False Alarm
Whitman Laboratories
Detect (now Churches) Fire & Security had maintained the existing fire protection system for many years, but it now needed an upgrade, along with replacing out-of-date, non-compliant wiring.
Petersfield in Hampshire is the home of Whitman Laboratories, the Estée Lauder Company's UK-based manufacturing facility for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The prestigious premises produce some of the company's leading beauty products and employs a mixture of operational and technical staff.
The Challenge
Detect (now Churches) Fire & Security worked with Apollo to design a more appropriate fire detection system for the extensive facility to produce a fully comprehensive system that is not only compatible with existing components but futureproofs its fire protection for years to come.
- Futureproof system
- Versatile devices that work with existing components
- False alarm prevention
The Solution
In total, 312 Apollo Soteria optical smoke detectors were installed along with 20 heat detectors in areas such as kitchens, cleaners’ cupboards and in some sensitive laboratory areas prone to false alarms.
The existing Advanced control panel was upgraded with the latest software to accommodate the Soteria system and offering enhanced detection, reduced false alarms and improved reliability, combined with user programmable sensitivity modes for ultimate system adaptability.
One of the issues we had to address at the Whitman Laboratories facility was the rising incidence of false alarms. A major evacuation of staff is incredibly problematic in a laboratory setting where processes are time-sensitive and closely controlled. Although very familiar with Apollo products, this was our first project using Soteria and we were very impressed with the ease of installation. We were able to get the job done with minimal disruption to the client and they were very happy with the outcome.
Products used in this Case Study
Soteria Optical Smoke Detector
SA5100-600APO
The Soteria Optical Smoke Detector uses advanced optical sensing technology, PureLight, to provide advanced false alarm management and increased detector reliability.
- "Serpentine" pathway designed to provide a barrier against dust and insect ingress
- Utilises digital Core Protocol communications providing a range of advanced fire detection features
- A sophisticated dynamic algorithm, providing transient rejection and compensation for drift while maintaining accurate sensitivity
- FasTest for quicker testing of detectors
- Five response modes for adaptability to changing environments
- Integrated switchable isolator
Soteria Heat Detector
SA5100-400APO
The Soteria Heat Detector features two heat sensors located laterally to ensure accurate heat detection in all orientations.
- Eight response modes for a wide range of application temperatures
- Utilises digital Core Protocol communications providing a range of advanced fire detection features
- A sophisticated dynamic algorithm, providing transient rejection and compensation for drift while maintaining accurate sensitivity
- FasTest for quicker testing of detectors
- Integrated switchable isolator
Soteria Multi-Sensor Detector (Optical/Heat)
SA5100-700APO
The Soteria Multi-Sensor Detector uses advanced optical sensing technology, PureLight, to detect smoke particles entering the chamber and is fitted with two thermistors for detecting heat. It easily discriminates against false alarm stimuli and is a great environmentally friendly alternative to ionisation detectors.
- Five modes of operation for ultimate fire detection and false alarm management in a wide range of applications
- Utilises digital Core Protocol communications providing a range of advanced fire detection features
- A sophisticated dynamic algorithm, providing transient rejection and compensation for drift while maintaining accurate sensitivity
- FasTest for quicker testing of detectors
- Integrated switchable isolator