5 Reasons Why Wireless Fire Alarm Systems for Construction Sites Will Save You Time & Money

All construction sites in Ireland are legally obligated to provide a safe working environment for their employees, and that includes a fire alarm system in case of emergency. Traditionally, construction companies have relied on wired fire alert systems. However, as insurers and legislators push for tighter regulations and safety protocols, wireless fire alarm systems have become the smarter choice and are quickly gaining popularity. 

From focused detection in critical/high risk areas to complete coverage during the shell and core phase of construction, wireless fire alarms minimise delays and their associated costs for project delivery. They also provide an ideal solution for the current electrical contractor labour shortage for wired systems in Ireland. These shortages have caused electrical labour costs to increase, resulting in high cost/low margin electrical work on construction sites. Wireless fire alarms greatly reduce the number of hours needed to reach safety compliance on site, and therefore also greatly reduce the associated electrical labour costs.

There are five main reasons why wireless fire alarm systems will you save you time and money on your construction site:

1. Fast
2. Scalable
3. Flexible
4. Reusable
5. Adaptable

And while it may seem daunting to take on a new system, there are plenty of resources available to make you a pro in no time. For example, VRF provides free training for both SmartCell and FireCell systems for all clients. SmartCell is a single-panel wireless smoke alarm system generally used in smaller buildings. Meanwhile, FireCell is a multi-panel wireless smoke alarm system often used in more complex buildings.

Wireless Construction Site Fire Alarms Systems are FASTER

Wireless fire alarm systems can be installed up to 5 times faster than wired systems–while still being fully compliant with NSAI IS 3218 (2013) and EN54 Part 25. Wireless systems are faster because:

1. You do not need to run wires to each point in the system, the system infrastructure (Hub to RCC’s to Devices) is completely wireless. 
2. The only cable required is between the Radio Hub and control panel (CIE), which are located beside each other.
3. They minimise delays due to fire related events.
4. They can be pre-programmed before being brought on site.

Wireless Construction Site Fire Systems Are More SCALABLE

Did you run into an unexpected obstruction? Has your client asked for a sudden change of plans or added an extension? With wireless solutions, your fire safety system can easily be modified or enlarged with minimal extra cost to you or your client. From standalone single loop systems to multi-building networks, wireless fire alarms are scalable and configurable on a whole different level: 

1. A FireCell single loop can have up to 126 devices. An eight loop can have up to 1,008 devices. 
2. SmartCell can have up to 32 fire devices and 32 information devices.
3. The RCC accommodates up to 31 wireless FireCell devices. It can report directly to the Radio Hub or via other RCCs (up to four hops).
4. Even if the system needs to be taken outside, weatherproof kits are available for both External Sounder Strobes and Manual Call Points.

Wireless Construction Fire Alarms Are More FLEXIBLE

From major complexes to historic buildings to outdoor festivals, a good fire alarm system must be flexible enough to provide reliable coverage for any space. Wireless alarm solutions can be used to protect buildings of any design, configuration or size. For every type of device that exists on a standard fire alarm system, we can supply the wireless equivalent - without the hassle of cables! Some examples of the unique flexibility provided by wireless fire alarm systems in construction sites include:

1. The ability to expand and modify fire detection coverage as the site grows and changes–ensuring fire detection coverage is maintained at all times.
2. Minimum disruption or damage to the fabric of the building or structure due to the lack of connecting cables.
3. No extra power is needed to be brought in to run the All Radio Cluster Communicators (RCC), which have built in power supplies with 72 hours of backup battery. Similarly, the I/O Units we supply are battery powered and capable of switching 24vdc @ 2 amps.

Wireless Construction Fire Alarm Systems Are REUSABLE 

Wireless systems save you money not only on your current project but also on future projects. That is because temporary wireless fire alarm systems can be moved from site to site once a project has finished, lease has expired, or event has concluded. This makes them ideal for new build and refurbishment construction sites as well as outdoor events, festivals, and properties with short term leases. Once the project has been completed, simply decommission the system and bring it to your next project site or property.

Construction Site Wireless Fire Alarm Systems Are More ADAPTABLE

One reason construction managers might be hesitant to utilise wireless fire systems is because they know there are already existing wired systems in place on the site. However, wireless fire alarm systems are designed with a highly adaptable open protocol system that can interlink with other addressable or conventional fire alarm systems. You can thereby retain an existing wired fire alarm system while still adding wireless devices to it.

Even if you move in the opposite direction, where you have an existing wireless system that you need to add wired devices to, wireless fire alarm systems are able to accommodate. By using a multiple loop FireCell panel, it is possible to have a dedicated loop of hardwired devices even within an otherwise wireless system.

The adaptability of wireless fire alarm systems does not extend only to the past either. Their inherently adaptable software can also be updated to fit future compliance legislation without having to redo the entire system. In fact, VRF offers nationwide technical engineering support and hosts a 24/7 technical support line to assist with necessary upgrades to existing fire alarm systems.

If you are interested in learning more about how wireless fire alarm systems can take your construction company to the next level, contact VRF today and speak with one of our many experts.