Cygnus has launched its new entirely wireless, EN54 compliant SmartNet fire alarm system range. This new system is designed to deliver a reliable, safe solution, significant reductions on fire alarm installation times as well as reduced costs for fire alarm installers, specifiers, M&E contractors and consultants. 

The Cygnus SmartNet system comprises a comprehensive range of EN54 compliant and Construction Products Regulation (CPR 305/2011) certified fire detection and alarm devices suitable for permanent installation across all types of building environment.

These include a choice of Radio Bases, with and without Sounders and Visual Indicators; Optical Smoke, Type B Heat Detectors, PIR Detectors and a Combi detector, which has a smoke and A1R sensor, together with Ceiling and Wall-Mounted Visual Alarm Devices, Call Points and Interface.

With the capability for 511 devices to operate on one wireless system, a SmartNet network is built on a combination of these battery powered radio devices, operating on a self-forming, self-healing mesh network using the SmartNet wireless protocol across 10 frequency channels operating at 865-868 MHz.

A minimum of two communication paths to each wireless device and innovative channel-hopping technology makes the network extremely reliable, protecting against the risk of broken communication links, network redundancy and interference.

In addition, SmartNet devices feature a long radio range, extending up to 350m (unobstructed), with the help of a 360^o directional antenna. SmartNet enables installers to design 16, 32, 64, and 96 zone panel options with the possibility to network up to five panels together in a single system.

A fully wireless system

Austen Wells, Sales Manager at Cygnus, said the wireless system is a game changer for installers: “For the first time, it offers the sector a fully wireless system, which is quick and easy to install, and can be scaled effectively from small to large installations. As this system is designed to be fitted by SmartNet Certified Partners, Cygnus offers full training and technical support to its partners. SmartNet brings significant operational and installation benefits of wireless technology to the market, with no need for wired boosters, translators or any other wired element, it removes the often stressful first fix stage of an install.”

The SmartNet system reduces engineering time and the overall project cost by eliminating the need for cabling during installation, enabling faster and easier installation on new buildings, where project timescales are often extremely pressurised.

It also opens up the retrofit opportunity since wireless installation minimises occupant disruption and reduces the cost of rewiring. The wireless mesh network system also requires no gateway expanders or loop-powered translating devices to speed up installation still further.

BS 5839 and EN54 compliant

As a BS 5839 and EN54 compliant system, SmartNet eliminates the need for fire-resistant cabling, restrictions on device locations and multiple loops, which need to be protected against failure. The wireless system offers increased safety as there is no requirement for cable damage mitigation, no combustible fixings, no possibility of inadequate wiring and no risk of circuit overloading or high circuit loads.

The system is configured and commissioned using a Windows-based configuration tool on a PC, tablet or mobile device. The software includes an easy-to-use menu to guide engineers through each stage of the configuration and commissioning process, making the installation process as easy as possible. The tool also permits system diagnostics using any Windows device.

The SmartNet touch screen Control Panel offers a complete overview of the system as well as the capability to send reports about the alarms, low battery alerts, and faults, which are all identifiable by location. SmartNet is compliant with all relevant EN54 standards and can also be installed, serviced, and maintained in accordance with BS 5839-1.