Delivering a modern, reliable solution while preserving existing infrastructure and minimising upgrade costs, the project was carried out by Eastern Electronics and Security of Springfield, MA (part of the Davis-Ulmer, API Group), and involved replacing an obsolete Harrington fire alarm panel with a new Advanced system. A key requirement of the upgrade was to retain the church’s existing wiring, detectors and modules, ensuring continuity of protection without the need for a full system replacement. 

Bill Porfilio from Eastern Electronics and Security, commented: “For buildings such as churches, maintaining reliable fire protection while managing costs is essential. The ability to install a modern, UL-listed panel that is fully compatible with existing detection devices allowed us to deliver a straightforward upgrade without the disruption and expense of replacing the entire system.” 

At the heart of the installation is an Axis AX fire alarm panel configured to interface seamlessly with the building’s existing Apollo XP95 protocol detectors and modules. This compatibility enabled the project team to retain proven detection devices and established wiring infrastructure, while upgrading the central control system to meet current standards. 

Axis AX’s flexibility made it particularly well suited to the project. Its support for established protocols and ability to integrate with legacy field devices allowed the church to modernise its fire system without compromising functionality or reliability. The result is a solution that combines the benefits of advanced technology with the practical advantages of reuse, offering long-term dependability within a cost-conscious framework. 

Sarah Lawson, Operations Director at Advanced, added: “Projects like St. Mark’s Church highlight the importance of flexibility in fire system design. Axis AX enables organisations to upgrade critical life safety infrastructure while retaining existing devices, making it an ideal solution for sites where budgets are limited but safety cannot be compromised.” 

The upgraded system supports reliable alarm detection and notification, with signals transmitted to a central monitoring station to ensure a rapid response in the event of fire or fault conditions. All components were tested in line with NFPA requirements, ensuring full compliance with current standards and local authority expectations. 

Mike Madden, VP of US Sales at Harding, commented: “This project demonstrates how Axis AX can deliver a practical and efficient upgrade path for existing systems. By maintaining compatibility with widely used detection technologies, building owners can transition to a modern platform while protecting previous investment and minimising disruption.” 

With the new Axis AX system in place, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church now benefits from a dependable and future-ready fire alarm solution, ensuring continued protection for its congregation while supporting the long-term preservation of its facilities.