GBSG has recently completed the installation of a new fire detection and intruder alarm system at South Lincs Foodservice, a leading independent food wholesaler based in Sutterton, Lincolnshire.
With a legacy dating back to the 1930s, South Lincs Foodservice supplies over 5,000 high-quality food products to the catering trade, including restaurants, pubs, and hotels. Known for its commitment to quality and service, the company had been experiencing persistent issues with its legacy fire detection and intruder systems—problems that had disrupted operations for nearly three years.
just a few miles away, GBSG was brought in to assess the systems and propose a long-term solution. After a comprehensive review, GBSG identified a number of installation issues and environmental incompatibilities with the existing setup.
Challenges identified
The site had been plagued by repeated false activations from both its fire detection and security alarm systems. GBSG found that much of the equipment was either inappropriate for the challenging operating environment or poorly located.
For example:
- An aspirated smoke detection system had been installed inside a cold store operating at -20°C. The air sampling pipework was continually freezing, causing the system to malfunction.
- In the warehouse, beam detectors were installed in areas where forklift trucks operated, leading to unnecessary activations.
- Point detectors had also been fitted under an external canopy—exposed to exhaust fumes and changing weather conditions—making them unreliable.
Tailored Fire Detection and Intruder Alarm Solutions
To address the cold store issue, GBSG removed the aspirated smoke detector and installed a linear heat detection cable, a much more suitable technology for ultra-low temperatures.
“Initially, this proposal was challenged by the insurer,” said Dave Simpson, Director at GBSG. “However, after liaising directly with their risk assessor and explaining the environmental conditions causing the faults, we were able to install a solution that is both stable and compliant.”
What is a linear heat detection cable?
Linear heat detection cables, sense heat at any point along their length. They are highly effective in cold environments (down to -40°C) and in dusty, industrial settings. Easy to install and maintain, they’re ideal for the extreme cold of a foodservice warehouse like that of South Lincs Foodservice.
Elsewhere on site, GBSG replaced the problematic fire beam detectors with more reliable point detection. Equipment under the external canopy was removed entirely to prevent false alarms.
As for the intruder system, GBSG replaced outdated components with modern control panels, alert systems and signalling equipment, and carried out a full rewire of the warehouse to ensure reliable coverage.
Customer Satisfaction
George Thomas, QHSE Manager at South Lincs Foodservice, praised the approach and outcome:
“GBSG had a direct and honest approach, which we appreciated, and their pricing was fair. The system is now performing exactly as it should—no more persistent faults or excessive maintenance. I would absolutely recommend them.”
Need Support with Your Fire detection or Security Systems?
GBSG brings over 40 years of expertise in designing and installing bespoke fire detection and security systems tailored to challenging environments. If you’re facing ongoing issues with your alarms or detection systems, contact the team for a no-obligation consultation.
