Installation of a Wireless System in a heritage site

Graythwaite Hall Manor House is a prestigious heritage site comprising three buildings, each with unique architectural significance. As a historic property, the site required a fire detection system that balanced modern safety standards with minimal disruption to its fabric and aesthetics. The existing fire alarm was a Category L4 system, which provided limited coverage and did not meet the insurers requirements.

Challenges

1. System Upgrade and Redesign: The existing L4 system needed to be redesigned and replaced to meet an L2 standard, ensuring enhanced fire detection coverage, particularly in high-risk areas.
2. Heritage Considerations: Given the manor’s status as a heritage site, any installation had to be minimally invasive to preserve the building’s integrity and protected status.
3. Multiple Buildings: The site comprised three separate buildings, requiring a centralised fire alarm system with a communal panel location.
4. Wireless Implementation: The construction methods of this building included thick stone walls, and lath and plaster ceilings with protected architectural detail. Following a comprehensive signal survey, we demonstrated that a wireless solution would be suitable and was the best option to avoid structural impact of an intrusive wired installation.
5. Signal Strength and Reliability: Due to the scale of the site, signal boosters and fireproof cabling were necessary to ensure reliable communication between components.
6. Minimising Disruption: The system needed to be designed with a ‘double-knock’ setup to reduce disruption from false alarms.

Solution

NPG Fire designed, installed and commissioned a cutting-edge fire alarm system using the Advanced MxPro panel, chosen for its adaptability and robust performance. A wireless solution was deployed, reducing the need for intrusive cabling while ensuring full compliance with L2 fire safety standards.

Key features of the installation included:

• Wireless Alarm System: Provided seamless integration across all three buildings with minimal impact on the historic structure.
• Signal Boosters and Fireproof Cabling: Ensured consistent and reliable communication throughout the site.
• Centralised Communal Panel: Allowed for efficient monitoring and management of fire alarms across all buildings.
• Double-Knock Configuration: Reduced the risk of false alarms, ensuring only a real event will trigger a full building  evacuation.

Review from the client at Graythwaite Estates

This was a large job and took a long time to organise and execute. The whole team at NPG were very helpful and knowledgeable. The installation went very well and the handover process was thorough. The whole process was easy and efficient.

Outcome

Through our thorough prior planning and design, we successfully completed the installation within seven days and the signal strength has remained consistently reliable. Our compliant wireless solution preserved the heritage integrity of Graythwaite Hall Manor House, ensuring no disruption to its historic features.

We are eager to work with any clients that require a new fire alarm system in a heritage or existing building where a wireless solution is required for a quick and non-intrusive installation. To find out more, please make an enquiry on our website or contact our team on 0800 043 1203.

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