Thanks to the regulations and product standards that have been introduced over recent years to ensure the efficiency of wireless fire detection technology, wireless detection systems are no longer surrounded by concerns of security or reliability.
Now that wireless fire detection is more reliable, more efficient and more accessible than ever before, many system designers and installers are considering wireless for a wide range of applications. But, is a wireless fire alarm system the right system choice for you? would a hardwired system be just as effective? or should you consider a hybrid fire alarm system that makes the most of both hardwired and wireless technologies?
The Advantages of Wireless Fire Detection
There are many advantages to wireless fire detection systems, including:
- Wire-Free
First and foremost, and as the title suggests, wireless fire detection systems are wire-free. This eliminates the need for lengthy cable runs that can damage the aesthetics of a property. It also means that the fire alarm system can extend to separate, external areas such as outhouses or toilet blocks without the need for running cables between buildings. - Easy Installation
Wireless fire detection systems also offer easy installation. With minimal wiring, wireless fire detection devices can be installed in any part of a building, without disrupting it’s operation, saving both installation time and cost.
The Disadvantages of Wireless Fire Detection
On the contrary, wireless detection does have some downsides, including:
- Cost
Wireless fire detection isn’t cheap. While time can be saved on installation, a wireless fire detection system is typically more expensive than a traditional hardwired system, especially for larger applications. - Maintenance
Wireless fire devices must undergo the same tests and servicing as hardwired devices. However, they also contain batteries that require additional testing and need to be replaced regularly.
Is Wireless Fire Detection the Right Choice for your Application?
When designing a fire alarm system for any application, there are many factors to consider including;
- Total cost of ownership
- Reliability
- Maintenance requirements
In some situations, a complete wireless fire alarm system may be the right choice. In other cases, it may not.
However, with recent developments in the world of wireless fire detection, many manufacturers are now offering wireless fire detection as a complementary product to their existing hardwired product arsenal. These complementary products allow fire alarm designers and installers to combine wireless fire detection technology with hardwired technology to produce a hybrid fire detection system.
Hybrid Fire Detection
Hybrid fire detection gives designers the freedom to use wireless devices only where necessary. Hardwired devices can be used in areas where they can be easily installed, and wireless devices can be used in areas where cabling is impossible, unsightly or will cause too much disruption to a building’s operation.
Not only can wireless technology be used to provide a hybrid solution for new installations, but it can also be used as part of an existing installation. This means that wireless devices can be used to extend, upgrade or replace parts of an existing installation without the need for new cable runs, without causing damage to the property and with reduced installation time.
Wi-Fyre
Wi-Fyre has been designed to allow hardwired and wireless detection technology co-exist seamlessly. Wi-Fyre uses a Wi-Fyre transponder, installed into the fire alarm wiring via a compatible interface module, to communicate with Wi-Fyre wireless field devices such as detectors, sounders and manual call points. Each Wi-Fyre transponder can communicate with up to 30 devices and up to six transponders can be used per building.
Wi-Fyre Modes of Operation
Wi-Fyre can be used as part of a new or existing installation and is available with six user-selectable modes of operation for integration with a number of system types:
- Conventional
- Addressable (Collective)
- ProFyre 2-Wire Addressable
- ProFyre Addressable
- Standalone
- Reflective
Approvals
Wi-Fyre meets all the requirements of BS 5839-1 and ETSI 300:330 and is EN54-25 certified. This means Wi-Fyre is fully approved for use in Europe.
For more information Wi-Fyre, please feel free to give us a call on +44 (0)1329 835024 or email info@eurofyre.co.uk where we would be happy to answer any questions.
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