The history of the Galatasaray High School building, as narrated by Evliya Çelebi, started when Beyazid II (1481 - 1512) saw a small, ravaged cottage at a large, well-kept garden while hunting on the ridges of Galata one winter day, and upon the request of the owner of this cottage, he ordered the construction of a school and hospital there. Subsequently, it formed an important part of the Ottoman Palace education upon the foundation of the "Galata Palace Association", where the students to be selected to the Palace School would receive primary and secondary education. The Galata Palace School, which was one of the most important institutions of the Ottoman Empire until 1820, was used as a Medical School and Military Barracks thereafter. On September 1, 1868, the institution was re-activated under the name of "Mekteb-i Sultani" to train intellectual staff who would implement innovations in the legal, political and social fields in the Ottoman Empire based on western culture. The institution was renamed as "Galatasaray High School" in 1924 and started education in accordance with the Republican revolutions. In line with the protocol signed on April 14, 1992, Galatasaray Education and Training Institution (GEÖK), which includes primary school and university education, was founded. Galatasaray Education and Training Institution was transformed into the Galatasaray University according to Law no. 3993 that was published in the Official Journal no. 21952 on June 6, 1994.
The required Fire Detection and Alarm System was installed by EEC in line with the needs of the Galatasaray High School.
The main structure as a historical 4-floor masonry building consists of 29 classrooms, 2 workshops, 3 laboratories and 3 IT classrooms, and bears a high risk due to its completely-wooden roof. There was a need for the installation of the fire detection and alarm systems within the entire building and in some buildings on the campus. Edwards EST3 Fire Alarm Systems, Xtralis OSID Area Smoke Imaging Detection Systems and Ei Electronics Smoke Alarm Systems were used according to this need and the structure of the building. The systems were carefully installed by selecting the most convenient models for the project from the most reliable brands in the sector.
According to the survey analysis of the EEC specialized engineering team, the most convenient system proposals were presented in line with the needs and the risks of the building, and the applications were executed following the project approval.
The Edwards EST3 Control Panels and Signature Series Smart Fire Detectors that were chosen in the Galatasaray High School project have the characteristics to respond to your fire alarm system needs in all types of buildings at the highest level. It stands out with its characteristics such as monitoring and control of 160.000 points with a maximum response speed of 3 seconds in a single network, as well as peer to peer network up to 40 km through copper or fiber optic cables, smart smoke and temperature detectors that prevent false alarms, audible emergency announcement and firefighter telephony systems operating in integration within the system, flexible emergency control programming, software integration with all building automation and SCADA systems, and a Graphic Monitoring and Control Computer that can monitor remote systems over the internet.
The OSID (Open-area Smoke Imaging Detection) System developed by Xtralis is another product used in the project that ensures 3D volumetric protection thanks to CMOS imaging technology. OSID eliminates the risk of false alarms by separating smoke and dust particles based on the UV/IR dual wavelength beam type detection technology. As compared to the beam type detectors, it offers the opportunity to protect even very long distances such as 150 meters through its capability to detect in larger areas. The emitter devices operate with lithium batteries for over 5 years and warn the user when they become weaker in order to reduce the cost of cabling and are chosen due to their simple installation and lower installation costs. Uninterrupted communication between the receiver and the transmitter minimizes the effects of external factors and prevents false alarms.
The wireless smoke alarm devices produced by Ei Electronics were used for the purpose of protecting the visual structure and ensuring the necessary security in the halls which have high historical value and very special decorations. The Ei Wireless Smoke Alarm Devices ensure quick detection in the standard smoke formations due to the light scatter principle. The capability of detection by a single Ei Electronics alarm device ensures that all wired or wireless devices are triggered.
These solutions, which were determined by taking the structure and the needs of the building into consideration, were carefully implemented by EEC’s specialized engineering team. Since the building is an educational institution, the application was completed in 60 days on a turnkey basis, with the team working only during the holidays.
