Hampton
VA Medical Center
The project involved the completed design of a campus wide fire alarm system to replace an obsolete existing system across 45 buildings comprising 40 fire alarm control panels. The system was designed as a fully networked solution incorporating all monitored components, including smoke detectors, tamper switches, and relays, with a central fire alarm control panel located in police dispatch and a secondary central panel in the safety office. The design also included remote and automatic call out capability and was developed to be scalable for future building additions.
Because building characteristics varied widely, including occupancy type and count, height, sprinkler protection, construction type, age, and area, the design approach was tailored to each facility. Some buildings required full system replacement, while others required only panel replacement with existing devices reused and supplemented as necessary to meet current code requirements. Additionally, auxiliary buildings without existing fire alarm systems were designed to receive new systems and be integrated into the campus wide network.
A primary design objective was to maintain continuous system operation during implementation with minimal downtime. For full replacements, the design allowed for new systems to be installed and commissioned prior to decommissioning the existing systems. For partial upgrades, panel interiors were designed to be replaced within existing enclosures with all terminations reconnected. The overall design also incorporated infection control and life safety assessments, detailed phasing to support continuous operation, limited site work, and provisions for hazardous materials containment.