Kidde Fire Detection Solution Protects Historic Coventry Cathedral

LONDON, March 6, 2007: Kidde Fire Protection announced today the recent installation of High Sensitivity Smoke Detection (HSSD) technology in Britain’s historical Coventry Cathedral.  The new system is part of a major upgrade initiative led by architect Michael Clews of Acanthus Clews.  Kidde Fire Protection is part of UTC Fire & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

To maintain the building’s aesthetics and better conceal the new equipment, Kidde installed a radio-based alarm system instead of hard wired cabling.  The height and volume of the cathedral and its fluctuating airflow were also key issues, and Kidde’s HART HSSD technology was selected based on its ability to function in such a difficult environment.

“The Kidde system provides the earliest possible warning of smoke, and because the detector units can be hidden away and the pipe work is so discreet, the system is barely discernible from ground level and ideal for an historic building such as this,” said Andrew Salter of Acanthus Clews Architects.

The Kidde HART system works by drawing air continually from the cathedral’s nave areas into tiny capillaries within a pipe network and transporting it to detection units installed out of sight within a false ceiling void. Bespoke laser technology using an optical scatter principle continuously analyses the air samples to detect any smoke particles and measures them against alert and alarm thresholds programmed into the fire control panel.

Smoke vents, also concealed above the false ceiling and controlled by the smoke detection system, were cut into the roof allowing any smoke to escape.  Each vent has an override system to prevent false operation when incense is used in the cathedral.

In addition to early detection, the Kidde HART system is easy to maintain.  Unlike many systems that must be installed in ceiling voids, ducts or other inaccessible spaces, the whole Kidde HART system except the sampling pipe can be installed in accessible areas. This means the detector unit, which is often the essential element in need of maintenance, is easily accessed from the Cathedral’s gantry for regular servicing.

Kidde also installed alarm sounders and emergency lighting beneath the nave and throughout the adjacent buildings so that they are discreet yet visible/audible in case of an emergency.

“The whole installation is very sympathetic to the building. It is well designed and has proven to be very reliable,” said Don Lindon, Property Director at Coventry Cathedral.
“Kidde installed the technology with minimum intrusion and continues to service and maintain the equipment to ensure we don’t encounter any problems in the future.”

Coventry Cathedral, also known as St. Michael's Cathedral, is the seat of the Bishop of Coventry.  During the Second World War the cathedral suffered heavy bombing, and only a ruined shell remained.  Rebuilt in the 1960s the new cathedral is a celebration of 20th century architecture and contains many works of artistic significance, including Graham Sutherland's tapestry of “Christ in Glory in the Tetramorph. “

Kidde Fire Protection Services (KFPS) sets the benchmark in providing and maintaining active fire protection products and systems in the U.K.  KFPS offers customers a single source of supply.  KFPS is part of UTC Fire and Security, a $4.7 billion business providing fire safety and security solutions to more than one million customers worldwide.  Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, UTC Fire & Security is a business unit of United Technologies Corp., which provides high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries worldwide.  More information can be found at www.utcfireandsecurity.com.

Media Contact:

Kimberly Reidy
Media Relations Manager
UTC Fire & Security
860-284-3094
Kimberly.reidy@fs.utc.com