CABLE COSTS MAKE WIRELESS WISE

Lantern Fire and Security are a Hyfire Authorised Partners.

The advantages of wireless fire detection systems are well known. The ease, speed and non-disruptive nature of its installation, makes wireless ideal for a host of applications from busy, commercial premises, to sensitive listed buildings.

In fire safety, as in all aspects of construction, cost has always been a factor. The savings in man-hours when fitting a wireless system are obvious, but there is one wireless cost saving that’s about to become significant.

The copper cables!

Copper prices have skyrocketed in 2017, and they are due to continue through 2018 and beyond. In December, the Financial Times website reported: “Copper prices continued their march higher” … “rallying to their highest level in almost four years and putting the metal on track for its best year since 2010”.

New technology and environmental pressures are the driving force behind these increases, from electric cars and their charging stations to renewable wind and solar energy. “The world’s largest miner (BHP Billiton) said it is looking to add more copper to its portfolio through exploration, as demand increases for the metal in renewable energy and electric cars.” FT.com, November 2017

Frank Holmes, CEO and chief investment officer of U.S. Global Investors reports that “Chairman and Founder of Ivanhoe Mines Robert Friedland told Frank and the team, ‘You’re going to need a telescope to see copper prices in 2021!’”

Any way you cut it, copper cabling is going to get more expensive, making this the ideal time to investigate the advantages of going wireless.