SmartNet-100 fire safety system installed at Prince Charles Hospital

Due to asbestos removal procedures taking place on-site, the previous wired fire alarm system needed to be removed. Installing a wireless fire detection and alarm system allowed consistent fire safety and protection for the hospital during its refurbishment.

SmartNet-100 proved the ideal solution for the active hospital site, avoiding all risks of cables being cut during refurbishment works. With no requirement for hardwired interfaces or expanders, SmartNet-100 allowed the asbestos removal process to continue undisturbed.

Shield Fire & Security co-ordinated with the site administrator, Tilbury Douglas, to ensure there was no disruption for patients or workers during the three-day installation process, which was separated into two phases: the ground floor system, which took one day to install, and the first floor system which, due to its slightly bigger size, took two days to install.

Speed and ease of installation

Lee German, life safety systems manager at Shield Fire & Security, stated: “It was our first time installing SmartNet and we were extremely impressed by both the speed and ease of installation.”

SmartNet-100 harbours many of the features and benefits of the SmartNet-Pro range. It’s built on a combination of radio devices, operating on a self-forming, self-healing wireless mesh network with multi-path network redundancy using channel hopping technology that enhances reliability and robustness.

With both phases using the SmartNet-100 system, 18 heat detectors and ten manual Call Points have been installed on the ground floor, while 16 heat detectors and three manual Call Points are in use for the first floor of the building. In addition, output modules and sound bases have been  integrated throughout both floors.

Operation as normal

“As a busy live hospital, it was imperative that the building could continue to operate as normally and as safely as possible,” commented Kevin Oliver, project manager at Tilbury Douglas. “We’re very pleased with the installation of the SmartNet-100 fire detection and alarm system. It has allowed Prince Charles Hospital to remain operational with minimal disruption.”

Installation engineers at Shield Fire & Security undertook both the basic and advanced level training at the Cygnus Academy to become certified installers. The company has now scheduled for more of its installers to attend the Cygnus Academy and achieve Cygnus Certified Installer status.

*Further information is available online at www.cygnus-systems.com