Apollo: fire detection system protects London's Royal Albert Hall. London’s Royal Albert Hall is one of the most recognizable concert venues in the world. Opened in 1871 by Queen Victoria, it hosts over 350 performances every year. These include not only classical and popular music concerts, but also events as diverse as tennis tournaments and an audience with the Dalai Lama. A fire risk assessment there revealed a need for a single fire detection system.

A somewhat piecemeal approach to building maintenance in the past had led to a number of different fire detection systems being installed over time. These included a twenty-five year old conventional system, a radio system, an analog addressable system with five networked panels and a separate sprinkler system. As an international entertainment venue in constant use, gaining access for refurbishment or essential maintenance can be difficult.

This is further compounded by restrictions due to its status as a Grade I listed building. In addition, the venue is a registered charity and operates without any public subsidy so any expenditure must be carefully planned.

Going Digital

Leader Systems LLP was appointed to design, install and commission the new fire detection system. They recommended an intelligent fire detection system based on Apollo’s open digital protocol to overcome historical issues with operation, performance and ongoing maintenance. 

“We have used Apollo-based fire systems very successfully for many years,” explains Tony Weaver, Leader’s Head of Technical. “Their open digital protocol is proven over twenty years and a large number of product and panel manufacturers offer devices that are compatible. This gives freedom of choice and doesn’t tie the client to a single company or range of fire detection products, so it was a perfect choice for the Royal Albert Hall.”

The system design centers around a standard network of six four-loop Advanced Electronics control panels. To meet the need for a single point of information, a graphics package that enables staff to pinpoint any incidents on the ground plans of the building was specified – a much more user-friendly interface than the multiple system panels it replaces. Leader and Advanced also collaborated on the development of a bespoke mimic panel that indicates damper activation as a result of an alarm.

Concern Over Decor

Apollo’s Discovery and Xpander ranges of fire detectors were chosen to meet the environmental and architectural demands of the Royal Albert Hall. Tony Weaver explains: “The Discovery range of intelligent fire detectors meets several key client demands: proven reliability in the field, adaptability to changing conditions and protection against unwanted alarms. We specified these devices for the majority of the building.”

However, there are some areas where hardwired devices could not be installed, such as the ceiling of the auditorium. For these areas, Xpander wireless fire detectors were specified. These devices are fully compatible with the intelligent fire system and simply connect to the control panel via an interface, which is wired to the loop. They are then recognized by the control panel as another detector connected to the system.

Adaptive Innovation

The Royal Albert Hall also found a novel use of Xpander, as Apollo’s UK Sales Manager Andy Turner explains: “Although it isn’t a main application for them, the Xpander devices were a great solution for providing temporary fire cover in areas of the building where refurbishment was in progress. Once work was complete, hardwired devices were installed and the wireless devices removed for use on the next phase.”

As the Royal Albert Hall is a listed building, the new fire detection system had to use existing wiring. This raised some technical issues, which the choice of appropriate technology was able to overcome. For example, the original analog addressable fire system needed a separate sounder circuit.

Apollo integral base sounders enabled use of existing wiring to replace these, creating integrated loops, while zone monitors and DIN-rail interfaces enabled the new fire system to interface with other critical equipment. The client fully appreciates the unique circumstances that the Royal Albert Hall presented and the added value contributed by all the companies involved in the fire detection project.

Building Services Development Manager Tom Scullane concludes: “I needed a fire detection system that put me in control and the combination of Leader System’s design, Advanced’s control equipment and Apollo’s open protocol gave me that.”

Contact:

Apollo Fire Detectors Ltd.,
Havant, United Kingdom
Tel.: +44 2392 492
Fax: +44 2392 492 754
rowland.davies@apollo-fire.co.uk
www.apollo-fire.co.uk