Echo Beach on Boscombe Overcliff Drive is a striking new build residential development featuring luxury apartments and state-of-the-art building services. As part of the final hand-over process, EAC Fire & Security was engaged to carry out the commissioning works for the site’s security and life safety systems.
This job included:
- Commissioning intruder alarm systems in 12 individual flats
- Commissioning the communal fire alarm system
- Programming cause & effect between fire alarm zones, AOV systems, automated gate control, and fire curtain shutdown
- Adding auto-reset modules to both AOV assemblies
- Ensuring all systems operate seamlessly under one coordinated strategy
Intruder Alarm Commissioning — 12 Flats
Each apartment at Echo Beach was fitted with an individual intruder alarm system connected back to a central Texecom 24-zone panel.
Our commissioning process included:
- Panel configuration: Entering all flat addresses, zones, and device types
- Keypad & detector testing: Verifying communications, arming/disarming and alarm signals
- Access control integration: Confirming keypad and control signals work with internal door and exit hardware
- Final bench tests: Simulating alarm conditions to check device activation
Commissioning ensures that each flat’s intruder system meets specification, provides reliable detection and delivers the expected user functionality from day one.
Communal Fire Alarm Commissioning — Grade A Category L5
At Echo Beach we also commissioned the communal fire alarm system, categorised as Grade A, Category L5, providing:
- Automatic fire detection throughout the building (full coverage)
- Manual call points
- Sounder bases and alerting devices installed on escape routes, common areas, balconies and the car park
- A clearly labelled fire alarm control panel
This category of system ensures enhanced life safety protection and is ideal for residential developments where early warning in all areas is required.
Integrated Cause & Effect Programming
A crucial part of this installation was programming custom cause & effect logic into the fire alarm panel so that it interacts with other building safety systems:
Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) Systems
- When smoke detection is triggered in specific zones, the system automatically commands the AOV units to operate.
- This improves smoke control in stairwells and corridors, aiding occupant escape and firefighter access.
- We also installed auto-reset modules on the AOV systems so that, once the condition clears and the system resets, the vents automatically return to normal position — ensuring compliance and convenience for residents.
Gate Control Integration
- The fire alarm system was programmed to open the main gated entrance when evacuation conditions are present.
- This allows unimpeded access for emergency responders and safe exit for occupants.
Fire Curtain Shutdown
- Echo Beach features fire curtains which protect certain lobbies and escape routes.
- Upon fire alarm activation, the panel sends shutdown command signals to the fire curtain controllers so they deploy as required under the designed strategy.
This level of integration makes the overall system far more intelligent and ensures that multiple safety functions operate as one coordinated response in a real event.
Commissioning Deliverables
Our commissioning visit included:
- Full system testing of all devices, zones and control functions
- Verification of cause & effect interactions between fire alarm and AOV, gate and fire curtain controls
- Recording and documenting panel programming settings
- Updating the zone panel labelling and fire logbooks
- Demonstrating system operation and handover to the client’s representative
Outcome & Benefits
By completing the commissioning works, Echo Beach residents and management can be confident that:
- Intruder alarm systems are correctly configured and fully operational
- The communal fire alarm meets Grade A Category L5 requirements
- Integrated safety logic delivers coordinated performance between detection and building control systems
- AOV systems and fire curtains respond correctly in emergency conditions
- Gate access opens automatically to aid firefighting and evacuations
This comprehensive approach ensures peace of mind, compliance with life safety standards and a smoother hand-over process for the developer.
Need Commissioning or System Integration?
Whether you’re building new apartments, refurbishing fire alarm systems, or integrating multiple safety and security systems together, EAC Fire & Security can help with:
- Fire alarm commissioning & programming
- Intruder alarm setup & commissioning
- Access control & automation integration
- Cause & effect logic for integrated safety systems
- Maintenance and servicing contracts
Contact us today for a tailored commissioning plan or to discuss your project requirements.
