Plotting a new course for Saudi fire safety with Advanced
Iain Hoey
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Sasi Kumar, General Manager Middle East and Africa at Advanced, discusses current and future fire-safety trends in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has seen significant development of fire safety technology during the last two years.
New trends are emerging, in particular, UL fire safety systems are gaining popularity.
Fire systems are needed to protect both large sites such as shopping centres, schools, universities and hospitals, as well as high-rise residential projects.
Advanced’s networked systems are the perfect fit for these challenges as they are fully scalable to suit virtually any application including ‘campus’ style and high-rise style configurations.
Advanced’s UL 864-10th Edition-approved Axis AX is a versatile fire alarm system combining addressable panels with audio systems, command centres and a comprehensive range of wired devices including CO detectors offering superior performance, quality and ease of use.
End-users will be in complete control thanks to its networking capabilities, configuration options and comprehensive cause-and-effect programming.
An impressive feature of the Axis AX is its scalability, being able to deliver fast, reliable, communications from a two-panel network right up to a large 200-node network.
Very few manufacturers offer the capacity to connect to up to 200 panels, making the Axis AX ideal for small and large projects.
Evacuating safely
Another emerging trend in Saudi Arabia is that high-rise residential buildings require a fire alarm system with voice evacuation.
Fortunately, the flexible Axis AX offers integrated audio for automatic (and manual) alarm signalling and live voice paging.
These features are critical for residential buildings as Saudi Arabia has many high-rise apartment blocks over 10 floors high.
As fire engine evacuation ladders do not extend to the higher floors it’s imperative to be able to evacuate the building easily.
Axis AX’s voice evacuation can store 16 pre-recorded messages allowing the panel to operate autonomously to evacuate a building if the fire brigade isn’t present.
It offers simple three-channel audio (evacuate, alert, page) and complex multi-channel mass notification.
A message can be prioritised, vital if an evacuation strategy changes during an emergency.
If the fire brigade is present, Axis AX provides telephone communication channels which are integrated into the system with a telephone handset ensuring maximum safety.
The fire and emergency telephone system identifies the location of the field telephone users during emergencies and users can plug a telephone into an Axis AX fire panel to communicate the situation on a given floor speeding up evacuation.
But problems can occur with voice evacuation if the audio doesn’t sync and people hear multiple messages.
To solve this the Axis AX range features PerfectSync which ensures audio synchronisation even over large networks where it is possible to deliver a message from the first panel to the 200th with fast messaging to aid fast evacuation.
This clarity is ideal for tall residential buildings or large shopping centres or universities.
EN and UL
Saudi Arabia and the Middle East is a unique market where both UL and EN fire-safety solutions are used.
Not all fire protection solution companies cover both requirements but Advanced can help customers that need both systems with our Axis AX and Axis EN ranges.
The Axis ranges are not only robust and versatile, but also easy to use – from installation and commissioning to servicing, maintenance and day-to-day operation.
Like the Axis AX, the Axis EN can similarly support networks of up to 200 panels and networks can be combined to create large systems making it ideal for complex, large-scale installations.
Whether networking wide-area, high-risk sites, remotely monitoring networked sites, or integrating with building management systems (BMS), intuitive software and panel navigation make setup straightforward.
Hybrid
Another trend gaining ground in the Saudi Arabian region is wireless fire-alarm technology.
This mirrors the situation in Europe where it is estimated the wireless fire alarm sector will increase by 10% from 2023 to 2032 due to new infrastructure and ongoing Government investment.
With wireless technology tried and tested in Europe, the Middle East is prioritising wireless solutions, especially following the development of robust, reliable Mesh technology.
Wireless fire alarm systems are also an attractive solution for retrofitting, since buildings do not have to run cables.
However, some wireless systems also integrate with existing fire alarm systems when an upgrade is required, creating a hybrid system, such as the Advanced Axis EN.
Because of their availability and cost viability, hybrid systems are expanding and account for the largest system type in the wireless fire alarm sector.
Avoiding complacency
False fire alarms are another issue in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
In fact, ‘how to overcome false fire alarms’ is one of the most common questions installers ask when they visit Advanced’s stand at Intersec.
False alarms can cause financial, operational and reputational damage and costly downtime.
Where they occur frequently, they also put lives at risk through fire alarm complacency.
At Advanced our Axis EN minimises unwanted alarms thanks to its built-in false alarm management and reduction software, AlarmCalm.
This allows easy, flexible configuration of false alarm strategies and provides control of verification and investigation delays thanks to its unique use of ‘building areas’, independent of fire zones, for programming.
It offers the precise application of different false alarm strategies across various parts of a building.
Hotel kitchens, bathrooms and conference rooms require very different approaches and AlarmCalm provides the freedom to choose the right one.
Since demand for fire safety systems is increasing in Saudi Arabia, Advanced is also looking to expand its presence in the Kingdom.
The company has distribution partners in the Middle East and is actively looking for new partners in Saudi Arabia.
To partner with Advanced or to find out more about the latest trends in fire safety systems, visit Advanced on stand 3-C36, Intersec Saudi Arabia 2024, which will take place from 1 – 3 October 2024 at Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center (RICEC).
For further information on Advanced and all our products Email: [email protected] or visit: https://uk.advancedco.com
