FireCell gets even better!
Our biggest transformation will see the evolution of a much-enhanced FireCell platform. In late 2024 the entire system was re-launched with many new features, along with a new “look and feel” The most robust wireless fire detection got even better!
The first major development is that the power output of FireCell devices has been boosted by around 20%! What this means is that the communication is now even less susceptible to any environmental changes within a building – We call this “Link Budget”, but what this means is enhanced reliability in FireCell wireless technology. This reliability, which was already an industry best, is your assurance of ultimate fire protection without using cables. Remember, EN54-25 certification already guarantees “wireless is as good or better than cable”, EMS has just improved on this substantially.
Each and every FireCell fire device has had these range enhancements leading to the increased range.
When we look at range we are often asked “how far does EMS FireCell wireless go?”. This is something we usually avoid answering, only because range is affected by so many factors in a building. Following our enhancements, we will now state a distance, in open air, because it seems the wireless fire industry and manufacturers use this as a benchmark. We, conservatively have now published a figure of 1,250 metres, which is an industry best.
What does this really mean?
EN54:25 documents what is expected as a minimum, which is based on power output and aerial configuration, at the lowest signal level at all required points across a building, over and above any background signal and electrical noise.
We always stress the importance of a site survey, a free service, and when our team carry out this survey, this is your guarantee that FireCell will protect flawlessly and reliably. We give a 100% promise that this is the case!
In reality the 1,250-metre open air range means that power strength gets signals further through building infrastructure, providing “real world” distance without compromising on reliability.
Our infrastructure, hubs and clusters, will now be in “polar white” in keeping with our newly launched EMS Control panel (more later). You will also notice the new and updates logos indicating that you are using FireCell enhanced.
EMS has also launched a new control panel giving installers an even wider choice when considering which CIE to use.
FireCell has always been one of the only wireless fire systems providing a wide range of compatibility, not only with universal wireless gateways for any fire system, but with control panel choice
More information on our FireCell CIE can be found here.
FireCell uses Alkaline battery technology, that is both economical and reliable. All fire devices have two sets of batteries to meet BS:5839 requirements, and with unique EMS battery management the 3-year mandatory life expectancy (EN54-25) is exceeded, with typically a 5-year life based on normal usage. Each FireCell detector, for example, would require a battery change around year 5 at a cost of a couple of pounds per set. This makes FireCell ownership both cost effective and stress free.
Hub & Cluster design for reliability
FireCell is based on “Hub & Cluster” technology an EMS patented infrastructure which guarantees maximum signal levels and transmission, throughout any site or building. The system is certified to EN54-25, the harmonised European standard governing wireless fire detection.
This technology is so robust we refer to it, and FireCell, as being deterministic, in that a system designed “on paper” will work exactly as planned. In fact, EMS underwrite all our surveys, as we are 100% confident in the technology, giving you peace of mind, and the guarantee that there will be no unknown costs.
To meet and exceed the EN54-25 standards, FireCell incorporates many technologies to ensure reliability is as good, or better, than a cable-based system. These include alternative signal paths, bi-directional communication, full monitoring of all system components and power ramping capabilities, to amplify signals as and when needed. This equates to a self-healing system, as all of this operates behinds the scenes seamlessly to maintain ultimate reliability. EN54-25 BSI
XP95 Compatibility
FireCell is based on the widely embraced XP95 protocol, making it a universally accepted and compatible platform across the fire industry. We offer Kentec control panel options as part of our FireCell portfolio. However, many other XP95 panels from major companies are supported. Specific wireless firmware is usually already embedded by each manufacturer, or can be added retrospectively as an update – We suggest you speak with you panel supplier to confirm this as part of the specification.
Hybrid Technology
One of the additional features of FireCell, is the ability to use a “Hybrid” approach to a system design. This was one of the countless incremental enhancements where hybrid technology was introduced. This gives almost unlimited customisation of a system, where both wireless and fire-resistant cable can be utilised. Additionally wireless interfaces can be added to loop cabling, to add wireless fire devices where needed. These are FireCell Loop Modules and support up to 31 wireless devices on a wired loop. The hybrid option is an ideal solution for refurbishment projects, where cable already exists and can be reused as the basis for a new system. Typically, it’s possible to have up to 5 loop modules, per loop, on a FireCell system, based on a Kentec control panel.
FireCell Fire Devices
FireCell is a premium fire detection platform and as such has a wide and comprehensive range of products including detectors, audible/visual alarm devices and manual call points, along with a range of interfaces and ancillary devices. FireCell also supports 100% wire free BS: 7273-4 door controllers (WDC), which operate as an integral element of the system and only releasing on an activation. These can be globally controlled, or individually, to meet agreed “cause and effect” programming. Wireless Door Controller
Flexible Options
Flexibility does not stop with just hybrid as FireCell Fusion is yet another aspect of the technology where a wireless interface can be added to any existing XP95 protocol-based fire system. Fusion is similar to the loop module, sharing the same technology, and it also supports up to 31 wireless devices. The number of Fusion interfaces, depends on the control panel being used, but a call to EMS support will give you more details.
EMS also provide a non-protocol wireless interface for any system, conventional or addressable. Wireless Zone Monitor
Wireless Networks – up to 16 panels
A unique feature, which is only available on FireCell, is wireless networking. Up to 16 FireCell panels can be wirelessly using Taktis or Syncro control panels connected across a number of buildings, such as a hospital or university campus. Using wireless networking will save many £1,000’s and take days to install, rather than many weeks, and health and safety issues are substantially reduced, almost negligible. The result is, that it is now possible to have over 8,000 wireless devices across a number of buildings, all without any cable.
The importance of Surveys
We have already mentioned the “deterministic” design aspect of FireCell. The comfort of knowing the system designed, will work and perform seamlessly once installed and commissioned.
Another FireCell related service from EMS, is our FREE survey to confirm wireless coverage and signal integrity. We provide a full analysis of the site, and provide detailed results prior to any works commencing, and this is underwritten by EMS.
How is a survey carried our? Watch the YouTube video
Support
EMS have dedicated FireCell support teams both internally at our UK HQ in Herne Bay, and an external team of field technicians, strategically based across the UK. You can access this service by calling 01227 369570
Pre-Programming
EMS FireCell installations can benefit from pre-programming. Wireless makes it possible to programme an entire FireCell system before it is sent to site. This is easy to achieve and is also a service provided by EMS prior to system components being despatched.
In conclusion
FireCell is acknowledged as the “gold standard” of wireless based fire detection systems and, is trusted by commercial companies, local government and fire professionals. It is installed across countless properties, both in the UK, as well as in Europe and should be your first choice when making the move to wireless technology. It is our aim to make wireless fire technology, and FireCell, accessible and easier to deploy as your next fire protection solution.
Want to see where FireCell has been installed? Check out our case study publication.
Our team of EMS wireless fire professionals are located in key locations and can be contacted to advise and discuss FireCell in more detail SalesRepresentatives – EMS (emsgroup.co.uk)
