Flexible solutions hold the key to simplifying the complexities of specifying fire-protection systems in a fast-moving, competitive market.
Despite the many challenges posed by the global pandemic, the Middle East construction market is recovering well, with some industry estimates predicting combined annual growth rates of up to 5% to 2027.
More liberal trade policies continue to attract foreign investment, and schemes such as the Dubai Tourism Strategy and Abu Dhabi’s accelerator programme are contributing to economic growth efforts and boosting development in areas ranging from education and transport to housing and leisure.
This positive outlook for construction bodes well for the fire industry too, making the Middle East one of the World’s most vibrant and competitive fire-protection markets today.
However, with fast growth comes challenges. New building codes have led to high demand for intelligent fire-protection solutions that integrate easily with other building management systems, and many new products continue to enter the market to meet this rising demand. Consequently, choosing the best fire-protection solutions for a site, whilst being certain to meet the latest regulations and safety standards, has become ever more complex and time-consuming.
One important way to simplify the selection process lies in choosing equipment from manufacturers that offer a wide range of approved and compatible products and have a proven track record in the field. Whether working with new builds or on retrofit applications, the more flexibility a particular manufacturer’s products provide, the greater the freedom specifiers and installers have to deliver robust and reliable fire systems that substantially reduce fire risk to people and property.
Made in the UK, Advanced’s fire systems are trusted worldwide to deliver high-performance fire protection. The variety and flexibility of the products in the Advanced range mean they are suited to diverse sites of all sizes. Advanced products are actively protecting every type of building from schools, hospitals, hotels and high-rises to large-scale industrial complexes, critical infrastructure projects and smaller offices, shops and restaurants.
Understanding the versatility required when specifying fire protection across the Middle East, Advanced has focused on developing a broad portfolio of solutions which meet both UL and EN standards.
The Axis AX fire system, for example, is approved to UL864 and is not only robust but easy to use – from installation and commissioning to servicing, maintenance and day-to-day operation. It offers integrated audio for alarm signalling and live voice paging during emergencies, as well as award-winning smoke control that radically simplifies setup and programming – substantially reducing the time and cost of configuring fans and dampers.
Meanwhile, Axis EN is approved by FM to EN 54 Parts 2 and 4, and also holds Part 13 approval. Part 13 is critical in ensuring product compatibility and requires a system to run automatic fault checking. This assures optimal fire-system performance and averts common problems that can jeopardise occupant safety, such as open and short circuits going undetected, and voltage reduction on long cable runs, which can slow response speeds or even cause alarm failure on large networked systems.
Axis EN also offers exceptional networking capabilities, highly effective false-alarm management, versatile cause and effect and easy integration with building management systems. The Axis range of wired and wireless devices brings further specification freedom of choice. Advanced products are backed up by a highly rated technical team, training and customer service, so you have full support, whatever your fire-protection challenge.
In choosing the best equipment for your needs, fire-equipment manufacturers are a mine of valuable information. Experts in the latest fire regulations and focused on ensuring product compliance, manufacturers have many answers that will help you to get your spec right first time.
By asking how adaptable a system will be and how easy it is to expand in future, you can avoid common pitfalls that arise from creating fire systems that are fit for purpose now but fail to meet requirements if buildings undergo expansion or change of use. Questioning the robustness of a system’s networking and false-alarm capabilities at the outset also helps prevent post-installation issues and ensures end-user satisfaction and safety.
For more information, go to www.advancedco.com or email skumar@advancedco.com
