This FAQ section covers key topics such as system compatibility, detection capabilities, connectivity options, and compliance with industry standards. You'll also find information on installation requirements, recommended cabling, and warranty details to ensure you fully understand the Ciqurix system. Explore the answers below to learn more.
INTEGRATION
All of them. The CORE system has been designed to be compatible with all fire alarm systems. Alarm and fault signals are given via programmable relay contacts, which can be easily connected to any make or type of fire system - either directly to the Fire Control Panel, or to an I/O Module or Zone Module on the fire alarm loop.
Yes, but it’s not a good idea. Whilst in theory you could connect a suitable low-voltage power supply to a siren via one of our alarm relays, we don’t recommend this. Instead, we suggest using the alarm relay to trigger a small fire panel with a sounder/siren fitted. This would provide fault monitoring and control of the siren, and the ability to silence the alarm.
Yes. We provide volt-free switched alarm outputs, which can be connected to any type of system (provided the other system has hardwired switched inputs).
Most of them. Any NVR or VMS which can accept RTSP feeds and has hardwired alarm inputs should be compatible, but it would need to be integrated into the Ciqurix system by your supplier, and be dedicated solely to the Ciqurix system. Note that an NVR is not required for the system to operate, but it is recommended that one is used where possible.
Yes. The Ciqurix CORE system doesn’t need an NVR or VMS to operate, because it is a fire detection system, not a CCTV system. However, the system does provide a live video feed from each detector, and these feeds are helpful in understanding, tackling, and preventing fires. Without an NVR to access these live video feeds, you are missing out on one of the major advantages of using a video fire detection system. The recorded video is also helpful during the initial soak test period, as well as when diagnosing the cause in the rare event of a false alarm occurring. Your supplier will be able to quote for a compatible NVR, which will be integrated into the Ciqurix system before despatch. Note that this NVR will be dedicated solely to the Ciqurix system.
Yes. This feature would be provided by the 3rd-party NVR (video recorder) fitted to the Control Hub. It is usually possible (depending on the capability of the NVR) to program a specific action to be associated with a specific alarm input, for example making a particular video feed full screen. You’d just need to speak to your supplier at the quoting stage to make sure this feature is included with the supplied NVR. The NVR and the security monitor would be dedicated solely to the Ciqurix system.
No, not directly. Because they’re video flame detectors rather than cameras, they can only be connected to a Ciqurix CORE hub, and they won’t be visible to an external VMS or NVR. The system does provide a live video feed from each detector, but these are only available by connecting a suitable video gateway inside the Ciqurix system (e.g. a dedicated NVR). That gateway/NVR can then be accessed from outside the Ciqurix system by your VMS or central monitoring system. Your supplier can advise on the best way to achieve this.
No. Only Ciqurix QLS video fire detectors can be used with the Ciqurix CORE system.
Yes. Our default interconnection to other systems is via programmable relay outputs; these are usually the best way to connect to our system, and more than adequate for most situations. However, the Control Hub does have a comprehensive API, and a defined command set can be made available by arrangement to facilitate 3rd-party integrations. Please contact Ciqurix with details of your application and to discuss the available options.
DETECTION & OPERATION
It depends. The closer the fire is to the detector, the smaller it needs to be - it is the number of affected pixels on the screen that matters. A small fire very close to the detector will occupy the same area of the detector view as a large fire further away. Each detector data sheet gives details of achievable detection distance, and has a sensitivity graph showing required fire size against distance for each sensitivity setting. The maximum detection distances we give are based on a flame size of approx 0.18m2 on high sensitivity.
Yes. The location of the fire within the field of view of the detector is pinpointed with pixel-level accuracy. For example a fire occurring 40 metres away from a wide-angle XFP detector can be located to within 5 centimetres / 2 inches (depending on the mounting height of the detector and the angles involved). The detector also knows how large the fire is. The location of the fire, and the size, can both be used by the system to decide which alarm output(s) are triggered.
Yes. The CORE Control Hub has a comprehensive API which can be made available by arrangement. However it is usually simpler to allocate areas of the detector view to specific relay outputs and use that instead. You can draw up to 8 polygonal areas (zones) onto each detector view and map those areas onto individual relay outputs. This could then be used to trigger a specific fire alarm zone, direct a water canon to a predefined pattern, or trigger a particular suppression area.
Possibly. This feature would be provided by the 3rd-party NVR (video recorder) fitted to the Control Hub. The CORE video flame detectors don’t offer this facility directly, so it would depend on the capability of the NVR unit. Please speak to your supplier if this facility is required, to discuss the best way to achieve it.
Yes. Each detector’s field of view can have up to 8 polygonal areas (zones) set up, plus the background, and each can be linked to a specific output relay. In effect this gives 9 outputs per detector. These zones can overlap if required, and have different sensitivity triggers, giving very flexible output options. It is also possible to mask up to 3 areas in the image to not detect anything in those areas.
It varies widely. An achievable coverage of 1000-1500m2 per detector is common, and often considerably more. The coverage area varies by detector type and application, as well as other factors e.g. installation height. Our longest range detector has a maximum detection distance of 180 metres with a field of view of 46 degrees. The coverage area for each detector isn’t a simple shape, and must take account of height as well as width and length. The space to be protected needs to be computer-modelled in 3D to provide a plan of the coverage areas; we provide this service free of charge as long as suitable plans and other necessary information is provided to us.
Usually as high as possible. There is no minimum or maximum height of installation; as part of our modelling process we will suggest the best height to overcome obstructions and maximise coverage. Generally speaking, the detectors should be mounted as high as possible, or at a height which allows them to be tilted downwards at approximately 30 degrees.
No. Video analytics to detect flame are highly sensitive to movement and vibration. Each detector must be mounted on a stable secure surface which cannot move. Also, if the detector was able to move it might be facing the wrong way when a fire starts, and with fire every second counts. If 180 or 360 degree coverage is required from a single point we recommend fitting multiple detectors, although better coverage can often be obtained from fitting detectors in different locations. The space to be protected needs to be computer-modelled in 3D to provide a plan of the coverage areas; we provide this service free of charge as long as suitable plans and other necessary information is provided to us.
-40°C / +70°C. In terms of detection, the Ciqurix detectors are looking for flame, not temperature. In terms of ambient operating temperature, please refer to the data sheet for each detector. The standard range of CORE detectors have units which can operate as low as -40°C and as high as +70°C. With a specialist cooled housing (either using fresh water, circulated chilled water, or air) then it is possible to operate at almost any ambient temperature, depending on the application.
CONTROLS, CONNECTIONS & CABLING
64. As standard, a maximum of 64 QLS devices (e.g. detectors or I/O Modules) can be added to one CORE system. Each QLS device is connected directly to a Hub - 6 on the control hub, and 4 or 8 on each Extension Hub, up to the maximum of 64 devices total. Custom systems can be produced with multiple Control Hubs to take an unlimited number of devices if required.
Nothing! QLS is the Ciqurix protocol which transfers battery-backed power and data between a CORE Hub and a CORE field device (e.g. detector or I/O Module). The initials were originally chosen as a tribute to a close friend of our founder.
No, not in the conventional sense. Ciqurix CORE video flame detectors are powered from the CORE hub they are connected to, using the Ciqurix QLS protocol. The QLS protocol delivers battery-backed power and data along a single 8-core Cat6 cable.
No, but Hubs can. Individual detectors are not wireless, and must each be hard-wired directly to a Ciqurix Hub, but Hubs with a “W” designation can be wirelessly interlinked. Note that if the installed system is being certified to BS5839-1 (UK fire standard) then the use of wireless hub interlinks will require an agreed variation.
FP 2-core. Our I/O module provides volt-free switched output relay contacts (C, NO, NC) - there are 4 sets of contacts on each I/O Module. These can be connected to the fire control panel using the appropriate cable to meet the regulations applicable to the installation - typically "FP200" or similar fire-resistant 2-core cable.
Yes. We recommend “Fire Lan 6” fire-resistant cat6 cable from Cavicel for all QLS device wiring and Hublink interconnects between Hubs. Please refer to our information sheet on cabling for further information on cable considerations. The cable used should meet a minimum of cat5e standards (QLS) or Cat6 (Hublink) over the distance required (usually a max of 90m) and must be compatible with Krone-style IDC (punch-down) terminals. It also needs to comply with the applicable fire resistance class. The Fire Lan 6 cable that we recommend is certified to PH120 fire resistance requirements, and meets cat6 classification to 100m.
CERTIFICATIONS
No, because EN54 doesn’t yet cover video fire detection.
The CORE system has however been designed from the outset with EN54 (especially parts 2, 4 and 10) and BS5839-1 in mind, and complies with all applicable clauses. For example it uses fire resistant cabling throughout, has over 24.5 hours of battery backup, the monitoring of faults meets (and exceeds) relevant requirements, and our power supplies are EN54 approved.
Yes. Within the UK, Ciqurix recommends that the CORE system is installed and maintained by a competent organisation with third-party accreditation (where applicable). Both the BAFE and LPCB schemes require the use of approved products, but both also make allowances for when no harmonised product standards exist (as is currently the case for video fire detection). LPS1014 requires a variation to be listed on the LPS certificate, whereas SP203-1 requires keeping appropriate records.
Yes it can. BS5839-1 is a code of practice for fire alarm systems in the UK, which defines various categories of system (e.g. L1-L5 and P1/P2). Those system categories relate mainly to the placement and coverage of detection, rather than the type of technology. BS5839-1 states that video fire detection can be used, where appropriate, to enable the system to meet those categories. It must be designed, installed, commissioned, and verified by the manufacturer or other qualified specialist.
WARRANTY/ DURABILITY
3 years. The standard warranty is one year “advance replacement” and a further 2 years “return to base”; this can be extended on a per-project basis at additional cost.
Over 10 years. Ciqurix has been manufacturing and supplying video fire detection equipment since 2013, with the CORE system in operation since 2020. Our predicted service life of the equipment is 10-15 years.