Fire-alarm system is star performer in Dutch theatre complex
Intelligent fire-alarm control panels from Advanced Electronics are at the heart of the fire-protection solution at the new £65 million Nationaal Muziekkwartier theatre complex in the Dutch city of Enschede. The 18 000 m2 building comprises a 1000-seat theatre, two music stages, a music school, studios, catering outlets and offices.
Because of the nature of the building and its environment, a number of different fire-protection technologies have been installed by Advanced’s focal partner Hertek, in partnership with electrical contractor Kropman Installatietechniek.
Two 4-loop Mx-4000 fire-alarm control panels are connected to over 700 fire detectors, aspirating smoke-detection systems and specialist flame detectors, as well as controlling sprinklers and fire curtains.
The panels are networked, together with three remote repeater panels and three fire-brigade mimic panels — providing the fire services and building operators with access to the fire-system status from various points in the complex.
Commenting on the fire-system design, Peter de Jonge, electrical engineering manager with Kropman, said, ‘The challenge was to meet the needs of the different users of the complex. Phased evacuation was implemented to ensure that the whole building wasn’t evacuated in the event of a localised incident or nuisance alarm, whilst keeping staff and visitors safe in the event of a real fire. The power and flexibility of the Mx-4000 panels were key to achieving this.’
The Mx-4000 panels also control the ‘double-knock’ sprinkler activation, smoke curtains, elevator shutdown, fire-door release and manage the phased evacuation.
