Mixing wired and wireless fire alarm systems

[Ricardo]

Was asked today if an existing wired fire warning system to 5839-1, can be extended using a wireless system for the extension. Can this be done?

[David Rooney]

Yes.... you can use the Apollo Expander if its apollo protocol and you only want a few devices added, or you could consider changing the complete system to Argus Vega protocol, change the control panel to a Kentec Syncro....all the hardwired devices, add radio translator modules to the loop and add as many radio devices as you need... up to 240 devices per loop.

But you need decent training on the radio element in either case as its not particularly straight forward... (particularly the Vega stuff)....

[Benzerari]

Yes.... you can use the Apollo Expander if its apollo protocol and you only want a few devices added, or you could consider changing the complete system to Argus Vega protocol, change the control panel to a Kentec Syncro....all the hardwired devices, add radio translator modules to the loop and add as many radio devices as you need... up to 240 devices per loop.

But you need decent training on the radio element in either case as its not particularly straight forward... (particularly the Vega stuff)....

Just would like to know the price of Expander devices are they so expensive like EMS ones, 10 times expensive than ordinary hard wired ones ?

[wozzer38]

The XPander equipment is competitively priced....get hold of a Gardiner Fire Catalogue as price is listed in there.

[David Rooney]

Blimey I just looked at Gardiners prices...... I suppose it's alright if you are adding one or two devices but personally I think (just like EMS) that its overpriced.

The stuff we have started using (EN54-25 compliant) if you take a radio optical head for example, is half the price of the equivalent head in the expander range..... and looks 100% better.....!

[GregC]

Blimey I just looked at Gardiners prices...... I suppose it's alright if you are adding one or two devices but personally I think (just like EMS) that its overpriced.

The stuff we have started using (EN54-25 compliant) if you take a radio optical head for example, is half the price of the equivalent head in the expander range..... and looks 100% better.....!

Dave, you might want to ask for a quote, you would be suprised how much they can take off list price , having used the Xpander for the first time I wont have any fears about using it again where cabling is difficult, it works a treat and behaves just like a standard XP95 system.

[Allen Higginson]

Blimey I just looked at Gardiners prices...... I suppose it's alright if you are adding one or two devices but personally I think (just like EMS) that its overpriced.

The stuff we have started using (EN54-25 compliant) if you take a radio optical head for example, is half the price of the equivalent head in the expander range..... and looks 100% better.....!

Don't be going on the catalogue price Dave - there are diferent levels of discount depending on who you are.

[Benzerari]

Blimey I just looked at Gardiners prices...... I suppose it's alright if you are adding one or two devices but personally I think (just like EMS) that its overpriced.

The stuff we have started using (EN54-25 compliant) if you take a radio optical head for example, is half the price of the equivalent head in the expander range..... and looks 100% better.....!

Do you mean EMS device cheaper then its equivalent Expander ?

[Ricardo]

But you need decent training on the radio element in either case as its not particularly straight forward... (particularly the Vega stuff)....

Thanks all so far for the feedback, I assume that this is not normal run of the mill work( linking wired/wireless)and needs to be carried out by specialists?

[Allen Higginson]

But you need decent training on the radio element in either case as its not particularly straight forward... (particularly the Vega stuff)....

Thanks all so far for the feedback, I assume that this is not normal run of the mill work( linking wired/wireless)and needs to be carried out by specialists?

You need to survey premises for wireless equipment before installation to make sure tx/rx are not affected by the buliding structure.

[Benzerari]

Cost effective is the bottom of the line isn't it?

[wozzer38]

Think you need to compare the cost of the EMS panel with the cost of the Xpander interface really!!

[GregC]

Cost effective is the bottom of the line isn't it?

Sometimes yes sometimes no, minimising disruption to 80year old nuns has no price.

When mixing wired and wireless the EMS would require another panel(?) to control the wired equipment (especially addressable devices) where as a Kentec Synchro for example can be used for addressable, non addressable and wireless all by a single control panel, easier for end user and maintainer both.

Each jobs different and chosing the right blend of equipment is the key to making it work correctly

By the way we didnt use Gardiners on this project we used a more competative local supplier who not only arranged the training and assisted with the site survey test equipement, they also provided the hardware ready to allow a straight out of box on to wall solution, simplifies the works on site no end, not sure on the rules for recommending suppliers so please PM for details if you in the South East/London area.

[Rosjes]

We used the expander this week to extend an existing system. Initial impressions - well manufactured and very good kit. Easy to work with and pretty cost effective.