Siemens continues to focus on eradicating false alarms through its patented ASA (Advanced Signal Analysis) detectors which provide unparalleled detection response and false alarm immunity.
With the new policy introduced in 2023 by the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) whereby they will no longer attend automatic fire alarm call outs to commercial business and workplace premises unless confirmation of a fire has been provided, the need to reduce false alarms and continue to build confidence in automatic fire detection (AFD) systems has never been greater.
The Siemens ASA technology enables its partners to install smoke detection in areas where thermal detection would ordinarily be necessary. Crucially, it also offers a guarantee against false alarms.
The ASA detectors are part of the Siemens Cerberus PRO comprehensive EN54-13 approved fire alarm system. Under its ongoing commitment to its ‘Smarter Protection Matters’ philosophy through which the company’s offering is constantly being developed, Siemens is now on the IP8 version of Cerberus PRO.
Higher power
One of the central features of the new IP8 version is the introduction of a 1.5A per line high power driver which, importantly, allows more devices to be installed on a single loop, increasing flexibility and improving efficiency. Compared to the previous capacity for the number of EN54-23 devices possible, the new IP8 loop cards can accommodate more than double. While the majority of addressable systems are wired as a loop, some may have spurs. The Cerberus PRO system can also support this, up to a maximum of 40 spurs per loop. The Siemens development team responsible for IP8 have worked hard to optimise efficiencies which, despite the increase in power, has resulted in smaller batteries and housings.
Disturbance-free testing
Another feature of the Cerberus PRO IP8 system is the disturbance-free function testing (DFT) capabilities. Through remote services, maintenance can be simplified and business interruption minimised with monitoring and periodic testing of devices undertaken off-site. This is across devices on the system, from detectors and voice messaging to sounders and beacons. Silent load testing and activation of the devices which are unnoticeable to occupants also help to further reduce any impact on day-to-day operations, particularly in busy public and commercial buildings.
Many of the checks can be performed automatically without the need for any human intervention. For example, detectors, sounders and beacons can be configured to conduct disturbance-free function tests every 24 hours, emitting a very low level of sound and light invisible and inaudible to the human senses. If a fault is identified, an event is sent to the control panel which is visible through the Cerberus PRO cloud apps. This regular testing also ensures that on-site service visits can be planned with more information available in advance, allowing any specific issues to be addressed with prior knowledge.
Open Protocol
Cerberus PRO is an open protocol system, allowing other systems such as building management (BMS), CCTV and access control to be easily integrated.
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