SYDNEY METRO M1 LINE FIRE SYSTEM
NSW, AUSTRALIA
CASE STUDY
R e l e a s e d 2 0 2 5
SYDNEY METRO
Sydney Metro is Australia’s largest public transport project The first two stages, Epping Chatswood Rail Link and the North West Rail Link, opened in 2019 with 13 stations and was Australia’s first driverless railway from Tallawong to Chatswood
In September 2024 a new section of the M1 line opened from Chatswood to Sydenham which including 8 stations and 15 5km of metro rail, extending the North West line
Today, the line runs directly from Tallawong station in the North West, below the harbour, under the Sydney CBD, then out to Sydenham with a total of 21 stations and a total distance of approximately 52km.
The next stage is the Southwest link from Sydenham to Bankstown Scheduled to open in late 2025 this line will cover a further 13km and an additional 10 stations, bringing the total line distance to 65km.
Tallawong Station
Metro Train
FIRE SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The Sydney Metro Fire Detection System is based around a comprehensive, high speed network of FireSense 3030 Fire Panels. These panels are connected to remote Sub Fire Panels (SFP’s) controlling field input/output modules A combination of addressable smoke, heat and duct probe detectors, manual call points, hydrocarbon gas detectors, VESDA’s and combined sounder/strobes are installed throughout the station platforms, back of house areas and support buildings which service the Metro line. In addition, the Fire Alarm systems integrate to the above station buildings for mechanical control and evacuation.
The fire system is also linked to the Operations Control Centre (OCC) and the Backup Operations Control Centre (BOCC) via high level Modbus interface graphics gateways located at Tallawong and Bella Vista for total control, disabling and monitoring
FireSense supplied a number of dedicated Graphical User Interfaces (GUI’s) consisting of touchscreen graphic PCs displaying actual architectural backgrounds This allows for fast, accurate, real-time diagnosis of all fire system events
The fire system is linked to the train control system via high level Modbus Gateways at each station and tunnel, allowing a fully integrated system
The project required extensive cabling to integrate the fire alarm systems, PA systems, power, electrical and other mechanical services Given the underground and high traffic nature of the infrastructure, stringent environmental standards including Low Smoke Zero Halogen materials, had to be utilised to ensure life safety FireSense successfully met or exceeded these requirements, ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations and safety protocols
SCOPE OF WORK
FireSense spent more than 6 years working with over a dozen different fire contractors and UGL Limited to deliver this world class infrastructure project
UGL Limited engaged FireSense directly for assistance in pulling together this large project, by means of scope outlay, specification assistance, product choice and overseeing the project to make sure everything was integrated correctly This meant all panels, peripheral products, programming and methods of installation were the same across all stations This enabled a uniform, controlled platform which functions as one large network.
The fire alarm contractors engaged FireSense to assist with the production, testing, complete programming and onsite commissioning assistance of all aspects of the fire detection system All panels were manufactured locally and tested in the FireSense Testing Centre as part of the FAT requirements.
The equipment FireSense supplied included:
150 x Fire Panels
384 x Gas Systems
34 x Modbus High Level Interfaces
6 x GUI Workstations
491 x GUI Screens
750,000 metres of FireSense 2HR Fire Rated cable for Fire Detection, Electrical and Mechanical services
All integrated across 11 x High Speed Fibre Optic Networks and 21 stations (from Sydenham back to Tallawong station) and a distance of approximately 52kms
CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS
The Sydney Metro project faced a number of unique challenges due to the significant size and complexity of the project which included above ground works and tunnel applications FireSense identified potential difficulties & risks early during the feasibility assesment and sought to provide a solution for each.
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Challenge: How do you effectively oversee and coordinate a complex, large-scale project with multiple contractors executing simultaneously?
Solution: With over 70 staff nationally, including 50 based in Sydney, FireSense assigned a specialised team of experts to manage the project A dedicated Engineering Team Leader was assigned to oversee all aspects of the project, ensuring that requirements were met and the work was completed efficiently and on schedule.
Challenge: How do you manage the different methods of fire panel configuration programming when multiple contractors are involved, and ensure seamless integration?
Solution: With dedicated resources from the Engineering team leader and dedicated programmers, FireSense created baseline configurations which were deployed across all stations, ensuring streamlined and consistent functionality
Challenge: Necessity of a 2 hour response time for support staff to be at the project sites when required
Solution: FireSense's strategic location in Norwest NSW, just 20 minutes from the Sydney Metro project site, provided a significant advantage in terms of responsiveness and logistical efficiency. Our close proximity enabled rapid deployment of expert resources and fast on-site technical support when required
Additionally, we were able to leverage our deep understanding of the Sydney Metro area, ensuring that we could foresee challenges and meet project requirements with precision and timeliness. This local presence & our large scale operation, in addition to our deep technical expertise and decades of experience was extremely valuable to this Sydney based infrastructure project
Challenge: Client resources had varying levels of experience using the specific technology needed to manage the tunnel's fire detection system
Solution: FireSense developed and delivered a comprehensive training package for Sydney Metro, as well as for the incumbent fire contractors responsible for servicing the Sydney Metro system.
Challenge: Extensive documentation required to back up all aspects of the project
Solution: FireSense employs an in-house team of engineers and drafts people that work closely with our customers to ensure the needs of the fire system design can be clearly communicated to all parties involved We regularly go well beyond our contractual obligations by generating additional documentation, schematics and drawings to exceed our customers’ expectations and enhance the longevity of the systems life cycle
Challenge: Providing 24 hour access to staff who are knowledgeable on the project specifics
Solution: FireSense understands the risks associated with large projects and significant construction durations To mitigate these risks, we ensure that staff roles were mirrored across every aspect of the project This approach allowed for immediate coverage by backup staff in the event of illness or leave, ensuring smooth continuity throughout the project.
Challenge: Eliminating the risk of toxic inhalation in confined spaces, such as tunnels and underground environments, during an evacuation. Project required cables that were Low Smoke Zero Halogen (PVC Free) and Australian approved fire rated cables (AS3013/WS52W standard)
Solution: ALL FireSense 2HR Fire rated cables are Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) and PVC Free Credibly and independently certified by Good Environmental Choices Australia (GECA) and Bureau Veritas meeting the Green Building Code of Australia guidelines & Green Star requirements ActivFire & AS3013/WS52W certified for maximum protection
Fire Contractors were supplied Halogen Free TPS cable, 2HR Fire Rated Fire Alarm Detection/Control cable for EWIS and PA Broadcasting. Electrical/Mechanical Contractors were supplied with 2HR Fire Rated Single Core Power cable & 2HR Fire Rated Multicore for 240VAC essential service equipment & variable speed drives for installation across all stations
FireSense was also engaged to manufacture a custom screened fire-rated cable for the tunnel PA systems, featuring steel wire armor for rodent protection, while meeting all relevant approvals and LSZH standards
FireSense has fast become one of the leading suppliers of fire rated cables on tunnel and infrastructure projects where LSZH, higher mechanical protection and custom made solutions may be a requirement.
KEY LEARNINGS
Including fire equipment specialists in the upfront feasibility assessment process ensured the development of the optimal design, technology & bespoke solutions to meet the project's scope and specific requirements
A focus on communication protocols ensured smooth coordination and consistent output between the contractor and client, enhancing collaboration, efficiency and results
Allocation of a dedicated experienced project leader and team enabled the optimisation of the fire detection system and ensured it was completed on time and within budget
100% pre-programmed and Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) completed at the FireSense Testing Centre, ensured confidence was achieved prior to installation, significantly reducing on-site time and minimising the need for further testing.
Mirroring of technical staff roles ensured seamless continuity by providing backup resources ready to take over at a moment’s notice, effectively eliminating any potential downtime.
Locally trained staff enabled rapid response times and removed reliance on third-party suppliers, ensuring greater efficiency and control
Comprehensive, advanced training for end users empowered system controllers with the expertise and confidence to swiftly diagnose and resolve faults, ensuring seamless system operation
Large infrastructure projects are loaded with unique requirements, challenges & complexities. Having an experienced supplier with a proven track record is essential to ensure best in class implementation
