Fire Crest Fire Protection, a Kentec Installation Partner (KIP), has installed a sophisticated Taktis fire panel at its headquarters in Cornwall to train and support its engineers using the technology on future projects.

Installing the panel enables engineers to test configurations in the office, prior to configuring a panel on the client premises, reducing the time needed on site and increasing the likelihood of a right-first-time installation.

The move is part of Fire Crest’s commitment to upskilling its own people and further improving professionalism within the industry by working with Kentec Electronics, a leading manufacturer of life-critical control systems, as one of its select partners. It also reflects the need for its engineers to keep pace with the greater networking and configuration potential that panels such as Taktis can now deliver.

As a registered KIP, Fire Crest has access to a full suite of Taktis training modules and resources. Only KIPs are able to install Taktis panels.

Anthony Kent, Fire and Security Manager at Fire Crest, says training, experience and forward planning are essential to ensure fire panels are used to their full potential: “The sites we install are typically large and complex, such as schools, hospitals and manufacturing depots and so it vital that systems are configured expertly.

“Configuring the Taktis panels prior to installation enables us to test out cause and effect scenarios and mitigate the potential risk of false alarms on site. The installation adds to our training capabilities and is a considerable benefit to our installer and customers.”

Kevin Swann, Managing Director of Kentec Electronics, says Fire Crest’s approach is commendable: “It is vital that our industry is committed to furthering professionalism and raising standards. We recognise that it is our responsibility to provide detailed and thorough training through our KIP programme – and it is excellent that Fire Crest has gone another step further with this in-office installation.”

Taktis is available in up to 16 loops, providing up to 144 zone indications, and supporting more than 2,000 detection devices. It 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.