Fire-Lite Alarms Latest Wireless Advancements Yield New Dealer Opportunities

  • Aug 04, 2015

Honeywell announced a wide array of updates to its Fire-Lite Alarms Smart Wireless Integrated Fire Technology (SWIFT), including increased battery life, new agency listings, accredited technical training, and an enhanced software suite of new utilities. The new offerings have enabled installers to obtain new opportunities using wireless technology for many traditional and non-traditional applications.

The SWIFT line of wireless fire alarm detectors and modules seamlessly integrates with new and existing Fire-Lite Alarms systems to provide smarter, cost-conscious solutions for a myriad of applications. Following rigorous evaluation and testing, SWIFT has earned approvals from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and California State Fire Marshal (CSFM). Moreover, SWIFT detectors are now UL listed for an extended two-year battery life.

Major updates have been made to the SWIFT Tools software utility used by dealers to evaluate sites for installations, to configure wireless mesh networks, and to extract valuable diagnostic information. The latest version 1.5 offers a more enhanced user experience when performing site surveys and mesh network configurations, plus more detailed diagnostics on individual device signal strengths. Real-time data and more intelligent displays make it easier to set up and reconfigure SWIFT systems.

The Fire-Lite Training Academy’s free, two-day course (Fire-Lite Systems) has been updated to include a hands-on lab to teach attendees how to conduct site surveys. The CEU-accredited training demonstrates how to utilize SWIFT Tools to create a wireless mesh network that integrates information from the site survey too. Recent additions to SWIFT training resources include a series of short, “how-to” technical training videos.

For new applications and existing system expansions, SWIFT is ideal for challenging wire installations, and high-value or historically-significant facilities. However, in the short time SWIFT was been available, myriad applications have emerged, including:

  • Temporary facilities found on many military bases and construction sites, in addition to make-shift classrooms, offices and event venues;
  • Building areas under construction or containing a system in disrepair, and needing temporary protection to avoid costly fire watch expenses;
  • Barns where the installation and site of wire can negatively affect animals, or inversely where environmental issues can potentially erode wire;
  • Building tenant areas where wall and ceiling locations are frequently changed, causing fire alarm field devices to be repeatedly moved and re-wired; and
  • Requests by building owners for a wireless system.

“We’ve witnessed a number of SWIFT site surveys and installs, and there are a growing number of instances where wireless detectors are the most simple and beneficial solution,” said David Pakech, vice president of sales, Fire-Lite Alarms. “Whether wiring a certain area is difficult, or you’ve got a tight timeline, or it’s just an easier option for your everyday jobs, dealers are really gravitating toward the SWIFT line.”

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