Protecting those who protect us: Upgrading a police facility’s fire alarms with self-test technology

Our fire safety team at Midland Fire recently completed a major fire alarm refurbishment project at a key operational police facility. We replaced the existing fire alarm system with a modern
Gent Vigilon system incorporating self-test detectors, helping to better protect the site while supporting ongoing compliance with fire safety regulations.

The project developed through our ongoing relationship with the client, which includes the testing and maintenance of fire alarm and emergency lighting systems across its facilities. Through this partnership, the requirement to modernise the existing fire alarm system at one of its operational sites was identified. The fire alarm system we installed includes Honeywell’s latest CLSS gateway and self-test technology, both of which provide improved reliability and efficiency while helping to future-proof the fire safety provision at the site.
Self-test detectors are particularly useful in busy operational settings such as this, allowing the system to be thoroughly tested and serviced while helping to minimise disruption.

 

“We are proud to work in partnership with organisations that provide such important services to our communities. This system upgrade was a great opportunity to ensure one of their key sites is fully safe and secure, and the self-test technology that we installed will future-proof it too.”

Thomas Sleath, Business Development Manager @ Midland Fire Security Services

 

Supporting a critical emergency service

 

The client provides an essential public service, with its facilities operating around the clock, 365 days a year.
Sites of this nature demand robust and dependable life safety systems capable of performing consistently within busy, high-pressure and security-sensitive environments. This requirement forms the basis of the work we carry out for the client and was a key consideration throughout this refurbishment project.

Fire alarm system replacement at an opperational police facility

 

The project

As we mentioned, this project was the replacement and refurbishment of the ageing fire alarm system at a busy operational police facility. The system in place needed modernising to ensure the site remained fully safe and secure for its staff and occupants.
Our team conducted a thorough site consultation and survey of the existing equipment, before designing and installing a new fire alarm system bespoke to the building and its usage.
We chose the following fire safety systems and devices due to their reliability, flexibility and advanced capabilities:

• Gent Vigilon fire alarm system.
• Honeywell Connected Life Safety Services (CLSS) gateway.
• Gent S-Quad loop devices including ‘Self-Test’ detection.

Following installation, we tested and commissioned the systems, providing documentation and training for ongoing compliance.

 

The challenges

This project was delivered on a live and operational site, so it required careful planning, close coordination with the client, and a flexible approach to minimise disruption in an environment that needed to remain highly secure 24 hours a day. We had to consider access restrictions, security protocols and strict procedures at every stage of the project.

It was also a priority throughout the install that fire protection was continually maintained. Our engineers worked methodically to ensure continuous coverage across the site, and thanks to our extensive experience working in sensitive settings such as this, we upgraded the system efficiently and within the agreed timeframe.

 

The result

The result of this project for this project is a modern, high-performing fire alarm system which is now better equipped to support the demands of a busy police site. The client now benefits from a more reliable fire alarm system with clearer system management and more intelligent testing and maintenance capabilities.

This successful fire alarm system replacement project has also further strengthened our ongoing partnership with the client and we will continue to service their life safety systems and provide support in the coming years.

 

The benefits of self-test technology

 

Midland Fire is an approved Honeywell Platinum Partner, meaning we’re fully accredited to install Honeywell Gent and Notifier systems – including their revolutionary self-test technology.

The Honeywell self-test range of devices automatically test themselves at programmed intervals by introducing real heat and smoke into the detector. With no manual intervention needed, each device independently confirms that its sensing elements, electronics and alarm sounders are all working correctly.

We recommend installing these detectors in settings where manual testing can be challenging due to obstacles like high ceilings, or where it’s disruptive due to busy environments and rooms with restricted access.

The benefits of self-test technology are as follows:

• The risk of undetected faults is lowered, improving safety.
• No need for manual activation in areas that are hard to access.
• Fast and discreet device maintenance, reducing disruption.
• Compliance is easily managed.
• It’s a realistic and effective fire testing method.
• Full fire coverage is maintained at all times.

 

Looking for fire alarm installation in the Midlands?

We offer full fire safety and security system installation, maintenance and commissioning across the Midlands and throughout the UK. Supporting contractors, commercial clients and public sector organisations of all shapes and sizes, our experienced engineers can help you, whatever type of business or service you manage.

We’ll work closely with you to plan and deliver the optimum safety solutions bespoke to your premises, ensuring your systems are fully integrated and compliant with UK standards.

At Midland Fire WE PROTECT. For more information and a free consultation, contact Midland Fire Security Services Ltd.