Hochiki unveils FIREscape Nepto: the “next generation of emergency lighting”

Building upon the success of the FIREscape range launched back in 2009, this new design systems brings with it a suite of features and benefits driven by technology improvements and innovations realised in the R&D process.

FIREscape Nepto is BS 5266 compliant and, like its predecessor, based around an addressable emergency lighting control panel with addressable, self-contained LED-based luminaires and exit signs running on an extra-low operating voltage.

In order to ensure project continuity, the new system is backwards compatible with the existing panels and devices within the older FIREscape range.

FIREscape Nepto can continually self-test and monitor itself, making installation and maintenance of the new system quick, easy and less costly when compared to centralised battery or mains-powered systems.

Another exciting new development for this release is a range of aesthetic enhancements and new recessed luminaire designs which negate the need for a recessing adaptor. These new recessed variants are available with both a standard and a high-power output.

Reduced costs

Customers and end users alike will now benefit from reduced project install and ongoing maintenance costs as improvements have been made to the photometry, increasing the maximum spacing between luminaires and reducing the amount required in any one space.

Further, battery life has increased from four to ten years (depending on system usage), thereby reducing any ongoing maintenance costs.

Scalability is a key feature of the FIREscape Nepto system. The range has been designed and configured such that control panels can be networked to protect large, multi-site complexes all from a central point of control. For smaller projects, the new control panels are supplied with one 127 address line as standard, with the potential to achieve 254 addresses when upgraded to two lines, in turn helping to make smaller systems more cost-effective.

In addition, up to 12 panels can be directly networked together and operated from a single point, thereby negating the need for a graphics package if it isn't required.

Cloud-based subscription service

The team behind the new system design are also working on a cloud-based subscription service, which is set to be released later this year. This service will enable remote access via Internet-enabled devices, subsequently providing system notifications and the ability to monitor and interrogate multiple client sites from anywhere in the world.

Speaking about the launch of FIREscape Nepto, Robert Head (commercial project manager for Hochiki Europe) informed Fire Safety Matters: “The release of this new product from Hochiki Europe is very exciting and builds on the success of our existing FIREscape range. I’m particularly excited for the cloud-based service that’s coming later on this year. Our customers are going to benefit from a cost-effective, fully-compliant and cutting-edge emergency lighting technology that’s second to none.”

The Hochiki Europe team will be hosting a special introductory webinar that’s going to run through the new features and benefits of the system. This takes place on Thursday 23 March.

Team members will also be attending The Fire Safety Event at the NEC in Birmingham from 25-27 April where they will be demonstrating the new FIREscape Nepto system. Visitors to the show should head for Stand D55 in Hall 3a to witness this ‘next generation of emergency lighting’.

*Further information is available online at www.hochikieurope.com