Smoke detector protects historic buildings!

Culturally important historical buildings can present some of the most challenging applications for fire detection. Ornate architecture - which often draws high visitor numbers - requires careful consideration and care, creating the need for discreet fire detection that preserves aesthetical impact, without causing structural damage. Many applications of this nature are home to priceless and irreplaceable assets, so accuracy is also essential. At the same time, the sensitivity required for adequate protection must not result in increased false alarms, and unnecessary visitor evacuations. A recent fire at the National Trust’s Clandon House, in Guilford (GB) - where a whole wing of the stately home was devastated when a blaze broke out in the basement, spreading quickly to the roof – illustrates the devastation a fire can have and why the earliest warning detection is essential. Honeywell’ FAAST LT Aspiration Smoke Detector is being used in an increasing number of historical buildings, thanks to a comprehensive feature set designed to meet EN54-20 Class B and C applications where aesthetics matter, maintenance is often difficult and reliable accuracy is demanded. Featuring a near-invisible sampling pipe network with minimal aesthetical impact, a single device can monitor up to 2,000 m2 (Class C) and 600 m2 (Class B) areas where many point detectors would otherwise be required. Only minimal maintenance is needed on the device itself, thanks to innovative two-stage ultrasonic airflow monitoring at the inlets and optical chambers, identifying issues like clogged sample holes before they become an issue, for maximised system uptime. These system attributes allow FAAST LT to easily adapt to the conditions that make most other fire detection methods problematic; namely high ceilings, complex architectural features, reduced maintenance needs and false alarm immunity in fluctuating environmental conditions. FAAST LT installations include a number of the World’s most famous historical buildings; St Luke’s Chapel, in Kings College, London; two of Sweden’s most culturally important churches – Kristine and Stora Kopparberg – located in Fauln; the Hagia Sophia Museum in Turkey – cited as the eighth wonder of the World for its architectural beauty and artefacts; the Abu Dhabi Presidential Palace; and the Minnesota Science Museum in the USA. Jonas Forslund, Project Manager for Dalarnas Säkerhets System AB, the fire safety integration company for Kristine and Stora Kopparberg Churches, comments on FAAST’s unique suitability and why this solution was recently chosen to preserve the two Fauln churches with over 1,000 years combined history. “We chose FAAST LT because it provides the highest safety provision, accuracy and false alarm immunity. This solution is ideal for aesthetically challenging locations where the architecture must be both preserved and showcased and the system’s IP65 rating and ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions is also attractive; both churches in Fauln feature hot and cold locations, which can cause issues for many other comparable detection methods.” FAAST LT’s simplified installation, integration and maintenance is cited as another key feature Jonas Forslund values. “It was essential to implement a system that was easy to design and install and one that could be integrated with the existing Eltek Delta Fire Alarm and infrastructure. With the addition of relays and input modules, we installed FAAST LT dual-channel, which provided full system information at the control panel.” With the ability to remotely mount the device in an easily accessible location, creating simplified ground-level testing, FAAST LT easily adapts to meet the challenges of culturally important structures – a further reason this device is fast becoming the fire detection solution of choice for the World’s most prized and valuable architecture and assets.