Samaritans, a charity dedicated to suicide prevention through human connection, has collaborated with Comelit-PAC and Red Technical Services Ltd to modernise its fire safety system at its Ewell office.
This upgrade aims to enhance safety measures for its team, who provide crucial emotional support around the clock.
Introduction of LogiFire Wireless System
In a move to update its central office's fire alarm system, Samaritans opted for the LogiFire wireless solution, which focuses on reliability and compliance while remaining practical for its operation needs. A thorough review, conducted by Comelit-PAC, highlighted the LogiFire system as a quick and minimally disruptive option.
According to Anthony Borrow from Samaritans, ensuring staff and volunteer safety is a priority, and the support from Comelit-PAC and Red Technical Services made the transition seamless.
System specifications
Cloud connectivity enables remote monitoring and real-time issue responseThe centrepiece of the new installation is the LogiFire 118 panel, operating wirelessly to provide comprehensive coverage. The system's reach is enhanced with four translators and several wired interfaces, linking four door access points.
Additional components such as sounders, manual call points, and detectors were placed to meet fire safety standards. The system's cloud-based connectivity allows Samaritans’ facilities team and Comelit-PAC engineers to monitor and manage operations remotely, facilitating real-time response to issues.
Efficient installation and management
Steve Hopkins, General Manager from Red Technical Services Ltd, noted the project required meticulous planning to maintain office functionality during installation. The wireless nature of the LogiFire panel enabled work to be phased effectively, minimising disruption.
The remote cloud access feature allows engineers to perform system diagnostics and updates promptly, reducing maintenance expenses and enhancing resilience.
Strategic planning and collaboration
The upgrade involved coordinated efforts from all involved parties. Comelit-PAC and Red Technical Services Ltd collaborated from the design phase to determine system specifications and plan the installation phases. This process included site surveys and equipment placement to minimise impacts on Samaritans' operations.
Adapting to future needs
Mandy Bowden, Comelit-PAC Fire Systems Business Manager for the UK and ROI, stated that the goal was to develop a system offering reliable protection while adaptable to future requirements. Detailed planning ensured the solution aligns precisely with the building’s needs.
The integration of wireless technology and secure cloud monitoring ensures flexible coverage expansion, the addition of new devices, and settings adjustments, ensuring lasting protection for staff and volunteers.
Pioneer charity Samaritans has worked in partnership with Comelit-PAC and installer Red Technical Services Ltd to complete an upgrade to the fire safety system at its registered office in Ewell.
The organisation, focused on suicide prevention through human connection, provides emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
LogiFire wireless system
To protect the staff who help make this possible at its central office services, Samaritans has replaced its ageing fire alarm with a new LogiFire solution designed to bring reliability, compliance, and reassurance.
The charity required a system that could be installed quickly and efficiently, with minimal disruption to its vital operations. Following a detailed review of requirements, Comelit-PAC recommended the LogiFire wireless system, which combines the latest technology with straightforward operation.
Says Anthony Borrow at Samaritans: “The safety of our staff and volunteers is always a priority. We needed a fire system upgrade that would bring us peace of mind while also being practical for our office environment. The process was made straightforward through the support of both Comelit-PAC and Red Technical Services, who worked with us from the outset to understand our needs and ensure a smooth installation.”
Features and functions
At the centre of the installation is a single LogiFire 118 panel configured as a wireless solution. To extend coverage across the office, the system incorporates four translators and wired interfaces linked with four door access points. Sounders, manual call points, and detectors were fitted throughout the building to ensure full compliance with fire safety standards.
The system features cloud-based remote connectivity, enabling Samaritans’ facilities team and Comelit-PAC engineers to monitor and manage the fire safety network in real time from any location. Through a secure online platform, authorised users can receive instant alerts, check system status and carry out diagnostics without needing to be on site, ensuring a fast response to any issue.
Easy installation
Steve Hopkins, General Manager from Red Technical Services Ltd, added: “This project required careful planning to keep the office fully operational for their essential work during installation. The wireless design of the LogiFire panel meant we could phase the work efficiently, avoiding intrusive cabling and keeping downtime to an absolute minimum. Remote cloud access now allows engineers to run system checks, update configurations and respond to alerts immediately, which reduces maintenance costs and improves ongoing resilience.“
Planning the programme
Delivering the upgrade required close collaboration between all parties. From the design and specification stage, Comelit-PAC worked alongside Red Technical Services Ltd to map out the system requirements and plan the works programme. This included site surveys, identifying the best equipment locations, and agreeing on installation phases to reduce disruption to the charity’s operations.
Delivering reliable protection
Mandy Bowden, Comelit-PAC Fire Systems Business Manager – UK & ROI, concluded: “Our priority was to design a fire safety system that delivers reliable protection and can adapt as Samaritans’ requirements change. Through close partnership, we carried out detailed surveys and planning to ensure the system fits the building and its operations precisely. The combination of wireless technology and secure cloud monitoring provides the flexibility to expand coverage, add new devices, or adjust settings as needed, all offering long-term confidence in the safety of staff and volunteers.”
