Why this North London recycling site turned to Siemens for fire safety
Iain Hoey
Share this content
Fire detection system installed at Islington Waste Recycling Centre
Siemens has reported that its Cerberus PRO fire detection system has been installed at the Islington Waste Recycling Centre in North London.
The project replaced a 20-year-old system to address evolving waste management fire risks.
According to Siemens, the site handles mixed recyclable waste including plastics, paper, cardboard, wood and rubber.
It said the growing presence of disposable vapes and battery fires has increased the hazard profile.
The facility is one of seven in North London that together process 820,000 tonnes of waste and recycling each year.
Partnership with TP Fire and Security
The installation was delivered in partnership with TP Fire and Security.
Siemens noted that TP Fire and Security is an approved partner and a long-standing provider of fire detection and alarm services to Islington Council.
The firm explained that TP operates from offices in Norfolk, Essex and the Midlands, delivering design, installation and maintenance services nationwide.
TP Fire and Security became an approved partner after Tom Warner joined the business as a fire safety engineer.
Warner had previously worked with Siemens systems and identified the Cerberus PRO as well suited to the Islington site.
Features of the Cerberus PRO system
The Cerberus PRO was selected for its ability to avoid false alarms in dusty environments.
Siemens stated that its advanced signal analysis (ASA) detectors use tailored parameters to distinguish between actual fires and deceptive triggers such as dust.
This configuration reduces disruption while maintaining early detection capability.
Kevin Harris, Technical Design Manager at TP Fire and Security, said: “The Cerberus Pro system was perfect for this environment, with the detectors’ particular capability to operate in such a dusty environment.
“The project went very well, taking some seven days to complete, all while the waste facility was open and operational.”
System layout across the facility
Three Cerberus PRO panels have been installed.
They connect to ASA detectors and manual call points via the existing compliant cabling.
The setup includes 69 detectors in the basement, 38 on the ground floor, and 52 across the first and second floors including the plant room.
A further 74 detectors are located in the tipping hall and 42 in the offices.
Siemens highlighted that the system supports rapid detection in environments where the available reaction time is short.
Experience in waste sector applications
Siemens has extensive experience in protecting waste processing facilities worldwide.
It worked closely with TP Fire and Security to ensure the installation met all relevant fire safety regulations and standards.
Waste sites contain combustible materials and can present ignition sources from processing equipment.
The company indicated that the Cerberus PRO technology is designed to address these hazards.
It added that systems of this type play a role in preventing escalation of small incidents.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
This installation shows the use of fire detection systems tailored to industrial and environmental demands.
It underlines the operational value of false alarm immunity.
It also demonstrates the importance of customised fire safety measures for waste facilities handling combustible materials.
Siemens Cerberus PRO deployed at Islington Waste Recycling Centre: Summary
Siemens reported that its Cerberus PRO fire detection system has been installed at the Islington Waste Recycling Centre in North London.
The project replaced a 20-year-old system.
It addressed risks from disposable vapes and battery fires.
The site processes plastics, paper, cardboard, wood and rubber.
TP Fire and Security installed the system.
The setup used three Cerberus PRO panels and ASA detectors.
ASA detectors reduce false alarms in dusty environments.
Detectors were installed across the basement, floors, tipping hall and offices.
The system meets relevant fire safety standards.
Siemens has global experience in waste facility protection.
