Skip to content

Future-Proof Fire Safety: How Wireless Tech Transformed a University

The University of Sussex, situated close to Brighton in southern England, is a premier institution for higher education and research. The university encountered challenges in making the campus safe for everyone, prompting them to seek support from CST. With 84 separate fire alarm systems integrated into the large campus, it was extremely difficult to oversee fire safety at all levels. This is where we stepped in to help. We incorporated our Gen2 Q software, which coordinated all of the individual systems together, enhancing the safety of all. 

 

Protecting
18605 +
Students
Integrating with
97
Fire Alarm Panels
Self-Testing
27936 +
Times a Day

A Need for Change

At the University of Sussex, ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff is paramount. This extensive campus, housing over 84 separate fire alarm systems, faced significant challenges in managing fire safety.

The existing wired systems, though functional, were inadequate for the vast area, resulting in delays in alerting and response times. Fragmented systems posed a considerable risk, prompting the University to seek a more reliable, integrated solution that could cover large areas effectively.

 

Seamless Implementation

The journey began with CST conducting a pre-installation RF signal survey across the campus to map out the best coverage areas. Key project partners, Mitie Fire and Security and Ladrillos Facilities LTD, played a crucial role in installing the AlarmCall Pro+ wireless network transmitters and fire alarm interfaces.

CST collaborated closely with the University's fire alarm provider to install the central receiving units (CRU) and Gen2 Q software in the security control room. The control room was equipped with two 27” touch screen monitors to display critical information: one monitor for fire and critical faults, and the other for general faults. Critical and general faults were also emailed to the SEF Helpdesk to be addressed by on-site fire maintenance teams.

A staged installation process allowed for the addition of 5-6 alarm interfaces daily, followed by rigorous signal testing. Despite the diversity of fire alarms across the campus, the AlarmCall Pro+ wireless interface transmitter integrated seamlessly with various panels, ensuring smooth and efficient data transmission to the Gen2 Q software.

Tangible Improvements

The implementation of CST's comprehensive solution yielded tangible results. The University witnessed a marked improvement in fire safety management, with prompt and efficient responses to fire events becoming the norm. Real-time alerts and comprehensive monitoring mechanisms empowered stakeholders to proactively address emergent situations, fostering a safer and more secure campus environment.

Looking Ahead

The University of Sussex's journey with CST's Gen2 Q System and AlarmCall Pro+ stands as a testament to the transformative power of innovative technology in enhancing campus safety. The seamless integration, real-time monitoring, and efficient response mechanisms have set a new standard for fire safety management, ensuring the well-being of the entire campus community.

 

  • Safety: Enhanced safety protocols resulted in swift and efficient responses to fire events, safeguarding lives and property.

Time Saved: Faster response times to fire alarms reduced potential injury or damage.

Cost Savings: The wireless setup minimised cabling and maintenance costs.

Efficiency: Improved efficiency and reliability in fire safety management boosted team confidence.

Comprehensive Reporting: Detailed daily, weekly, building-specific, and device-specific reports ensured thorough                                         monitoring and proactive maintenance.

A Revolutionary Solution

Enter CST's Gen2 Q System and AlarmCall Pro+. Launched on January 8th, 2024, this cutting-edge, wireless incident management system was poised to revolutionise fire safety management at the University. The Gen2 Q System, combined with AlarmCall Pro+ encrypted wireless network, promised real-time monitoring and centralisation of fire alarms and critical alerts, significantly enhancing safety protocols on campus.

The objective was clear: to provide a comprehensive system for managing, reporting, and responding promptly to fire alarm activations. The wireless design of AlarmCall Pro+ ensured broad coverage across large areas and future mobility, minimising the need for extensive cabling and reducing maintenance costs.

             

Real-Time Monitoring and Swift Response

The Gen2 Q application served as the heart of the system, overseeing crucial events such as fire alarms, critical faults, general faults, RF communication failures, and TCP link failures. Its bespoke dashboard interface provided real-time visibility of key data points, enabling swift decision-making and response protocols.

The Gen2 Q software also features a sophisticated fire messaging harvesting system. This system gathered and processed data from all connected fire alarms, aggregating it into actionable insights. The harvested data was then used to generate comprehensive reporting capabilities, generating daily, weekly, building-specific, and device-specific reports. This detailed reporting allowed for thorough monitoring and proactive maintenance, ensuring optimal performance of all fire safety components.

For instance, during a fire alert from a student accommodation, the system promptly displayed essential details like the event's total duration, time of event addition, alarm type, activation timestamp, and address zone implicated. This real-time data allowed for immediate evacuation procedures, significantly minimising risks to life and property.

Additional critical alarms have been connected to the system such as Disabled Toilets and Generator Alarms to alert key staff when there is a incident.