Advanced brought in to upgrade fire safety systems at Imperial College London

Six eight-loop MxPro 5 fire panels and a TouchControl remote control terminal and repeater panel have been installed across the Wolfson Education Centre, the Institute of Reproductive Development Biology and the Commonwealth Building, all of which are located at Imperial College London’s Hammersmith campus.

Part of a system-wide upgrade, the installation process was conducted by Surrey-based Lloret Fire & Security Ltd. The business was tasked with replacing the existing fire alarm control panels, installing new cabling and devices and commissioning the system across occupied buildings where live coverage needed to be maintained at all times.

Imperial College London’s management specifically requested a move away from the closed protocol fire system approach and its associated service charges, which had been in operation for 15 years. Lloret Fire & Security’s experience of installing Advanced’s control indicating equipment in other large-scale educational facilities meant that the installer was confident the open protocol MxPro 5 could easily provide the levels of flexibility and stability required by the client.

Paul White, design director at Lloret Fire & Security Ltd, explained to Fire Safety Matters: “The project involved the replacement of the fire safety system across a range of building environments – from offices, workshops and research labs right through to lecture theatres and conference halls – and each with its own specific fire protection requirements.”

White continued: “With due consideration paid to the site’s false alarm management strategy, multi-sensor detection was installed to manage and reduce the risk of false alarms. For example, detectors have been configured for day/night use or can be altered as area usage changes.”

Touch technology

To replace the existing flush-fitted panel positioned Front of House in the reception area of the Institute of Reproductive Development Biology, Lloret Fire & Security Ltd suggested installing Advanced’s touch technology remote control terminal and repeater panel, namely TouchControl.

Combining aesthetics with practicality, the low-profile, high-resolution touchscreen makes it easy for the end user to check fire system status via interactive maps and zone plans. When in standby mode, TouchControl can be employed to display branding, advertisements and information, but will instantly revert to fire-focused operation when a fire condition occurs.

Amanda Hope, UK business development manager at Advanced, said: “It’s fantastic to see that our partner Lloret Fire & Security Ltd is so confident in the Advanced solutions installed at Imperial College London. When installing or upgrading a building’s fire system it’s important to consider which protocol is right for the project. The nature of MxPro 5’s open protocol affords end users greater freedom and flexibility over key factors such as detector partners, suppliers, installers and service companies. In turn, this helps the end user to more easily achieve best value for money.”