How Midland Fire is improving fire safety compliance with Honeywell self-test technology
Did you know that Midland Fire is an approved Honeywell Platinum Partner, supplying Gent and Notifier? This means we are part of the approved network that Honeywell supplies to, selected for our ability to deliver the highest quality of service.
We have access to all Gent and Notifier resources and products, and part of our job is letting businesses know which technology suits them best – including the revolutionary self-testing detectors.
Honeywell Notifier Self Test Smoke and Heat Sensor
Honeywell fire alarm systems are the most advanced systems available on the market, and we wanted to take a minute to talk about their self-test detectors and why they’re a great choice for lots of businesses.
In a nutshell, the innovative Honeywell self-test range of detectors, produced by both Gent and Notifier, are devices equipped with additional advanced technology which includes self-testing capabilities. To self test, the device introduces real heat and smoke into the detector and ensures that smoke entry points are clear from blockages.
Our team now has plenty of experience fitting this kind of detector, and we’ve seen first-hand how important self-testing technology can be for many types of businesses. Not only is it the most cutting-edge tech when it comes to detectors, but self-testing helps businesses make sure they’re fully in line with the UK regulations around servicing and maintenance, particularly when manual testing can be challenging.
“From our point of view, Honeywell self-test detectors are a really smart piece of kit. They let us properly test the system without causing disruption and they make compliance easier to manage. We find them especially useful in busy buildings where access is a challenge.”
Dan Sillito, Director @ Midland Fire Security Services
The challenge
We all know how important it is to regularly test our fire alarms to make sure they’re working correctly and to keep things in line with fire safety regulations. But often those tests, usually involving manual activation, aren’t so straightforward.
In some commercial spaces, testing can be difficult due to high ceilings or detectors that aren’t easy to reach, and in healthcare environments and schools the process can be particularly disruptive. In an accommodation block or a large mixed-use complex with restricted access areas, gaining entry to every room for routine testing isn’t always realistic. Not to mention that testing can be time-consuming and difficult to manage in busy settings like these.
The Honeywell solution
For clients with challenges like those we’ve mentioned above, our engineers would always recommend Honeywell’s intelligent fire detection technology. Their self-test range of detectors are the first EN approved detectors that can automatically test themselves at programmed intervals, meaning no manual intervention, no ladders and less hassle.
Each detector tests itself individually, confirming that the sensing elements, electronics and alarm sounders are all working correctly. To do this, the detector simulates the presence of smoke or heat, and verifies that the device responds correctly and is ready to activate in case of a real emergency.
Test results are then logged within the system, providing clear evidence of functional testing for compliance and audit purposes.
The benefits of self-test detectors
The main benefits of Honeywell Gent’s self-test detectors are as follows:
- The risk of undetected faults is lowered because the fire detection system is continuously monitoring its own performance, improving overall safety.
- Disruption is significantly reduced, which is particularly great for occupied or busy spaces.
- Compliance is improved as detectors are regularly checked and results are recorded.
- It’s a more realistic fire testing method than many traditional testing methods, through generating real heat and smoke.
- Full fire coverage is maintained at all times, as the individual detector being checked is temporarily isolated.
- Devices are multi-sensored, with additional sounder, voice and VAD variants.
- Fast and discreet testing allows an engineer to run the tests using just a phone or tablet.
- Connected Life Safety Services (CLSS) app for remote monitoring.
Where does Midland Fire come in?
It’s important not to forget in all this that having the technology alone isn’t enough – you’re still going to need someone to design, install and correctly maintain your fire safety system, including your detectors.
As we mentioned, Midland Fire is an approved Honeywell Platinum Partner, meaning we’re fully accredited to install Honeywell Gent and Notifier systems. We work closely with our clients to design fire safety systems that suit their building and business, and installation is carefully planned to ensure detectors are correctly configured and fully integrated with the wider fire alarm system.
Once installed, we provide ongoing maintenance and support, typically with two visits per year. During each visit, our engineers will carry out functional testing and a visual inspection of every self-test detector, which is speedy and discreet, needing minimal equipment (just a phone!).
Where have we fitted self-test detectors?
We’ve fitted both Honeywell Gent and Notifier self-test detectors in a whole range of commercial and domestic buildings, including healthcare settings and social housing blocks where our clients were keen to avoid disruption and access can be an issue.
Check out the work we did fitting a fire alarm system that included self-test detectors at Lavender Lodge Nursing Home in Derby. Our team recommended that the detectors were installed to provide the best possible protection for residents at the heart of our local community. This market-leading technology also ensured they were fully compliant with the UK fire safety standards.
Looking for a fire safety and security contractor in the Midlands?
We provide a range of fire safety, security and electrical contracting services for local businesses across the Midlands as well as throughout the UK, for both domestic and commercial settings.
At Midland Fire, we’ll work with you to plan and deliver the optimum life safety solution for your premises, including ongoing maintenance, support and fire safety training. At Midland Fire WE PROTECT.
For more information and a free consultation contact Midland Fire Security Services Ltd.
