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After a disastrous fire in 1212 at Southwark Cathedral, the building
survived to become one of the oldest gothic structures within London.
Dating back to 852, TVF took on the challenge to protect the cathedral
from any future risks. All detection in the main body of the cathedral
was to be installed so it would not be visible to the untrained eye. The
ideal solution was to install discreet aspirated sampling, controlled
via a radio
fire alarm system.
The piping for the aspiration system was led through the loft areas from
the main body of the cathedral. Actual sampling was achieved through a
semi-translucent capillary tube installed in each archway and at high
level in the naves and transepts.
Simulation programmes were held throughout installation to ensure that
the system reaches its optimum performance, in the line with both BFPSA
guidelines and in the event of a real situation.
Once these were successful, the system was left on soak until the sensitivities
could be set. TVF had to ensure that the system would not be set into
alarm by normal cathedral activities such as incense burning, etc.
The sensitivities were set and the cathedral now benefits from the best
protection on the market.
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