Old and new fire systems work side by side during Tower 42 replacement programme in London
The tallest building in the City of London, Tower 42 (formerly the NatWest tower), is progressively replacing its analogue fire detection and alarm system using the latest MZX digital technology from ADT Fire & Security. Because the MZX system can operate over most cable types, existing cables in Tower 42 are being reused to reduce costs and minimise disruption. It is also not necessary to install the new system alongside the old one and test it before final changeover.
ADT original installed its Minerva system into Tower 42 in 1989. This analogue system is one of the largest in the UK, with 14 detection panels and 4000 devices. A public-address voice-alarm system is in operation, with thousands of event action groups for alert and evacuation procedures for each of the 47 floors, depending on the location of any incident.
The new MZX digital system will be more robust and reliable and support more devices on one loop, increasing flexibility.
As well as reusing existing cabling, Tower 42 will also benefit from the ADT recycling scheme, with the outgoing Minerva system being bought back by ADT to be reconditioned to provide service spares for other existing Minerva systems.
Stage one of the upgrade is the installation of the Tyco Expert Graphic (TXG) server, based on Microsoft Windows graphical interface and a high-resolution colour display. It uses a combination of symbols, floor plants, pictures, text, voice messages and video input for monitoring and control in normal and emergency situation.
The TXG can be used as a hub to enable the analogue and digital systems to work side by side while the 14 new MZX4000 panels are phased in.
