Integrated Fire Detection System Keeps Guests Safe in New Concept Hotel
Intelligent fire detection systems from Advanced Electronics are behind an integrated fire solution for Newcastle’s newest hotel. Staybridge Suites Hotel has 128 fully equipped and serviced suites designed for the extended stay business traveller and is the first of its kind to be built in the North East of England. All suites include a kitchen, living area and one or two bedrooms.
The hotel complex also has a fitness room, business centre, dining area, laundry and a 2-level external car park. The innovative design of the hotel creates a demanding environment for fire detection.
The L1 system was designed and installed by Durham based CDS Security & Fire and consists of a single Mx-4802, 8 loop fire alarm control panel that monitors over 300 fire sensors and devices from Apollo Fire Detectors’ Discovery range. DDA-compliant systems were also installed in six dedicated suites to provide fire alarm warning for the hearing impaired, using a strobe and under pillow vibration pad.
"The design of the fire detection system ensures that all guests and staff are evacuated safely and promptly in the event of a fire", said Kevin Ramsden, the Hotel’s Facilities Manager. "However, in the unlikely event of a nuisance or false alarm the system allows us to investigate the problem without first evacuating the building, an important consideration for our guests."
The sophisticated cause and effect programming in the Mx-4802 panel allows the sounder and beacon on the Apollo combined unit to be controlled separately, providing increased flexibility. When an alarm is triggered from a detector in one of the suites the local sounder and beacon are activated, as well as the main control panel alerting the staff. If the alarm has not been reset within 5 minutes, the local sounder is silenced in the suite and a full fire alarm is raised, causing the building to be evacuated. This is quickly achieved with the aid of a 250-speaker voice alarm system ensuring the guests are fully aware of the alarm situation. The 5 minute delay allows the staff to ascertain whether it is a real or false alarm. The system is also connected to BT RedCare, providing external 24/7 monitoring.
Commenting on the project, Rosie Abbott, Business Development Manager for CDS Security & Fire said, "The advanced capabilities of the Mx-4000 family of control panels give us maximum flexibility when designing a fire detection system. We are also able to control a number of external building services and equipment through the various interface options available on the panel."
As well as triggering a phased building evacuation the Mx-4802 also interfaces with a number of other systems in the hotel, helping to stop the spread of fire and aid evacuation. The lifts are repositioned to different floors depending on the location of the fire, doors and barriers are opened via the access control system, gas shutdown and ventilation are controlled via the Building Management System (BMS) and the sprinklers are monitored.
Advanced Electronics Ltd manufactures a comprehensive range of intelligent control and indicating panels, software and peripherals for fire detection, smoke control and the emergency lighting market. The EN54 approved Mx-4000 series and the UL 864 approved Ax-Series fire systems offer enhanced features for the end-user, system designer and installer.
Founded in 1986, CDS Security & Fire provide extensive support with design proposals, installations and servicing and maintenance to ensure the ongoing integrity and support of fire alarm and security systems. Accredited to BAFE SP203 they offer a wide range of bespoke services, to ensure customer’s needs are met in the best possible way, from home owners to 13 storey commercial buildings.
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