Lock-down Alarms
RemotestTM High Level Self Testing Smoke Detection
Counter the threat of unwanted intruders using a tailored solution from Fixfire®. It is now officially recognised, according to the updated BS 5839-1:2025 guide, that fire alarm systems can be used for lockdown alerts, particularly for schools.
It is the legal responsibility of the school, care home, or other institution where higher levels of safeguarding measures may be required, to ensure that the necessary systems are installed to safeguard their occupants and staff.
- Keep staff and students safe if there is an intruder
- Rapid response in an intruder situation
- System integration with other security systems such as access control and CCTV
- Keep staff and students safe if there is an intruder
- Rapid response in an intruder situation
- System integration with other security systems such as access control and CCTV
- Keep staff and students safe if there is an intruder
- Rapid response in an intruder situation
- System integration with other security systems such as access control and CCTV
- Keep staff and students safe if there is an intruder
- Rapid response in an intruder situation
- System integration with other security systems such as access control and CCTV
- Calm response and minimal panic following procedures during an emergency
- Allows for real-time alerting between security and those inside the building
- Can be discreet and carefully controlled
What is a Lockdown Alarm?
The typical arrangement includes actuation points which are installed in strategic positions, usually including main reception areas. These units can either take the form of a key-switch or Manual Call Points which are coloured ‘Blue’ or ‘White’ and clearly labelled according to your requirements.
Upon activation, the intelligent multi-tone Fire Alarm sounders are configured to sound a distinct tone which is selected to be different from other tones e.g. Class Change, Fire Alarm, Factory Machinery etc Depending on the type of system, voice sounders can be employed to annunciate a pre-programmed message of your choice. It is also possible to select specific sounders which will operate i.e. it is not necessary for all of the existing Fire Alarm sounder positions to sound in a ‘Lockdown’ Scenario.
Martyn's Law, officially the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, is a 2025 UK law that requires certain public venues and events to improve their preparedness for potential terrorist attacks. The law emphasises staff training, information sharing, and preparedness planning for all affected venues. Larger venues will also need to consider physical security measures and risk assessments.
To listen to an example Lockdown Alarm audio message, please click on the player below:
Any ancillary connections e.g. Access Control system interfacing etc. that would normally operate under a Fire Alarm situation is configured to remain in normal status in a Lockdown scenario.
Whilst available solutions will vary according to the type of Fire Alarm System you have installed, use of your existing Fire Alarm system infra-structure is a cost-effective means of generating a site-wide alert.
AlertLog™ offers a further enhancement. Following activation of a Lockdown alarm, AlertLog™ will alert any number of staff via their mobile phone via the ‘Notify App’, text message or e-mail. It will also confirm the location of the actuation point without the need to visit the Fire Alarm Control Panel for this information.
- Connect nearly any Fire Alarm Panel to a cloud-based management platform
- Receive real-time alerts of Fire Alarm faults & activations
- Automate your compliance through built-in weekly test schedules and full audit trail
- Compatible with most Analogue Addressable Fire Alarm Systems [Video] How to Automate your Fire Alarm Weekly Testing
How does Remotest™ work?
Remotest™ incorporates a concealed arm which is remotely actuated and rotates and positions in front of the OSID detector, proving both ‘Fault’ and ‘Fire’ functionality.
The self-test function is either configured to operate via the Fire Alarm system or built in Wi-Fi operated via an internet browser.
Remotest™ requires a low voltage 24v dc supply and incorporates space to accommodate loop powered Fire Alarm modules for Gent by Honeywell and Apollo Fire Detection protocols.
Applications
Their anti-ligature design means that they are perfect for anti-vandal applications, such as for Hospitals, Mental Health Wards and Prisons. The shock-resistant metal faceplate is fitted with anti-tamper screws, ensuring that the detector is completely secure and minimises safety hazards in healthcare and custodial environments.
Fixfire® offer a unique, custom surface-mount option for concrete ceilings, where a hole would have to be cut out for the flush system to be installed. This offers a bolt-on alternative that provides the same anti-tamper solution.
Additionally, the sleek, flat design of flush-mounted detectors offers an aesthetic and discrete solution for environments such as art galleries or luxury hotels. With faceplates available in both white and black, they blend seamlessly into most ceiling finishes, maintaining the visual integrity of interior spaces without compromising on safety.
Installation Conditions
Flush Fire Detectors are only compatible with 24v dc addressable fire alarm systems operating the ‘Apollo’ protocol. As they are not mains or battery powered, they are not typically suitable for small residential premises such as houses or flats and are only used in commercial buildings.
Additionally, Flush Fire Detectors do not come with built-in sounders, so separate audible warning devices must be installed to meet compliance standards. If you're considering these detectors as part of your fire safety solution, it's important to assess whether your current system includes compatible sounders. If not, while there are flush and discreet sounder options available, the additional equipment and installation requirements could lead to higher overall costs than initially expected.
When not to use
It's essential to understand where Flush Fire Detectors may not be appropriate. These detectors are sometimes purchased without full awareness of their intended applications, which can lead to increased costs, delays, and compromised fire safety. To ensure effective protection and compliance, avoid installing Flush Fire Detectors in the following environments:
- Areas exposed to steam, high dust levels, or fumes (bathrooms, kitchens, rest rooms). This is due to the sensors not being able to distinguish the difference between this and smoke.
- Rooms smaller than 1m x 1m.
- Locations without 500mm clearance on all sides.
- Near doorways - door movement can trigger false alarms.
- Close to lights or air conditioning units - may interfere with sensor detection.
- Residential homes - incompatible with domestic detection systems.
- Kitchen applications - smoke-only detection inappropriate for cooking areas.
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The Fixfire® Fire Log Book is a must-have tool to contain your Fire Safety records and aid compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) order 2005 (RRO).
- Robust Ring Binder with tabbed dividers
- Separate sections for user & engineer entries
- Covers all your Fire Safety checks from Fire Extinguishers and Fire Alarms through to Emergency Lighting and Fire Doors
- Fire Safety Training section
- Stores your certificates and as installed information too
- Optional Separate Lockable storage Cabinet.
The Fixfire® Fire Log Book is a must-have tool to contain your Fire Safety records and aid compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) order 2005 (RRO).
- Robust Ring Binder with tabbed dividers
- Separate sections for user & engineer entries
- Covers all your Fire Safety checks from Fire Extinguishers and Fire Alarms through to Emergency Lighting and Fire Doors
- Fire Safety Training section
- Stores your certificates and as installed information too
- Optional Separate Lockable storage Cabinet.
Fire Safety Compliance System™
The Fire Safety Compliance System™ is everything you could want from a single provider to support your ongoing compliance journey.
In order to ensure that your systems and equipment are safely installed and maintained to the highest standards, Fixfire® is accredited by the following bodies.
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442192
F-0120-GB
MJ5612
97355
For almost 50 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach. Freephone 08000 891999.
