Fire Fighting Enterprises News - www.ffeuk.com

Over 100 FireRay 5000 advanced wide-area beam detectors have been installed in hypermarket chain Kaufland’s major logistics centre in Turda, Romania. The detector system, manufactured by Fire Fighting Enterprises Ltd., uses state of the art technology to make reflective infrared beam smoke detection as reliable and simple to install and maintain as possible. The local supplier for this project was Honeywell Life Safety Romania, with installation carried out by S.C. Proimsat S.A.

The logistics centre’s storage halls, loading bays and cold room areas all benefit from the large area coverage of the FireRay 5000, which is specifically designed to protect such spacious indoor areas from fire risks. One single FireRay 5000 system, comprised of a low level controller, wall-mounted transceiver ‘head’ unit and reflective prism, can cover up to 1500m2 – an area that would need around 15 ‘point’ detectors to safely protect. In this project, the beams are protecting mostly the large goods storage rooms, working in conjunction with point detectors in areas of more limited space.

Over 100 FireRay 5000 auto-aligning infrared beam smoke detectors, from Fire Fighting Enterprises Ltd., are being used to protect a Kaufland logistics centre in Turda, Romania

The head unit, housing the beam transmitter and receiver, is installed on the wall high up near the ceiling, wired to the easily-accessible ground-level controller. The prismatic reflector, which needs no wiring, is positioned up to 100m away on the opposite wall. By bouncing the invisible infrared beam off the reflector, the head unit can detect the presence and density of smoke particles across the whole space between them, raising an alarm if the interference reaches a certain threshold.

The obvious advantage of this is that is takes vastly less units, less wiring and less installation/maintenance time and cost than protecting such a large space with other detector types. The system is also configurable with up to 4 heads per controller, making it even more versatile and further reducing potential installation costs.

The FireRay 5000’s advanced technology also makes it easier than ever to install and maintain, featuring a visible laser for alignment during commissioning, as well as automatic gain compensation (AGC) for dust buildup and a motorised auto-alignment system to keep the beam on target even in the event of slight building shift.

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Fire Fighting Enterprises Ltd., the leading manufacturer of infrared beam smoke detectors, has launched a new Chinese website. The site, at www.ffechina.com, makes it easier for customers in the region to find out about the company’s products and access training and technical support documents.

FIRERAY Optical Beam Smoke Detectors Reach Out to China with New Website

Based in the UK, Fire Fighting Enterprises has provided its beam detectors for over 700,000 installations around the world. The company’s FIRERAY products have approvals from regulatory bodies all across the globe, including the European CPD, American UL and Chinese CNTC certifications. Infrared beam smoke detectors are ideal for large indoor spaces, with one FIRERAY capable of detecting smoke over 1500m2 – an area that could require 16 traditional ‘point’ detectors to safely protect. This obviously offers dramatic time and cost savings for installation, wiring and continued maintenance of the system.

One notable success story in China has been the installation of FIRERAY reflective beam detectors in the Longtan Hydropower Dam on the Hongshui River. Reflective detectors house the beam transmitter and receiver (transceiver) in the same unit, and the latest technology in the FIRERAY 5000 also incorporates a motor for rapid automatic self-alignment. With the controller and transceiver installed on the same wall, wiring requirements are obviously reduced even further. The company also offers end-to-end detectors such as the new FIRERAY 3000, and even an ATEX approved model for potentially explosive environments.

Further information is available at the new website: www.ffechina.com

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Fire Fighting Enterprises Ltd., the leader in beam-type fire detection, is pleased to introduce the new FIRERAY 3000 end to end infrared optical beam smoke detector. The detector offers particularly cost effective protection of large, open area spaces, and in situations where ceiling-mounting is difficult or inappropriate.

New FIRERAY 3000 end-to-end infrared optical beam smoke detector from Fire Fighting Enterprises

All FIRERAY beam detectors are designed primarily for use in wide open indoor spaces, and offer the benefit of only requiring small numbers of units to cover very large areas – not only affecting the time, cost and complexity of installation, but also the aesthetic impact thereafter. The FIRERAY 3000 is ideal for applications where line of sight for the IR beam path is narrow, or where the building structure uses especially reflective surfaces which may cause complications for reflective beam system installation. Each element of the package has also been designed to be both discreet and aesthetically pleasing, helping them to fit well into every environment from modern architectural buildings to ornately-decorated heritage sites.

Installation is quick and easy, and can be completed by a single operator thanks to a variety of aids and features. A visible targeting laser housed in the receiver head aids initial placement and setup, showing clearly the beam path and therefore the necessary positioning for the units. During commissioning the LEDs on the heads also light up to help fine-tune the alignment path, showing the installer in which direction adjustment is needed. Both of the detector heads have integrated alignment thumbwheels for simple, intuitive and repeatable targeting adjustment, with up to 10 degrees of motion available on both horizontal and vertical axes (90 degrees with an extra accessory bracket).

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FIRERAY 3000 launched with technical session at show
Erlanger, Kentucky (June 1, 2011) – Fire Fighting Enterprises Ltd. (FFE), will exhibiting at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Conference and Expo, June 12 through 15, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (Boston, Mass.). At the show, FFE will be launching its new FIRERAY 3000 end to end infrared optical beam smoke detector for cost effective protection of large, open area spaces. Information on the FIRERAY 3000 will be available at the company’s booth, 884, and during a special technical session.

Beam detectors are designed primarily for use in wide open indoor spaces, and only require a small number of units to cover very large areas – not only affecting the time, cost and complexity of installation, but also the system’s aesthetic impact. The FIRERAY 3000 is ideal for applications where line of sight for the IR beam path is narrow, or where the building structure uses especially reflective surfaces which may cause complications for reflective beam system installation. The system has been designed for quick installation by a single operator.

The features that make the FIRERAY 3000’s end to end detection technology ideal for reflective environments will be covered at an educational session on Sunday, June 12, at 4:45 in the Exhibitor Presentation Theater.

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Fire Fighting Enterprises Ltd. (FFE), the Hitchin-based optical beam smoke detection company, has won the International Achievement category of the Fire Excellence Awards 2011. The Fire Excellence Awards are held every 2 years, and serve to recognise the exceptional achievements of companies in the fire industry. Fire Fighting Enterprises’ already admirable export business has seen even further success this past year, with growth in overseas sales of nearly 15%.

Fire Fighting Enterprises, the leading optical beam smoke detector company, won the International Achievement Category at the Fire Excellence Awards 2011

The biggest growth market for the company has been in the USA, with sales of over £1M ($1.6M) there in the last year, resulting from a 30% per annum increase over the last two years. The American business became a focus for the FFE five years ago, when Bob Barker was appointed as a ‘Country Manager’ operating on the ground in the USA.

Following from this, the company was able to offer localised support and sales services, and secured all the necessary regional, national and international certifications for their products to be used extensively throughout the United States. By 2008, the company had a new dedicated office and distribution centre based in Erlanger, Kentucky. Since then, uptake has been growing rapidly, as more and more customers have found good use for FFE’s range of FIRERAY beam smoke detectors for wide-area applications. Service levels are always being improved, with online instructional videos now added to the company’s continuous ‘Beam 101’ training programme and site visits that ensure all customers know how to get the best from their beam detectors.

Tracy Kirk, Sales & Marketing Director of Fire Fighting Enterprises Ltd., accepts the award for International Achievement at the Fire Excellence Awards 2011

FFE’s products are in use all over the world, with particularly strong interest from Europe, and, increasingly, the USA. The company is able to offer their optical beam smoke detection products to virtually all global markets, with certifications from dozens of national regulatory bodies and support materials translated into over 20 languages.

The Fire Excellence Awards 2011 were presented at a gala dinner for the fire industry on Tuesday 17th May, at the Hilton Metropole Hotel in Birmingham. This coincided with International Firex 2011, where FFE launched their latest product development, the FIRERAY 3000.

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International Firex 2011 sees the launch of the new FIRERAY 3000 end to end infrared optical beam smoke detector by Fire Fighting Enterprises Ltd. The detector offers particularly cost effective protection of large, open area spaces with high ceilings, and in situations where ceiling-mounting is difficult or inappropriate. Representatives of Fire Fighting Enterprises will be at stand A13 to talk visitors through the features and benefits of the FIRERAY 3000 as well as all the company’s other products and services.

Fire Fighting Enterprises Launches new End to End Optical Beam Smoke Detector at International Firex 2011

All beam detectors are designed primarily for use in wide open indoor spaces, and offer the benefit of only requiring small numbers of units to cover very large areas – not only affecting the time, cost and complexity of installation, but also the aesthetic impact thereafter. The FIRERAY 3000 is ideal for applications where line of sight for the IR beam path is narrow, or where the building structure uses especially reflective surfaces which may cause complications for reflective beam system installation. Each element of the package has also been designed to be both discreet and aesthetically pleasing, helping them to fit well into every environment from modern architectural buildings to ornately-decorated heritage sites.

Installation is quick and easy, and can be completed by a single operator thanks to a variety of aids and features. A visible targeting laser housed in the receiver head aids initial placement and setup, showing clearly the beam path and therefore the necessary positioning for the units. During commissioning the LEDs on the heads also light up to help fine-tune the alignment path, showing the installer in which direction adjustment is needed. Both of the detector heads have integrated alignment thumbwheels for simple, intuitive and repeatable targeting adjustment, with up to 10 degrees of motion available on both horizontal and vertical axes (90 degrees with an extra accessory bracket). Once alignment is achieved the detectors can be locked in place.

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Fire Fighting Enterprises Ltd. (FFE) is a finalist in the International Achievement category at the Fire Excellence Awards 2011.  The Awards will be presented at a gala dinner for the fire industry on Tuesday 17^th May, at the Hilton Metropole Hotel in Birmingham.   This coincides with International Firex 2011, where FFE will be launching their latest product development, the FIRERAY 3000.

Fire Fighting Enterprises Ltd. is a finalist in the 'International Achievement' category of the Fire Excellence Awards 2011 for its overseas success with optical beam smoke detection products

The company’s already admirable export business has seen even further success over the last year, with growth in export sales of nearly 15%.  FFE’s products are in use all over the world, with particularly strong interest from Europe, and, increasingly, the USA.  The company is able to offer their optical beam smoke detection products to virtually all global markets, with certifications from dozens of national regulatory bodies and support materials translated into over 20 languages.

The Fire Excellence Awards are held every 2 years, and serve to recognise the exceptional achievements of companies in the fire industry.  Fire Fighting Enterprises’ export success has already won it a Queen’s Award, and the company is now looking to add to its trophy cabinet on the 17^th May in Birmingham.

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Fire Fighting Enterprises Ltd (FFE), leading provider of optical beam smoke detectors, has recently launched a new range of training and technical support videos on its website at http://www.ffeuk.com/training.

New instructional videos from Fire Fighting Enterprises Ltd. to help set up optical beam smoke detectors

The videos give a visual walk-through of the step-by-step process to correctly commission the FIRERAY 5000 and FIRERAY 50/100R reflective beam smoke detectors. This obviously lets users actually see exactly what they need to do, or even follow the video during their own setup process as each step is displayed and explained on-screen with audio and visual guidance. In the coming months, more videos will be added to support other products and in multiple languages for customers around the world.

In addition to the videos, the company also offers a variety of instructional documents on the website, designed to provide easy and quick answers to the most common questions and challenges that customers face. These resources can act as a supplement to the company’s in-person training programmes, or function as handy primer and refresher guides to the specifics of setting up FFE’s popular range of beam detection systems correctly and safely.

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Fire Fighting Enterprises Ltd., manufacturer of the popular Fireray series of wide-area optical beam smoke detectors, has launched a full range of installation accessories for use with its fire protection products.

Fire Fighting Enterprises Ltd. offers a full range of installation accessories for its optical beam smoke detector products

The company offers various mounting plates and brackets for the reflector prisms, allowing easy fixing and positioning of either a single- or 4-prism array to surfaces at almost any angle. Protective cages for the Fireray 5000 detector head and controller units are also available, in addition to those for the Fireray 50/100R and Fireray 2000 models.

The Prism Plate for either 1 or 4 prisms is suitable for situations where the wall facing the detector head is perpendicular to the angle of the beam. Where this is not the case, the Prism Plate can be attached to a Universal Bracket that fixes to the wall, allowing the angle of the prisms to be adjusted to reflect the beam back correctly. The reinforced Surface Mount Plate is another option, providing a particularly rigid and secure fixing.

The Protective Cages are made from plastic-coated galvanised steel and will protect detector heads and controller units from accidental knocks. Ladders, forklifts and other moving equipment in a warehousing or industrial setting could easily catch one of the wall-mounted devices, and the cages will help prevent damage or misalignment that may occur. Similarly, in leisure facilities, they will protect the fire detection system from flying footballs, tennis balls and other potential sources of knocks. The cages will also offer some protection against birds and bats, however care should be taken that the detectors’ lenses remain unobscured to prevent false alarms or unnecessary fault alerts.

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The Fireray 5000 Auto Alignment Beam Detector range from Fire Fighting Enterprises (FFE) has received FM approval, certifying that it meets rigorous loss prevention standards.  The Fireray 5000 is the first and only motorized, auto align, self correcting beam smoke detector to receive FM approval. The detectors are also UL and ULC certified and independently approved by the states of California, Maryland and New York.

The Fireray 5000 Auto Alignment Beam Detector, designed to provide wide-area smoke detection in large indoor spaces, is now FM Approved.

The Fireray 5000 is a beam-type smoke detector which covers much larger areas with far fewer units than traditional ‘point’ type sensors.  Its transmitter and receiver are housed in the same unit, with the beam being reflected off of a small, unobtrusive prism fixed onto an opposing wall, keeping the time, effort and expense of installation low.

The beam can be fully adjusted, controlled and annually tested from the low-level system controller.  Its AGC (Automatic Gain Compensation) monitors and reacts to environmental changes such as dust accumulation, while an Auto-Optimize feature automatically self corrects to ensure alignment of the infra-red beam with the reflective prism. The need for risky and time consuming re-alignment and maintenance from atop ladders or lifts is eliminated.  The Fireray 5000 Multi Head System allows up to four beam detectors to be installed on one controller to further streamline set up.

FM Approval is granted by FM Global, which offers insurance and property loss prevention engineering for properties worldwide.  FFE’s Fireray 5000 was subjected to comprehensive testing and its facilities were inspected as part of the approval process.  Follow-up audits of manufacturing facilities are required in order to maintain FM Approved status.

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