News (2020)

This is where I post the latest news I can find. If you have any news, please do send it too me, either by leaving a comment or going to my Talk Page.

## News page for 2021!

All news items for the year 2021 will be on a new news page, **which can be found here.**

This page will remain online for you to view, and you will be able to access it via a link at the top of the new 2021 page. The navigation bar at the top of the Wiki will be changed to allow you to view all news pages.

## Alliance adds Protec 6500 to lineup!

Alliance Fire & security has become for the forth Fire Alarm company in Wellington to install the Protec 6500, after Argus, Nationwide and Emerson Fire. This new 6500 has been installed in a block of apartments on Wellington's stunning Oriental Bay, and is a replacement for an older system. This new addition comes alongside an already packed lineup offered by Alliance, which includes Pertronic, Vigilant and Notifier equipment. It just goes to show that the Protec 6500 is gradually becoming more popular on the market!

(29/12/2020)

## MX1 for Manners Street

Nationwide Fire Protection has recently installed a new Vigilant MX1 system at a building on Manners St, Wellington CBD. They've used a Mimic/Repeater for the front, and placed the actual panel at the rear of the building. The system currently still uses the existing MCPs (mixture of Pertronic, Guardian & AMPAC ACP-03), and I am unsure if the intention is to leave those there or replace them with new ones.

(24/12/2020)

## Vigilant now offering KAC Call-Point option

For years, Vigilant has been a bit of an oddball in that they only offered a traditional break-glass manual call-point (Series 130), whilst Pertronic, AMPAC, Notifier, Bensan and Protec all offered their own non-glass alternatives. For some this is in the form of in-house designs, such as Pertronic's SnapGlaze or Ampac's ACP-02, whilst for others it is in the form of European MCPs, such as KAC, HyFire or Fulleon designs.

Vigilant has now changes this and added the KAC Manual Call Point to its product range for both Conventional and Addressable systems. They will, however, continue to offer the old Series 130. Vigilant has also released a special plate that can enable a KAC call-point to replace an existing Series 130, which is much larger than a KAC.

This first example was recently installed by Alliance Fire & security in a new Classroom at Newlands College, adding to an existing MX1 system that had been installed a few years prior by Wormald.

(12/12/2020)

## Page Upkeep and Changes

Some of the photo albums in the Panels section are getting pretty full! Over the next while I'll be making a few changes in order to keep things running smoothly. One change I've already made is that from now on, all photos of Fire Alarm Equipment in private ownership (collectors) will now go on their own dedicated page.

Another change is that in order to keep some albums from getting to big, I'll be splitting some panel types into two based on their design. For starters, I have broken down the Pertronic F16 and F100A albums into separate ones for each different size of panel. In time (as I collect more photos) I may end up splitting the F100A (and maybe F120A) up into different albums for the "old-style" and "new-style" panels, but for now they will stay together.

A similar change is also being considered for the Ampac NZ3200 range of panels, as I continue to find more of this with the taller cabinet.

I will also be looking to replace some of my "less-good" photos with better ones, especially in overcrowded albums such as the Pertronic F16 and Vigilant FP1600s. My main focus is to try and photograph installations by a variety of installers, but also to try (where possible) to photograph panels with the original installers name still on it, with no maintenance stickers from other companies on them. I find that panels in there original condition usually make for better material.

Anyway, I hope you guys like the changes as they happen, and thanks for visiting the Wiki!

~ Alex.

## F100A for Hutt Hospital Car Park

Alliance Fire & Security has installed an brand new Pertronic F100A Addressable system in the Car Park at Hutt Valley Hospital. The car park was built in 2013, but a fire alarm system was never actually completed after starting. However, multi-story Car Parks are often able to get away with not having fire alarm systems (for reasons unbeknownst to me). In 2020, the Hospital finally decided to do something about this and install a Fire Alarm System.

(14/10/2020)

## MX1 for new Hutt Valley Health Hub

A brand new Ropata Health Hub has opened in the Hutt Valley this year, featuring a Vigilant MX1 Addressable Fire Alarm System, installed by Wormald. Ropata has an existing maintenance contract with Argus Fire Protection, who have already taken responsibility for the maintenance of the system.

The new Hub (of which part is still incomplete) houses a Kindergarten, Cafe, Doctors, Dentist, Pharmacy and much more!

(14/10/2020)

## Protec 6500 on Cuba Street.

Argus Fire Protection has recently completed installation of a brand new Protec 6500 addressable system for a newly renovated building on Cuba St, Wellington CBD. The building, which is a historic building, was the home of Farmers Department store, but damage following a severe Earthquake a number of years ago forced the closure of the store.

The building has now been partially-rebuilt with existing parts retained. It is a mix of new retail on the ground floor (already open) and office space on the upper floors (still being finished).

(2/10/2020)

## Alliance completes MX1 install for new flats in Petone.

Alliance Fire & Security has completed the installation of a brand new Vigilant MX1 Addressable Fire Alarm system for a new block of flats and ground-floor shops in Petone. This new system puts the panel away inside the sprinkler control room, with a mimic/repeater display at the front of the building and mimic controls inside the main entrance to the flats.

The system features, as expected, Vigilant 1841 Manual call points, along with ceiling-mounted speakers. The new building has been a multi-year project, with work beginning with the demolition of the previous building back in 2017.

(9/10/2020)

This MCP will be flush-mounted once the wall is finished, but for now we can see the back-box!
## Partial Upgrade for Pauatahanui School

Alliance Fire & Security recently completed a partial upgrade of the Fire Alarm system at Pauatahanui School. the new system, a Pertronic F100A Addressable system, replaces the existing equipment in the recently-refurbished small outbuildings as well as the newer classroom block (where the original call-points, installed by Guardian Alarms, have been retained).

Existing equipment (mix of Vigilant, Trident & Ampac) has been left in place to cover the main building and the library. Photos below show both the new and old equipment.

As Pauatahanui school is a state (MoE) School, the system will be maintained by current-contractor Wormald (Johnson Controls).

(30/8/2020)

## Protec 6500 for ABI Rehabilitation Kenepuru.

    A brand new ABI Rehabilitation centre has opened on the ground of Kenepuru Hospital, located in Southern Porirua. The brand new centre features a brand new Protec 6500 Analogue Addressable system, supplied by Bensan Distribution and installed by Argus Fire Protection.

Restricted access means that I can only photogrpah the mimic display panel, which is unique in the frame being black instead of the usual beige.

(25/6/2020)

## Pertronic F220 makes Debut!

The first Pertronic F220 Addressable system for the New Zealand market has been installed this week. It was fitted at none-other than the Pertronic Headquarters in Lower Hutt, Wellington. The F220 was originally designed with the Australian market in mind, and was launched there in 2016, where it now accounts for 50 percent of Pertronic's Australian exports. However, it was only in late 2019 that the new system was certified for New Zealand use.

The F220 features a large display and interface - the first to use a full-colour LCD screen. The new colour screen enables easier viewing of the system's condition, and a good overview of devices in the system. The F220 is Pertronic's new flagship product, and will no doubt prove as popular as always with Pertronic equipment.

As Pertronic is only a manufacturer and not an installer, they still have to use an actual installation company to fit the new system. The new F220 at Pertronic HQ was installed by Wellington-based Alliance Fire & Security, replacing an older-style F100A system that had previously been installed by Fire Security Services Ltd.

## MX1 upgrade for Discovery School

Discovery School in Whitby recently got an Upgrade. Once again we have Alliance Fire & Security, who have this time installed a Vigilant MX1 Addressable system. The new system replaces an older system (not sure who made it originally) made up of mash of parts from various companies.

The new system uses Vigilant 1841 MCPs. For sounders, we have Small Speakers inside. Outside, Redback Horns have been used and a white Generic horn in the Hall. The Fire Alarm system also double as the School bell system, hence the existing bells have been removed (photos show where these were).

A single Strobe has been used nest to the Display panel, serving as a light indicating that the system has been titivated.

The sad news is that we've lost a really really rare MCP that I still have not been able to identify the make of. However, some good news is that the new system covers the School pool, which was previously not covered by the fire alarm system, as it was built as a new addition about 7 years ago.

As Postgate school is a state (MoE) School, the system will be maintained by Wormald (Johnson Controls).

(14/3/2020)

Where a bell used to be.
## Wiki Updates - March 2020

Hi everyone, I hope you're enjoying reading the NZ Fire Alarm Guide!

I am going to be making some changes to the layout of the wiki in preparation for the launch of new sections in the future. Firstly, I am going to be re-designing the panels section so that each manufacturer has their own page. This will make it easier to break down the panels in to each model and also allow me to add more photos.

Secondly, I am going to be making a similar change to the Manual Call Points page, however for this section I am going to split it into "Current MCPs", "Old MCPs", "Integrated MCPs", "Emergency Door Releases" and "Special MCPs". Again, this is to make the wiki easier to navigate.

I am not sure how long this will take, and it might mean that some photos and/or information temporarily disappears whilst I make these changes. I apologize in advance for any inconvenience this causes.

~ Alex, Wiki Editor

13/3/2020

## Alliance Protects Postgate School with new upgrade

Whitby's Postgate school has upgraded it's Fire Alarm system with a brand new Pertronic F100A Addressable system installed by Alliance Fire & Security. The new system replaces a mix of older Pertronic, Vigilant & Ampac gear. The new system is fully integrated with all of the schools building's hooked up to the same system. Call-points have been fitted by every exit, in every classroom - all of which are Pertronic push-button call-points with SnapGlaze.

As Postgate school is a state (MoE) School, the system will be maintained by Wormald (Johnson Controls).

(23/2/2020)

## VicUni selects Argus as new Fire Alarm contractor

Victoria University of Wellington has selected Argus Fire Protection Ltd. as its new contractor to maintain the Fire alarm systems at all three campuses (located in Kelburn, Pipitea and Te Aro). Argus takes over from Chubb, who have been looking after the systems at Vic for many years. Many fire panels around campuses are now sporting Argus labels.

Whilst Argus has been contracted to cover maintenance, other companies may be selected for future installations in new buildings, as has been done many times during the Chubb era. These other companies include Aquaheat, Alliance and Fire Security Services.

(9/2/2020)

## Notifier protects new Aotea College block

As part of a multi-million dollar redevelopment, Aotea College has opened a brand new facility that replaces the entire school. Whilst the old buildings are heavily renovated, the new mega building houses new classrooms, labs, a gymnasium, hall and more.

Protecting the new building, is a brand new Notifier Addressable fire alarm system, installed by Aquaheat New Zealand Limited. The new system features KAC-manual call-points, paired with STI Stoppers (worth $200 each), along with Ceiling speakers indoors and Notifier Horns outside. The new system also features Ampac red flashing lights in some rooms.

Aotea College is a state school, and thus the system will be maintained by Wormald (Johnson Controls), who look after the Fire Alarm systems in all state schools.

(9/2/2020)

## Tawa College chooses Alliance for Renovations

Late-2019 saw Tawa College select Alliance Fire & Security contracted to make some changes to it's Pertronic F120A Addressable system, which was originally installed by Fire Security Services Ltd. The work is being carried out due to the internal renovation of some of the buildings, which seen the old Vigilant 1841 call-points in blocks J, E, F and the library replaced with brand new Pertronic units. Both the main panel and the repeater/mimic display have also had new map-cards fitted with updated site maps and the Alliance logo.

The upgrade also sees the decommissioning of the Vigilant Sigma 5 in the School Gymnasium, which is joint-owned by the school and Wellington City Council. The Sigma 5 was installed following the construction of the second gym in the mid-2000s. The panel is still in place, but the internal component s have all been removed and the gym building is now monitored by the school's Pertronic F120A. The Vigilant 1841 call-points in this building have not been replaced.

Tawa College is a state school, and thus the system will continue to be maintained by current contractor, Wormald (Johnson Controls), who look after the Fire Alarm systems in all state schools.

(8/2/2020)

## 332 Lambton Quay chooses Chubb for new Upgrade

An office building on Wellington CBD's main shopping street has selected Chubb Fire & Security Ltd. for it's new system upgrade. In a rare move for Chubb, who almost always supply Pertronic equipment, this new system is running an Ampac FireFinder Addressable system. Whilst Chubb using Ampac is not entirely unheard of, this is the first time I have seen them using an Ampac Addressable system.

The upgraded system continues to use the existing MCPs, which are Ampac ACP-03 break-glass units. Pictured below is the new mimic display panel.

(8/2/2020)

## New System for Queen's Arcade

Queen's Arcade, which is a little shopping arcade in Lower Hutt, is getting a new Fire Alarm system as part of a series of refurbishments and upgrades. The new system is being installed by ENGIE Fire Protection solutions, and uses Vigilant Equipment. At this stage it is unclear if the new system will be Addressable or Conventional.

The new system replaces an older system that used a mix of Vigilant and Pertronic equipment.

(30/1/2020)