Apollo fire detection technology has been chosen to protect Norwich Castle museum and art gallery and the Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum.

Apollo fire detection at Norwich Castle

Works at the museum include Iceni gold and treasures from the era of Queen Boudica.

T&P Fire Ltd was appointed by Norfolk Property Services to replace the existing fire protection with an open protocol system.

Norwich Castle, which was built by the Normans 900 years ago,  houses collections of fine art, archaeology and natural history.

The fire system replacement was split into two main areas; the castle museum and the Regimental Museum, Shirehall and Chambers at street level. More than 700 Apollo analogue addressable devices – including smoke and heat detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, audio visual devices and interfaces – have been installed altogether.

Around 300 Apollo Discovery fire detectors were fitted at the castle, and configured across seven loops controlled by an Advanced Electronics Mx4807 panel.  Just under 100 interface devices have been installed to allow the fire system to interact with other building systems, such as the sprinkler system and the Public Address Voice Alarm system, as well as access controlled doors and other critical systems.

The main point fire detection system has been set up to interface with an aspirating smoke detection system which has been installed to protect the building’s large ceiling voids and the main castle keep.

The regimental museum and Shirehall have been protected by a two-loop fire system, again based around an Advanced Electronics control panel, and incorporating 130 Apollo devices, while the Chambers has a four-loop system that includes more than 200 Apollo fire detectors, sounder beacons, base sounders and interfaces.

James Carswell, cabinet member for cultural services at Norfolk County Council, said: “Norwich Castle museum and art gallery is so much more than just a building. It is a treasured part of our community loved by visitors and staff alike because it brings to life our heritage in a space fit for the 21st century, complete with state-of-the-art fire detection that secures the safety of our staff, visitors and valuable collections.”