HiSPEC

HiSPEC: fire detection, emergency lighting and LED lighting from Chorley

HiSPEC is a British supplier of electrical and life-safety products that began trading in 2002 as a general electrical supplier and built its early success on electronic transformers. From its head office in Chorley, Lancashire, the company now concentrates on fire and carbon monoxide detection, emergency lighting, general LED lighting, site lighting and air-quality devices. Its stated focus is housing solutions, with a strong orientation towards social housing and the professionals who specify and install these systems.

Detection and alarm ranges

The fire and CO catalogue is organised by wiring and power format rather than by brand alone. It covers battery-only devices, battery-only radiofrequency units, mains interconnectable alarms, mains radiofrequency models and commercial systems, alongside control units and accessories. The RF10-PRO range appears as a distinct line within the radiofrequency offer. Among the featured products is a radio frequency lithium battery smoke alarm powered by a ten-year sealed lithium battery. The company describes its detection range as covering smoke, heat and carbon monoxide, with dual detection for fire and CO presented as full-circle property protection.

Commercial fire: the 2CAS system

For commercial premises, HiSPEC offers the 2CAS system, described as a single-loop two-wire conventional alarm panel with soft address capability. It can be wired as two, four or eight radial circuits, a design intended to allow replacement of existing conventional panels while keeping the existing wiring in place. Detectors, call points, interfaces and sounders sit on the same addressable loop.

Emergency lighting and general lighting

The emergency lighting range is aimed at escape routes and open areas and includes bulkheads, downlights, LED battens, exit signs and weatherproof fittings. Exit boxes and sign lights form their own subcategory, with products such as the Zambezi 3W LED emergency sign light with self-test. The wider lighting catalogue is extensive: bulkhead fittings, circular panel lights, fire-rated downlights, floodlighting, gear trays, high bays, lamps, LED battens and tubes, lighting accessories and controls, outdoor bulkheads and outdoor lighting, plus safety labels, tower sockets, transformers and weatherproof fittings. Named families include Pacific and Orca bulkheads, Nile battens, Yarra Pro downlights and Foss floodlights, offered with wattage and colour-temperature switch options. A separate site lighting line covers adjustable work lights, tripods, festoon kits and magnetic torches.

Air quality and vape detection

HiSPEC states it is building an all-encompassing air-quality range. Its SMART Vape Detector, launched in August 2023, is presented as a versatile solution for hospitality, education and business environments. A CO2 monitor completes the current air-quality selection.

Trade focus and support services

The company positions itself primarily as a trade supplier and states that its products are stocked in more than 3,000 wholesalers nationwide. Trade users log in to see pricing, and there is a route to open a credit account. Beyond product supply, HiSPEC lists lighting design, project specification, training, events and a reward app among its services, together with a marketing hub, image requests, PDF downloads and point-of-sale flyers for stockists. It also publishes separate areas for professionals and homeowners, including product information, safety tips and FAQs, and maintains a contractor area.

Sustainability and recognition

HiSPEC reports an EcoVadis Silver sustainability rating, which it presents as recognition of responsible practices; the site also refers to an earlier EcoVadis Bronze award and to ranking in the top 35% worldwide for sustainability. It further states it was named 56th in The Times top 100 growing companies in the UK and that it distributed over one million life-saving products in the previous year. These figures are the company's own published claims.

Partners and editorial activity

Black + Decker products appear as a linked line in the catalogue. The company also publishes news and insights on lighting and fire safety, including articles on fire-safety budgeting for housing providers, seasonal home fire risks and Gas Safety Week, written by members of its housing team.