A networked fire system driven by Advanced’s intelligent MxPro, multiprotocol, fire panels has just been installed to protect a £9.5m historic restoration, at the heart of the UK City of Culture 2013 celebrations in County Londonderry, Derry City, Northern Ireland.

Advanced’s MxPro panels are the leading intelligent, multiprotocol, fire control panel, offering unmatched performance and quality across a choice of detector protocols, with an open installer network and delivered with free training and support.

One of Advanced’s long-term partners, Ashdale Engineering Ltd of Belfast, supplied and commissioned the fire detection network, powered by MxPro 4 panels in Derry’s historic Guildhall.

The Guildhall, which reopened in June, is one of the city’s main cultural assets and a key part of the UK City of Culture 2013 celebrations. It originally dates from 1890 and has played an important role in the history of the City.

The refurbishment has restored the building and delivered new facilities. It will remain the home of Derry City Council and its mayoral office, hosting the Council Chamber and Mayor’s Parlour as well as a new café, outdoor terrace, an exhibition space and historical display detailing the 400 year history of Derry and its central role in the history of the entire country.

The Guildhall also includes a new Tourist Information Point, and will be the key arrival and welcome hub for visitors to the City in its prestigious celebration year.

Advanced’s intelligent MxPro 4 panels come in 1 to 8 loop variants can run as stand-alone panels or large 200 node networks and work with Apollo, Argus, Hochiki and Nittan protocols. Apollo’s XP95 protocol and devices are used throughout the installation.

In addition, a Wagner aspirating smoke detection system is interfaced with the Advanced panel, which also manages gas and air handling shutdown. A three minute investigation delay is programmed into the system using Advanced’s simple Dynamix Tools configuration software and a DDA paging system is interfaced via RS485, delivering full text data on system status and offering fire pager alerts to the hearing impaired.

Ashdale regularly installs MxPro because of its performance, quality and open approach.

Colin Simms is Ashdale’s Service Manager and says: “We were delighted to be awarded the contract to supply and commission the fire detection system for the Guildhall, one of Northern Ireland’s finest historic buildings.

“As a long term sales and service agent for Advanced and Apollo, our commissioning engineers have huge confidence in the quality of MxPro panels and the ease with which they cope with client demands.”

Neil Parkin, Advanced’s sales manager for the area said: “Our MxPro panels offer more freedom, options and performance. Users can choose from two panel ranges, four detector protocols and a huge range of peripherals making MxPro the choice for almost any installation. We have a totally open installer network, and offer full, free training and support. It’s real freedom with Advanced quality.

“Our systems are found in many of the most prestigious and demanding locations worldwide and we are delighted to add Derry’s Guildhall to that list.”

Advanced is one of the world’s leading fire systems businesses and operates in 60 countries worldwide. Visit www.advancedco.com for more information.