News (2022)

Another year, another news page! All the latest Fire Alarm news for 2022 will be on this page!

## Full expansion at Pauatahanui School

The existing Pertronic F100A system at Pauatahanui School has now been expanded to cover the entire campus. We reported on the installation of the new system in 2020, when Alliance installed it to cover two existing classroom blocks, as well as the more modern studio building. However the school's final building, which houses the main office and more classrooms has now also been renovated, and the system has been expanded to cover this final block. The work has once again been carried out by Alliance Fire & Security. The system now uses Pertronic call-points, though you will note that the studio is still using the original conventional MCPs installed by Guardian Alarms when the building was built. Many original speakers are still in use, though some have been replaced with the new anti-theft type. The system will be maintained by Wormald/Johnson Controls, who maintain all Fire Alarm Systems in state schools.

(24/12/2022)

## Alliance Refurbishes FP1600 in Petone

Petone's former Office Mac store has been conveted to a new Maycroft Office, and seen a significant layout change. Alliance Fire & security have retained the original Vigilant FP1600 that was originally installed by Wormald (though relocated it slightly to allow addition of new door). The call-points, however, have all be replaced with brand new KAC units, and I expect the speakers will likely be new as well.

(27/12/2022)

## Protec 6500 for Petone Renovation

An office building on Petone's waterfront is receiving a brand new Protec 6500 system from Nationwide Fire Protection, as part of an extensive renovation to the building. The new system replaces a very old Pertronic F30 system. The new system is currently not finished, but is expected to feature the usual KAC call-points and normal speakers once complete.

(27/12/2022)

## Full expansion for Redwood School

The fire alarm system at Redwood School in Tawa, Wellington has been expanded to cover the whole campus. The system, a Pertronic F100A, was originally installed by Tawa-based Aquaheat Fire Protection following the renovation of two of the schools buildings. The rest of the campus ran either on old systems, or one block ran a Guardian-installed Pertronic F1. The F100A has been expanded to cover the whole school, as part of a Tender awarded by the ministry of Education. The contractor for this work is Fire Compliance Services. New Pertronic call-points have been added in some blocks, whilst the units installed by Guardian have recived only new addressable module s& switches, and the ones installed by Aquaheat are still there (as evidenced by the several years of Wormald maintenance sticker son them). Normal speakers have been used throughout, and have also been used outdoors, mounted under the veranda's in a bid to help kerb ongoing fire alarm theft issues. The system will be maintained by Wormald/Johnson Controls, who maintain all Fire Alarm Systems in state schools.

(24/12/2022)

## Pertronic System for Boulcott St

An older building on Boulcott st, Wellington CBD has had a new Pertronic Addressable System (likely F100A) installed, replacing an Ampac NZ3200 conventional system, as part of renovations. The system features typical Pertronic call-points. The installer is someone who's decided to obey the recent banning of logos from Zone Index's, the installer has not included their name, so we have no clue who actually installed this system.

(18/12/2022)

## F100A to replace Guardian System

An office building on Lambton Quay, Wellington CBD, is having it's original Guardian Alarms system replaced with a brand new Pertronic F100A. The new panel is still awaiting a proper zone index. I don't know who is doing this, but the most likely option is Fire Security Services, who currently maintain the system. The original panel is a long obsolete model, and so the panel has likely been replaced due to parts/maintenance issues. The system appears to be keeping its existing Guardian Call-Points (as well as the Ampac ACP-03 in the McDonald's), as well as the existing speakers.

*This post may be updated later when job is complete.*

(18/12/2022)

## MX1 Expansion for Nelson's Coastal retirement Village

The care centre at the new state-of-the-art "Coastal View" retirement village is having an expansion for the dementia unit. The fire alarm system is a Vigilant MX1 installed by Wormald (Johnson Controls), but Nelson-based Pre-Ignition Fire Protection Specialists are modifying the new system installed back in 2020, for the expansion. The fairly new system has KAC call points and typical ceiling speakers. The main actual MX1 panel used to be located in the sprinkler valve room, but it now has moved to the staff area.

(18/12/2022)

## Notifier AFP-3030 for Fraser School

Fraser School in Upper Hutt has had its old Guardian System from the 70s replaced with a brand new Notifier AFP-3030 Addressable system by Alliance Fire & Security. The new system features all the usual components, with KAC call-points and normal speakers inside. As has now become normal, anti0theft type speakers have been used outdoors. The new system will be maintained by Wormald/Johnson Controls, who maintain all Fire Alarm Systems in state schools.

In one of the photos, you can see where one of the outgoing call-points has not yet been removed.

(17/12/2022)

## F100A for Upper Hutt Renovation

A small building in Upper Hutt has recently completed renovation, and a new Pertronic F100A Addressable system has been installed by Alliance Fire & Security. I was suprised to see such a small building get an addressable system. I'm unsure what this building will be used for.

(17/12/2022)

## Waimea College receives MX1

Evolve Fire Protection has been at it again in Nelson, with a brand new Vigilant MX1 Addressable system for Waimea College. he call-points are new KAC units, whilst the alarms are typical ceiling speakers. The new system will be maintained by Wormald/Johnson Controls, who maintain all Fire Alarm Systems in state schools.

*Photos by Sebastian Crow:*

(7/12/2022)

## Pertronic for new Apartments!

A massive new apartment & retail complex in Newtown, Wellington, has received a large Pertronic Addressable system. The building is still in finishing stages, but the Fire Alarm system is complete. I'm not sure if the system is an F100A or an F220, but it uses a jumbo-sized mimic with typical Pertronic call-points & speakers. The installer is someone who's decided to obey the recent banning of logos from Zone Index's, the installer has not included their name, so we have no clue who actually installed this system.

(26/11/2022)

## Another Argus Ampac!

I mentioned when I posted the news about the new Wellington Children's Hospital that it is rare for Argus Fire Protection to install Ampac equipment. I was therefore left surprised when so soon after that, I have found another new FireFinder*Plus* installed by Argus. This is located on Willis Street, and replaced a conventional NZ400 (installed by Nationwide). The building next door to the one the original system was installed for is being renovated and as both are part of the same campus with the same owner, both are now sharing this new panel. The chose to use a FireFinder*Plus* is likely due to the office building that forms part of the same campus also using a FireFinder*Plus* (also installed by Nationwide).

As the system isn't fully completed, I'm not sure what call-points have used, but will update when I know.

(19/11/2022)

## Ridgway School Completed!

The brand new School Building at Ridgway School, Wellington is now complete, totally replacing the original buildings. As was reported on many months ago, the building has received a Notifier AFP-3030 Addressable system from Alliance Fire & Security. The system uses KAC call-points, alongside typical ceiling speakers with occasional white horns.

(12/11/2022)

## FP1600 for Nelson Mail Office

It's becoming rare to see new "large" conventional systems, like FP1600s, F16e's and NZ3200s, as Analogue addressable system have become more popular and affordable, seeing them takeover most of the work that older Conventional counterparts did. However we do have one example of a brand new Vigilant FP1600 in Nelson, with an unknown contractor using one to replace a Pertronic F16e at Nelson's Mail Office. This upgrade is a simple panel replacement, with the original speakers an call-points still being used.

(7/11/2022)

*Photos by Sebastian Crow:*

## F1 for Richmond Holy Trinity Church

A brand new Pertronic F1 single-zone conventional system has been installed at a new building at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Richmond. The new system was installed by Wakefield-based Fire Controls Systems. Typical Pertornic MCPs have been used alongside tiny Pertronic mini speakers.

(7/11/2022)

*Photos by Sebastian Crow:*

## F100A for Nelson Hospital's Occupational Therapy Unit

A new occupational therapy centre has been built on the Franklin Street side of the campus of Nelson Hospital. FFP Nelson Marlborough Fire Limited has just recently installed a new Pertronic F100A addressable fire alarm system for the new block at the corner of Tipahi Street and Franklin Street. The system uses typical Pertronic call-points, with a mixture of normal ceiling speakers and white horns.

(7/11/2022)

*Photos by Sebastian Crow:*

## F100A a fitting replacement for a Classic F40

The Pertronic F40 was the first addressable system released by the company, but these days is a rare find. One of only three I knew of in Wellington has just been replaced, aptly with a brand new Pertronic F100A (the system that replaced the F40 in the late 90s). This new upgrade has been undertaken by Fire Security Services, who maintained the previous F40 system. The system replacement has likely occurred due to the fact that Pertronic no longer supports or provides spares for the F40 (as it was discontinued over 20 years ago), so when they fail, they end up replaced.

(26/20/2022)

## FireFinder*Plus* for Wakefield School

Wakefield school in Nelson has received a brand new Ampac FireFinder*Plus* from west-coast based Defend Fire Protection. The new system utilizes some of the existing ACP-03 call-points left over from a previous system, as well as new ACP-02s. The new system will be maintained by Wormald/Johnson Controls, who maintain all Fire Alarm Systems in state schools.

*Photos by Sebastian Crow:*

(26/10/2022)

## New Wellington Children's Hospital receives FireFinder*Plus*

The new Children's Hospital Building at Wellington Hospital Campus - known as *Te Wao Nui* - has received an Ampac FireFinder*Plus* system from Argus Fire Protection. It is very rare for Argus to use Ampac equipment, but in this instance it has been used due to most of the other buildings on the hospital campus have either FireFinder*Plus* or FireFinder classic. The new system uses Ampac's ACP-02 call-points, though there is also an ACP-05 weatherproof (Cooper-Fulleon) outside in the undercover carpark. Typical speakers have been used throughout, with a large horn in the carpark.

The system will be maintained by Fire Security Services, who maintain all systems for Wellington Hospital.

(26/10/2022)

## Pertronic System for new industrial block.

A new industrial building in Ava, Lower Hutt, has received a Pertronic Fire Alarm System. It's unclear exactly what model, but is most likely an addressable system, probabaly an F100A. In keeping with the recent banning of logos from Zone Index's, the installer has not included their name, so we have no clue who actually installed this system.

(23/10/2022)

## Maungaraki Community Centre receives new F4

Maungaraki Community Centre in Lower Hutt has had a proper Fire Alarm System installed for the first time, with a brand new Pertronic F4 conventional system installed by Alliance Fire & Security. The choice of Alliance should be of no suprise, since this a Hutt City Council property, and Alliance are currently the main contractor for Hutt City Council. The system uses typical Pertronic call-points and standard small speakers.

(23/10/2022)

## F4 for Lower Hutt Building

A small two-storey office & retail building in Lower Hutt CBD has received a brand new Pertronic F4 Conventional Fire Alarm System from Guardian Alarms. The system features Guardian-branded Pertronic MCPs. This is a very old building, and I am not sure what was here previously.

(23/10/2022)

## New MX1 for Victory Primary School

Victory Primary School in Nelson has received a site-wide upgrade by Wormald (Johnson Controls), with brand new Vigilant MX1 addressable system. The call-points are new KAC units, whilst the alarms are ceiling speakers and some of them are Pertronic PSS1's left over from the previous system which was an Ampac FireFinder installed by Nelson Alarms.

*Photos by Sebastian Crow:*

(19/10/2022)

## F100A for renovation at Richmond Primary School

The main building at Richmond Primary School, Nelson, has been refurbished, and has received a new Pertronic F100A addressable system from Wakefield-based Controls Systems Limited. The system uses typical Pertronic call-points.

*Photos by Sebastian Crow:*

(19/10/2022)

## MX1 upgrade for Nelson Girls College

Wormald (Johnson Controls) have just completed the system upgrade for Nelson College for Girls with a new large Vigilant MX1 addressable system with KAC call points. For alarms they have Notifier horns (unusual for Wormald) and new ceiling speakers as as well as the left over devices from previous systems.

*Photos by Sebastian Crow:*

(19/10/2022)

## F100A Mini for new Waterfront Block

A brand new 5-stoirey building on Wellington's Waterfront has received a Pertronic F100A Mini (so named for the small cabinet size) Addressable system, from Aquaheat Fire Protection. The system features typical Pertronic call-points, and a mimic panel at the back of the building.

(16/10/2022)

## Plus upgrade for Chaffers Dock Apartments!

The Chaffers Dock apartment building has had it's Ampac Addressable system upgraded from a FireFinder to a FireFinder*Plus.* The system was originally installed by Cowley Services, were absorbed by ENGIE, who recently rebranded as EQUANS. This upgrade has been completed by EQUANS, as the system has remained under maintenance with the company all this time, despite the name changes over the years. The rest of the system appliances remain the same, including the mimic and the ACP-02 call-points.

(16/10/2022)

## F100A for Vivian St upgrade

An office building on Vivian Street has had its old Ampac NZ3200 conventional system upgraded to a brand new Pertronic F100A Addressable system. Seeming to abide with the logo ban, I don't know who the installer is, but the system appears to be maintained by Argus, who maintained the previous system, so they are a possibility. This upgrade is purely a panel change with the original devices, including the existing Ampac ACP-03 call-points retained.

(16/10/2022)

## Bensan BT5 for new Kindy!

A brand new Kindergarten (Kindy) has just been built in Porirua, and has received a brand new Bensan BT5 conventional fire alarm system, installed & maintained by Nationwide Fire Protection. You'll notice that Bensan are now producing these with the cabinet in Charcoal-Black, similar to the mimic panels they make for the Protec 6500 system. I wasn't able to see any call-points, but it should use Protec-branded KAC units, judging by what Nationwide have used on their previous BT5 installations.

(8/10/2022)

## Upgrade for Kenakena School

Kenakena School in Paraparaumu Beach has received a new Fire Alarm System as part of the Ministry of Education upgrade program. The new system, installed by Fire Compliance Services, is a Pertronic Addressable system. I had expected them to use an F100A here, but the cabinet is much bigger than I had expected, making me wonder if this one might be an F220. But there is currently no way of knowing for sure. The system features typical Pertronic call-points. The system replaced a Vigilant FP1600 (installed by Wormald), which used a mixture of Vigilant 1841 MCPs, as well as some Pertronic MCPs in a few buildings. The exception was the new block at the back, which ran its own Pertronic system. All buildings are now on the new panel. The new system will be maintained by Wormald/Johnson Controls, who maintain all Fire Alarm Systems in state schools.

(3/10/2022)

## F4 for Plimmerton Industrial Block

A brand new industrial building on Plimmerton's industrial estate has been completed, with a brand new Pertronic F4 system from Argus Fire Protection. The system features typical Pertronic call-points.

(3/10/2022)

## Notifier for St Patrick's Primary

St Patrick's Primary School in Kilbirnie has received a brand new Notifier AFP-3030 Addressable system, installed by Alliance Fire & Security. This new system, which coincides with the renovation of the hall, replaces significantly outdated Vigilant equipment. The new system has two mimics, and it fitted with typical KAC call-points and standard speakers.

(2/10/2022)

## What's AquaFire? and what's happening to Emerson Fire?

You may have noticed new maintainece stickers appearing on panels recently with the name "AquaFire". The fact that this name is very similar to "Aquaheat" should be noticed! The new stickers have the same phone number, and use the same font, are the same size and shape, and the two logos are very similar. Whilst there's nothing online to show for it yet, it looks possible that Aquaheat could well be in the process of re-branding their Fire Protection division to "AquaFire".

But that isn't all! A huge number of these stickers have been appearing on systems previously under the maintainece of Emerson Fire, with many other Emerson-maintained systems also recently changing hands to Aquaheat. Again, nothing online points to any changes, but it is looking very likely that Emerson has either merged with or been taken over by Aquaheat. The fact that this is happening at the same time Aquaheat is launching AquaFire might not be a coincidence!

I shall continue to research with vested interest and look forward to learning more!

(2/10/2022)

## Addressable Conversion for Upper Hutt

A building in Upper Hutt, which comprises of both retail spaces and offices has had it's old Pertronic F16e upgraded to a new Addressable system. The original panel was installed by Life Safety Services, and was maintained by Fire Security services, following the withdrawal of the former from the Wellington Market. The new system (likely an F100A) has been installed by Alliance Fire & Security, with the original F16e cabinet used to house the repeater. New call-points & speakers have been installed. The upgrade coincides with the closure of the Warehouse Stationary store, with it being renovated to make way for Bargain Chemist.

(2/10/2022)

## New System in Petone

This one has little details, but an old 1920s Building in Petone, which previously had a Pertronic F4, has now got a new Pertronic System of an unknown model, and by an unknown installer. All we have is a new mini Slimline Mimic outside, with no windows to be able to see what's inside the building.

(2/10/2022)

## Partial Upgrade for St Joseph's!

St Joseph's Catholic School in Upper Hutt has received further expansion of it's Pertronic F100A system. The system was installed by Alliance Fire & Security when a few blocks at the rear of the Campus where renovated. Now further renovations have the seen the system expanded to cover more areas, including the office, by Argus Fire Protection. This new upgrade doesn't cover the entire campus, but with construction fences up all over the place, i expect more renovation works may well be coming soon! The system is maintained by Alliance Fire & Security, as this a Private school.

(2/10/2022)

## Freshen-up for an F4!

The former Warehouse stationary in Kilbirnie has re-opened following conversion to a new Chemist Warehouse store. The Pertronic F4 system, originally installed by Guardian Alarms has been refreshed by Wormald 9Johnson Controls), with a new zone-index and also new call points. The original call-points were original Guardian ones, but have now been replaced with new Pertronic conventional MCPs (of which i could not get a photo). I'm unsure who is actually maintaining the system, as there is still a Guardian Alarms sticker on the window, and also a Fire Security Services sticker on the door to the sprinkler system room, which houses this panel.

(2/10/2022)

## Pertronic Upgrade for Tawa School

Tawa School has relieved a full site-wide Fire Alarm System upgrade, installed by Alliance Fire & Security. The new system is a Pertronic Addressable system (presumably an F100A). The system features typical Pertronic call-points. The new systems replaces a mixture of older Vigilant systems, as well as an Ampac NZ400 system that covered the Hall & a few classrooms. The new system will be maintained by Wormald/Johnson Controls, who maintain all Fire Alarm Systems in state schools.

(1/10/2022)

## F100A for Doctors Surgery in Linden

A Doctors Surgery (with Apartments on the top floor) in Linden, Tawa has added a Fire Alarm System to it's building. The system is a Pertronic F100A Addressable system, installed by Tawa-based Aquaheat New Zealand Ltd. (seemingly ignoring the new no-logo on the index rules).

(1/10/2022)

## Expansion for Newtown Primary

A system expansion has taken place at Newtown Primary school, undertaken by Alliance Fire & Security (seemingly ignoring the new no-logo on the index rules). The school previously used two systems, with a Vigilant MX1 Addressable system (installed by Wormald) in the new building, and a Pertronic F16e conventional system (installed by Guardian Alarms) covering the older buildings. Alliance has now expanded the MX1 to cover the entire campus, retiring the F16e altogether. The zone index has been updated to reflect the changes, and clearly shows only one panel now in use where previously there was two.

(12/9/2022)

## New F4 for BNZ Porirua

The BNZ bank in Porirua's Cobham Court is undergoing a major renovation, for which a brand new Pertronic F4 conventional system has been installed by locally-based Fire Compliance Services. The company has under their maintenance sticker on the panel to get around the recent prohibition of names being engraved on the index.

(10/9/2022)

## New School Contracts announced

The winners for tenders to upgrade Fire Alarm systems in Ministry of Education (MoE) Schools have been posted on the Government Electronic Tender service (GETS) Website. A number of companies from all over the country have won contracts to upgrade, replace or expand upon the Fire Alarm systems in state schools, as part of the Ministry of Education's ongoing, long-term plan to gradually upgrade all state schools with modern, state-of-the-art, addressable fire alarm systems. All of these new systems will be maintained by Wormald (Johnson Controls), who are responsible for maintenance of all Fire Alarm Systems in MoE Schools.

Not all of the contracts on GETS have been awarded, and only those that have been are listed here

**Northland:**

* Kaiwaka School | Contract awarded to *Tyco New Zealand Ltd (Wormald).*
* Okaihau College | Contract awarded to *SimplyFire Ltd.*

**Auckland:**

* Aka Aka School | Contract awarded to *Pacific Building Services Ltd (PBS Fire).*
* Valley School, Pukekohoe | Contract awarded to *SimplyFire Ltd.*
* Marshall Laing School | Contract awarded to *Pacific Building Services Ltd (PBS Fire).*
* Matakana School | Contract awarded to *Pacific Building Services Ltd (PBS Fire).*
* Waiau Pa School, Pukekohe | Contract awarded to *QA Fire Protection Services Ltd.*
* Glenfield Intermediate | Contract awarded to *QA Fire Protection Services Ltd.*
* Weymouth School | Contract awarded to *QA Fire Protection Services Ltd.*

**Waikato:**

* Crawshaw School | Contract awarded to *Pacific Building Services Ltd (PBS Fire)*

**Wellington & Wairarapa:**

* Redwood School | Contract awarded to *Fire Compliance Services Ltd.*
* Greenacres School | Contract awarded to *Fire Compliance Services Ltd.*
* Makoura Collage | Contract awarded to *Alliance Fire & Security*

**Nelson-Marlborough:**

* Waimea College | Contract awarded to *Evolve Fire Protection Ltd.*

**Canterbury:**

* Allenton School | Contract awarded to *Rhino Fire & Security*

**Otago & Southland:**

* Oamaru Intermediate | Contract awarded to Wormald *New Zealand Ltd.*

(31/8/2022)

## Logo's banned from Zone Indexes

Something I never picked up on when the latest edition of the NZ Standards for Fire Alarms was released last year, is that the presence of a logo, name or branding is no longer allowed on the zone index card. This explains why there have been so many recent installations with this omitted. Clearly, however, not all companies have followed this yet, as I have seen some recent installs with logo's still in use.

I'm not an industry expert, so it isn't my place to say if this is a good idea or not. But as an enthusiast I find that this will make it extremely difficulty to know, going forward, who is installing/upgrading panels and what equipment each company is using. But we will persevere best we can!

(31/8/2022)

## PreIgnition Enters Wellington Market with new install

An office building in Wellington is being renovated, and has received a Pertronic upgrade from a new player! PreIgnition Fire Specialists, whose website is currently unavailable, appear to have offices in Nelson & Rotorua, with this being the first example of their work found in Wellington. The building originally used a Vigilant FP4000, but the panel was replaced with a Pertronic F120A some years ago, with the original FP4000 cabinets used as mimics. The panel and mimics have both gone, and I am unsure if the new panel (now located in the basement) is the same panel re-used or if it has been replaced with either an F100A or an F220. The system features typical Pertronic call-points.

(29/8/2022)

## F100A for new Apartment son Vivian St

Another new install on Vivian St is this brand new Apartment block, which has received a Pertronic F100A Addressable system. Annoyingly, as has happened a lot this year, the installer did not label the system, so we have no idea who the installer is. The system features typical Pertronic call-points.

(29/8/2022)

## FireFinderPlus for Vivian St

Another new Hotel can be found on Vivian St, in a former office space. The recently refurbished building originally used an old Pertronic F16 system, which has been replaced by a brand new Ampac FireFinderPlus system by Nationwide Fire Protection. The system does not yet have the zone index present in the mimic, and I will update when this is added. The system uses Ampac ACP-02 call-points, though I can't determine if these were installed before or after the new Apollo option became available.

*Completed mimic photo added December 2022.*

(29/8/2022)

## F220 for Quest Lambton Quay

A former office block on Lambton Quay has recently become the home of a new Quest Hotel, and has received a brand new Pertronic F220 Addressable system from Chubb Fire & Security. The company had already been maintaining the existing Pertronic system that they themselves had only installed a few years earlier (to replace a Vigilant FP1600), and was chosen to carry out this second upgrade.

Shown below are photos of the new Mimic Panel, as well as the only mimic that was in place previously. The system features typical Pertronic call-points.

(29/8/2022)

## New Equans Sticker!

Earlier this year, the process began for Engie to re-brand their "Engie Services" business, which includes their Fire Alarm division, to Equans. As part of this, new maintenance stickers. All of the panels photographed here are at sites belonging to Porirua City Council, who have had their alarms maintained by Engie/Equans for many years now.

(13/8/2022)

## Protec 6500 in Kelburn

A brand new Protec 6500 Addressable system has been installed at a building in Kelburn, Wellington by Nationwide Fire Protection. The building is mostly old apartments, but features retail space on the ground floor. This new system replaces an old system of an unknown make. The new system uses standard Protec-branded KAC call-points.

(22/7/2022)

## New F100A on Cuba St

RedFire System has installed a brand new Pertronic F100A Addressable system for a building at the bottom of Cuba St, Wellington CBD. The building has ground-floor retail with apartments above. The new system features all new devices, including new call-points and the system replaces a Vigilant FP1600 system (Wormald)

(22/7/2022)

## New Pertronic system for Pastoral House

An office building in Wellington CBD has received a brand new Pertronic system from Argus Fire Protection, replacing an Ampac FireFinder (Aquaheat). I wasn't able to determine exactly which model has been used, though I suspect for a building of this size, the F220 is a likely option, but we can;t rule out the possibility of an F100A. The new system includes a complete replacement of all devices, including call-points etc.

(22/7/2022)

## F100A for Maoriland Otaki

An existing building in Otaki, Kapiti Coast, has been fully refurbished and is the new home of Maoriland (film) art gallery, museum & store. The new renovation has seen the installation of a brand new Pertronic F100A addressable system, installed by Fire Compliance Services. I am assuming that they have used normal Pertornic MCPs and ceiling speakers.

[18/7/2022]

## School-Wide Expansion for Karori West

Karori West Primary School has received a site-wide expansion, with the existing Pertronic F100A (installed previously by Alliance) that covered the front buildings being used. With a modern Addressable panel already on site, using that to expand over the whole campus is a no-brainer. Alliance Fire & Security were awarded the contract for this upgrade, and have installed brand new addressable pertronic call-points site-wide along with many new speakers. Some of the existing outdoor speakers were retained, however. The system is maintained by Wormald/Johnson Controls, who maintain all Fire Alarm Systems in state schools.

[9/7//2022]

## Ampac Launches new Addressable Call-Points!

Ampac has launched a new type of Call-Point for use on it's Analogue Addressable FireFinder*Plus* and other addressable systems. These call-points, which are currently only available on addressable systems and not on conventional systems, are of a European design and are made by Apollo, but carry the Ampac logo (albeit their recently-changed old logo). The launch of these is exciting news, and also welcome news to the many people who have expressed issues with Ampac's ACP-02, which was the "standard issue" MCP until the launch of these new ones. We look forward to seeing more of these going forward, and it will be interesting to see if Ampac will possibly one day offer a conventional version?

These first examples can be found at a building in Lower Hutt, Wellington, where a brand new FireFinder*Plus* has been installed by an unknown company in a building currently being renovated, replacing an old Ampac NZ3200 conventional system.

(2/7/2022).

## Notifier AFP-3030 for Ridgway School Rebuild

Work on the first phase of rebuild of Ridgway School in Wellington is nearly complete, with a brand new Notifier AFP-3030 Addressable system, installed by Alliance Fire & Security. The system uses typical Notifier-branded KAC call-points. As Ridgway School is a state school, the system will be maintained by Wormald.

[18/6/2022]

## FireFinderPlus for new Mental Health Facility

A newly expanded Mental Health Facility at Capital & Coast District Health Board (CCDHB)'s Kenepuru Hospital Campus, featuring a brand new Ampac FireFinderPlus system, a system that CCDHB appears to be using for all new installations right now. The installer did not label the system, so we have no idea who the installer is. The system is maintained by Fire Security Services, who maintain all Fire Alarm Systems for CCDHB. There's no easy way to see what is being used inside, but it is mostly likely that the MCP's will be Ampac ACP-02s.

[18/6/2022]

## Protec 6500 for Tasman Apartments

Another fairly recent completion is the new Tasman Apartments, located in Wellington near the basin Reserve cricket Ground. The 3-storey apartment block has received a brand new Protec 6500 Addressable Fire Alarm System from Nationwide Fire Protection. It features all the usual gear, including Protec-branded KAC call-points. This latest install only proves, once again, the popularity of the Protec 6500 for residential solutions.

[13/6/2022]

## Siemens System for new Office Block???

A brand new office block is currently in the finishing stages on Willis Street, and appears to be getting a VERY rare Siemens Fire Alarm System. The as-yet-unfinished repeater panel is using a Pertornic cabinet, which is not unusual as many different brands have used Pertronic's jumbo mimics. What gives away the Siemens brand is the call-points, which are Siemens Branded Cooper-Fulleon MCPs. This is the only information I have right now, and we will have to wait until the system is complete to see if we can find out who is installing it and possibly find out more about this very rare brand (well, rare in New Zealand at least).

[28/5/2022]

## Another Day, Another F100A

In yet another new apartment block in Wellington CBD, we have a brand new Pertronic F100A addressable system. In this case, we don't know who the installer is, since they have not labeled the panel or any other part of the system with their name or logo. There's really nothing special here, just a typical F100A install with normal Pertornic MCPs and ceiling speakers.

[28/5/2022]

## Ampac launches snazzy new Logo!

Ampac has refreshed its look with a snazzy new logo, replacing the one that they have used since at least the early 1990s. The new look comes not long after the launch of their new website, and gives the brand a more modern look compared to the rather outdated design they were using before. The simpler design removes the "advanced warning systems" subtext, leaving only the Ampac name and new emblem. In addition, the old all-uppercase name has been tuned down with now only the "A" in uppercase and the rest in lowercase, which really adds to modern feel of this new logo.

[24/5/2022]

## F220 Network for St. Mary's College!

Another upgrade from last year is that of St Mary's college in Wellington. The school has had a network of five brand new Pertronic F220s installed, replacing various old fire alarm systems around the campus. These have been installed by Alliance Fire & Security. The 5 panels cover various buildings around the campus, with some covering more than one building. Various small repeater panels have been installed showing off the zones that each individual panel covers, with a large repeater at the main entrance showing the entire system as a whole, with the zones & panels for the entire network shown. The system all has new call-points & speakers for every building and a number of new Bensan horn-speakers have been used outside alongisde existing red horns.

[14/5/2022]

## Flats in Wellington upgraded to F100A

An old block of flats in Wellington (near Tinakori Rd) has had a new Pertronic F100A addressable system installed, replacing the original fire alarm system (not sure what this was). The new system was installed by Engie (now Equans), the use of the older brand suggesting this was done in 2021, and as far as I know is maintained by Equans. The system uses all-new equipment, including new call-points and speakers.

[14/5/2022]

## Four MX1s and two Protec 6500s for new houses in Cannons Creek.

The first phase of a huge new public housing project in Cannons Creek, Porirua was completed in late-2021 to early-2022. What I had not realised until today is that 6 of the buildings there are apartment blocks, with 4 apartments in! These 4 buildings all have fire alarm systems, but interestingly they are not the same, indicating that they were built separately. Four buildings at the front of the complex are equipped with Vigilant MX1 addressable systems, installed by Wormald, whilst two at the back are fitted with Protec 6500s from Emerson Fire. I'm not able to see what gear has been used inside, but as these are all new systems, they chould be equipped with their relevant KAC call-points (as both brands currently supply KAC with their panels).

All 6 fire alarm systems are maintained by Fire Security Services.

[8/5/2022]

## FireFinder*Plus* for Wakefield School, Nelson

Wakefield School in Nelson has recently had a brand new Ampac FireFinderPlus system installed, replacing the old fire alarm system, by Defend Fire Protection, of the West Coast. This news comes to us from Nelson-based Sebastian Crow.

[29/4/2022]

## New Protec 6500 in Lower Hutt

A building on the edge Lower Hutt city centre is being renovated with refurbishments to the retail space on the ground level and new apartments upstairs. A brand new Protec 6500 system, provided by Bensan Distribution, has been installed as part of this renovation, a popular choice for apartment systems. The installer has not printed their name on the zone index map, so I cannot confirm who the installer is. As a guess, I would think maybe Emerson Fire, since they have not only installed Protec 6500s previously (and recently too), but they also never print their name on the index, instead opting to simply use a sticker instead. It's possible the engineers forgot to put the sticker on the panel when installing it. The actual panel itself is behind a door, so I could see the mimic/repeater panel. The system uses Protec-branded KAC call points.

[23/4/2022]

## 2022 Maintenance Stickers

Each year I always look forward to seeing what colours the maintence stickers will be for the companies that use them. These little stickers are put on devices (such as call-points, smoke detectors, etc) to show that the device has had it's yearly test. These stickers are generally small, round and change colour each year. The stickers usually contain the name or emblem of the company and the year. Use of these sticks is not in anyway mandatory, hence why only a few companies actually bother to use them.

Four companies in the Wellington Region currently use these stickers: Wormald (JCI), Argus, Alliance and (as of last year) Fire Security Services. Nothing too noteworthy about Alliance's Red or FSS's Pink choices this year. I was very suprised to see Wormald choose an Orange-Yellow like colour right after using bright Yellow in 2022, and also suprised to see Argus use Black, as they only used this colour in 2018 despite many other colours not used for much longer periods of time.

[22/4/2022]

## RedFire Systems chosen for Newtown Renovation

A large multi-use building in Newtown is nearing the end of total renovation. The old system, a Pertronic F16e from Nationwide Fire Protection, was removed in the process and a new Pertronic System has been installed by RedFire Systems. I'm unsure exactly what model has been installed, as we can only see a repeater/mimic panel, however the F100A is the most likely option. The system will feature normal Pertronic call-points.

(17/4/2022)

## Argus & Protec for M2 Apartments

Another new 2-storey apartment block has been completed in Wellington CBD, with this one being very similar in design to another 2-storey build completed last year. This new building comes complete with a brand new Protec 6500 addressable system, installed by Argus Fire Protection. I am suprised to see this one is an Argus install, given that the other apartment block on the other side of town that is almost identical to this received a Protec 6500 also, but from I-Boss Fire. I was anticipating that the same company would be used for this block to, but alas no. It's nice to be able to have a clear view of the actual 6500 panel itself for once and not just the mimic panel. The new system features standard Protec-branded KAC call-points.

Some eagle-eyed readers may have noticed that the LED indicators on the mimic are on the wrong side, being on the right as opposed to the left. This unusual change was done due to the placement of the mimic within the window, which means that if they mad been placed in their usual spot on the left, they may have been hard to see.

(17/4/2022)

## Notifier Discontinues AFP-2800 in favour of Onyx AFP-3030

This new comes from August 2021, but I've only just discovered it. Notifier issued a statement to announce the immediate discontinuation of their AFP-2800 addressable system, choosing to focus instead on their other Addressable product, the Onyx AFP-3030, which is arguably more popular. The panel was hugely successful for Notifier for many years, with companies such as Argus, Aquaheat, HSM and more installing many of these panels. However the system has become outdated with more recent advancements to technology and changes in standards, which has gradually seen the much newer Onyx AFP-3030 become more popular. Notifier will continue to offer the Onyx AFP-3030 as their sole addressable offering alongside the conventional CFP-16. Confusingly, however, the AFP-2800 still appears in the "Products" section of the Notifer NZ website.

[15/4/2022]

The AFP-2800
## FireFinder*Plus* for new Wellington Children's Hospital

Capital & Coast District Health Board's "Te Wao Nui", the new Wellington Children's Hospital, which is due to open soon, has been equipped with a brand new AMPAC FireFinder*Plus* Addressable system by Argus Fire Protection. Those of you familiar with Argus will of course know that Argus does not usually install AMPAC equipment. This rare installation comes due to the fact the the main hospital building and the Emergency Department building are already running FireFinder*Plus* systems, as well as several other buildings running the older FireFinder classic. It was necessary to use AMPAC equipment to enable the different systems to be networked for efficient Fire Protection across the entire campus.

In an interesting twist, whilst Ampac equipment is the predominant equipment brand found at the Wellington Hospital Campus, the other hospital managed by CCDHB, Kenepuru Hospital in Porirua, uses mostly Pertronic gear.

The new system will likely be maintained (eventually) by the current CCDHB contractor, which is Fire Security Services

(More photos will be added after building opens).

[14/4/2022]

## New Bensan BT5 for Porirua

A small building in Porirua is in the final stages of a complete renovation, ready for new tenants to lease. A brand new Bensan BT5 conventional system has been installed by Nationwide Fire Protection, featuring Protec-branded KAC call-points.

(24/3/2022)

## Ampac Launches New Website

Australian-based Fire Alarm Manufacturer Ampac Advanced Warning Systems, more commonly known as just Ampac, have launched a brand new website! The intention is to make a the site easier to use, making it quicker and easier to find the information you need quickly. The new website also features a "projects" section, showcasing of the major projects the company has worked on around the world including many locations in New zealand, such as Wellington, Rotorua Greymouth & Christchurch Hospitals, Wellington Airport, Interislander's "Aratere" ferry and more!

Check it out here: https://ampac.net/

## MX1 for Apartment Conversion

A former 8-storey office building in Wellington CBD is being converted to an apartment building with ground-floor retail, and is nearing completion. The building is receiving a brand new Vigilant MX1 addressable system, featuring a large, full-size cabinet, from Alliance Fire & Security. Alliance have actually customized this panel following it's initial installation, moving the controls down to make space for a zone-index card at the top. The system will feature KAC call-points and standard speakers. I am not able to determine what kind of system was here prior to this one.

(19/3/2022)

AFTERBEFORE
## New F4 in Upper Hutt

RedFire Systems have installed a brand new Pertronic F4 at a small building in Upper Hutt. The building contains an office on the upper floor and a Cafe on the ground floor. The new system features standard Pertornic MCPs with typical ceiling speakers for alarms.

(7/3/2022)

## Partial Upgrade for Russell School

Russell School, a fairly average-sized state primary school in Cannons Creek, Porirua, has received a partial alarm system upgrade by Alliance Fire & Security. The new system, a Vigilant MX1 Addressable system, has been installed to cover buildings that have been undergoing a major renovation. The rest of the campus remains on whatever systems it already has. Since there is no access onto the campus itself, due to the gates being locked, we can't say what those other systems are. For the same reason, we can't say what devices alliance have used on this MX1, but the now standard KAC call-points are the most likely option.

(5/3/2022)

## Everyone gets their own F4!

In a rather unusual design, new two-storey housing units on Taranaki St, Wellington CBD are reviving individual Pertronic F4 systems, installed by Guardian Alarms, in every unit. This is much different from the normal set-up of having just one large system for the entire block or group of blocks. With the number of units being built, there will be dozens upon dozens of these new F4 units installed, each coming with Guardian-branded Pertronic call-Points.

(27/2/2022)

## Alliance provides Pertronic gear for new Apartments!

A brand new four-storey apartment building is nearly completed in Newtown, Wellington. The new block has been built on the site of an old retail building which was demolished to make room. Yesterday I identified the new Fire Alarm System as being Pertornic after identifying a call-point through the windows. However today the perimeter construction wall was dismantled, and I was able to see the panel itself, confirming the installer as Alliance Fire & Security. The system only has four zones, one for each floor, this combined with the use of a standard-sized panel leads me to suspect that the system is most likely an F100A addressable system. Once the building is complete and I am able to get a closer look, I'll have a better chance of confirming this.

(15/2/2022)

## Another Protec 6500 for Victoria St Apartments

The next phase of a massive set of apartments on Victoria Street in Wellington CBD has recently been completed and opened, and much like the previous set that opened in 2017, there is a brand new Protec 6500 Addressable system, once again installed by Argus Fire Protection. Once again, a jumbo-sized repeater has been used with a mimic interface, but this time with the now standard black cabinet, instead of the beige that was used back in 2017. As is expected, Protec-branded KAC call-points have been used.

(15/1/2022)

## F220 for Nelson Intermediate School

NME Fire Systems has installed a brand new Pertronic F220 addressable system at Nelson Intermediate School, replacing two F16e conventional panels. The new system features a wall-mounted panel, with a new repeaters plus one of the existing F16e's re-used as another repeater panel. The call-points are also re-used, existing units from the old system converted to addressable.

*Photos by Sebastian Crow:*

(4/2/22)

## MX1 for Brightwater School, Nelson

To kick off 2022, we've got news of a recent Fire Alarm Upgrade at Brightwater School in Nelson. The new system is a Vigilant MX1 Addressable system, featuring KAC call-points and a variety of speakers, installed by Canterbury Based Evolve Fire Protection, from their new Nelson franchise. The new system is the second MX1 the company has installed in Nelson.

*Photos by Sebastian Crow:*

(4/1/2022)