News Archive / The Fire Beam Company

Jan2013

The Fire Beam at INTERSEC 2013 in Dubai

Fire Beam at INTERSEC Dubai

Intersec has firmly established itself as the number one meeting point for Fire and Rescue industries in the Middle East region and beyond. With Intersec 2013 featuring 990 exhibitors from 54 countries it is the ideal event to build business relations with suppliers, manufacturers and service providers from all over the world.

This was our first time exhibiting at Intersec and we have to say it's been very successful. We had a constant stream of visitors all wanting to know what all the fuss was about! "We hear you have something rather special to show us". Our new ONE certainly caused a stir, along with introducing our current range to a lot of new customers it was a rather special show to be at!

Jul2012

Fire Beam in South Africa at IFSEC 2012

IFSEC South Africa 2012

We were delighted to join our South African disribution partners at the IFSEC 2012 show in Johannesburg, South Africa from 19-21 June. IFSEC South Africa is a trade event for security professionals within Africa that showcases the latest security products, technologies and innovations within the African security market.

We were very happy to support the Technoswitch team, who participated in IFSEC South Africa for the first time this year, with the event being used to launch numerous new products and to showcase the extensive product line that Technoswitch now offer.

Other International Suppliers joined us at the stand, from left to right: Cliff Key (The Fire Beam Company) Trevor Harty (Technoswitch), Ian Thompson (Advanced Electronics), Raed Abughazaleh (Advanced Electronics) and Brett Birch (Technoswitch).

Jun2010

Thumbs up for Apollo's new Mini Switch Monitor

We have now fully tested and approved the new Apollo Field Interface XP95 Mini SM (Apollo part No. 55000-760) for use with the new Fire Beam Plus. This interface can be fitted within the head meaning a fully addressable beam that because of The Fire Beam's low power consumption can be loop powered without the use of separate power supply. This is a very tidy and cost effective answer to advanced motorised beam detection using the new Fire Beam Plus.

May2010

The new Fire Beam Plus hits the streets

The Fire Beam Plus

After many months of development and testing that latest version of our beam, The Fire Beam Plus is now released. This will now become our standard beam and features many new innovative advances, pushing it further ahead as the market leader.

Most importantly, new advanced linear stepper motors mean a five fold increase in commissioning alignment time, which brings it down to around 3 minutes! International users will now benefit from the seven language options available for the menu system, a true benefit as the beam is now selling in over 35 counties around the globe. The menu system is now simplified with movements in degrees and levels in percentages making our intuitive and easy to understand system even easier to use.

Other new features also include a beam phasing, meaning it is now possible to have beams directly facing each other unlike other beams available. Adjustable Hysteresis allows you to adjust recovery times as contamination clears and auto alignment can be delayed or switched off completely.

We have taken what is already an award winning innovation and moved it forward with the user in mind. To find out more download the Fire Beam Plus Brochure and Fire Beam Plus User Guide. Even if you're familiar with using the original Fire Beam we suggest you take a few moments to acclimatise yourself with the new features. For new users simply follow the step by step instructions and you'll soon be up and running in no time at all!

May2010

Visit us at Firex North

Come along and see us again at Firex North situated right in the heart of the city centre as Manchester Central is the new venue for Firex North which takes place between 27th and 28th October 2010. We will of course be showcasing The Fire Beam Plus so why not try our new beam for yourself. We hope to see you there!

May2010

Another Record Year!

We are coming up to our fifth year since launch and we are very pleased to announce that sales have reached a staggering £4.5 million and we are now selling in over 35 countries. With the ease of use, unsurpassed reliability and new product developments in the pipeline we are looking forward to unprecedented growth over the next five years.

Dec2009

The Fire Beam travels to India

Last month saw us exhibiting at the Firex India show. We partnered with Bangalore based Prolabs and had a very successful show. The stand was full from first thing in the morning through to the end of the day. Fire Beam Business Development Manager Cliff Key is already fulfilling orders taken at the show and can see a huge potential in the region for our self-aligning beam.

May2009

The Fire Beam wows the crowds at Firex!

The Fire Beam wows the crowds at Firex

It was an amazingly successful show for us at International Firex 2009. We had visitors and enquiries from around the globe and new customer orders are already flying in. The Fire Beam is seen as the beam of choice in the UK but after this show it looks like the rest of the world is now looking to upgrade to our beam - watch this space...

At 4 metres high there was definitely no missing the Fire Beam stand! Visitors to the stand were all made welcome by the Fire Beam girls and enjoyed a fine range of cupcakes and drinks, ranging from Bucks Fizz to Cappuccinos. Our goldfish Warren and Ian enjoyed their second outing to Firex and certainly were a draw to the stand!

Feb2009

A new face at The Fire Beam Company

We are pleased to announce that Cliff Key is joining our team at The Fire Beam Company in his role of New Business Development.

Cliff has joined The Fire Beam Company after spending 20 years within the logistics industry in customer facing roles with major national accounts throughout the UK. Upon leaving this sector Cliff has set up and run a successful company within the building industry and also established a sales and distribution enterprise throughout the south of Spain within the drinks industry.

Cliff has been peripherally involved with The Fire Beam since its conception and to now join the team is an exciting challenge. Cliff's natural enthusiasm and business insight will see The Fire Beam brand and business develop within the UK and international markets.

Jan2009

Fire Beam sales over the £2,500,000 mark

Sales are continuing to rise in line with the growing popularity of the Fire Beam. We are now selling in over 25 countries as customers all over the world are realising the benefits that The Fire Beam can bring. The ease of use, easy self-aligning commissioning and constant re-alignment against building movement, all controlled from ground level, have all contributed to the growing success of our technically advanced beam.

Nov2008

The Fire Beam gains French NF approval

We are delighted to announce that The Fire Beam now has full French NF approval. Under the brand name Boreal, Finsécur have guided it through approvals and are now selling the beam throughout France and other French speaking territories. For further information please contact Finsécur directly.

Nov2008

New Rafiki branded Fire Beam

Rafiki branded Fire Beam

The UK-based fire alarm system design and manufacturing company Rafiki now have their own version of the Fire Beam. The specially developed model is now available exclusively through Rafiki, which allows the use of The Fire Beam in conjunction the Rafiki range.

The unit is branded with the Rafiki logo and when used in conjunction with their Sita Conventional Zone Module it provides a very neat solution. Rafiki are very excited about selling our new advanced beam and are looking forward to being able to supply the beam their customers have been asking for.

Oct2008

New addition to The Fire Beam product range

We have recently introduced a new Anti-Fog Kit to our product range. The kit consists of a retro-fit lens that you attach to the front of the beam face and a single reflector. Both these items feature a special nano-coating that prevents condensation from forming.

Condensation can be a problem in some environments where warm air meets a cold surface and the beams were unable to differentiate between this and smoke. Previously this would have resulted in a false alarm, but with the creation of our new Anti-Fog Kit we have eliminated this as a possibility in condensation prone environments.

As well as the complete Anti-Fog Kit, single nano-coated reflectors are also available seperately if required. This new addition to the Fire Beam range is part of our ongoing development program.

Feb2008

The Fire Beam Company at International Firex 2009

The Fire Beam will be at International Firex 2009

We are pleased to announce that we will once again be exhibiting at the International Firex show, a full 4 years since our launch at this show back in 2005. We have moved to the centre of the hall this year and you can find us on stand G30. We would love to see you on the stand to discuss the latest developments with The Fire Beam.

May2007

Another award for The Fire Beam Company!

We are absolutely delighted to announce that the Fire Beam has been awarded the FIA Product Innovation Award at the Fire Industry Awards 2007, beating stiff competition from companies such as Siemens, Honeywell and Apollo.

Apr2007

New Fire Beam products coming soon

As part of our continued design and development program we will be showing our prototype of the new Fire Beam 6000 at the International Fire Expo in Birmingham from 21-24 May 2007. This new product is designed with larger installations in mind and will run up to six motorised beam heads from one controller which will mean economies can be made when using multi heads. Additional benefits include multi language facilities, full real time clock data logging with time stamped events, a fast commissioning mode and individual programable beam isolation facility (i.e. you can automatically turn beam heads off during working hours and on evenings and weekends).

With maintenance now becoming a major issue in competent fire protection we have been working with NoClimb™ to develop a universal head and reflector cleaner that will simply fit into one of their extendable solo™ poles. As well as cleaning the kit will come with a test filter and blanking plate (useful for commissioning and final test) that we will be showing a first prototype and again would welcome your thoughts.

Mar2007

The Fire Beam protects major MOD projects

Kidde Fire Protection have chosen the Fire Beam in the new refurbishment of the fire system at Dara Fleetlands in Gosport, Hampshire. DARA Rotary Wing is the UK's centre of depth maintenance for Chinook, Lynx and Sea King helicopters, working in partnership with UK MOD (Ministry of Defence) Integrated Project Teams, AugustaWestland and Boeing.

A total of 65 fire beams have been used in a number of large hangers and manufacturing facilities throughout the site, and as with all projects we are happy to help commission and talk through projects. Overall this has proved to be one of the most interesting sites we have ever been to.

Replacing older style beams that often failed in service, the Fire Beam installation has gone well with many beams firing through a lattice work of girders and joists that have previously been seen as challenging. All the beams installed are working perfectly and as usual commissioned quickly and easily.

Feb2007

Fire Beam now CPD approved!

Following our recent VdS approval we are now pleased to announce we have been granted full CPD compliance following the factory audit last month. Copies af these certificates can be obtained from our web site.

The Construction Products Directive (CPD) is one of the 'New Approach' Directives that aim to create a single European market by removing the technical barriers to trade between Member States through the use of harmonised standards and approvals.

The Directive applies to all construction products that are produced for, or incorporated within, building and civil engineering construction works. It harmonizes all construction products subject to regulatory controls for CE marking purposes.

Jan2007

The Fire Beam is seen in all the best places!

The Fire Beam is appearing everywhere, not quite by Royal appointment but four have been purchased to help protect Buckingham Palace, and would you believe Granada studios now have eight in place protecting the studios where Mastermind is recorded. All we need now is one on the Coronation Street set!

Steve Dawson of Granada was put onto the Fire Beam by Gardiners and now won't use anything else. So pleased is he that he has recommended it to all the industry professionals he knows! We have also spotted four Fire Beam's protecting the escalator atrium in John Lewis Oxford Street whilst out Christmas shopping. They're popping up all over the place so let us know if you have spotted any...

Sep2006

Patent granted for The Fire Beam

It has taken a few years but at long last we have been granted our patent. Our patent number (GB2414549) has been issued by the Patent Office.

Jul2006

Fire Beam gains VdS approval!

After many months of testing at the VdS testing facility in Köln, Germany, the Fire Beam has sailed through approval without any problems at all. Now VdS certified to EN54 part 12, this means that the Fire Beam is the only approved motorised optical beam smoke detector available today.

Winning VdS approval is a strategic achievement that supports the Fire Beam's commitment to development in both product design and its commercial activity. Recognised as the best optical beam detector on the market, VdS approval underlines the quality, reliability and innovation of this product.

Until the arrival of the Fire Beam, beam detection was considered an unpopular last resort. But not any more as the Fire Beam now means that beams can be confidently used again, and with an industry proven track record that is reducing expensive false alarms.

May2006

VdS approval coming soon

Approval by German standards group VdS is in the final stages! We personally witnessed the fire test in Germany a short while ago where the Fire Beam performed faultlessly during the test.

We witnessed the Fire Beam detect smoke even before the test house equipment had noticed it! We felt justifiably proud and left them to it! EMC testing is all that remains to be done and we will then be issued with our 'G' number. Watch this space...

Feb2006

Record commissioning time by ADT

Plastic Thermoforming company Formold in Winnersh, Berkshire, moved into a new factory as they needed the added capacity to meet the needs of their rapidly growing business. Their insurance company advised that they would need to upgrade the level of fire protection for their factory in line with current regulations.

They appointed Steve Ross from ADT Wokingham to complete the project. It was a very difficult environment for the project as there was a lot of contamination in the atmosphere, and the work had to be completed with the minimal amount of disruption to the already working factory staff. Various options were considered including air sampling and conventional point detectors, but The Fire Beam was chosen as it was the only cost effective option that met all the requirements. The three Fire Beams were commissioned in just 1 hour 15 minutes, well ahead of schedule and well under budget.

Jan2006

Fire Beam in Formula One

Fire Beam in Formula One

The Honda Racing F1 Team (formerly B.A.R. Honda) have used the Fire Beam in their new wind tunnel facility. The new tunnel should be a huge benefit to the Brackley based squad as aerodynamics form a critical part of their performance equation. It's justly fitting that as part the overall protection package from Leader Systems in Rugby the Fire Beam represents a high tech solution in a difficult environment.

Dec2005

Fire Beam in use by Ikea and Tesco

Some of the biggest names in retail are beginning to benefit from the increased reliability of the Fire Beam. Leader Systems are using Fire Beams for the roll-out of Tesco's third successive distribution warehouse in a row. In addition to this, Logic Systems based in Harrogate have used them inside an Ikea distribution centre in Milton Keynes.

Oct2005

Gardiner Security takes on the Fire Beam

After extensive testing in sites that Gardiner's Fire Product Manager, Peter Holmes, has described as challenging to beams, Gardiner Security have decided The Fire Beam is the solution they have been looking for.

Describing it as cutting edge technology, the UKs largest Fire and Security distribution company are more than pleased to announce that they have taken on The Fire Beam and are already reporting good sales. Their sales team regularly report any feedback and are finding that customers are more than happy.

Sep2005

Fire Beam provides Tesco with 30% cost saving

Fire Beam provides Tesco with 30% cost saving

Leader Systems had a difficult choice when designing a detection system for this project. The building is 500 metres long, 125 metres wide and with a ceiling height of 22 metres it required a system that would prove reliable, yet cost effective.

After successful trials, Leader Systems chose The Fire Beam over other forms of protection. Buildings as large as this distort due to changes in temperature and The Fire Beam offers a reliable solution to this problem, with the use of its unique intelligent motorised self-aligning beam head.

Using a total of 60 beams, our system provided a solution that gave a Tesco a 30% cost saving over their previous choice of air sampling. Aligning optical beams has in the past has been time consuming and accounted for a large proportion of commissioning time and in many cases has been problematic. All the beams in this warehouse were perfectly aligned and commissioned in two days from ground level using the standard issue low level controller. At 22 metres up and with racking installed they needed a solution that could be happily installed and relied upon. Should any adjustments need to be made, they can easily be carried out without the disruption and cost of high level access. For example, in one particular area the system may need to be made slightly less sensitive due to lorries entering, and the ability to change this from ground level has proved to be very useful and a welcome feature.

Leader chose to pair our beams with the Apollo XP95 switched monitor units with isolators to provide a fully addressable system, integrating fully into the full alarm installation. Tesco are now hoping to use The Fire Beam in future projects and are extremely pleased with its cost savings and reliability.

Aug2005

The Fire Beam in France

The Fire Beam is now being distributed in France by Paris based Finsécur who will be marketing The Fire Beam under the name of Boréal as part of the range of EN certified fire detection systems. They have already undertaken a large military installation with great success in Marseilles and many smaller systems both locally and in Africa.

Jul2005

The Fire Beam Company win 'Best Company' and 'Best Product' at INFEX 2005

Following the successful launch at the 2005 Firex show The Fire Beam Company is proud to announce it has been awarded the 'Best Company' and 'Best Product' at INFEX 2005 by Business and Industry Today magazine.

The Fire Beam is now being tried and tested by many of the UK's leading fire and security companies, many of which are so pleased with its performance and ease of use of that they are now specifying it in many new projects and retrospectively fitting in problem sites that previously had no reliable solution.

May2005

The Fire Beam launches at International Fire Expo 2005

The Fire Beam Company is proud to announce the launch of the revolutionary new optical beam smoke detector, The Fire Beam.

The Fire Beam is the world's first motorised reflective optical beam smoke detector, that can self align whilst commissioning and that will continually re-align itself against building movement thereafter. From its ground level controller all functions can easily be controlled from low level.

The launch takes place at the International Fire Expo 2005 being held at the Birmingham NEC from 16-19 May 2005. People eager to view The Fire Beam first hand can find us on Stand No. D07. We look forward to seeing you there...

User Testimonials

Fire Beam Testimonials

The Fire Beam is helping to protect lives and property around the world. Read what our users really think of The Fire Beam in our Testimonials section.

PDF User Guides

Download Fire Beam User Guides

User guides, brochures, wiring diagrams and more can be downloaded at any time by creating a free User Zone account.

Fire Beam Xtra

Fire Beam Xtra

The Fire Beam Xtra is now our standard beam and features many new and innovative advances, pushing it further ahead as the market leader. More

Extend The Range

Fire Beam Range Kits

The Fire Beam Xtra covers distances up to 70 metres, but with the addition of one of our Range Kits it can cover distances up to 160 metres. View Distance Kits

Fire Beam Extras

Fire Beam Accessories & Add-Ons

Anti-fog/condensation kits, power supplies, adjustable brackets, adaptor plates and more. View Accessories

How To Purchase

Purchase Fire Beam Products

If you are interested in purchasing Fire Beam products you can do so through one of our Distribution Partners.

Awards & Approvals

Fire Beam Awards, Certifications & Approvals

Winner of the FIA Product Innovation Award, Vds Certified, CPD (CE) Approved, and more! See our Awards & Approvals.

Technical Details

Fire Beam Technical Specification

Check out a full technical specification of the Fire Beam and associated components. Tech Spec