Working with the installer Freedom Fire and Security Maintenance, the manufacturer of life safety systems, Hochiki Europe, has provided products to the new International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) outside Lincoln.
As part of the estimated £16m project, which opened in January, the Lincoln-based fire and security firm Freedom, were asked to specify and install a fire alarm without disrupting the aesthetics of the site. Freedom selected products from the Hochiki’s ESP range of intelligent addressable fire detection and alarm equipment.
Freedom opted to use black sensors (also available are ivory and white) to minimise their visual presence at the centre. It was for this same reason that the sensors had to be carefully positioned around the building, after multiple site surveys.
In total, 58 optical smoke sensors were installed throughout the site, plus three heat sensors, 23 remote LED indicators and 14 manual call points. All devices are controlled via two intelligent fire panels provided by Kentec Electronics, part of the Hochiki group of companies.
James Slater, manager at Freedom, said: “These innovative solutions from Hochiki Europe have allowed us to offer the centre reliable and flexible solutions that protect these important records from behind the scenes. The fact that the ESP range features an open protocol is an added bonus for us, as it gives us even more flexibility on system design and installation.”
Neil Eves, Systems Sales Manager at Hochiki Europe, said: “Due to high occupancy levels and complex layouts, museums and other large facilities, such as the International Bomber Command Centre, are particularly challenging environments when it comes to life safety. Our ESP range ensures all spaces can be protected to regulations efficiently, ensuring the safety of visitors and employees. In buildings where aesthetics and design are also important, it’s vital to consider equipment which doesn’t compromise on the overall look and feel of the space. Using black sensors from our ESP range was key to achieving this in the new Lincoln memorial.”
For more on Hochiki’s ESP intelligent product range, visit: www.hochikieurope.com/esp.
