning and maintenance, Xenos offers a fully EN54-certified solution ideal for environments where wiring is impractical, such as spas.
Xenos offers a fully wireless fire detection system with secure mesh communication, long battery life and fast, disruption-free installation. It supports a wide range of EN54-approved devices, scalable architecture and intelligent software tools, making it ideal for complex environments where aesthetics, flexibility, and reliable performance are key.
Design Considerations
Panel Placement
The Haes fire alarm panel is a reliable control unit for managing fire detection systems. It should be installed in a clean, secure, and easily accessible location—ideally near the main entrance or reception—to allow quick access for authorised personnel during emergencies and routine maintenance.
The Advanced MxPro 5 is a powerful, addressable fire alarm panel suitable for complex systems. For best accessibility, it should be installed in a secure, dry location near the main entrance or reception, allowing quick access for emergency response and ongoing maintenance.
Detector Placement
Detectors should be installed on ceilings, centrally within each room or zone, away from obstructions like beams or vents. Placement should ensure full coverage of all risk areas, including treatment rooms and plant areas, while avoiding false alarm triggers from steam, heat or moisture in spas.
Detectors can be paired with sounder bases and visual alarm devices (VADs) to provide both audible and visual alerts from a single point. This setup enhances coverage, simplifies installation and is especially useful in spas where ambient noise or relaxed settings may delay response to standard alarms.
Call Point and Wall Sounder Placement
Manual call points should be installed at exits, corridor intersections and fire exits—typically 1.4 metres above floor level and easily accessible without obstruction. In spas, they should be positioned at key escape routes and staff areas to ensure quick activation during an emergency.
Wall sounders should be installed at a height of around 2 to 2.4 metres, in locations where their audible output can be clearly heard throughout the area. In spas, they are best placed in corridors, treatment areas and near exits—away from noise-dampening features like heavy curtains or soft furnishings.
Typical Wiring Diagram
Xenos’ mesh architecture allows each wireless device to communicate with others, forming a self-healing, multi-path network. In spa environments—often made up of isolated rooms and thick walls—this ensures reliable signal transmission. If one path is blocked, signals reroute automatically, maintaining coverage, stability and resilience throughout the entire facility.
Why Choose Eurofyre?
- Wi-Fyre Xenos Support
- Eurofyre’s team of fire detection specialists are experts in wireless fire detection. We offer a Xenos Survey Kit to buy or hire to make conducting a Wi-Fyre Xenos site survey quick and easy. We also provide Xenos programming support to help with off-site programming.
- Complete System Supplier
- Eurofyre supplies all aspects of fire detection and its associated safety products, including Wi-Fyre Xenos, and can provide expert advice and consultation.
- Demonstration and Training
- We offer demonstrations and expert training on a range of systems, including Wi-Fyre Xenos, 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 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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