A Case Study on Optimizing Fire Safety in Phased Construction with Edwards EST4 

The rapidly changing landscape of both residential and campus-style building complexes demands the same adaptability from fire safety systems. These systems are increasingly called upon to accommodate advanced IT networking designs and complex construction methods.  

In its highly developed fire alarm and emergency communicator platform, Edwards’ EST4 platform captures this communications system. It complies with the most recent codes and standards while meeting the demands of contemporary construction. This blog post is going to examine a case study from Edwards’ white paper on how the EST4 system allowed a phased construction project and delivered sizeable cost savings with improved safety.  

Introduction to EST4:  

The Edwards EST4 system is a technically sophisticated UL 864- and UL 2572-listed fire alarm and emergency communications platform, designed to support mesh, star, and hybrid network configurations. This modular architecture provides for real-time, two-way communication with any external device, such as building management systems, for real-time system status updates and decision-making from anywhere.  

Case Study: Phased Construction in a Residential Complex  

Situation 

A developer completed a five-story residential complex in stages and occupied the residents in stages as construction continued elsewhere in the complex. The original fire panel design was comprised of: 

• Three network nodes, each with circuits for a Class A and two audio networks 

• Additional annunciator with a microphone and controls 

• Auxiliary Power Supply (APS) panels with Input Modules for speaker and strobe circuits  

This setup involved heavy cabling across active construction zones, which challenged circuit integrity (CI) without mandated CI cable by code or the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).   

Challenge  

The AHJ required CI cable for phased construction to ensure the survivability of the critical circuits, and this greatly increased the project’s cost. CI cabling with a 2-hour fire-resistance rating would increase costs by six figures.  

Solution   

Another Edwards Strategic Partner brought up the idea that the EST4 panel technology would satisfy these requirements. The new and improved capability of the EST4 system – which reduces network cabling to a single twisted pair and provides more operability within its degraded mode – allowed for revisiting the requirement for CI cable. The AHJ commented on the ability of the EST4 system to digitally store the system database and audio messages at each panel’s CPU, which allows the system to remain in operation even if a node gets isolated from the network. 

Results  

The AHJ was used to construct a phased approval with no extensive CI cabling, which gave this project tremendous cost savings. By switching to the EST4 platform, the building owner saved about 25% of the installation costs, totaling $200,000. 

Why Should You Choose Edwards EST4?  

Cost-effectiveness and improved safety and compliance with modern building demands are provided by the EST4 system. As it supports integration with many different network topologies and allows robust two-way communication, EST4 is the choice for both new and renovation projects.  

Partner with BEC for Your Fire Safety Needs  

BEC focuses on cutting-edge fire safety solutions. With BEC’s service areas that include Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Fresno, Sacramento, Orange County, Northern California, and Southern California, you can rest assured that it is the type of contractor you want to install an Edwards EST4 system in your facilities.  

Have you got any further questions? Do you want to learn more about the real benefits EST4 systems can have on your construction projects?  

Contact BEC today to put our pros on the right path toward smart, safe, and cost-effective fire safety solutions. 

Read More: EST4: The Future of Fire Safety with BEC