Signalink launches power line fire alarm device in U.S.

UL-listed Fire-Link II in-suite alarm extension dramatically improves
safety and reduces cost of retrofitting buildings to meet code
requirements

KELOWNA, BC, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ - Residents of older apartment buildings
can now gain the improved fire alarm safety standards mandated for new
buildings without owners having to incur expensive, time-consuming and
disruptive retrofits, thanks to a new fire alarm signalling system that can be
simply and easily installed using a building's existing electrical wiring.
Signalink Technologies (www.signalink.com), a company that has developed some
of the world's first commercial products based on power line networking
technology, today launched its Fire-Link II, an Underwriters Laboratories
(UL)-listed power line-networked system that activates audible and visible
alarms inside apartments in buildings that do not have in-suite alarms. When
the main fire alarm system is activated, a loud audible alarm and a bright LED
visual warning light (strobe) are simultaneously activated on the in-suite
Fire-Link alarm device.
Building and fire codes in most jurisdictions in the U.S. require in-suite
alarms for new buildings. However, retrofitting the massive inventory of older
buildings can be a costly and disruptive undertaking for building owners and
managers, meaning that most still lack this critical life safety measure.
"Studies have shown that apartment building residents are often unable to hear
a fire alarm from inside their apartments, and this resulted in a change to
the fire code requiring in-suite alarms in newly constructed apartments," said
Rich Morris, international fire and life safety advocate. "The problem is that
it is challenging and expensive to retrofit older apartment buildings, which
means that many remain without in-suite alarms. It is in such buildings where
Fire-Link can make a tremendous difference to the safety of occupants."
At the core of Fire-Link is a communications platform and engine that is
deployed across the electrical wiring infrastructure that already exists in
any building as a ready-made network, eliminating the need for the additional
wiring usually required when retrofitting apartments and condominiums. By
installing a single panel, Signalink's technology can send signals via the
existing electrical wiring thereby eliminating the need to pull wiring in
older buildings.
The Fire-Link system connects with a building's existing fire-alarm system and
brings alarm devices inside apartments where previously there were none.
Designed to plug into any wall outlet, Fire-Link hugely reduces labor costs,
allowing a typical 50-unit building to be retrofitted in a single day, versus
the two man-months usually required when using a traditional retrofit
approach. This provides an opportunity for fire-safety installers to take on
jobs that previously could be managed only by larger firms with significant
resources, including in-house electricians.
Signalink works with major organizations in the field of fire safety like
Mircom Technologies, Troy Sprinkler, Vipond and G.E., and already has several
hundred installations of Fire-Link in the United States and Canada.
"Fire-Link provides an obvious benefit to both alarm installers and building
managers by allowing rapid and cost-effective retrofitting of apartment
buildings," said Pat McCoubrey, manager national accounts and total solutions,
Edwards/Troy Sprinkler. "When you combine this with the benefits of improved
fire safety and peace of mind for building occupants, then you have a
compelling case for using Signalink's technology."
The Fire-Link II is UL-listed as a fire safety device and for connection to
the AC power system, and consists of two key components:

- The In-Suite Device (ISD) is the individual alarm unit that can be
plugged directly into any electrical outlet and firmly affixed to
avoid accidental or intentional removal by occupants. The ISD
features an audible alarm as well as the first UL-listed LED visual
warning indicator (strobe) for the hearing impaired. The ISD's
loudness is rated at 90 decibels at three meters and meets the
National Fire Alarm Code 75-decibel requirement when measured with an
intervening bedroom door closed between the ISD and the occupant.

- The Network Monitoring Controller (NMC) is connected to the existing
fire-alarm system control unit and is designed to manage all the ISDs
in an apartment building. The controller is powered by an AC
connection, which also provides access to the same network it uses to
communicate with the remotely installed ISDs in each suite. The
system software contains individual ISD identification numbers so
that the NMC can continuously communicate with, and monitor the
condition of, the remote devices.

"Fire-Link II provides an answer to all those who claim that doing nothing is
a more attractive option than going through the pain and expense of a fire
alarm system retrofit," said Ed Alfke, CEO, Signalink. "We have developed a
unique technology platform that makes rewiring a thing of the past and allows
the added safety of in-suite fire alarms to be delivered to hundreds of
thousands of older apartment buildings across North America."
Fire-Link II is available now from Signalink and its distributors.

About Signalink
Started in 2003, Signalink Technologies is a developer of fire alarm systems
that can be simply and easily networked using a building's existing electrical
wiring. The company's UL-listed Fire-Link product is a completely power
line-based solution that allows existing fire alarm systems to be extended
into the suites of apartment buildings that do not have in-suite alarms. A
complete installation can be achieved in a matter of hours, both cost
effectively and with little impact to buildings or occupants. For more
information, visit www.signalink.com.

SOURCE Signalink Technologies

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