- RECENT PROJECT
Specialist L5 Hybrid Fire Alarm System – External Cladding Protection
Working in collaboration with one of our principal subcontract partners, Fire Systems, we delivered a bespoke Category L5 fire alarm solution to support the fire strategy associated with external cladding protection on a residential building.
Overview
Following a dedicated fire alarm design meeting, it was identified that additional, targeted detection was required to mitigate the fire risk presented by cladding located externally around specific window openings. The agreed strategy required localised detection near affected windows, without compromising the existing building fabric or causing unnecessary disruption to communal areas.
The project demanded a carefully considered solution that balanced compliance, functionality, and minimal visual impact.
Hybrid Fire Alarm System Design
To achieve this, we retained the existing hard-wired fire alarm system already serving the communal areas of the building. Rather than extending the original installation — which would have required invasive works — we designed and installed a hybrid fire alarm system incorporating both wired and wireless technologies.
The solution included:
- Retention of the existing wired fire alarm system within communal areas
- Installation of a separate fire alarm control panel
- New circuits installed to serve translator modules, routed discreetly via riser cupboards
- Cable routes carefully planned to keep cabling on show to an absolute minimum, with only the translators visible
Both fire alarm control panels installed were Advanced Electronics MXPro5 panels.
Wireless Detection & Integration
To provide the required detection near the cladding-affected windows, we installed a Hyfire Taurus wireless fire detection system.
The configuration comprised:
- Installation of high-level wireless detectors positioned near the affected window and cladding areas
- Translator modules installed on wired circuits to enable communication between the wired and wireless systems
- Wireless devices communicating via translators back to the fire alarm control equipment
The two MXPro5 panels were fully interlinked and networked, ensuring both systems operated as a single, unified life safety installation. Cause-and-effect programming was carefully configured so that activation of the wireless detection produced the correct system response across both panels.
Delivery & Outcome
This hybrid approach allowed us to meet the Category L5 design intent precisely, delivering targeted fire detection where it was required while:
- Minimising disruption to communal areas
- Avoiding unnecessary damage to the building fabric
- Maintaining a clean and discreet installation
The completed system provides a compliant, intelligent, and future-ready solution that fully supports the building’s fire strategy and demonstrates our capability in delivering non-standard, engineered fire alarm designs using integrated wired and wireless technologies.
About The Project
- Service
Category L5 fire alarm design and installation
- Client
Fire Systems
- Location
Residential Building