Ireland's Electrical Magazine Issue 86

PROJECT

GRANDOPERAHOUSE, BELFAST

ATLAS WORLD’S FIRE AND INTRUDER TECHNOLOGY TAKES CENTRE STAGE BUT INSTALLATION STAYS BEHIND THE SCENES... FIREANDSECURITYSYSTEM

I ndustry specialists, Atlas World, were called on to upgrade the fire and security alarm systems for the recently restored Grand Opera House in Belfast. This landmark project wasn’t without its unique challenges, but the highly skilled and experienced Atlas World team was more than capable of meeting them. The work had to be completed within a live environment, which involved daily co-ordination with the client. Completed work from the previous day was reported in detail alongside the proposed work to be carried out that day to ensure all occupants of the building were safe and fire cover was maintained throughout.

Maintaining fire cover was one of the biggest challenges, explained Stephen Hendren, Sales Manager. “Preparatory work was assessed and completed, which involved pre-programming all software for the new system and bench testing prior to any work being started,” he said. “Once successfully pre-tested, we changed one loop per day to ensure fire cover was maintained when the building was vacant. During the day, when there was limited fire cover, a radio fire alarm system was installed with call points at all exits to ensure the safety of the occupants and premises.” The intruder alarm upgrade involved

an extension to the existing system to incorporate the refurbished areas while integrating the upgraded elements with the original equipment. Additionally, panic alarm buttons were unobtrusively installed at various locations throughout the building for the protection of theatre staff. There were additional considerations to be taken regarding the listed status of the building and its décor. “Due to the large dimensions of the auditorium and elaborate plasterwork and finishings therein, we worked closely with the Opera House’s renovation team to ensure surface-mounted components

“Our biggest source of pride in this project is that, for the theatregoer, our work is all but invisible.”

28 | IRELAND’S ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.elecmagazine.com

Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online