DOD Facility Installs System Sensor Devices

Once completed, the Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio will be the largest military medical education and training facility in the world. To meet the Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) mandate for mass notification systems (MNSs) in all Department of Defense (DoD) facilities worldwide, the DoD chose to install an integrated fire and life safety/MNS system using System Sensor products at the facility. The following is an excerpt from a case study of the project:

"This is a big job because of footprint. There are more exam rooms and more smaller spaces, and a lot of wide-open class rooms," explains Duane Hannasch, President of Fire Alarm Control Systems, Inc., San Antonio, and part of the team involved in planning and integrating the fire and life safety systems and MNS for METC. "What made the system integration seem seamless was teamwork: working with the engineering team to get a design that will provide the readings that are needed for audibility and intelligibility."

One part of the design involved integrating the speaker and strobe placements. In all locations that had a fire alarm speaker strobe with a clear lens, a mass notification amber strobe was placed adjacent to it. The fire speaker strobes are ceiling mounted to achieve better sound distribution in these areas.

Hannasch points out that the System Sensor strobes had an added benefit: They were easy to mount. Because of their plug-in design, the mounting plate allows the installing technicians to pre-check the wiring before mounting the devices. "That's a big help, and it cuts installation time," he says. "We were able to get those mounting plates in and do the wiring checks before we put the devices in. It keeps from having to take the devices down again toward the end for wall painting, etc. Usually the general contractors like to see something on the walls. They don’t like to see holes with wires sticking out, so it allows us to cover that hole on the wall and look terminated, although the building may not be ready."

Read the entire case study here.

Featured

  • Cyber Overconfidence Is Leaving Your Organization Vulnerable

    The increased sophistication of cyber threats pumped by the relentless use of AI and machine learning brings forth record-breaking statistics. Cyberattacks grew 44% YoY in 2024, with a weekly average of 1,673 cyberattacks per organization. While organizations up their security game to help thwart these attacks, a critical question remains: Can employees identify a threat when they come across one? A Confidence Gap survey reveals that 86% of employees feel confident in their ability to identify phishing attempts. But things are not as rosy as they appear; the more significant part of the report finds this confidence misplaced. Read Now

  • Mission 500 Debuts Refreshed Identity Ahead of Security 5K/2K at ISC West

    Mission 500, the security industry’s nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting children in need across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, has unveiled a refreshed brand identity ahead of ISC West. The charity’s new look includes a modernized logo with refined messaging to reinforce Mission 500’s nearly decade-long commitment to serving the needs of children and families in crisis. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Meeting Modern Demands

    Door hardware and access control continue to be at the forefront of innovation within the security industry, continuously evolving to meet the dynamic needs of commercial spaces. Read Now

  • Leveraging IoT and Open Platform VMS for a Connected Future

    The evolution of urban environments is being reshaped by the convergence of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and open platform VMS. As cities worldwide grapple with growing populations and increasing operational complexities, these integrated technologies are emerging as powerful tools for creating more livable, efficient, and secure urban spaces. Read Now

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.