Our Projects team handled a complex replacement of the Voice Alarm System for this fully occupied, circa 1 million square foot, multi-let commercial office building. Close strategic planning with the Client’s team was key to ensuring that both the existing and replacement life safety Voice Alarm Systems were kept fully operational at all times thus ensuring a seamless transition.

The project comprised of our Projects Team undertaking the production of a Technical Performance Specification, a JCT Design and Build contract, competitive tendering of the Works, full Tender Analysis of submissions, recommendation for Contractor award and full Project Management of the works including all final snagging and witnessing of the works.

In total, 10 replacement Voice Alarm system racks and a master system annunciator panel were sequentially replaced, all with a fibre optic cable ring backbone providing enhanced system resilience. The replacement system equipment was functionally factory witnessed and validated by Focus FM at the manufacturer’s factory prior to its installation on site. Full accessibility for future maintenance was a key design improvement that had not previously existed at the property.

The replacement Voice Alarm racks were installed one by one in a phased programme with all site works completed within a 4 month window. Final commissioning, involving over 30 of the specialist contractor’s operatives, strategically located throughout the premises, provided verification feedback whilst the new Voice Alarm system was stress tested and integrated with the premises complex life safety Cause & Effect programming.