Fire alarm installation
Fairhive Homes — Wycliffe End
A complete EMS FireCell wireless fire alarm and detection system installed across five occupied buildings in Aylesbury.
The problem
We had looked after Fairhive Homes’ fire alarm systems for years. On a visit to Wycliffe End, one of their Aylesbury sites, it was clear the existing system had reached the end of its useful life and needed replacing rather than repairing again.
“There have been numerous false alarms with this system, which didn’t provide the detailed information required to the responding fire brigade. Whilst the system had been repaired as required, it became uneconomical to continue with this.”
Trevor Bennett — Electrical Technical Manager, Fairhive Homes
After a series of meetings we were awarded the contract to supply, install and commission a new wireless fire alarm system throughout all five buildings.
About Fairhive Homes
A not-for-profit Community Benefit Society providing nearly 9,000 affordable homes across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and South Northamptonshire, with a mission to provide cohesive communities and safe homes.
Why wireless, and why FireCell
In occupied social housing, a wired installation means weeks of disruption in people’s homes. Wireless removes most of that. After working through the options with Fairhive we specified the EMS FireCell system.
- Hybrid capable — additional devices can be added later without rewiring
- EN 54-25 approved — the first UK wireless fire system to meet the standard
- 868MHz harmonised band — with coverage exceeding comparable systems
- Smart Cluster Technology — multiple panels networked wirelessly across the site
- Long-life alkaline batteries — lower whole-life cost for the client
How the works were run
The thing that made this project work was communication. A programme of works was developed with Fairhive’s Neighbourhood Manager and Electrical Technical Manager so residents knew what was happening and when, and the installation went through all five buildings without incident.
“The works were conducted in a way that allowed us to have full confidence in the engineers. They have always stuck to their word and haven’t let us down once.”
Trevor Bennett — Fairhive Homes
“I cannot believe how easy multiple wireless networks with hundreds of devices could be installed in such a short space of time, with ease.”
David Jones — Field Technical Manager, EMS
“Working with the team on a large prestige project couldn’t have gone any smoother. The EMS family are looking forward to working closely with them on future projects — well done, all involved.”
Nigel Gardner — Business Development Manager, EMS
The outcome
Five buildings covered by a modern, fully certificated wireless fire alarm system, delivered to programme with residents in place throughout — and the false alarm problem that started the whole project resolved.
Have a site with the same problem?
Repeated false alarms usually mean the system has outlived its usefulness. Tell us what is installed and we will tell you honestly whether it is worth repairing.
