Kentec Electronics, a leading manufacturer of life-critical control systems, will be utilising Intersec 2022 to showcase how its latest wireless detection technology, Sigma and Taktis control panels have been designed to make the lives of installers and end users easier.  

Taking centre stage will be Kentec’s latest wireless mesh technology, which not only reduces installation costs and timescales, but also removes the design limitations associated with wired systems, such as building work, fire stopping and containment systems. The mesh technology provides enhanced reliability by providing multiple wireless communication routes between field devices and wireless translators, which provides unrivalled levels of redundancy.  

The Kentec team will be highlighting how a wireless translator module, which sits at the centre of the system, is hard-wired to the fire alarm control panel loop and communicates continuously with the wireless devices.   

The wireless systems’ next-generation capabilities include: a communication range of 1200 metres, up to eight times further than typical wireless devices; and detection device battery life of 10 years, twice that of typical systems. In addition to the devices all having LPCB approval, the system is also EN54-25 certified, and it is also the only wireless full-range fire detection system to have the radio equipment directive (RED) approval, which sets essential requirements for safety and health, electromagnetic compatibility, and the efficient use of the radio spectrum.  

Now available for general purchase following full BETA field testing in the UK, Europe and South Africa Kentec’s Sigma ZXT single-area extinguishing control panel will be another principal element of the Kentec stand. New functionality, improved display and multiple configuration options for a targeted response to a fire incident further Sigma XT’s market-leading reputation for user-friendly reliability.    

Building on hundreds of thousands Sigma XT sales in nearly 90 countries, the Sigma ZXT provides additional features, controls and indications for a single-area extinguishing release system, enabling targeted extinguishing that limits damage and reduces costs. Three conventional detection zones provide the alarm ‘trigger’ required to activate the release of extinguishant, and the system can be configured to release the extinguishant on an alarm from any single zone or combination of multiple zones.  

A new feature on the Sigma ZXT is the event log which records event data from the panel such as alarms, faults, operation, configuration changes etc. along with a time and date stamp. This historical visibility is critical for diagnostics, identifying the cause of alarms and faults, as well as reasons for activations. Up to 1000 events can be stored within the panel which can be viewed through the LCD or can be downloaded and saved using Kentec’s LE2 software.  

As Kentec’s flagship control panel, Taktis will be a vital part of its Intersec demonstrations and industry discussions. Available in up to 16 loops, it provides up to 144 zone indications, and supports more than 2,000 detection devices. It can network up to 127 panels, making it ideal for the largest sites such as schools, hospitals, multi-site retail/supermarkets, critical infrastructure and major commercial and industrial facilities.   

Kevin Swann, Managing Director at Kentec, says the business is eager to showcase Kentec’s life safety systems’ latest developments and what benefits they are bringing to installers and end users:   

“The Sigma ZXT, for example, is fully programmable through the front fascia, with clear password and access menu structures for easy configuration,” he says. “With straight-forward separate access for users and engineers the product is designed to be easy to use for both installer and end user. Single-area functionality enables targeted extinguishing that has clear benefits for the end user and installer. And to support our existing Sigma XT customers, the Sigma ZXT is fully backward compatible with the legacy SI status units, along with all the ancillary devices and components.” 

Commenting on the Kentec’s wireless technology, Kevin adds: “It is simple to design and enables fast commissioning, which means systems can be installed in a matter of days – and because it can be designed, programmed and commissioned from the complementary software prior to installation, there is less time required on site – also important for Covid-safety measures,” he says.  

Kentec stand number: Hall 4, Stand A20 

Case study

Alien Systems and Technologies, based in South Africa, was one of the Kentec Authorised Distributors (KAD) involved in the Sigma ZXT BETA testing. It installed the Sigma ZXT at a Motor Control Centre (MCC) substation with a total of 15 Pyroshield IG55 cylinders and an Oil Lubrication Room using a Pyrostorm dry chemical powder automatic extinguishing system. Grant Wilkinson of Alien Systems and Technologies says the customer originally ordered Kentec’s Sigma XT panels, but was so taken by the ZXT’s extra features they decided to upscale:   

“The key selling point was the secure event logger, and also compelling was the option of a programmable second actuation circuit meaning the customer can add rooms to the fire protection system as and when required.”   Summarising the business’ take on the ZXT, Grant adds: “Most of us here are Star Trek fans, you can see by the name of the company. I always like Romulan War Bird Disruptors. Now Kentec has a disruptor and it’s called the ZXT.”

Patrick Carnell, Managing Director of PJC Electrical, an installer on the KIP scheme that installed Kentec’s wireless technology, says the range’s ‘self-healing’ mesh technology significantly increases its reliability and system performance:   

“It means the system utilises additional transmission routes if one signal is broken and adapts automatically to changing operating conditions.”   Commenting on its ease of use, he says: “We were able to programme the devices at our offices, so when we got on site it was just a matter of fixing and turning them on. Spending less time on site benefits us, and also provides peace of mind to the occupiers. I will definitely be using and recommending for future projects.”