 Bosch integrated fire detection and voice evacuation solutions assure property owners of full compliance with legal requirements
Meeting fire safety approvals required by law doesn’t have to be a headache. Bosch’s integrated fire detection and voice evacuation solutions can be tailored to any size of business or institution, from small shops, schools and offices, to very large sites such as high-rise buildings, industrial complexes and airports. Here, Anja Huchthausen, the company’s Product Marketing Manager for Fire systems explains what it can offer in this area. The installation of fire safety and voice evacuation systems can in some ways be described as ‘making a virtue of necessity’, since it’s an expense that businesses and institutions have to bear by law on which there is no obvious financial return. Of course, they appreciate that regulations are important but they still want to adhere to them with as little cost and disruption to their business as possible. This is perfectly understandable and it’s precisely in this area where Bosch can offer additional value.
The company has built a reputation for providing fire alarm and evacuation systems that are easy to install and operate, are fully functional and fully approved to the most demanding European and international standards. The EN certification is one of the most important aspects of Bosch’s integrated fire alarm and voice evacuation solutions. All products used in these solutions are not just in conformity with the required standards but fully certified after rigorous testing by independent laboratories. This gives the customer and the user a lot of security and peace of mind since it guarantees a very high technological level and extensive functionality. Integrated solutionsAnother important aspect that makes the company a serious contender in this area is its in-depth competence in both fire detection and voice evacuation. It therefore positions itself as a one-stop-shop able to provide complete integrated solutions. This is in marked contrast to many other vendors who can only partly offer these competencies. If they do offer both, they are obliged to use third party brands which could lead to compatibility issues.
Having the right building protection system gives everyone peace of mind, from property owners and security personnel to employees and visitors. But what suits large sites would be inappropriate and far too expensive for smaller sites. That’s where the Bosch approach wins. With their modular architecture, the company’s fire and voice evacuation systems can be tailored to any site. Beginning with reliable fire detection and continuing through advanced voice evacuation, the company delivers a secure investment for every kind of venue.
The integrated solutions from Bosch provide a complete safety chain built on a combination of proven systems, from early detection to orderly evacuation. Bosch detectors, renowned for their accuracy and reliability, indicate exactly where a hazard exists. And the voice evacuation system can transmit warnings to the affected area or the entire building or complex and initiate orderly evacuation with clear messages that keep everyone calm. Flexible interfaces and products for every project sizeFor small to medium sized sites, Bosch has the Fire Panel 1200 Series which supports up to 254 peripherals, and the Plena Voice Evacuation System which can support up to 60 zones and one or two channel operation.
An RS-232 interface module recently introduced by Bosch is used to integrate the Fire Panel 1200 and the Plena Voice Evacuation System. The new interface allows supervised control of up to 120 voice alarm triggers and ‘smart’ voice evacuation control via the Fire Panel 1200. This is considered unique because of the single manufacturer source and the significant reduction of cabling and hardware costs. Other manufacturers use dry contacts to connect their systems together, and the cabling this requires plus the work of installing the cables can be a large proportion of the installation costs.
For larger venues the 5000 Series Modular Fire Panel is usually the better option. A networked solution comprising the Praesideo fully-digital Public Address and Emergency Sound System and a 5000 Series Modular Fire Panel can intercommunicate via the Bosch Building Integration System (BIS). This advanced networked solution based around the BIS can accommodate up to 32000 peripherals and makes possible fast warning and phased evacuation in large building complexes in the event of fire. The BIS also works with worldwide open and tested IT-standards such as OPC, XML, HTML and Windows – which means that security programs from third parties can also be easily integrated.
One of the big benefits of the BIS is its graphical user interface based on Windows and using familiar Internet browser technology. If fire breaks out, the BIS interface provides easy visualization of the nature of the emergency. The BIS is also capable of starting predefined procedures and sending predefined warning messages over the Public Address and Voice Evacuation system. So it provides valuable support to security personnel and reduces the chances of mistakes, improving the safety of the whole complex.
Reliability from a technology leaderThe security chain is also fully EN-certified – approved for EN 54-2 and -4 for fire and for EN 54-16, EN 60849 and ISO 7240-16 for EVAC – and builds on the company’s experience of more than 80 years as a technology leader. Each system meets the highest standards for quality, safety, and functionality, and offers exceptional flexibility and options for expandability. The result is a future-proof, state-of-the-art installation with all elements from the same manufacturer, supported by a world leader in fire detection and voice evacuation. [ www.boschsecurity.com] |
