In Victoria there are three Automatic Fire Alarm Service Providers; ADT Fire Monitoring, Code Redd (Chubb) and Romtek. Each of these providers have proprietary Alarm Signalling Equipment that differs in appearance and operation from the alternatives.
ADT Fire Monitoring
ADT Fire Monitoring are the largest provider of monitoring services in Victoria. Their Alarm Signalling Equipment called the Centaur, Series I and Series II have been around for over 20 years.
The two models of the Centaur are very similar in function but differ slightly in terms of their features and functions.
The Centaur Series I originally was fitted with a radio modem and a backup telephone line for communicating alarm signals. The device features up to 8 alarm inputs. The ASE features THREE types of “KEYS” that provide the following functions;
- Test Key (Red)
- Isolate Key (Blue)
- Signal Strength Indicator SSI (Green)
This device is progressively being phased out in favour of the Centaur Series II which incorporates Dual SIM Radios, removing the need for a backup telephone line and overcoming issues related to the National Broadband Network.
The Centaur Series II has a similar operation to the Series I however it has fewer alarm inputs and uses a different type of “Key”. This key is commonly referred to as the USB style key.
ADT Fire monitoring can be contacted 24 hours by telephone on 1300 360 575.
Code Red (Chubb)
The Chubb Code Red is the second most popular Alarm Signalling Equipment (“ASE”) in Victoria and provides a range of both Fire Signals as well as non-fire signals such as;
- Circuit/device faults
- Circuit/device isolations
- Pump faults
- System tamper
- Power supply and/or battery faults
- Low system pressures
- Tank levels
Like the Centaur ASE, the Code Red uses a proprietary “Key” to activate the various functions of this system including the ability to “Test” and “Isolate” for maintenance purposes. Unlike the Centaur, the Code Red key is removed after activating the ASE and selecting the relevant function (Test or Isolate).
The Chubb Code Red Monitoring Centre offers 24/7 fire alarm monitoring services which can be contacted by telephone on 02 9930 5061.
Romteck / Romteck Grid
Romteck Australia Pty Ltd (“Romteck”) is the manufacturer of the Romteck ASE while Romteck Grid Pty Ltd (“Romteck Grid”) is a monitoring company. Romteck Grid is arguably the least known of the Automatic Fire Alarm Service Providers in Victoria however they are widely used in other states and Aviation.
According to Romteck they have submitted the Romteck ASE for testing to CSIRO Services with six listings under the provisions of the ActivFire Scheme.
Unlike the Centaur and the Code Red, the Original Romteck (Version 1) uses a traditional “Key” to change the state of an ASE to the required mode (Test, Normal, Isolate), while the new Romteck uses a Dallas Wireless
iButton (like the Chubb Code Red).
The Romteck can accommodate up to 8 alarm inputs.
Romteck Grid can be contacted by telephone (Control Room) on 1300 552 231.
