United States
Client
American Museum & Gardens
Partner: T H WHITE Energy, Fire and Security
The American Museum & Gardens is a repository of overseas culture in the United Kingdom. Set in a historic English manor with several ancillary buildings, the museum offers a rich showcase of American history, art, and culture to thousands of visitors from around the globe.
The museum required a professional security solution to safeguard its premises and valuable collections. The system had to meet stringent insurance requirements while preserving the integrity of the historic building.
Challenge
Build a non-invasive security system for a historical site
The museum’s artifacts are displayed in a centuries-old manor, a listed building requiring careful preservation. Security-wise, this affects device installation: neither cables nor drilling is an option. As a result, a wired setup could not be considered.
Unique exhibits in museums tend to attract not only art and history enthusiasts but also experienced burglars. To address this risk, local regulators and insurers set higher standards for systems responsible for protecting valuables. Thus, the client needed a security solution compliant with UK regulations and insurance requirements.
Additionally, the museum already had an outdated alarm system in place. It needed a comprehensive upgrade to secure three buildings with numerous displays and collections. The new system had to be future-proof while remaining intuitive for users and easily manageable for the monitoring company.
Solution
A wireless intrusion protection system with extended security compliance
To protect the historic landmark and exclusive heritage pieces, T H WHITE chose a wireless Ajax system. The system runs on secure proprietary protocols and covers the entire site thanks to its extensive communication range. Additionally, the devices are certified to both international and local standards, including EN 50131 (Grade 2) and PD 6662:2017, and thus fulfill the insurer’s guidelines.
The core of the system is the Hub 2 Plus Jeweller control panel. With a capacity of up to 200 devices, a single hub is enough to provide maximum coverage for all the museum’s buildings, room displays, and collections. The hub uses encrypted Ajax radio protocols: Jeweller for alarm transmission and Wings for photo verification. Its 6,550-feet range allows for stable communication with all connected devices even through thick walls.
The security system remains operational even with no access to the internet. The vhfBridge Jeweller module connects the hub to third-party VHF transmitters and provides an alternative communication channel. If potential art thieves jam the signal, the hub detects the breach and notifies the monitoring company via the module.
MultiTransmitter Jeweller allows the museum to use the existing wired devices within the Ajax ecosystem. This integration module has 18 input zones to transmit alarms and events from third-party devices to Ajax apps via the Jeweller protocol, which makes the connected equipment part of the new setup.
On-site control, detection, and alerting are built upon the Superior product line designed for high-profile projects. Besides compliance with an extended list of standards, these devices are equipped with enhanced batteries and are better protected against unauthorized dismantling.
The museum’s staff uses Superior KeyPad Plus Jeweller to control the system on site. The keypad enables employees to manage security modes of the entire museum or control access to specific rooms and restricted zones such as artifact storage areas. The device supports various access codes, including short-term ones for temporary staff, contractors for exhibitions and maintenance, and other unregistered users.
T H WHITE equipped the museum with several Superior DoorProtect Plus Jeweller opening detectors. Beyond conventional perimeter protection, they were used for protecting displays. Two reed switches and two magnets allowed installers to place the devices optimally inside exhibit cabinets. Apart from doors being opened, these devices detect tilt and shocks, ensuring that no attempt to touch the art will remain unnoticed.
Superior MotionCam (PhOD) Jeweller are the unsleeping guards of the museum’s permanent and temporary exhibitions. Apart from their core function, these motion detectors can capture the scene in a room and send photos to security personnel within seconds. Users can check the situation on site by alarm, schedule, or on demand. Thanks to the onboard IR illumination, motion detectors deliver clear images even at night or in dim light.
To ensure unwelcome visitors have no chance to enter the premises, the security company installed Superior MotionProtect Plus Jeweller detectors. On top of a precise PIR sensor, the device is equipped with a microwave sensor that filters out thermal interference. Two tampers on different sides of the device enclosure allow installers to choose the optimal installation place.
When it comes to protecting open displays, the American Museum & Gardens does not rely on taping off the exhibits. MotionProtect Curtain Jeweller uses two PIR sensors to create a 15-meter-long invisible barrier in front of the collections. With only the 6-degree horizontal detection angle, the device does not hinder the visitors from strolling around the room. Yet, once someone reaches too close to the display, security personnel receive an alarm notification and can swiftly deal with the violator.
If on-site devices detect potential intrusion, everyone in the museum will immediately know about it. An indoor siren, Superior HomeSiren Jeweller, deters intruders and alerts staff and visitors to the threat with a piercing sound of up to 105 dB and an LED indication. The security company also installed an even louder outdoor siren, Superior StreetSiren DoubleDeck Jeweller. The custom Brandplate is edged with a dazzling LED frame to enhance alarm signaling. With these features, any intrusion attempt has no chance to go unnoticed.
This entire system with multiple native and third-party devices is easily managed thanks to Ajax apps. Within a single interface, the client can change the security mode of each group or room, get informed of malfunctions, and receive details about each activated alarm. The notifications inform the security staff of which device was triggered, as well as when and where it happened. This helps respond to threats quickly and efficiently.
Why Ajax
Extensive wireless communication. Remote control and configuration. Reliable backup for uncompromised security.
Extensive wireless communication. With a radio communication range of up to 6,550 feet, a single Ajax system covers a facility of several buildings, including a thick-walled historical manor. The devices can be installed without any wiring and transmit signals without interruptions.
Remote control and configuration. Security personnel and system users receive alarm notifications instantly after any device is triggered. They can also check the devices’ current state, change their settings, and be notified of any system faults.
Reliable backup for uncompromised security. Ajax hubs support multiple internet connection options. Yet, even after harsh sabotage attacks such as complete jamming, the system remains operational and sends event and alarm notifications via the vhfBridge Jeweller module.
