Xtralis VESDA and ICAM Solutions Selected to Protect Museum of London

Hemel Hempstead, England – July 6, 2009 – Xtralis, a leading provider of intelligent fire detection and security solutions, today announced that a combination of its VESDA and ICAM aspirating smoke detectors (ASDs) have been installed at Museum of London.

Museum of London is one of the world’s largest urban history museums and cares for more than two million objects in its collection with a significant archive. The lower galleries are currently undergoing major redevelopment work, and new galleries will be opening in Spring 2010, telling the story of modern London from 1666 to the present day.

“It is crucial that all of the exhibits and artefacts are preserved and safeguarded against the threat of fire,” says Paul Dent, the Museum’s Deputy Head of Facilities and Security. “Our preferred installers, Wessex Fire and Security, recommended Xtralis VESDA and ICAM as the best performing solution with the least possible disruption to ongoing operations in the museum.”

Xtralis VESDA and ICAM ASD systems are designed for use in environments with a zero tolerance for fire, such as historic buildings and landmarks, museums and critical infrastructure facilities. Xtralis aspirating smoke detectors constantly sample the air for even the smallest of smoke particles, thus preventing a small fire from becoming a major incident. A network of pipes can be placed where the smoke is most likely to go, sensing smoke long before traditional smoke detectors. 

According to installer Mark Taylor at Wessex Fire and Security, Xtralis ASD was the ideal solution as it did not interfere with any of the museum’s fixed exhibits. “This project presented a host of challenges, including the ease of access needed for maintenance in the lift shaft and difficulties installing systems due to the beamed structure of the ceiling and working over the top of the permanent exhibits,” Mark says. “Both challenges were easily met using a combination of Xtralis technology.”

The Xtralis VESDA solution was specified for its advantages over conventional point or bean detections systems in protecting large open spaces; the Xtralis ICAM technology is used in more confined spaces, especially those that are difficult to access. Unlike conventional detectors, Xtralis ASD solutions can be flexibly and unobtrusively deployed to preserve aesthetic features, and maintenance and service is done at a central detector point, minimizing scaffolding, ladders and workmen in busy gallery areas.

“Xtralis has deep experience in helping museums and other cultural and historic landmarks protect valuable works of art and antiquity from the earliest threat of fire or security breach,” said Samir Samhouri, president and CEO of Xtralis. “As the provider of choice for such cultural landmarks as London’s National Gallery, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament and many other important religious and historic sites, Xtralis is committed to the protection of environments with a zero tolerance for fire by providing the most reliable advanced detection system on the market today.” 

About Xtralis
Xtralis is a leading provider of powerful, early warning fire detection and security solutions that help detect threats before life safety, critical infrastructure or business continuity is compromised. Xtralis provides very early warning detection systems for more than 10,000 customers in 40 countries around the world. Solutions include Xtralis VESDA® Very Early Warning Fire Detection and Control, Xtralis ICAM® Flexible Fire and Environmental Solutions, Xtralis ADPRO® Detection and Analytics Security Products, Xtralis ASIM® Traffic Management and Control, and Xtralis Security Solutions IP Security Portfolio. Visit us at the new www.xtralis.com to learn more.

About Museum of London
Museum of London together with Museum of London Docklands and Museum of London Archaeology inspires a passion for London. Housed in a grade I listed Georgian warehouse at West India Quay, Museum of London Docklands explores London's long history as a port through stories of trade, migration and commerce. Museum of London Archaeology conducts excavations which continually remap our understanding of the city. Based in Hackney it provides independent professional advice and services to property sector and heritage clients and is the home of the Museum’s extensive archaeological archive, with finds from all over London.