February has been a busy month at MMV, we completed the installation of x3 Commercial Fire Alarm Systems amongst other jobs. The purpose of this blog is to highlight and showcase the work we’ve completed and usually, we would focus on one particular project but on this occasion, it’s hard to narrow these three down so I’m going to discuss all three.
We started in Corby, where a commercial client instructed us to install an L2 spec Addressable Fire Alarm system at their premises.
The site had x2 sets of offices as well as x2 large warehouses that required automatic and manual detection throughout, to best meet the requirement we chose to install a C-TEC XPF panel partnered with Apollo XP95 devices. Working to the specification and plan designed by MMV we installed close to 100 devices, including smoke/heat detection with VAD bases where required as well as manual call points on the emergency exit doors. Our engineers were responsible for the installation of the cabling, mounting of devices, commissioning, and rip-out of the old system.
The installation took us just over two weeks from start to finish and on completion, the client was issued full training on how to test and operate the system. They were happy with the installation and provided some great feedback “MMV offered a thorough and professional service throughout. Their staff were happy to discuss the installation at all stages to make sure they provided a solution suitable for our requirements. I would be more than happy to recommend MMV for future projects”
What is the specification for an L2 Fire Alarm System?
L2 Fire Alarm Systems are designed to offer automatic detection on all escape routes within a building, with the addition of all rooms adjoining the escape route. An L2 Fire Alarm design should also take into account any further areas of high risk that may not necessarily be covered with detection on the escape routes and adjoining rooms. Examples of these areas could be boiler rooms, plant rooms, and other areas with heavy plant machinery (such as in roof voids).
L2 Fire Alarm designs should also incorporate audible sounders throughout the building which operate when the fire alarm system is activated. These sounders should achieve a minimum sound pressure of 65 dB (A) throughout the building and a minimum of 75 dB (A) at the bedhead where people are sleeping within the building.
An L2 Fire Alarm should also include manual call points on all exits to open air and in buildings above a single storey all entrances to stairwells on the floors above the ground floor. In large buildings, it should also be noted that nobody should have to travel for more than 45 meters to reach a call point. This means that further call points may be needed to be positioned within the property to achieve this. Call points may also need to be positioned in high-risk areas. One example of this may be a paint booth where highly flammable substances are present. A call point may need to be positioned close to enable an alarm to be raised quicker should an incident occur.
Marsh Gibbon Primary School
The second of the three systems installed was for Marsh Gibbon Primary School in Buckinghamshire who were looking for a specialist contractor to supply and install a wireless fire alarm system. We surveyed the site and could see the potential for a hybrid system as a pose to a fully wireless solution. The client believed we proposed the best-suited system and invited us back to complete the work.
Our system of choice was a C-TEC XPF panel partnered with Apollo XP95 devices as well as an Apollo REACH interface and devices for a couple of remote units separate from the school’s main building.
This project provided a great opportunity to try the Apollo REACH products for the first time and it’s fair to say it didn’t disappoint. We installed automatic detection with VAD bases as well as call points at each emergency exit door.
On completion, the client was shown how to carry out and log the weekly testing of the system and we will return within a year to service it.
The site caretaker B Skeleton was happy to leave some positive feedback “MMV were invited to my school, to provide a quote for a wireless fire alarm system. Wireless, due to remote buildings. MMV were the only company to think outside of the box and suggest a hybrid system – mixing hard-wired and wireless. This reduced the cost considerably and won the contract easily. The installation was carried out methodically and professionally. The team worked fluidly, keeping as clean an environment as possible. Once completed and tested, a detailed explanation of the panel and procedures was presented to me, as Caretaker. MMV fulfilled the installation very satisfactorily, from start to finish. I have no hesitation in recommending this company.”
Grendon Primary School
We finished the month off in Grendon, Northamptonshire. The school’s previous system was aged and non-compliant as per their recent FRA. At this point, we were called in to complete a site survey where we recommended the installation of an L2 system. We were later instructed to proceed with the solution we proposed.
Our system of choice was a C-TEC CFP Alarmsense two-zone, two-wire panel partnered with Apollo Alarmsense devices throughout the premises. As per the spec and plan provided we installed a range of automatic and manual detection devices with sounder/VAD bases where required.
On completion, the system was fully tested and commissioned ready to serve the school for many years to come. Within the year we will return to complete the required maintenance checks and servicing.
Like we always say it’s great to give back to the community, and working with local schools gives us this opportunity.
Headteacher John Wayland was full of praise for the team and our work saying “The school’s experience of working with MMV was first-class. From Lewis and Colin’s initial site visit to Will and Jamie’s installation, MMV were knowledgeable without being at all pushy, very friendly but always professional and efficient without compromising high standards. Our fire alarm install was completely stress free – MMV knew exactly what we needed, their proposal was straightforward and the quote was highly competitive.
The installation process was faultless – Will and Jamie didn’t place any demands on staff, worked autonomously and were totally respectful of our work environment. The alarm system is easy to operate, neatly installed and, above all, has given us a comprehensive and up-to-date level of fire safety across the whole site. I would confidently recommend MMV to other schools and wouldn’t hesitate to commission them again for any future electrical installation. It was a pleasure working with the MMV team.“
All three installations were brought in on time and to budget. Fire alarms save lives and it’s great to see more organisations taking action to ensure they have the correct systems in place. As with all our projects, we’ve taken photos of our work which you can find below.
Great work by all involved!
If you’re looking for a contractor to look after your site Security, Fire and/or Electrical requirements contact our specialist team on 0333 0041220 or email lewis@mmvcontracting.com to book your free-of-charge site survey.
