Installing a Fully Integrated Fire Alarm System
Industry
Education
Challenge
Ellen Tinkham School was operating a closed-protocol fire alarm system, limiting replacement of parts and maintenance and operation to companies accredited to work on the system.
Results
Ventro successfully installed a new fire alarm system, replacing the closed protocol system with a 2-loop Kentec fire alarm panel.
Delivered Services
Fire Alarms, Active Maintenance
Ellen Tinkham School
Ellen Tinkham School is an aspirational and inspirational school for pupils between the ages of 3 and 19 with an Education, Health & Care Plan, serving the area of Exeter and beyond.
The school consists of multiple structures, including two main buildings, school huts, a swimming pool, and a biomass plant, necessitating a comprehensive solution to meet the varied needs of each building type.The Challenge
Ellen Tinkham School was operating a closed-protocol fire alarm system, limiting replacement of parts and maintenance and operation to companies accredited to work on the system. This isolated setup also meant the fire alarm couldn’t be linked to the security alarm, resulting in increased workload for the caretaker, as both systems had to be maintained independently. This situation highlighted the need for a more integrated and efficient fire safety solution across the multibuilding premises.
The Solution
Ventro successfully installed a new fire alarm system, replacing the closedprotocol
system with a 2-loop Kentec fire alarm panel. This upgrade included installing a link cable to connect the fire alarm with the intruder alarm, enabling remote monitoring via our Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).
We also installed network cables between the main school, reception block, and log cabin, using existing underground ducts and overhead catenary wires. Additionally, we extended the loop into the biomass plant, incorporating
multisensory sounder beacons, manual call points, and an isolation point for
maintenance periods. The project also included a new fire alarm control panel
and detection devices in the log cabin and the white cabin, linking all buildings
to a single alarm system.

Procurement: The project was secured through an open bidding process, demonstrating our highly competitive pricing and our proposed solution’s suitability for the school and the broader needs of Devon County Council. Our approach ensured that the school received the best value while addressing its specific fire safety requirments.
Golden Thread
Our approach ensured that fire safety was seamlessly integrated across all buildings, enhancing overall safety and compliance. Ventro were able to create and share a full cause and effects alarm matrix system with the school, ensuring that their alarm system was optimised for usage and that all key information was contained within their fire strategy and available for relevant responsible persons.

Added Value
By installing the link cable to the intruder alarm, we provided the capability for remote monitoring of the fire alarm system via the ARC. This added layer of security ensures prompt responses to any potential issues, enhancing the safety of the school environment. Additionally, we collaborated directly with Kentec to identify the bestpossible fire alarm solution forEllen Tinkham School, ensuring that the Kentec system was optimally configured to meet
the school’s specific needs.
