Fire Fighting Enterprises News - from Halma PR - visit www.ffeuk.com

Fire Fighting Enterprises Ltd., the leading optical beam smoke detection company, will be showcasing their latest technological developments – including the FIRERAY 5000 Multi Head and new installation accessories – at Firex South, 16-17th March 2010 at Sandown Exhibition Centre.

Fire Fighting Enterprises to display new Multi Head FIRERAY Optical Beam Smoke Detector at Firex South 2010

Representatives from the company will be manning stand H15, in addition to holding a free half-hour seminar (14:45 on Tuesday 16th) on how to get the best out of beam detection. Optical beam smoke detectors are designed for ‘wide-area’ smoke detection – in large, open spaces, where use of traditional ‘point’ type detectors may be impractical, inappropriate or ineffective forms of fire protection, beam detectors offer a viable alternative in terms of both cost and efficacy.

The seminar will introduce the technology, its benefits and uses, and also offer guidance on best practices for installation and continued usage. The aim is that it should prove both informative and useful for visitors with a broad range of experience levels – from those who have yet to encounter beams before, to those who install them as a matter of routine.

FFE’s latest development is the Multi Head FIRERAY 5000, which builds upon the features and success of the motorised auto-aligning reflective beam detector, allowing up to four detector heads to be connected to and managed by one single controller unit. The beams can still be configured independently of each other, however they share one set of fire and fault relays per controller. This allows an even greater reduction in installation and wiring complexity when covering large or unorthodox-shaped areas, above and beyond the usual benefits of beam detection.

Comments (0) »

Jon Ben, formerly Head of Engineering at Fire Fighting Enterprises Ltd., has been appointed Technical Director at the company. This reflects his experience, expertise, and the excellent work he has done in overseeing and directing product development, technical support and product training for the company.

Jon Ben promoted to Technical Director of Fire Fighting Enterprises Ltd.

Jon has over 25 years experience in highly regulated manufacturing industries and has brought many world-class products to market in the defence, industrial, medical and fire sectors. At FFE, he has been heavily involved in the development and refinement of the Fireray 5000 optical beam smoke detector, which incorporates an array of innovative technologies to make it the most advanced beam type smoke detector available today.

Jon and his team have also recently launched the new Multi Head variant, which allows up to 4 Fireray 5000 detector heads to be connected to and managed by one single control panel – a truly unique feature in the beam detector market.

Ian Steel, Managing Director of FFE, commented: “Jon’s work as Head of Engineering has been exceptional, and he has shown both the skills and the drive necessary to merit his new role and title as Technical Director.”

Comments (0) »

Fire Fighting Enterprises has developed the technology to allow multiple Fireray 5000 optical beam smoke detector heads to operate from one single control unit. The Fireray 5000 Multi Head has up to 4 beam transceivers connected to, and managed by, one low-level system controller. This offers savings in the costs on time, power, installation, wiring, and maintenance. Multiple detector heads mean that one system can detect smoke over an even larger area, and the heads can be positioned for total coverage of unorthodox indoor spaces.

Fireray 5000 Multi Head Optical Beam Smoke Detector

The Fireray 5000 is already at the forefront of optical beam detection technology, with a motorised auto-aligning beam and automatic gain compensation features. During installation, the beam head will automatically adjust its aim to point directly at the reflective prism plate, with a visible laser aiding initial setup. Over time, the features will ensure that the beam stays on target and that it retains the correct signal sensitivity – counteracting against the effects of building shift, and the buildup of dust and dirt.

Each detector head can be independently configured from the single system controller to operate at a distance from 8m to 100m, with the capability for separate alarm threshold conditions (sensitivity and time) for each one. The controller then has one common set of fire and fault relays that apply to all attached heads for simplicity when communicating with a fire panel. The Multi Head Fireray 5000 has already gained worldwide approvals including LPCB, CPD, UL*. A comprehensive datasheet for the product, as well as the full list of worldwide approvals and certificates, can be found on the new Fire Fighting Enterprises website at www.ffeuk.com .

* Relating to UK, Europe and USA respectively.

Comments (0) »

Up to four beam detectors on one controller saves on installation
Corinth, Texas (September 22, 2009) –The Fireray 5000 optical beam smoke detector from Fire Fighting Enterprises (FFE) delivers wide area coverage for large indoor spaces.  With the introduction of its new Multi Head System, the Fireray 5000 becomes the first and only UL/ULC Listed, motorized, auto align, self correcting beam smoke detector that allows up to four beam detectors to installed as one system.  With a single system controller, the Multi Head Fireray 5000 significantly reduces both time and cost for installation, wiring, and power supply.

The new Multi Head system enables up to four beam heads in a common locale to be spaced out or oriented to cover unorthodox-shaped areas.  The system controller retains one set of fire and fault relay contacts that are common for all detectors connected to that controller.  However, each detector configures independently and maintains its own range, fire obscuration threshold and fire/fault delay settings.

Each detector head beam can be fully adjusted, controlled and annually tested from the low-level system controller.  In addition to requiring fewer system controllers, a built in Laser Pointer for simplified prism placement; two conductor wiring between the detector and controller; and a complete line of accessories all reduce the time, effort and expense of installation.  With only one controller for four heads, the Multi Head Fireray 5000 draws a much lower current, also saving on operating costs over the life of the system. 

The Fireray 5000’s AGC (Automatic Gain Compensation) monitors and reacts to environmental changes such as dust accumulation.  Its Auto-Optimize feature automatically self corrects, ensuring alignment of the infra-red beam with the reflective prism, even in the event of gradual building settling  The need for costly, risky and time consuming re-alignment and maintenance from atop ladders or lifts is eliminated.

The UL/ULC approved Multi Head Fireray 5000 is stocked, ready to ship, from FFE’s new Kentucky distribution center.  To request a demonstration or discuss possible beam detection applications, contact the US sales office (rbarker@ffeuk.com; 940-271-0435), or visit the company’s website, www.ffeuk.com.

Comments (0) »

Fire Fighting Enterprises is proud to confirm that two of their beam-type smoke detection systems, the FIRERAY 2000 and FIRERAY 5000, have recently been certified by the China National Test Centre (CNTC) and are approved for sale and use throughout the country. This certification is in addition to the approvals already awarded by the relevant authorities in the UK, the USA, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden and Belgium.

The FIRERAY 5000 is the latest beam detector from FFE, featuring laser-guided installation, motorised auto-alignment and optimisation, and automatic gain and drift compensation technology as well as a compact ground-level control unit. These features work independently and collectively to make the wide-area smoke detection system easier than ever to install, set up, operate and maintain – as well as reducing the chance of false alarms.

Research by the company indicated that the vast majority of false alarms and problems with beam detection systems were due to incorrect installation or setup, but the new manual guidance and automatic alignment features will help to prevent this. FFE also provides training, after-sales service support, and an extensive product guide to help make the most of their unique products.

Beam-type smoke detectors are particularly suited to installations involving large, spacious areas: shopping centres, car parks, schools, airports, warehouses and places of public gathering. By detecting smoke along a corridor of space with an infra-red beam that is reflected off a plate on the opposite wall, each FIRERAY 5000 unit can cover an area of approximately 1500m2. The FIRERAY 2000 operates similarly, however it is an end-to-end detector that uses separate heads for beam transmission and reception. Beam detectors’ large area coverage means less units, reduced wiring, and faster and less intrusive installation compared to the 14 or so traditional point-type detectors that would be needed to effectively cover the same space.

Comments (0) »

The deluxe Caja Mágica tennis complex in Madrid, Spain, recently opened and hosted the Mutua Madrileña Open Tournament from 8th-17th May 2009. As a part of its fire safety system, the venue is using around 50 assorted Fireray 50R and Fireray 100R beam-type smoke detectors to help protect the large indoor spaces created by the three main, fully coverable stadiums.

With its largest stadium holding up to 12,500 spectators, and all three benefiting from retractable rain covers, effective fire safety throughout the large indoor area poses potential challenges. Reflective beam detectors, such as the Fire Fighting Enterprises Fireray models that have been installed, are designed specifically for situations such as this with each unit’s beam able to sense smoke over a wide corridor of space.

Mr Jorge Cimorra of the local distributor TASC, explained the choice of the Fireray products for such a prestigious project by the system installer AGUILERA: “The Fireray 50R and 100R beam detectors are tried and tested products for detecting smoke over big, indoor spaces – and that’s exactly what this installation needed. The minimal cabling and wall mounting are also really useful in a situation like this as well.”

One Fireray 100R can detect smoke over an area as great as 1500m² that would usually need about 15 point detectors to safely protect. An inherent benefit is the reduced aesthetic impact, as well as requiring a fraction of the cabling and maintenance due to the reduced number of detectors needed.

Comments (0) »

On 11th May 2009, in the NEC Birmingham at International Firex 2009, Fire Fighting Enterprises of Hitchin, Hertfordshire, were presented with their Queen’s Award for International Trade by His Royal Highness, Prince Michael of Kent.

Ian Steel, MD, and most of the sales team were on the stand to receive the coveted prize that served to recognise their continued exceptional achievements in export sales over the last 4 years. Most of the morning had been spent showcasing to visitors the company’s brand new product, the FireRay 5000 Multi-Head: a variant on the successful auto-aligning, self adjusting original FireRay 5000 beam-type smoke detector.

After being briefly shown around the stand and being introduced to both the technology and the people behind FFE’s success, the Prince congratulated Ian and the sales staff and formally presented them with the scroll detailing their award, signed by both the Queen and the Prime Minister. After the presentation, Ian said: “We’re all delighted to receive this, and it feels fantastic to have our continuing success around the world recognised at such a high level. It’s also a great encouragement to keep developing the products and sales channels that have led up to this, and maybe we can get another award!”

Fire Fighting Enterprises has made its name as the world’s leading manufacturer of beam-type smoke detectors: these use directed infra-red light to detect the presence of smoke over large, open areas. Recent technological developments have led to new features such as the incorporation of a motorised auto-alignment function, which works to aid installation and maintain a constant level of protection even in the event of building shift. International Firex 2009 also saw the launch of the Fireray 5000 Multi-Head, which allows multiple detector heads to be controlled by one control panel.

Comments (0) »

Fire Fighting Enterprises Ltd., the leading beam-type smoke detector manufacturer, has been honoured in the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2009. Over the last six years the company has sold to over 70 countries worldwide, and this award in the category of ‘International Trade’ recognises its excellent export sales and outstanding overseas trade achievements.

Ian Steel, current MD and former Sales Director, described the reaction of all those at the company: “It is fantastic to be honoured in such a way, and really hits home to all of us here that our efforts over the last few years truly have been successful. It feels particularly special at this time, knowing that we have performed so well even in face of such general – and global – economic difficulties. But then you can’t put a price on safety, I guess! We know that it makes sense to sell into as many markets as possible, and this will only encourage us to further improve on what we’ve achieved so far.”

The company, based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, is at the forefront of beam detector technology: developing and making specialist smoke detectors that are ideally suited to covering large indoor spaces. Products from the company’s ever-evolving FireRay range have been chosen to protect valuable venues around the world – from warehouses in Poland to the White House, from a palace in Romania to the parliament house of Brunei, and many more. FFE’s Head of Sales and Marketing, Tracy Kirk, is also Chairman of the FIA Export Council – solidifying further the link between the company and a commitment to promoting the export of sales and expertise in the industry.

Compared to ‘normal’ point-type smoke detectors, the use of infrared beams aimed across open spaces to detect smoke particles can be a highly efficient and cost-effective alternative without compromising on the quality or level of fire safety. FFE operates in highly regulated markets with formidable barriers to entry as fire safety products are obviously subject to specific and severe testing. The unparalleled success of the company in securing approvals – both official and by reputation – for their products on such a widespread global scale attests to their expertise.

The FireRay 5000 is the latest addition to the company’s range, incorporating automatic, motorised beam targeting optimisation amongst other innovative features. Despite such a large step forward from existing technology in the field, certifications and approvals have already been secured from the relevant organisations for this product in the UK, USA, Canada, France, Germany, China, South Korea, Sweden and Belgium. Tested and found to comply with all requirements so far, it is proof not only of the quality of the product but also the company’s commitment to foreign markets.

FFE already has plans to further support and expand its overseas business, with the potential plan of direct local representatives to be employed in both India and China, as well as the recent addition of a new office in the USA as of October 2008. Regular involvement in overseas trade shows helps to raise the company’s profile abroad, and then the strong product range backed up by excellent sales support and training across all customer levels all but ensures success.

Comments (0) »

FFE Launches New Multi Head FireRay 5000 at International Firex 2009

Fire Fighting Enterprises Ltd., the world’s leading manufacturer of motorised, auto-aligning beam smoke detectors, is proud to announce that the new Multi Head FireRay 5000 will be on show at Stand E30 in Hall 3 of International Firex 2009. This innovation allows up to 4 beam detectors to be installed as one system, with only one control unit for all 4 heads. This can give potentially great savings to both time and cost for installation, wiring, and power supply.

On each day of the event the team from FFE will also be running several short presentations at the stand, introducing visitors both to the principles of beam detection in general and the latest technological developments in the field – namely the Multi Head FireRay 5000. All the features of the standard FireRay 5000 are incorporated, such as automatic, motorised alignment and optimisation, and now the Multi Head enables up to 4 beam heads to be spaced out or oriented to cover unorthodox-shaped areas. Each beam will also often be used to cover a distance less than the maximum 100m, requiring the use of multiple heads for efficient area coverage.

The development of the Multi Head builds on the success of the basic FireRay 5000, which is the first and only motorised beam detector to be certified by the LPCB (UK), UL (USA), and ULC (Canada), as well as NF (France), VdS (Germany), BOSEC (Belgium), SBSC (Sweden), and recently KFI (South Korea) and CNTC (China).

Comments (0) »

Over 40 Fireray reflective beam smoke detectors have recently been installed in warehouses around Croatia by local installer Produktronika d.o.o. Wide open indoor spaces like warehouses are particularly suited to the smoke detection capabilities of beam detectors, which cover huge areas with few units.

12 Fireray 50R and 100R detectors have been installed throughout two Elgrad (furniture and carpentry) warehouses in Zagreb, 17 F100R units are protecting an Orbico (healthcare and hygiene products) distribution centre in Inanić Grad, and 12 Fireray 100Rs are ready to detect unwanted smoke at a Lacuna (personal protection equipment) site in Sveti Križ Začretje. The Fireray detectors now form part of the fire safety systems fitted for these premises by Produktronika, along with Hochiki point detectors and Kentec control panels.

The Fireray 50R and 100R products use a single combined transmitter and receiver unit, with small reflective prism plates placed on an opposing wall, to detect smoke over an area of up to 1500m2. Smoke entering the beam path causes a loss in signal strength received, and once this falls below a specified threshold the alarm will be sounded. The shape and layout of warehouse-like structures means that the Firerays can be at their most useful, with the spacious interiors perfect for beam detection.

Each beam covers 7.5m either side of the direct path between the detector head and the prism, which means a total area coverage of 1500m2 for one single F100R. Up to 15 ‘point’ detectors would be needed to safely protect an area that size, each bringing with it the additional cost of product, installation and cabling. If the beam is accidentally interrupted by a solid object, a ‘fault’ alert will be generated so that fire protection is not undermined.

Comments (0) »