Month: July 2018

Advanced Signal Analysis, or “ASA” Technology in a nutshell eliminates false fire alarms.

In this blog post we have a look at how this is achieved and what benefits this unique technology offers to a variety of application areas.

ASA detectors form part of the range of products within the Siemens Cerberus Pro fire detection and alarm system offered by Diamond Systems.

Why choose ASA?

Traditional detectors are unable to distinguish between smoke and other deceptive phenomena including:

• Steam
• Aerosols
• Exhaust fumes
• Cooking fumes
• Cigarette smoke
• Dust
• Insets
• Dry ice
• Burnt toast

Consequently, these detectors are often the cause of many false fire alarms, which are an inconvenience to building occupants, a cost to the business owner, and an unnecessary drain on the resources of the fire and rescue service.

To minimise false fire alarms, detectors are usually isolated during for example theatrical performances involving dry ice, or in areas where cooking is currently taking place. Alternatively, heat detectors are installed in problematic areas, but these do not provide early indications of fire and therefore pose a big risk, perhaps an unacceptable one for many.

Thanks to innovation from global leader Siemens Building Technologies, there is now a more effective, robust solution to this problem, and it is called ASA technology.

How does the Technology Work?

ASA technology works by converting the recorded signals within the detector’s sensor into mathematical components. These components are then compared with the programmed values in real time using intelligent algorithms.  The intelligence of nine selectable parameter sets makes the detectors immune to deceptive phenomena, which in turn prevents unnecessary downtimes and costs caused by false alarms.  The selected parameter set dynamically adapts itself to the current situation. That means in case of a real fire, the ASA detector reacts more sensitively – and in case of deceptive phenomena, it is more robust.

Typical Application Areas

Detectors with ASA technology are the best choice for protecting especially demanding application areas, where you need highly advanced technology to ensure maximum safety and optimal protection – with no false alarms. Typical application areas include:

• Data Centres
• Industrial Production Facilities
• Hospitals and Nursing Homes
• Restaurants, bakeries and canteen kitchens
• Garages and car parks
• IT and telecommunications equipment
• Entertainment venues utilising dry ice

 

Can my existing Fire Alarm system incorporate ASA technology?

Diamond Systems have successfully migrated numerous existing fire alarm systems to Siemens Cerberus Pro ASA Technology, with no downtime. Why not contact us to discuss your requirements.

 

As a Procurement Manager, Designer or System Specifier, you will be faced with a wide array of options nowadays when selecting an IP based CCTV system. And let’s face it, no one wants to be the one to make the bad decision that ends up costing you or your client more in the long run! That’s why it is so important to make, or recommend, an informed purchase, one which takes account of the complete life-cycle of the system, enabling you to make an intelligent procurement decision.

If you don’t, you may find that your upfront cost will prove to be the tip of the iceberg in terms of the total cost of ownership!

With an influx of low cost IP CCTV brands from outside of the EU over the past few years, the temptation is there to purchase or specify a system which on the face of it appears to be at a “good price”. But have you considered the Total Cost of Ownership before you make that procurement decision? Will the system deliver reliability and usability, and how much will it cost to run?

As a leading provider of innovative and sustainable fire and security solutions, Diamond Systems are equipped with both the expertise and experience to help guide you through your selection of IP CCTV. Joint Managing Director of Diamond Systems, Steve Snoddon, explains that making a more intelligent choice when it comes to surveillance systems makes financial sense: “Our partnership with the world’s leading innovator of video surveillance systems, Axis Communications, means we can now offer a unique technology, called Zipstream, which drastically reduces bandwidth, processing, and storage requirements by an average of 50%, without compromising on image quality. With today’s surveillance systems capturing more and more images, in greater detail and better quality than ever before, storage is now a major consideration and can contribute to up to 25% of the initial investment cost.”

Lowering storage requirements means lower upfront costs, but the Axis range also delivers savings in respect of ongoing operating costs. Diamond Systems, a Gold Axis Communications Partner, advocates a thorough review of ongoing costs before making an IP CCTV procurement decision. A study by Axis Communications estimates that 49% of the life cycle cost of a surveillance system comprises maintenance and operation costs. The Axis product range offered by Diamond Systems has been designed to minimise ongoing operating costs through performance and reliability, and has undergone rigorous testing by Axis in order to offer a solution which truly delivers a lower total cost of ownership.

By selecting the Axis product range from Diamond Systems, featuring Zipstream technology and lower operating costs, you can rest assured you are making a more intelligent procurement decision. You can find out more about Diamond Systems’ range of innovative and sustainable CCTV systems by contacting us to arrange a demonstration of Axis Communications’ Zipstream technology.