Kentec protects Glasgow Coronavirus hospital from risk of fire

Sigma XT Gas Suppression panels, manufactured by Kentec Electronics, a leading manufacturer of life-critical control systems, are protecting NHS staff and patients at the Louisa Jordan NHS Facility Glasgow – located at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) which provides more than 500 COVID-19 beds. 

Vipond Fire Protection Ltd. installed the fire safety systems within a seven-day turnaround. The system includes a total of seven Sigma XT gas suppression panels, and 32 detectors located within the electrical room that serves the 10,000m² facility.  

Kentec’s Sigma XT releasing panel provides three initiation circuits as standard, which means the release of the extinguishant can be configured to activate from any combination of detection zone inputs to allow specific and controlled activations. It also features a large LED display, simplifying configuration and displaying the time remaining until release for added user safety.

Gary White, Fire Alarm & Gas Suppression Manager at Vipond Fire Protection Ltd, says that Kentec was an obvious choice for this installation: “Kentec is known for reliability and customers find its panels are easy to use and configure. And with time being a major factor in this installation, speed was critical,” he says.

“As Kentec is a UK manufacturer, we knew panels would not have to be imported and as a long-standing customer, we also knew they would do everything needed to ensure panels were delivered on time. Despite working around the Easter weekend, we were able to install on schedule.”

Kevin Swann, Managing Director of Kentec, says he is immensely proud that Kentec panels are protecting such a critical facility:

“The Sigma XT range is well suited to major healthcare facilities for its capacity, robust reliability and our brand’s signature intuitive user interface. It is testament to the skill, expertise and planning that Vipond were able to install in such a short time period and we are extremely pleased to have been able to support them in their mission.

“The installation acts as an excellent example of how manufacturers and installers within the fire industry are working together, in line with Covid-19 regulations, to ensure that essential installation and maintenance of fire systems can go ahead.”

Kentec Electronics is based in Kent, from conception at its global R&D facility in Rochester to its factory and offices based in Dartford, employing approximately 250 people.