Case Studies

Cathedral case study

by Mark Rowe

Peterborough Cathedral has a rich and varied history; fire has, unfortunately, been a recurring theme, dating from 1116 when an accidental blaze destroyed large parts. It was rebuilt in its present form between 1118 and 1238. In 2001 it experienced another fire – believed to have been started deliberately – in plastic chairs stored in the North Choir Aisle. It was spotted by one of the vergers, which led to a swift response by emergency services. Oily smoke was particularly damaging, coating much of the building with a sticky black layer.

A fire detection system is a key part of its infrastructure. It offers an early warning in the event of another fire.

In late 2011 Peterborough Cathedral recognised that its fire detection system was coming towards the end of its life and highly disruptive unwanted alarms made installation of a new one urgent. Having had its services recommended by one of the other companies working at the cathedral, Walsall based fire and security solutions specialist, Lyrico Systems, was invited to visit as part of a competitive tender.

Lyrico Systems’ Mike Palmer, the company’s managing director, says: ‘It was clear that the previous system needed replacing and, given the size and scale of the area that needed to be covered, we knew that only state-of-the-art technology could ensure the requisite level of protection. As a result, our proposal centred on the installation of a Hochiki Europe addressable fire detection system which would offer Peterborough Cathedral excellent reliability and performance.’

Lyrico Systems was awarded the contract in early 2012 and began work in April. The fire detection is based around the Enhanced Systems Protocol (ESP) and Jayne Dunn, Hochiki Europe’s regional sales manager, says: ‘ESP is a total communications solution for intelligent fire detection and fully integrated systems. It has a multi-purpose structure that provides the flexibility and expansion to accommodate simple addressable systems through to building management and other safety systems. It is also highly robust and therefore perfectly suited for Peterborough Cathedral, as maximum reliability and minimum disruption from unwanted alarms are essential.’

The system comprises a variety of Hochiki Europe devices, including the YBO-R/3 sounder mounting base, which is coloured red for identification and designed for use with the company’s range of wall sounders – such as the CHQ-WS2 wall sounder and the CHQ-WSB wall sounder beacon – which were used throughout.

These were complemented by the use of ALG-EN optical smoke sensors that minimise the differences in sensitivity experienced in flaming and smouldering fires. Lyrico Systems specified a number of CHQ-POM powered-output modules and CHQ-AB loop powered addressable beacons.

Although there were some problems accessing and utilising the existing cabling, the project was completed on time. Mike Palmer says: ‘The ability to use a standard YBN-R/3 base unit offered us significant time and cost savings. However, while fast installation is obviously a good thing, with Hochiki Europe it’s also backed up with excellent levels of reliability.’

Since work was completed in June 2012, no unwanted alarms have been reported. Richard Cattle, assistant to the dean and head of fundraising for Peterborough Cathedral adds: ‘Its somewhat troubled history is part of what gives our Cathedral such a rich and wonderful heritage, as well as its blend of diverse and interesting architecture. We obviously want to protect it so that many more people can experience this fantastic building and I’m confident that our new Hochiki fire detection system will ensure they remain safe while they do so.’

For further information visit www.hochikieurope.com.

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