Queens Medical Centre (QMC) Nottingham
Part of the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, the Queens Medical Centre is one of the largest hospitals in the UK. Residing on a 40-acre site, the QMC was the first purpose-built teaching hospital in the UK with over 1,300 beds and more than 6,000 staff.
Clymac were approached by the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham to advise and bid for the expansion of the site-wide fire detection and alarm system to provide an L2 coverage throughout the hospital. Although the site consists of four blocks, QMC is a single structure. The client therefore needed a scalable system that would not only support the needs of the individual blocks but also satisfy the needs of the overall site.
The challenges
- Each block was served by different fire alarm systems. Some of these were outdated and obsolete with the remaining ones unable to cope with an ever-expanding site. An entirely new system would be needed.
- The remarkable size of the site meant that a large-scale, seamlessly integrated system with at least 80 network control panels would need to be designed, installed and maintained.
- The system needed to be able to accommodate up to 90 No. 4 loop control panels.
- There was to be no single piece of control equipment that the total site was to be reliant upon for its continued operation.
- There was to be no single piece of cable that the total site was reliant upon for its continued operation.
- The system needed to be capable of selectively broadcasting certain events globally to all areas of the site together with the ability to restrict certain event information to within the defined blocks.
- The system needed to be capable of connecting to multiple colour graphics PCs.
Solution
It was important that delivery of this project ensured a collaborative approach and a commitment to partnership engagement. After extensive planning and discussions with the client, Clymac embarked on a four-year phased programme to complete the works.
Technology provided
- A hybrid system of hardwired and wireless field devices was installed. The Ziton ZP system was selected as it is able to seamlessly mix hardwired and wireless devices.
- Detectors and call points were replaced and connected to the existing cabling.
- Combined addressable detector and sounder devices were installed to provide a more even distribution of alarm audibility levels around the site.
- Wireless and Aspirating detectors installed in difficult-to-access areas.
Outcome
The project was a success and a great example of applying different fire alarm architecture and technologies to fit the needs of building without affecting its decorative finishes.
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