We discover more about how ESP is set to ignite the fire and CO alarm market with its latest launch.
Already an established and respected player in the UK fire protection and security industry, ESP is continually looking at ways to improve and develop its existing product offer.
The result of its most significant new product development programme to date sees the company enter the fire and safety alarm market and introduce a new name to the sector, with the launch of Espire.
Espire is a comprehensive range of high performance fire and CO alarm products that has at its core quality, reliability and innovation. Sitting as a separate brand under ESP’s growing product portfolio, Espire will benefit from the expertise that the team at ESP has garnered from over more than 25 years’ operating in the fire protection and security sector.
Safety a priority
With a product category that plays a crucial role in safety, it’s imperative that the products are of the highest quality, have undergone rigorous testing procedures and comply with all the relevant standards. ESP has invested significantly to create a range of products to meet these exacting requirements.
The full Espire collection has been developed from scratch. The project underwent a thorough design process, involving extensive research, prototyping, and detailed refinement. To maintain strict quality control measures and product consistency, the factory is subject to rigorous internal audits and measures. It utilises state-of-the-art testing and manufacturing equipment alongside a highly experienced team.
Compliance and sustainability
The range will help installers meet the recommendations of BS5839-6: Code of Practice for the Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems in Domestic Premises, and BS EN 50292: Electrical apparatus for the detection of carbon monoxide in domestic premises – Guide on the selection, installation, use and maintenance.
All Espire products have undergone a meticulous design, development and manufacturing process at the dedicated factory. As part of this, all alarms have been tested by third party test houses and certified by LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board) and TUV, to meet the relevant product standards – BS EN 14604 for smoke alarms: BS 5446-2 for heat alarms and BS EN 50291-1 for CO alarms.
Each alarm is tested a minimum of four times on the production line including the sensor, sounder, interface and functional tests, concluding with a final assembly test. All products subsequently come with a five-year warranty.
ESP has taken a proactive stance on sustainability by integrating, where possible, eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs. The company has used recyclable packaging material across the entire range, opting for eco-friendly, brown card packaging that is fully recyclable and 100% biodegradable.
A Comprehensive offer
Boasting an array of innovative features, the Espire offer can be broken down into five alarm types:
• Optical smoke alarms
• Heat alarms
• Smoke and heat alarms
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms
• CO and heat alarms
Plus, there’s a range of accessories on offer.
Innovative features
Through the Espire brand, ESP is committed to equipping homes with trusted and reliable alarms to provide early detection and rapid response to potential threats. The range offers a number of innovative features, some of which are unique in the market:
Auto-dimming power LED (patent pending)
This combines convenience, visibility and energy efficiency to provide a smarter and more intuitive user experience. With mains powered alarms, when the power LED is required to remain on, the LED will automatically dim during low light levels to reduce distraction.
Stainless steel insect mesh barrier (patent pending)
This acts as a physical barrier, preventing insects and small particles from entering the sensitive components of the smoke alarm, helping to reduce false alarm signals.
RF Link
Adding extra protection and flexibility, alarms with the RF-Link function can be coded together wirelessly to create a system that sounds all alarms if one is activated. Mains powered alarms also include the function of hardwired interconnect.
Lock-in base
This provides a secure, fixed point of installation for the alarm head to slide onto. Once the alarm head is installed onto the locking base, a lever engages to provide tamper protection.
Responsive thermistor
Offers enhanced sensitivity, accuracy and responsiveness, ensuring the earliest possible detection of rising temperatures and potential fire hazards.
24-hour memory function (patent pending)
For 24 hours after an alarm is triggered, the red LED will flash twice every 40 seconds to help identify the activation. To clear the indication, the Test/Hush button on the alarm is pressed. If the memory function has been activated and an occupant has removed the head alarm from the base, the memory will be stored in the alarm for up to 10 days.
A range to Espire to
The Espire fire and safety alarms are suitable for Grade D1, Grade D2 and Grade F1 installations.
Optical smoke alarms
Optical sensors employ an infrared beam to detect the presence of smoke, effectively responding to slow, smouldering fires. The range incorporates the following alarm options:
• Powered by mains with a sealed. tamper-proof 10-year lithium battery
• Powered by mains with 9 V replaceable battery.
• Powered by a sealed tamper-proof 10-year lithium battery.
Heat alarms
These utilise a thermistor, which acts as a heat sensor, capable of detecting temperature fluctuations. The alarm activates when the temperature reaches 58°C.
• Powered by mains with a sealed tamper-proof 10-year lithium battery.
• Powered by mains with 9 V replaceable battery.
• Powered by a sealed tamper-proof 10-year lithium battery.
Smoke and heat alarms
Equipped with optical and heat sensors, these alarms are capable of responding to a broad range of fires. Intelligent software continuously monitors both sensors at all times.
• Powered by mains with a sealed tamper-proof 10-year lithium battery.
• Powered by a sealed tamper-proof 10 year lithium battery.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms
These identify the presence of Carbon Monoxide gas emitted by the combustion of carbon-based fuels such as gas, wood, oil, and coal. They provide an early visual alert of rising concentration levels of carbon monoxide prior to full alarm activation for extra safety.
• Powered by mains with a sealed tamper-proof 10-year lithium battery.
• Powered by a sealed tamper-proof 10-year lithium battery.
CO and heat alarms
These utilise two distinct sensors to monitor fire and carbon monoxide (CO) independently and are suitable for kitchen areas equipped with fuel burning appliances like gas boilers or cookers.
• Powered by mains with a sealed tamper-proof 10-year lithium batter.
• Powered by a sealed tamper-proof 10-year lithium battery.
The alarms in all five categories boast a number of key features:
• Compact design, with lock-in base.
• Auto sensor test – the alarms self-check the sensor.
• 24-hour memory function.
• Hush function, which silences the alarm activation for 10 minutes.
Accessories
ESP has also launched a collection of accessories to enhance the Espire range. These include RF modules; relay bases; red IP65 strobe with selectable sounder; remote control switches; multi-tool – RF pairing and lock-in base release tool; and flame-retardant alarm masking plate.
Supporting the trade
ESP has developed a robust trade support programme that’s designed to help installers and wholesale customers to get the very best from the Espire range.
Free training and advice facilities with product overview training days are available, and electrical contractors and wholesalers will also have access to a dedicated technical support resource, with a team of experts ready to assist with any technical queries.
Browse the full range of products in the Espire range here
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