Founded in 1874, Polk County sits in the heart of Willamette Valley within the scenic coastal city of Dallas, Oregon. An epicenter for equality and justice, the Polk County Courthouse desperately needed a fire alarm and fire sprinkler system overhaul to ensure the safety of their property and people.
The existing four-story building built in 1899 received a three-story annex addition in 1964 and the Polk County Jail Building in 1999. The 69,000 square foot property houses approximately 175 employees.
With a growing facility and a rapidly increasing employee base, the zone monitoring associated with the courthouse’s conventional fire alarm system proved outdated and insufficient. This warranted the installation of an analog addressable system. The reliability, pinpoint accuracy, and 24/7 on-site monitoring of an addressable system provided greater awareness and system functionality.
Implementation
With a dated, conventional system, AllSafe Fire and Security, the contractor for the project, had their work cut out for them. Complicating the fire alarm system design, the remodeling also included five preaction fire sprinkler systems in critical areas. A central computer server room and a file storage room containing indispensable court documents were part of the pre-action fire sprinkler system additions.
While many fire alarm control panels can only handle one preaction system, the Potter P400R can handle multiple
Potter’s P400R Analog Addressable Releasing Panel and the PSN-1000(E) Power Expander were used as viable, cost-effective solutions. The Potter panel and addressable devices easily managed the inclusion of the new preaction systems.
While many fire alarm control panels can only handle one preaction system, the Potter P400R can handle multiple preaction systems at once. This unique capability allowed the five preaction systems all to be linked to the single P400R, thus saving money from having to purchase multiple panels and subsequently linking them together.
Addressing the challenges
The existing system contained two separate fire alarm control panels—one panel for regular system functionality and the second for releasing capabilities. This caused problems as both panels did not always communicate well. Increased initial costs and maintenance upkeep along with additional time and labor to ensure proper system integrity were required with the existing two-panel system.
The single Potter P400R solved these problems with its ability to serve as both an addressable fire alarm control panel and releasing panel. AllSafe Fire and Security reduced installation time and costs considerably by programming one panel instead of synchronizing two.
Additionally, Potter’s exclusive Quadrasync multi-strobe circuit synchronization technology alleviated many system-wide concerns, allowing for a smooth, simple installation. The overall process was seamless as the PSN-1000E Power Expanders provided power to notification appliances, auxiliary power, and releasing circuits for preaction solenoids.
Quadrasync technology
With a maximum capacity of 2,032, the P400R easily accommodated 220 addressable devices with the Polk County
Potter’s non-proprietary products integrated perfectly with the existing framework due to their Quadrasync technology. John Ripplinger, the head technician from AllSafe Fire and Security, quickly identified all addressable devices using the PFC Series LEARN function and the included drag and drop programming software. With a maximum point capacity of 2,032, the P400R easily accommodated the 220 addressable devices with the Polk County installation.
Last-minute changes in preparation for the AHJ inspection sparked an entire system reprogramming. “It took our tech, John Ripplinger, fifteen minutes to rewrite everything when it would normally take more than four hours with other fire alarm systems,” said Mike Beecher, Manager of AllSafe Fire and Security.
The new system exceeded the AHJ’s inspection requirements- ments leaving everyone satisfied with the result. “Installing these Potter products was the easiest install I have done in over twenty-five years,” Beecher said.
Daily Operation
Polk County Courthouse employees enjoy an increased sense of security and awareness with a Potter fire alarm system. The network of addressable devices connected to the P400R fire panel monitors every inch of the premises and provides instant notification of emergencies.
“The P400R sends me nightly e-mail updates of the current status of our system that I can disseminate to key per- personnel and first responders. Also, it texts alarm and trouble conditions straight to my smartphone, keeping me up-to-date on everything I need to know. If Polk County’s needs change, system alerts can also be sent via e-mail. The P400R can also be programmed to send reminder messages such as when annual tests or inspections are due,” said Matt Hawkins, Polk County Courthouse Administrative Services Director.
Integrating with central monitoring system
P400R’s ability to communicate provides a faster and more secure means of transmitting crucial system
The P400R’s ability to communicate to a central monitoring station using an IP/ Internet connection not only eliminates the need for dedicated phone lines but also provides a faster and more secure means of transmitting crucial system information to responding personnel.
In addition to peace of mind, the new Potter P400R analog addressable fire alarm system saved the Polk County Courthouse time and money while providing them with more control over the maintenance and operation of their system.
“With the independence of a Potter system, we no longer require remote monitoring services and can perform our strobe testing,” Hawkins said. The enhanced functionality of a Potter system provided Courthouse employees with a more self-sufficient method of life safety protection. The installation of a Potter fire alarm system ensured the continued protection of Polk County’s property and people.
