Case Study: Fire Alarm Installation at Stepaside School, Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire

Project Overview: In November 2024, the h3 group successfully completed a comprehensive fire alarm installation at Stepaside School in Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire. The project involved the deployment of an ADVANCED MX520 Fire Alarm Panel, 54 Hochiki Optical Smoke Detectors, 23 Addressable Sounders, 18 Hochiki Manual Call Points, and various relay controls, among other components. This state-of-the-art fire alarm system is intricately linked to the school’s security infrastructure, including the access control system. In the event of a fire, this integration ensures that roller shutters, select doors, and windows automatically open, facilitating the safe evacuation of students and staff.

Challenges and Solutions: The h3 group faced several challenges during the installation process. One significant concern was the potential presence of asbestos, which required meticulous planning and adherence to safety protocols. Additionally, the team had to navigate the complexities of working within an operational school environment. To minimize disruption, the majority of the installation work was scheduled during the recent half-term break and after school hours from 3 PM onwards.

Despite these challenges, the h3 group managed to complete the project ahead of schedule. Lead engineer Charlie Walters remarked, “The installation was tricky due to the above-mentioned factors, but the collaborative efforts of the engineers, apprentices, and scheduling team ensured we were able to successfully complete the work.”

Client Feedback: A representative of Stepaside School expressed their satisfaction with the project, stating, “The engineers were very polite and easy to get on with. They worked around us and kept their work areas tidy at all times. It was a pleasure having them in our school. We are very happy with the work they carried out and the way they represented the company.”

Conclusion: The successful completion of this project underscores the h3 group’s commitment to excellence and their ability to overcome significant challenges. The new fire alarm system not only enhances the safety of Stepaside School but also exemplifies the h3 group’s expertise in delivering sophisticated and integrated security solutions.