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| RadioLINK allows Aico smoke, heat and multi-sensor alarms to be wirelessly interconnected by RF signals |
An Aico RadioLINK wireless interconnect fire detection system has been installed into an Edwardian 104 flat residential building in London's prestigious Maida Vale as part of a major refurbishment. The system allows for alarm interconnection between communal areas and individual apartments, providing a high level of tenant safety at an affordable price, especially when compared to panel-based alternatives.
RadioLINK works by allowing Aico Smoke, Heat and Multi-Sensor alarms to be wirelessly interconnected by Radio Frequency (RF) signals, rather than cabling. If one alarm on the system is triggered, RF signals cause every other alarm on that system to sound, providing the earliest warning to the building's occupants.
Morshead Mansions comprises 13 separate closely situated blocks, each containing eight apartments. It has undergone a ten year refurbishment project to restore its original architectural features and incorporate modern services.
As part of the refurbishment, Aico RadioLINK alarms were fitted in the communal stairwells and Aico RadioLINK Heat alarms just behind the door of each flat. The alarms were then 'House Coded' together, which ensures that the system is operating with distinct RF signals so as not to trigger any alarm systems that may be installed in nearby properties. As the Heat alarm will only be activated by temperatures of 58°C and above, normal cooking fumes inside each flat will not activate it so other residents will be unaffected. However, if sufficient heat is generated in the event of a real fire, the Heat alarm will trigger the communal system as well as the other Heat alarms within each apartment.
This system setup provides optimum detection in the event of a fire whilst minimising false alarms. In addition, the discreet design of the alarms ensures their presence does not detract from the character of the building.
The alarms have also been interlinked to Aico Manual Call Points and a wall mounted Control Switch which allows the user to easily Test, Silence and Locate alarms from one convenient location.
David Wismayer, Director at Morshead Mansions Limited (MML), explained, "We opted for the RadioLINK system in order to obviate the need for chasing in hard wired connections, which would have been significantly more expensive and involved considerable disruption. In addition, as each block contains only eight to ten flats, Aico's solution was preferable to a panel system."
The decision to install the Aico RadioLINK system was made following an in-depth risk assessment of the building by a Fire Risk Assessor and the M&E Consultant in charge of the project. A consultation also took place between Westminster Local Authority and MML during which Aico provided extensive technical input and advice concerning regulations.
Following completion of the installation, David commented, "We found Aico's representatives to be very helpful indeed and we consider the equipment to be of extremely good quality. I would have no hesitation in recommending the Aico RadioLINK alarm system to others in a similar position."
A wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics, Aico is the first name in residential fire protection in the UK. All alarms are designed and built in Europe specifically to meet the UK standards and regulations. For more information, please go to www.aico.co.uk.
