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XPander – Wire-Free devices on a Wired system

Wire-Free fire alarm devices on a wired loop

Radio devices that can now be connected to an existing fire detection system running the world class Apollo XP95 protocol.

If the panel that is installed runs this protocol then the XPander  product can be used.

WFP are at the forefront of utilising technology to the benefit of our customers and are pleased to announce that following an evaluation period and full product training by the manufacturer we can now offer a hybrid solution for our customers.

• Temporary building works
• Temporary buildings within schools
• Aesthetically sensitive buildings
• Asbestos issues affecting a wired solution

XPander is a system in which individual detectors, call points and alarm devices communicate with the XP95 loop by radio signals. An interface is connected to the loop in the same way as any other interface, such as an Input/Output Unit.

Radio on wired

Every XPander device is assigned an address and this address is recognised by the control panel in the same way as is the address of any device connected directly to the loop wiring.

The XPander range consists of:

• Optical Smoke Detector
• Multisensor Smoke Detector
• A1R Heat Detector
• CS Heat Detector
• Sounder
• Sounder Beacon
• Manual Call Point
• Interface Module

1. How do I stop it?
2. How do I test it?
3. What does ‘Pre-Alarm’ mean?
4.  What does ‘BT’ fault mean?
When the fire alarm needs to be tested and you are the one standing in front of the panel reading unfamiliar messages, a list of answers to these questions might come in very handy.
We have put together some tips to help you deal with the situation. And maybe impress those around you with your superior knowledge. (more…)

When all you want to know is how much to budget for maintaining your alarm system, why then does it all seem to be shrouded in such mystery?  Why is it, that you can only get some kind of obscure response from some operators, assuring you that everything will be cheap?  “Yes, we can do an emergency call out for £50 or £60 pounds,” they tell you. Or, “Yes, we can test an extinguisher for £1.00.”  It sounds too good to be true.

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HMO Paddington

What level of automatic coverage should an HMO have?

Deciding the actual coverage that you are required to provide is the key to getting competitive pricing from fire alarm companies.

For the landlord, the various types of system seem complicated and the advice that you are given can sometimes be quite confusing, and conflicting.

Having recently had quite a few enquiries, WFP have been putting together a list of common questions, together with our answers and explanations, and hopefully these will help when deciding which way to go.

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The holidays are busy periods for us and this year has been no exception, whilst the schools are out we have been in and fitted radio fire alarms in several schools, with timescales shorter than you would expect. (more…)

It was on Friday 4th July that David Munday our intrepid engineer found that he was looking at a complete system failure in a newly refurbished Long Ditton HMO*

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When sites are new, much is made of the testing and commissioning phase of the development, the consultant and building users get involved and much checking and double checking is done.
The jobs are handed over and the manuals and drawings turn up for the building user to start the task of dealing with the inevitable hiccups;
so the building is now 10 years old; (more…)

Fire alarm systems are meant to be seen and not heard, that is unless you need them.

Recently we have found that we have been carrying out more audibility tests upon systems installed in the last 10-15 years and found without exception that they have failed the audibility www. It seems that within the history of our industry, the sound levels of systems were not paid the attention that they now get.

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