As new residential homes are built, home owners are increasingly seeking quality build materials, amenities
and the best technologies. This was certainly the case with a high-end, 30,000 square foot, 4 level residential home in Chicago Illinois. Given the investment in this multi-million dollar residence, the home owners and insurance company
were keen to provide the best fire detection and gas monitoring for the protection of the building and its occupants.
The Challenge
Maintaining aesthetics was a key objective of the designer and home owner while providing reliable smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) gas detection throughout the multiple bedrooms and areas of congregation of the building. Beyond smoke, the home also required carbon monoxide gas detection throughout multiple bedrooms and areas of congregation as required per the state law and residential code for residential applications.
The Solution
The chosen smoke detection technology from the installer (Paul Heath Associates) was VESDA-E VEA smoke detectors to provide early warning notification in the event of fire and addressability to the compartmentalized areas of the home. Another key factor for VEA was the system offered discreet (lowprofile) sampling points that blended in with the ceiling.
“Installation of the VEA tubing combined with the Carbon Monoxide detection of XCL was an easy choice for me as the installing contractor. The tubing runs through the house like CAT5/6 cabling, very simple. It can be protected in the framing using Innerduct tubing, free from staples, mounts, or clamps. This allows us to pull and replace tubing if needed in the future. Using a single sampling port for both smoke and gas provides the home owner with a discreet detection point in each room and the detectors are mounted and maintained in a remote part of the house (i.e. electrical room, control room, or mechanical room). Now we no longer have to disturb the owner or anyone in the house to test the smoke and gas detection system.”
David Kapov, President, Paul Heath Associates
As an add-on to the VEA, Paul Heath Associates opted to install VESDA Sensepoint XCL Microbore ASD gas detectors in-line to the VEA tube networks for the monitoring of CO gas. VESDA Sensepoint XCL detectors were installed next to the VEA detectors without the need for major construction and electrical cabling to the protected areas. This integration not only provided a combined smoke and CO gas detection solution throughout the home but also ensured discreet gas monitoring.
Having both systems located at a central location allows service and maintenance to be undertaken from one location without the need for technicians to enter the private quarters.
Regional codes for this project state that homes (detached oneand two-family dwellings) are required to install CO detection by the International Residential Code (IRC), NFPA 1 or NFPA 101. These Codes require CO detection to be
installed, serviced and maintained in accordance with NFPA 720. Both the Codes and NFPA 720 requires CO detectors to be listed as complying with UL 2075.
The Outcome
VESDA-E VEA and VESDA Sensepoint XCL detection now installed at the residential home offer “State-ofthe-Art” technology to effectively detect the early possible fire and gas threats in this multi-million dollar home – keeping family members and belongings safe.
About Installer
Since 1975, Paul Heath Associates has stood for timeless quality and superior workmanship. The firm sells and installs only the highest grade of products and the most supportive services for complete home automation.
Their engineers, technicians and programmers are here to make your life easier. Our systems have been featured in the Chicago Sun Times, the television show, Chicago Tomorrow and the book, Luxury Homes and Lifestyles, to mention a few. To learn more, visit Paul Heath Associates at www.paulheath.com.
