History of EMS

The Power of Wireless: EMS Through the Decades

EMS has been a pioneer in wireless technology since the early 1980s, developing advanced radio‑based systems long before wireless became mainstream. In the mid 1990s, we applied this expertise to life safety with the launch of System 5000 – one of the first dependable wireless fire detection platforms. That breakthrough set EMS on a path of continuous innovation, leading to today’s EN54‑25 compliant FireCell and SmartCell systems trusted across the UK and worldwide. This timeline highlights the milestones that shaped modern wireless fire protection and cemented EMS as the industry’s most established wireless specialist.

The First in Wireless. The Standard in Reliability.

1967 - Located in Beckenham in Kent, EMS is founded by Douglas Lawrence.

1970s - EMS is mainly a subcontractor to some major companies

1982 - EMS relocates to Herne Bay, occupying just a third of Unit 11 - later becoming Technology House.

1983 - 6702 system released. The UK's first radio staff protection system protecting banks.

1984 – The system 6703 launches, introducing a new summon assistance feature.

1985. - System 6705 is released, now supporting 64 radio devices

1986 - 6758 is released. A personnel call system, used in the majority of the UK's top board rooms.

1987 - The first radio door monitoring system is released by EMS.

1988 - System 6064 is released. A cabled ATM and property protection system.

1989 - EMS releases a colour graphics system, pinpointing event and location details.

1991 - 7703 is released. A UHF radio frequency version of the long running 6703 panel.

1992 – IRIS System 7000 launches, becoming the radio protection system trusted by most UK banks.

1993 – EMS unveils the first UHF half‑watt transmitter, delivering long‑range site coverage.

1994 - EMS now occupies the whole of Unit 11, becoming Technology House

1995 - EMS releases the groundbreaking radio fire alarm system, FirePoint System 5000

1996 - EMS unveils the ZP470 interface, enabling FirePoint 5000 devices to run on Ziton panels.

1996 - EMS release the RDU, with PIRs and smoke detection to protect empty properties.

1997 - EMS releases the 4300 wireless paging system with Scope Communications UK.

1998 - EMS releases a radio CCTV system that is fitted in many busy public spaces.

1999 - EMS releases System 1000. A new fully wireless security system.

2001 - EMS releases System 2000. Its first wireless voice evacuation system.

2002 - EMS and ARM launch System 3000 for wireless staff‑location and nurse‑call.

2005 - EMS acquires Units 1 and 2, linking Unit 2 to Technology House with a new walkway.

2006 - Deafgard X launches with Fireco, adding an acoustic trigger and bedside alert.

2007 - Developed with Satel Poland, the Integra 868 MHz wireless security system is released.

2007 - Dorgard X launches with Fireco, adding an acoustic trigger and wireless door‑retainer receiver.

2009 - EMS develops the XPander wireless fire detection range for Apollo Fire Detectors Ltd.

2010 - EMS launch FireCell. The UK’s first EN54-25 third party certified fully wireless system.

2013 - Fusion RLM launches, mixing FireCell wireless devices with wired XP95 systems.

2017 - UTC acquires EMS, bringing modular wireless tech into UTC’s global product portfolio.

2018 - EMS release the WZM, making wireless accessible for all fire systems.

2020 - EMS launches SmartCell into Europe. A compact, feature rich system with remote services.

2022 - EMS launches the next‑gen iWZM, adding SmartCell wireless devices to any system.

2023 - SmartCell adds new features, wider device range, 64‑device capacity and localised MCPs.

2024 - FireCell gets a fresh new look with updates under the bonnet, including a 20% power boost.

2024 - Fusion RLM is updated with a host of engineer focused updates.

2024 - EMS becomes part of Kidde Global Solutions, alongside other sister brands such as Kidde Commercial, AirSense and Edwards.

2025 - EMS partners with sister company Kidde Commercial to create a new wireless gateway, for seamless SmartCell integration.

2026 - EMS starts to roll out a full refresh across the SmartCell and FireCell ranges including feature updates and 10 year device battery life.

EMS: Where Wireless Excellence Started