As technology has improved, wireless fire detection and alarm systems are more commonly being specified and installed.
Wireless technology has come a long way since it was first used in the 1980s, initially with mixed results.A truly wireless system offers a range of benefits compared to hard wired and hybrid systems.
Faster installation with less disruption
First, there is no cabling involved, which results in huge savings of time and money by not having to drill holes and chase plasterwork to install cables, eliminating that first fix element of the installation. This becomes even more important in historic buildings or those with specific aesthetic requirements, as disruption or damage to the fabric of the building is kept to a minimum. Also the need to access hard-to-reach locations such as in narrow stairwells and high ceilings is greatly reduced. And unsurprisingly, the total installation time is considerably reduced to often a matter of hours – rather than days or weeks.
Easy relocation and extension
But the advantages don’t stop after installation. The absence of cabling makes it far easier to move and relocate detectors or other devices, when there are changes to configuration or layout of internal spaces. It’s also far simpler to extend a wireless fire detection and alarm system, or even extend an existing hard wired system with wireless devices. So wireless systems are ideal for buildings likely to be extended or renovated in the near future.
A cost-effective, eco-friendly solution
Well, the up-front cost of a wireless system may be a bit higher than straight comparison with a wired system. But if you factor in the savings from greatly reduced installation times and the flexibility of reconfiguring or expanding the system, then wireless becomes competitive and an attractive option. And yes, batteries will have to be replaced, but with long-lasting lithium-ion batteries and automatic low battery alerts, they should last for at least three years.
In addition, the lack of substantial lengths of cabling contribute to an installation’s lower carbon footprint, as does a reduced requirement for engineers to be on site at this stage.
Why choose SmartNet?
The SmartNet wireless network from Cygnus is run by Lithium-ion battery-powered radio devices as part of a robust, self-healing MESH network technology. It provides a minimum of two communication paths (and often more) between each wireless device which – together with innovative channel-hopping technology – ensures optimum network reliability and robustness. In addition, devices have a long radio range of up to 350m (unobstructed) using a 360 degree directional antenna.
To make installation easier, the configuration software includes system design and full cause-and-effect functionality. The configuration tool runs on any Windows device and communicates to remote devices through a hard-wired or wireless connection.
There is no need for wired boosters, translators or any other wired element, which removes the often stressful first fix stage of an installation. To speed up installation still further, the wireless mesh network system also requires no gateway expanders or loop-powered translating devices.