Kentec’s Taktis Fire Panel receives certification from VdS

Kentec Electronics, a leading manufacturer of life-critical control systems, has achieved EN 54-2 and 4 VdS approval for Taktis, its most powerful and sophisticated analogue addressable fire panel. The approval will enable the business to expand its global operations into the central European market. 

As one of central Europe’s leading independent testing institutions, VdS certification is required for manufacturers to sell and install fire safety systems in Germany and other central European markets such as the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic and Poland, where the UK’s LCPB (Loss Prevention Certification Board) certification is not recognised.  

Kevin Swann, Managing Director of Kentec, says the accreditation offers a competitive advantage that reinforces the company’s long-established reputation across Europe: 

“This accreditation adds to our EN-54 approvals and creates assurance and confidence within the German market that our fire panels deliver the highest standards of fire protection. Our products are already proven in more than 90 countries worldwide, and this latest certification is yet more evidence of the quality of our systems in design and performance.” 

Taktis is available in 2-8 loops and the 8-16 loop panels provide a flexible and expandable complete solution (including a full suite of graphics, communications – copper and fibre, analytics and remote management tools). The latest 16 loop variant extends the current Taktis fire panel to 16 detection loops to provide up to 144 zone indications. It supports more than 2,000 detection devices and can network up to 127 panels, making it ideal for the largest sites such as schools, hospitals, multi-site retail/supermarkets, critical infrastructure and major commercial and industrial facilities. 

Multiple protocols can be supported on each panel to give installers and end-users maximum choice in their systems’ design, and the scalable nature of the product provides the highest level of futureproofing and networking possibilities.

A key feature of the whole Taktis range is its ease of use. A 7” full colour resistive touch screen display and a clear, uncluttered intuitive user interface makes it easy to use even for those with minimal or no training, essential in the event of an emergency. The display can also be customised with client branding and logos.

Kevin adds that with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic it is more important than ever to ensure manufacturing businesses do everything they can to keep the supply chain as straightforward as possible: 

“It’s essential we maintain the availability of life safety systems, and this accreditation widens the choice of systems for installers,” he says. “The German and central European market is renowned for its rigorous high standards, and so the accreditation serves as an excellent example of Kentec’s commitment to manufacture best-in-class life-critical control systems that provide the utmost in safety, even in the most demanding situations.”