A range of highly reliable BoundaryGard™ detectors from OPTEX have been specified at a new solar PV farm in Dorset to protect the perimeter from unwanted intrusion.
The three-acre site near Dorchester presented several challenges, not just relating to its geographic position and extensive perimeter, but also the potential problems caused by weather and local wildlife. Reliability and immunity from false alarms was therefore essential, especially since any alarm generated would trigger an instant response from a mobile patrol.
Poole-based Secure Alarms was awarded the contract to supply a perimeter detection solution for Farm Power, a renewable power generation company, which develops, owns and operates a network of green power stations across the country, using micro-hydro and solar power.
Secure Alarms specified an active infrared beam and passive infrared solution, and after close evaluation, chose OPTEX as its solutions partner, and in particular the OPTEX BoundaryGard range of outdoor detection technology.
Robert Cutler, Technical Director at Secure Alarms, saysthat OPTEX BoundaryGard systems are fully scalable and easy to configure: “Any future CCTV or signalling equipment can be easily added,” he says. “Installations of this nature require full confidence in the equipment used, especially where visual verification is not being used and we need to rely solely on the reliability of the product.”
BoundaryGard comprises a portfolio of wireless and hard-wired detection devices that are not affected by false alarms resulting from the local environment. Among the technologies deployed in this particular installation are [tower mounted] AX beams at the outer perimeter, complemented by a further layer of HX PIR sensors to provide additional protection of strategic areas.
AX-350/650TF Series Photobeams are dual beam long-range sensors that are ideal for larger installations where they are capable of external ranges up to 200m. The beams offer four site-selectable frequencies that allow them to be stacked one above another to provide a wall of coverage.
The HX40 series is available in three variants, HX-40, HX-40AM (Hardwired) and the HX-40RAM (Wire free Battery powered) and has been devised to provide exceptional external detection performance and small animal immunity up to a range of 12 metres. The dense 94 zone detection area is shared by two non-overlapping detection patterns each incorporating OPTEX’s patented Optical system. These segregated detection areas form the bases of the product’s target recognition process which results in true target capture and exceptional false alarm immunity.
“The flexibility of the options provided to us by the BoundaryGard range has resulted in a simple, cost effective solution designed to meet our client’s operational requirement,” Robert adds.
Secure Alarms Security Systems offer design, installation, maintenance and monitoring services for a range of systems including CCTV, fire alarms, intruder alarms, lone worker and access control systems, working with residential and small business premises to large multi-site installations, across the South of England.
Paul Nicholas, Divisional Manager for OPTEX Europe, says that BoundaryGard detectors are fast becoming the firstchoice for discerning installers: “The wireless versions are particularly beneficial in applications where access to mains power is an issue, the cost of laying new cables is prohibitive and the size of the site makes it an unrealistic option,” he says.
