New Cygnus Wireless Fire Alarm System links up to 480 devices

Incorporated are some impressive features required for larger construction projects and as a result, Cygnus has the capability of linking together no less than 480 units in 15 different zones around a construction site, with each zone having the capacity to accommodate 32 units.  The individual units can be fire alarm call points, smoke detectors or heat detectors.

Construction firms and M&E contractors looking to ensure workforce safety will fully appreciate the simplicity of the Cygnus wireless system which is easily installed as it is delivered to the customer pre-configured to the client’s request with clearly marked zone and alarm identification numbers on each device.

A major feature of the Cygnus system is the optional control panel which provides very sophisticated capability with an event log function which records any events such as an alarm activation, low battery warning, and signal faults, all of which can be viewed if necessary in the history folder held on the panel.  The System also has the ability to test all units and has an evacuate function which will act as a call point to the rest of the alarm units. 

Each unit in the system carries its own battery pack and the high performance Category 1 radio frequency ensures maximum range even in the presence of other strong local signals.  This radio range has been designed and tested in challenging environments for use in concrete and steel structured buildings. Open air tests have also proved the Cygnus system range can exceed 1.5km, although the actual distance on site will vary from project to project. 

Communication between alarms is based on a ‘mesh protocol’ which enables access from both point to point to multipoint.  The addressing system ensures the minimum probability of clashes within the zone and hence maximum performance.  Also the beauty of the product is that it is not reliant on direct communication with the panel thus allowing it to send a message through other devices to relay a message to the panel.  This means huge areas can be covered with relative ease using the meshing system the radios are built on.

Each unit in the system can provide the panel with information at regular intervals.  This explicit information confirms the unit is still present and what the battery status of each device is.  Known as the ‘heart beat’ this message is monitored by the control panel where fitted and if the ‘heart beat’ is not heard for several intervals, the control panel logs a full status for that unit.

The Cygnus system is extremely comprehensive.  All call points are IP65 rated for water protection and all detector units have an internal sounder for alerting.  There is also an option for a pager system or an auto-dialler facility which gives an immediate alert to mobile or landline. Bull Products also has a first aid alert point in development which will be available soon.