As a closed system, WES+ didn’t interfere with the bank’s existing wireless technologies. This is an essential requirement for the European Central Bank, which houses a number of business-critical technologies.

Fire safety was critical on the European Central Bank project as only 30 floors of the 40-storey building are undergoing refurbishment. WES+ sets a new fire safety benchmark for construction, refurbishment or demolition projects across Europe, most of which rely on very basic evacuation procedures. The European Central Bank was looking for a more efficient, technology-based solution that would automatically detect a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which is exactly what WES+ does.

Despite being a large and complex project, Ramtech’s wireless technology made it straightforward to specify and install the 500 WES+ automatic fire detection and manual call point units, which were divided into 30 zones. In the event of fire, the building would be evacuated in phases as appropriate to the fire plan. WES+ allows an unlimited number of call points and active heat and smoke detectors to be installed on site.

All 500 WES+ units were installed within a three-day schedule, immediately after staff had vacated the areas earmarked for refurbishment and work beginning on site. Being a wireless system means that the units can be easily repositioned as work progresses, without the need for specialist trades required with a wired fire alarm system.

“We have had a huge amount of interest in WES+ from across Europe since verification that it achieves full European EN54 system approval – a first for the industry”, said Paul Henson, Sales & Marketing Director at Ramtech. Ramtech Electronics’ WES+ meets the Construction Products Regulation’s highest standards for production and performance and carries the CE mark. It uses Category 1, Euro-harmonised radio in compliance with European standards covering the use of radio technology in emergency equipment (ETSI 300-220-1).

The WES3 Emergency Alert System had not only met the project’s stringent safety requirements but exceeded them. Impressed by the system’s capabilities, the safety coordinators had envisioned taking it to future projects. With a legacy of professionalism and forward-thinking, the choice of Ramtech’s WES3 system had reflected the commitment to safety and innovation in the face of challenging construction environments.