Apollo OpenConnect Gateway Achieves Full Fire Detection Integration with BMS in Single Device

Apollo Fire Detectors' new OpenConnect Gateway® fully integrates fire detection with building management systems (BMS), without the need for complex systems or the use of multiple customised interfaces.

The OpenConnect Gateway is effectively a 'plug and play' device that can be incorporated into a fire control panel design, relaying information from the panel into the BMS using standard protocols such as BACnet™, Modbus® or LonWorks®. This gives both system integrators and end users the advantage of utilising an intra-system communication architecture between both environments, while maintaining the integrity of each system independently. The benefits include faster response times, coordination strategies, and utilisation of pre-planned and/or pre-programmed evacuation procedures in case of emergency or times of failure. Because the gateway is an integral part of the fire control panel, it is also simple to install and configure reducing the associated time and costs when implemented into projects.

At the heart of the hardware is the Tridium JACE®, designed in conjunction with the well-established Niagara AX Framework®, to provide easy physical integration to a host of established networks. The versatility of the OpenConnect standard allows participating fire panel partners to adopt and seamlessly integrate their equipment into building monitoring, automation and control systems using the gateway. Through its Panel Partnership, Apollo has already worked closely with leading panel manufacturers to develop panel-to-BMS interfaces, and will continue to do so as future licensed partners come onboard and develop suitable connections to the gateway hardware.

The new gateway will be available in four base models that reflect the number of configured points exposed within the BMS environment (200, 1600, 12000 and 25000). Each OpenConnect Gateway includes two standard Ethernet ports, an RS232 port, and a 15V DC input. Additional plug-in I/O slots are also available if needed for other connectors, such as LON adapters.

To learn more about the OpenConnect Gateway module and Apollo's full range of fire detection, visit www.apollo-fire.com, or e-mail infous@apollo-fire.com.