Innovative solution for more sustainable fire protection: Remote management of sprinkler systems

Boele Fire Protection is the first in the Netherlands to introduce remote management of sprinkler systems. From the maintenance regulations it is mandatory to test sprinkler installations (two) weekly. Previously, this was always done on location, but with this innovation that management can now also be done remotely. This reduces the number of travel movements and the business processes of the building owners are less inconvenienced. Boele Fire Protection has been part of Unica since 2019 and has used the knowledge of its sister companies in the development of the new service.

Remote management allows remote control of the sprinkler pump and a full capacity test. Via a camera and security checks in the system, the sprinkler installation is then accurately monitored. With this innovation, Boele Fire Protection offers a sustainable alternative to the mandatory (bi-)weekly test. The benefits are great: it reduces CO2 emissions, reduces business interruptions and lowers total cost of ownership (TCO). Because there is 24/7 real-time secure access to the system, potential failures can be detected and remedied more quickly. "Because we can now remotely perform the biweekly tests, service technicians no longer have to drive to our customers' sites and can perform this from a central control room. It is a completely equivalent alternative, because we can test the same things you normally test physically on site," said Jelle van der Giessen, project manager at Boele Fire Protection.

Fail-safe

Unique to remote management is that the control of the installation is managed remotely, making this concept a significant change in the fire safety industry. This process is achieved using intelligent technical components such as sensors. From a safety perspective, all these components are fail-safe and do not infringe on the operation of the existing system. The sensors and control are regulated by a PLC, a local industrial computer, which is connected to a central control room. In this control room, a service technician performs work through an encrypted, independent 4G connection and via the IEC-62443 standard. With this connection, there is 24/7 real-time insight into the installation, allowing possible failures to be resolved more quickly and management to be carried out more efficiently.

Boele Fire Protection focuses on efficiency, sustainability and digitalization with its innovative fire safety products and services, such as remote management. To get this innovation certifiable, a process was started with inspection body Kiwa/R2B: "It is great that this innovation is being brought to the market. This ensures that we are one step ahead in the areas of sustainability, cybersecurity and energy transition. As Kiwa we support this innovation, because as market leader we want to be at the forefront of new innovations and developments," said Matthijs van Ballegooijen, Director of Kiwa Division Fire, Safety & Security.

Leading specialist

Boele Fire Protection is a leading specialist in the field of quality sprinkler pump sets, sprinkler tanks and complete prefabricated (temporary) water supplies and the only player that can build a complete water supply with its own products and services from its delivery program and under its own management. The company focuses primarily on new construction, replacement, maintenance, rental and renovation. Through knowledge and expertise, flexible work processes and innovative fire safety products, installation-technical, customized fire safety solutions are offered for a variety of sectors. With a team of specialists, Boele Fire Protection operates nationwide from its office in Ede.