What Is CCTV Fire Detection?

A CCTV fire detection system is capable of identifying flames and sending pre-programmed alerts to specific users so that swift action can be taken to resolve the situation and prevent unnecessary harm or damage. 

While a traditional CCTV system might simply capture moving images of fire, CCTV fire detection uses in-built algorithms to recognise when flames break out. Essentially operating as a ‘smoke detector camera’, computer vision enables CCTV fire detection systems to identify flames at an early stage. As a result, small fires can be dealt with quickly and without posing a threat to life. 

How Do Infrared Fire Cameras Work?

Infrared fire cameras use thermal imaging to identify areas in which temperatures exceed a specific point. A thermal imaging camera works by measuring the infrared radiation that is being emitted by an object. Most cameras will assign a colour to the image on-screen, based on the amount of infrared radiation that is present. In practice, these colours provide a quick snapshot of objects and areas based on how hot they are. 

As house fires can range from 600 – 1,500°C and commercial fires can get even hotter, it’s relatively easy for flames to be picked up via thermal imaging. In fact, firefighters often use handheld thermal imaging cameras when putting out fires, which shows just how effective they can be. 

Who Should Use Fire Detection Cameras?

CCTV fire detection and infrared fire cameras can be used in virtually any environment and are suitable for use in both residential and commercial premises. As people become more familiar with the infrared and computer vision technology that underpins these cameras, an increasing number are choosing to install these advanced systems in their homes and businesses. 

Although fire detection cameras can be advantageous in any type of property, they are particularly valuable in large areas or buildings with high ceilings. This is because standard smoke detectors can take a considerable amount of time to alert you if a fire breaks out. The larger an area is or the higher the ceiling is, the longer it takes for the smoke to reach the detector, thus an elevated risk of damage, harm, injury, and death occurs. 

By using fire detection cameras in these spaces, you can ensure that you’re alerted as soon as a fire breaks out, regardless of how much smoke is produced or how long it takes to reach a standard smoke detector. This enables a more rapid response and mitigates the risk of harm to people and property. 

When to Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment

To determine whether CCTV fire detection, infrared fire cameras, or any other type of fire safety measures are best suited to your needs, it’s important to carry out a detailed fire risk assessment. This can identify potential risks in your current fire safety procedures, enhance building protection, and help businesses comply with the Fire Safety Act 2021. 

Although a fire risk assessment is an important element of optimising your site safety, it’s vital that any assessments are carried out by experienced personnel. With enhanced expertise and in-depth knowledge of fire safety, our teams can complete accurate and comprehensive fire risk assessments to provide you with the information you need to optimise fire safety. 

Of course, a fire risk assessment shouldn’t be viewed as a one-off activity. To maximise safety, regular fire risk assessments should be carried out. If the way a building is used changes, for example, different fire risks can emerge. By conducting regular assessments, you can ensure that your fire safety measures remain up to date and that your fire safety technology provides the best level of protection.

What Type of Fire Prevention Equipment is Right for You?

There are many different options when it comes to fire protection and the size of the premises, as well as its uses, will have a significant impact on which type of equipment is most effective. While you’ll need a full fire risk assessment to develop a custom fire prevention plan and ascertain exactly what type of devices can offer the best protection, it is worth noting that the latest technology can significantly improve fire safety in most environments.

As the future of fire prevention evolves, you can minimise the risk of fires in or on your property by using the latest technology to increase fire safety. 

By upgrading to computer vision CCTV fire detection, for example, you can drastically reduce alert times so that fires are identified and put out more quickly. Similarly, an infrared fire camera can make it much easier to determine where and when fires break out, thus improving response times and enhancing safety. 

Do You Need a New Fire Prevention System?

If you have an existing fire prevention or fire response system in place, there’s no need to rip it out and start from scratch. Instead, assessors will incorporate existing systems into their report and determine whether current fire safety protocols are sufficient or whether improvements are necessary. 

In many cases, it’s possible to improve the performance of fire safety and fire prevention plans simply by supplementing existing system setups with additional technology. By integrating CCTV fire detection alongside smoke alarms and rapid response alerts, for example, you can improve the performance of your system as a whole. 

Learn More About Fire Prevention from Edmont

New fire prevention technology is being developed all the time and at Edmont, we’re at the cutting edge of these advancements. From bespoke fire prevention systems in new builds to system optimisation in existing premises, our experienced team can help you to find the fire safety solutions your business needs. To learn more, contact Edmont now on 01793 825765 or email us at mep@edmont.co.uk

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This article will cover the benefits you can glean from utilising home automation. It will also list ideas for making your property smart.

Home Automation Ideas for Homeowners

There is so much you can do with home automation. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a list of some of the best home automation ideas you can try out.

Smart Security

Home automation allows you to monitor and control the security of your property via an in-home dashboard or an app. If a home has intelligent security features, it can even potentially deter criminals from breaking in. Gain better security management for your home with these smart security ideas.

• Smart cameras: These devices allow you to view and monitor your home using your smartphone.
• Smart locks: From your device, you can open and close doors remotely or have the front door automatically set to unlock when you arrive from work.
• Intelligent doorbells: Receive a notification whenever somebody is at your door. Smart doorbells allow for two-way communication with your visitors. Their built-in cameras also help you monitor your gate or entrance.
• Intelligent alerts: Receive notifications when an intruder enters your home. Motion sensors are used for this – which, when triggered, will notify the control panel and the monitoring centre. You can also have your system programmed to alert you if your front door is left open.
• Bedtime alarms: An alarm is set to detect any intruders while you’re sleeping.
• Alarms for when nobody is home: Whenever motion is detected in the house, but nobody is home, an alert is sent to your device. Another alternative when you’re away from home is to set all the lights on your property to automatically turn on when it’s dark to help deter burglars.
• Personalised access: Assign each family member a unique access code, so you receive alerts when they arrive at your home.

Energy-Friendly Home Automation

A smart home can help reduce your energy consumption. By saving energy, you’ll be able to lower your utility bills in the long run. Improve your home’s energy management with these energy-friendly smart home ideas.

• Automatic temperature control: Control your home’s temperature even when you’re away, and schedule temperature changes based on your personal preferences. With home automation, you can adjust the temperature as needed to help you lower your energy bills.
• Thermostat controls: Program your thermostat to automatically switch to energy-saving mode if you leave the windows open for a few minutes.
• Programmable shades: Automated shades can be programmed to close at certain times. This helps keep your house cool and more energy efficient.
• Lower water bills: Program sprinklers to automatically turn on and off based on the current weather. This way, you won’t have to water your lawn during a downpour, thus reducing your water bills.
• Reduce electricity bills: With your home automation system, you can keep your appliances from going on standby mode, which still consumes power and contributes to your electric bill.
• Energy consumption monitoring: Using your home automation system, you can automatically monitor your home’s energy use.

Convenience Home Automation

Owners of intelligent homes experience great convenience with home automation. There is a certain amount of stress involved in running a home. So you can save yourself some hassle if you have a system that allows you to control all of your home appliances with just one device.

Home automation makes everything easier to handle. It even offers convenient emergency management by sending you alerts for whatever’s happening in your home. Consequently, this can help you stay on top of potentially disastrous emergencies.

• Filter replacement reminders: Remember to replace the filters for your central vacuum, HVAC and more with home automation.
• Pipe leak detection: Receive automatic notifications if there’s a pipe leak somewhere in your home.
• Carbon monoxide alerts: As soon as the sensor detects signs of a carbon monoxide leak, you instantly get notifications on your phone.
• Smoke alarm alerts: Get alerts straight to your phone to be notified of smoke or fire in your home even if you’re away.
• In case of a fire: You can program your thermostat to shut down in an emergency such as a fire. You can also set your lighting to automatically turn on to help you navigate your way to safety.

Smart Lighting

The advantages of having intelligent lights include convenience and increased security. Here are some smart lighting ideas you can explore.

• Automatic dim and brightness control: With home automation technology, you can automatically dim your lights when it’s time for bed. Likewise, you can increase their brightness when you wake up.
• Turn on/off all lights: This command is convenient when it’s time for bed, and you need a fast, convenient way of turning off all the lights in your home.
• Alarm function: Smart lighting can act as an alarm by simulating the sunrise. With this feature, your lights gradually increase in brightness in the mornings. This can work as a great alternative to shrill alarm clocks.
• Night lights: You can set your hallway lights to automatically turn on when you’re in the area to help you navigate your way to the kitchen or bathroom when it’s nighttime.

Professional Home Automation Services

Through home automation, you can improve facility management and make your life more convenient. Make your home automation ideas come to life by partnering with the right services provider.

Edmont M&E can help you upgrade your property and make it a smart home for you and your loved ones. Our domestic services include fire alarm, AV, CCTV and lighting installations. Our domestic team can also equip your home with motion sensors and door entry systems.Contact us today to learn more about our services.

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Importance of Effective Lighting

A crucial aspect of exterior and interior architecture is lighting. No matter the purpose of a building, whether for educational, residential or commercial purposes, setting up an effective lighting system is a must.

Gloomy or poor lighting makes it more difficult to accomplish tasks. It can also negatively affect the mood of the people within the building. Not to mention the health risks associated with ineffective lighting, such as headaches and eye strain.

An effective lighting system must follow the principles of lighting ergonomics and UK regulations.

UK Building Regulations for Lighting

Building Regulations are requirements set by the government and approved by Parliament. These regulations serve as the standards for the construction of buildings, from how they’re designed and constructed to how they’re altered. They help ensure the safety and welfare of people.

Building Regulations also cover the requirements for installing lights in various settings, such as domestic and commercial spaces.

Domestic Lighting Regulations in the UK

Regulations for lighting in domestic buildings are covered in the domestic building compliance guide. It states that 75% of all the lights in a residential building must have an efficacy of 45 lumens per watt. The lights should also produce a total output of more than 400 lamp lumens.

If a lamp meets the aforementioned efficacy and output, it’s classified as a low-energy light. Using low-energy lights aligns with the government’s strategy for energy efficiency. Note that light fixtures with a supplied power of fewer than 5 watts can be excluded when counting the total number of lights in the house.  

Meanwhile, regulations for residential outdoor lighting state that each external lighting should have automatic controls and a lamp capacity of no more than 100 watts. Residents can also opt to have light fittings with efficacy of more than 45 lumens per watt. These light fittings can then either be manually or automatically controlled.

Commercial Lighting Regulations in the UK

For non-domestic spaces to comply with lighting regulations, the non-domestic building compliance guide can be used as a reference point. Commercial buildings can refer to various types, including offices, industrial warehouses, hotels, pubs, cafes, hospitals and shopping centres.

As stated in the non-domestic building compliance guide, there are two recommended options for installing internal lighting. The first option is that office, industrial properties and buildings used for commercial storage should install general lighting with an average efficacy of 60 luminaire lumens per watt. Meanwhile, in other building types not included in the first category, the general lighting system must have an average efficacy of 60 lamp lumens per watt. Finally, display or accent lighting in non-domestic buildings needs to have an average efficacy of 22 lamp lumens per watt.

The second recommended option is that the installation of a lighting system should be based on the Lighting Energy Numeric Indicator (LENI). Serving as an indicator of buildings’ energy use, LENI takes into account the efficiency of the entire lighting system, including controls.

UK Regulations for Downlights

Downlights or recessed lights are installed by creating a recess or cutting a hole in the ceiling. Downlights add a modern touch to spaces and can be used to set the mood.

When installing these light fixtures, it’s essential to comply with the UK regulations for fire-rated downlights. Proper installation is necessary, so they won’t pose a fire risk to your building.

To comply properly, requirements outlined in the UK Building Regulations Part B, Part C and Part E must be met. Part B details the necessary fire safety requirements for downlights. In essence, downlights must be able to maintain the ceiling’s fire rating for 30, 60 or 90 minutes.

Moreover, downlights and insulation regulations state that insulation should be reasonably continuous and not have avoidable gaps. As such, putting insulation over downlights would not comply with the regulations. However, if you use a loft lid, you can cover downlights with insulation. In this case, the loft lid serves as a barrier between the lights and thermal insulation.

Meanwhile, complying with Part C and Part E of the Building Regulations means that your downlights have to be resistant to contaminants, moisture and sound.  

UK Lighting Regulations for Workplaces

Lighting plays a significant role in workers’ safety and productivity. With poor lighting comes eye strain, headaches, stress and even accidents. All these can lead to a decrease in work performance and quality.

Installation of effective lighting in work environments must then be prioritised. According to the workplace (health, safety and welfare) regulations of 1992, all workplaces must have suitable and sufficient lighting. It also states that emergency backup lights must be installed in case of power cuts.

New UK Lighting Regulations

In 2021, new regulations were released on the ecodesign requirements for lighting products. These new requirements cover light sources and separate control gears, intending to increase energy efficiency. With the new lighting regulations in place, some less energy-efficient lighting products will have to be taken off the market.

The regulations state that lighting products must have energy-efficient labels (class A to G). Labels must also indicate whether a product is removable or non-removable. Furthermore, a QR code or a website address must be included, so consumers can view technical information about the product.

Interior and Exterior Lighting Services

Lighting systems, whether for domestic or commercial purposes, must meet the required building codes and energy-efficient guidelines. 

At Edmont, we can deliver visually impressive lighting schemes that comply with the necessary regulations. Contact us today to learn more. 

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Digital Signage Statistics in the UK

Networked digital signage makes use of technologies such as LCD, LED and projection to deliver information, marketing ads and other types of messages through multiple AV displays. With huge leaps in technological advancements and the rapid adoption of innovations such as artificial intelligence, businesses are seeing an ever-growing need to find new ways of presenting dynamic content to their audiences. This is where networked digital signage comes in.    

In the United Kingdom, more than 60% of retailers believe that digital signage helps create awareness for their brands, according to a Samsung study. The study also found that nearly half of viewers of digital signages were able to recall the ads that were displayed. Furthermore, it showed how digital signage can help businesses in terms of sales, with 19% of digital signage viewers making an unplanned purchase. Meanwhile, more than 40% of viewers said they prefer to shop at stores with digital signage displays. These statistics highlight the function of digital signage and how it can impact business growth.

Digital Signage Usage  

You can traditionally find digital signage displays in retail. Currently, it’s being used in various settings, including government, healthcare, education, corporate, fitness, hospitality and entertainment.

In the UK, hospitals have leveraged networked digital signage to boost their patient care efforts. With a multi-display system, hospitals in Bishop Auckland and Darlington have managed to deploy a network of digital signages that provide information, communication and entertainment to thousands of hospital staff and over 650,000 residents. Schools are also utilising digital display solutions to expand education channels and engage more students. And of course, digital signages are often present in the food and drinks industry. When McDonald’s branches in the UK rolled out digital menus, for instance, the fast-food company saw an 11% increase in its sales.

Digital Signage Trends in 2022

For businesses that are planning to integrate networked digital signage into their marketing strategies, it’s essential for them to keep a close eye on digital signage industry trends to help them navigate the landscape better. The digital signage market in the UK is said to increase by 6.7%. In 2025, it’s forecast to arrive at nearly £1 billion from 2018’s approximately £600 million. With the market predicted to continuously grow, here are some of the upcoming trends we can expect:

More personalisation

Companies are expected to look into more ways of personalising digital signages to enhance customer experience and deliver bespoke campaigns.

Smart signages

As AI and machine learning are used more and more for customer service, we can expect these technologies to be incorporated into digital signage systems. These innovations are forecast to help with data collection and delivery of more relevant content.

Live updates

We can expect more brands to put up social media walls and ad boards that display livestreams to help enhance customer engagement and audience interaction.

Challenges to Digital Signage Installations

There are advantages and disadvantages to digital signage installations. Let’s first tackle the challenges that organisations can face in implementing them.

With networked digital signage, various experts are needed to install a cohesive digital display system. You’ll need expertise in terms of designing and producing the content, choosing hardware and software components (such as ScreenCloud) and ensuring connectivity. Some may also think that installing digital signage can be a costly investment. However, the return on investment and potential benefits can outweigh the initial costs. Additionally, the decreasing manufacturing costs of LED displays mean lowered costs of digital signage installation.

Benefits of Electronic Signs

There are many advantages to networked digital signages that physical displays don’t possess. Here are some of its perks:

1.      Visually dynamic content

Compared to physical posters with static images, digital signage allows for visually dynamic content that can grab the attention of customers with ease. Vibrant images and videos capture the interest of passers-by and can make them pause in their tracks. When made with interactivity in mind, such as if a business opts for touchscreen displays, networked digital signage can drive not only audience interest but also audience engagement. This can pave the path for better brand awareness and improvement in campaign effectiveness and, consequently, sales.  

2.      Extreme versatility

Networked digital signages are finding their way in various industries, such as banking, healthcare, transportation, education and entertainment. The possibilities of where it can be used are numerous. It can even integrate technologies considered to be in their infancy, such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality. It can be used to enhance the environment it’s in, such as multiple digital screens in gyms that display motivational quotes. Another handy application is digital wayfinding systems that assist visitors in navigating their way through a building.

3.      Easy to manage

Networked digital signage is ideal for marketing campaigns involving multiple displays across multiple locations. Through a content management system, publishing content and updating the screens in real-time is made more convenient. You wouldn’t have to go to each location just to modify what’s showing on the screens. Uploading and organising content can be done remotely through a centralised system for more efficient management of content. As a result, this system can be easy to scale and can lead to reduced costs in terms of site visits.   

4.      More targeted campaigns

Another key advantage of networked digital signage is its flexibility in targeting audiences. Because real-time updating of content on multiple screens is possible, businesses can conveniently schedule different content to target different audience segments. Content can be organised based on locations, time and more. This tweaking of content enables businesses to deliver the right message to the right audience at the right time.

Successfully Deploy Networked Digital Signage Now

Installing networked digital signage can be an effective way of making your business stand out from the rest. At Edmont M&E, we offer digital ad board solutions that are made to fit your meeting spaces, retail areas and more. Contact us today to learn more. 

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