Is your fire detection system fully protected?

If your fire detection system isn't protected, you are opening yourself up to potential system faults and failures. ADT Fire & Security, investigates the problems that exists with open systems

Cutting edge technology behind the latest systems has achieved the ultimate in fire detection. Users can have the most complex event/action programming for the utmost flexibility whilst maintaining a simple operation function. With MZX Technology from ADT for example, powerful software driving the detection panels enables up to 3,000 event action groups for the most complex applications, with even the smallest of systems also benefiting from the available intelligence.

Flexibility is central to this system. Programmable panels allow the user to stipulate a system’s reaction dependent on the time, date or location, control the sequence of events and build in co-incidence, double knock and delay functions. Algorithms can also determine the type of fire and indeed whether it is a fire at all. All this reduces the potential for time wasting false alarms and, in the event of a fire, it manages any evacuation procedures as effectively as possible.

To get it right, a huge amount of sequential plotting and crisis planning is required and once programmed in, it’s important that this data is protected. It is therefore surprising that so many companies open themselves up to having this compromised, by allowing unrestricted access to their system - effectively increasing the risk to themselves.

A fire detection system is always evolving as demands change, whether down to alterations in room or area use, a building extension or a required upgrade. Having the flexibility for any competent contractor to add in or change any addressable devices is of course important. Yet many confuse this capability with the need to have a completely open system - and this just isn’t the case. Having the option to use any brand or model of device might seem appealing from a procurement perspective. However, if any fault occurs then diagnosis can become a nightmare if many different manufacturers are involved.

Protected systems are therefore preferable, due to a number of factors. Firstly, system access can be strictly managed. With MZX Technology up to 15 levels of access control are available, meaning rights can be controlled based on the need and expertise of the user accessing it.

With any complex system there are areas of the software that need never be accessed and yet are fundamental to the system operation. There are also algorithms and advanced manager and engineer functions that only the highly trained should be trusted to work with. With MZX Technology, permissions can be set from the outset to ensure that safety is never compromised by incorrect programming, accidental deletions or overwrites.

Protected systems are also designed on the premise that all the component parts come from the same provider, so the detectors, panels, call points, interfaces, special detectors and so on, all work harmoniously together.

Such integrated systems mean that if any device needs to be added or upgraded this can be done seamlessly as every piece of equipment is configured in the same way. This saves hugely in terms of cost and time when it comes to retro-fitting the latest technology or changing the type of device required in any given situation.
This also offers major benefits when it comes to troubleshooting and fault finding. If, for example, a programmed event/action group fails, finding which component is to blame can be a long and difficult process.

With a fully integrated system from one provider the responsibility lies squarely with them to ascertain which element of the system is at fault. If, however, the detectors, control panel and interface are all from different manufacturers, it often proves difficult to work out where the problem lies.

MZX Technology, from ADT Fire & Security, has now been incorporated into panels for smaller loop systems, meaning whatever the size or complexity of the project users now have access to the most powerful digital addressable fire detection system available.

The MZX125 panel provides a 2km single loop of 125 addresses and 16 zones, making it ideal for small to medium sized premises, whilst the MZX250 provides a 2km single loop of 250 addresses and 32 zones, for medium to larger applications. Both form part of the MZX Technology range of highly featured digital addressable panels, that boast comprehensive but easy to operate user interfaces and share the well established firmware from the MZX range.

Both MZX125 and MZX250 benefit from a powerful user interface which permanently displays the system status, with a scroll function that allows details of all events and status to be easily viewed. The temperature, CO level and smoke levels are displayed at point of alarm and a 95 character custom message can be programmed for emergency procedures.

The panels include advanced manager and engineer functions including detailed fault reporting, multi-level password protection, isolation by point, zone or sector and the capability to view or print maintenance reports.

Powerful event/action programming allows over 3000 groups, time, date and special day programming and a wide range of co-incidence, double knock and delay functions - with standard templates for fast programming, or user defined templates both available.

MZX Technology is robust enough to operate over most cable types, making it an ideal choice for upgrades where existing cables can be re-used to dramatically cut costs. MZX Technology is also fully protected to ensure safety is never compromised - resulting in the most reliable system on the market today.

Fire detection systems represent one of the most crucial elements of risk reduction in terms of both human safety and business continuity. Any investment should therefore never be compromised by open access, which could leave the system vulnerable. Whatever your requirement, ADT can offer a complete system for your business that is tailored to your needs.

Visit: adt.co.uk/fire, Tel: 0800 988 1133 or email: adtuk.fire@tycoint.com