Project title
HMP Channings Wood Expansion Project
Location
Newton Abbot, Devon, United Kingdom
Market
Secure Infrastructure Construction (new build and refurbishment)
Main contractors
Kier Construction (with Premier Modular supporting modular facilities)
The result
A scalable, fully wireless fire detection solution that maintains compliance while supporting day-to-day prison operations.
Fully compliant coverage
Fire detection across all active construction and welfare areas.
Scalable as the site evolves
Coverage expands as new buildings and zones are brought online.
Minimal disruption
Supports daily prison operations without unnecessary interruptions.
Long-term flexibility
Future-ready for a multi-year programme scheduled for completion in 2027.
By combining SITENET and SITEPROTECT, Bull Products delivered a future-ready fire safety solution supporting safety, security and operational continuity.
What the customer said
The simplicity and robustness of SITEPROTECT make it ideal for demanding environments like this. The ability to refurbish and redeploy equipment also supports both cost efficiency and sustainability.
Bull Products’ SITENET fire detection and alarm system has performed exceptionally well. It’s reliable and easy to use. Its truly wireless design allowed for minimal disruption during installation, and the EN 54 certification gives complete confidence in compliance.
Project overview
Bull Products supplied scalable, fully wireless fire detection systems for a major expansion project at HMP Channings Wood, a Category C men’s prison near Newton Abbot, Devon.
The project involves construction of two fully electric T60 houseblocks, a new workshop facility, temporary welfare buildings and refurbishment works within the secure perimeter.
The two new houseblocks will deliver an additional 494 prison places, alongside facilities designed to support rehabilitation and vocational training.
The challenge
- Multiple zones inside and outside the secure perimeter
- Mix of new build, refurbishment and temporary facilities
- Alarm activations tightly controlled to avoid security risks
- Hard-wired systems unsuitable due to phased construction
- Wireless systems required to avoid network interference
The solution needed to be robust, compliant, adaptable and operationally sensitive from day one.
The solution
Bull Products worked closely with Kier, Premier Modular and the Ministry of Justice to deploy SITENET and SITEPROTECT.
SITEPROTECT was deployed across the main construction zones by Kier, while SITENET was installed within modular buildings supplied by Premier Modular.
Both systems are 100% wireless and EN 54 certified, ensuring full compliance with fire safety standards.
The self-forming, self-healing mesh network provides reliable signal transmission without intrusive cabling, supporting strong line-of-sight communication and avoiding disruption to existing prison infrastructure.
Meeting operational requirements
In a live fast-changing environment, fire detection needed to align with strict operational procedures and security controls.
- Silent testing and remote alarm control to avoid unnecessary disruption
- Clear cause and effect zoning
- Separation from the prison’s secure network infrastructure
- Clear identification of devices and panels across zones
- Ongoing coordination meetings between all project stakeholders
Key products used
For expert guidance on fire safety in complex, live construction environments, speak to the Bull Products team today. Call us on 01432 806806 or email sales@bullproducts.co.uk.
