By Steve Baker, Director of Fire Construction Sales, Building Solutions North America, Johnson Controls

A midwestern university prided itself on being a trailblazer in campus safety and was ready to make updates to continue that leadership. Across its campus, certain school buildings were lacking the latest fire systems and their existing systems were unable to provide the analytics that the school needed to lower operating costs. To maximize its fire protection for students, staff and visitors, and to identity areas for cost efficiency, the university needed to upgrade these buildings’ fire alarm systems with the latest in smart technology.

Expanding the university’s fire alarm system network

The Johnson Controls fire solutions team was able to assess their needs in order to provide the best solutions. They upgraded three buildings’ fire alarm systems, adding to the university’s pre-existing network of Simplex Addressable Notification systems within 170 buildings, with upwards of 17,000 points. These solutions were all networked back to a central monitoring system, allowing a graphic annunciator to pull up floor plans and monitor devices. This implementation gives the university the data-driven insights they need to maintain efficient operations.

Undisruptive self-testing and documentation for enhanced operations

Since making these upgrades, the university has transformed their mindset regarding fire alarms. Rather than viewing them as simple commodities, they’ve realized alarms are analytical, data-driven devices that can lower operating costs. The ability to self-test allows them to lessen maintenance costs while ensuring they are maintaining a reliable and robust system. All tests and documentation can be logged into the panel and immediately reported to the network, allowing the university to quickly access equipment history to ensure all devices are actively monitored.

In addition, the university now has a custom program in place which provides an automated notification to all building occupants of upcoming pre-scheduled testing of speakers and strobes, which can be completed in less than two minutes. As a result, fire alarm system testing is less disruptive to occupants and provides greater analytical value to the university. The university’s new synchronized network of fire alarms creates a holistic fire prevention strategy that maximizes campus safety.

With universities and colleges welcoming students and staff back on campus, the need for innovative and dynamic fire protection is greater than ever. Learn how Johnson Controls powers the safety missions of higher education organizations around the world.