FireAngel launches Spec+ domestic safety alarms for professional installations

by ActiveBreaking NewsFire DetectionFire DetectionProducts

Domestic safety alarms range combines smoke, heat and carbon monoxide protection with flexible interconnection and 10-year battery backup

Domestic safety alarms specialist FireAngel has launched its new Spec+ range, introducing a portfolio of mains-powered smoke, heat, carbon monoxide and multi-sensor alarms designed to simplify installation, improve replacement and support long-term residential fire protection.

Developed for the UK professional market, the Grade D1 alarm range is aimed at installers, landlords, housebuilders and housing providers, with every product featuring a 10-year sealed rechargeable lithium back-up battery and compliance with the requirements of BS 5839-6 for most residential applications.

The Spec+ portfolio includes dedicated smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms, alongside multi-sensor devices that combine smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detection within a single unit. The products have been developed to support changing legislation and evolving domestic safety requirements while providing greater flexibility for residential installations.

FireAngel said the new alarms have been designed to make installation and replacement easier through a practical base plate design, while built-in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity enables up to 50 Spec+ devices to be interconnected wirelessly, via hardwired connections or through a hybrid of both without requiring additional communication modules.

The smoke alarms combine the company’s Thermoptek and UltraSense technologies, which operate in parallel to improve fire detection while reducing nuisance alarms caused by contaminants and everyday household activities. Bug mesh and dust compensation features have also been incorporated to improve product longevity and minimise interference that can lead to false alarms.

Across the range, alarms are designed for a 10-year service life and are backed by a 10-year warranty. FireAngel recommends replacing smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms after 10 years to maintain optimum protection, even if devices continue to function beyond that period.

The Spec+ range includes the SP500 smoke alarm, SP510 heat alarm, SP520 multi-sensor smoke and heat alarm, SP530 multi-sensor heat and carbon monoxide alarm, and the SP540 multi-sensor smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarm. Compatible wireless and hard-wired low-level control units are also available.

All products in the range comply with recognised standards for smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detection, including BS EN 14604, BS 5446-2 and EN 50291-1 where applicable. FireAngel said every alarm is individually tested during manufacture and the range carries third-party SGS certification.

Nick Rutter, Chief Executive Officer at FireAngel, said: “Our new Spec+ range represents a significant product portfolio for FireAngel that will enable a step-change for the future of domestic safety. Spec+ has been designed around real installation needs, quality-first design principles and trusted protection for residents.”

He added: “The launch comes at an important time for the fire safety sector, where innovation and healthy marketplace competition are essential to continuously improving protection in homes across the UK. FireAngel believes that bringing new products to market plays a vital role in giving specifiers, contractors and housing providers greater choice, while ensuring safety-critical technology continues to evolve.”

First European Fire Detection Forum launched by Euralarm during VdS-FireSafety Cologne 2026

by Breaking NewsEventsEventsFire Detection

Euralarm has launched the first European Fire Detection Forum, a conference dedicated to the future of fire detection and electronic fire safety in Europe. The event will take place on 2 December 2026 in Cologne, Germany, as part of the VdS-FireSafety Cologne.

Euralarm says the integration of the European Fire Detection Forum into the VdS-FireSafety Cologne will bring value by creating a European platform to examine both current developments and the future direction of electronic fire detection.

The inaugural edition will be held under the theme: “Fire safety in a changing world and the changing world of fire safety – From reaction to prediction: the next paradigm of electronic fire safety.” Looking at the pipeline of developments and technologies to support earlier detection and reduction of nuisance alarms.

“Fire safety is entering a period of profound transformation,” said Peter Mita, President of Euralarm. “New technologies are creating opportunities to detect fires earlier, reduce unwanted alarms and improve building safety. At the same time, society faces new risks and increasing expectations regarding sustainability and digitalisation.

“With the European Fire Detection Forum, Euralarm is creating a platform where industry experts, regulators and end users can discuss these developments and help shape the future of fire safety in Europe.”

As fire risks evolve and digital technologies transform the built environment, fire detection systems are facing new challenges and opportunities. Advances in connectivity, artificial intelligence, sensor fusion, sustainability and predictive maintenance are reshaping the role of fire detection within modern fire safety strategies. At the same time, changing regulations, new building technologies and emerging risks such as lithium-ion battery fires require fresh approaches and closer cooperation across the sector.

The European Fire Detection Forum will provide a dedicated platform for manufacturers, installers, system integrators, fire safety professionals, regulators, insurers and policymakers to discuss these developments and explore the future direction of the industry.

The programme will feature keynote presentations, expert panels and technical sessions covering topics such as:

  • Emerging and future fire detection technologies and solutions
  • Artificial intelligence and sensor fusion
  • Reducing false alarms and improving system reliability
  • Sustainability in fire detection
  • Early detection of lithium-ion battery incidents
  • Digitalisation and remote services
  • The future regulatory and standards framework for fire detection in Europe

Ingeborg Schlosser, Divisional Director of Vds, said: “The cooperation with the VdS-FireSafety Colognereflects a shared commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and supporting innovation throughout the fire safety community.

“By combining the European perspective of Euralarm with the strong market presence and reputation of VdS, the event aims to become a leading forum for discussing the future of fire detection technologies and their role in protecting people, property and the environment.”

WAGNER reveals TITANUS REX aspirating smoke detector

by ActiveBreaking NewsFire Detection

WAGNER has unveiled its new TITANUS REX aspirating smoke detector, introducing the latest generation of its TITANUS product family at the NFPA trade show in Las Vegas.

The VdS-certified detector has been redesigned with a focus on sensitivity, modularity and digitalisation. WAGNER says the system is designed to deliver early fire detection while reducing nuisance alarms and supporting energy-efficient operation.

According to the company, TITANUS REX combines high-level detection performance with resource-efficient operation for modern fire protection applications. Further certifications, including UL and AFNOR, are expected shortly.

Torsten Wagner, Managing Director and Partner of WAGNER Group GmbH, said: “Our new detector module detects even very small smoke particles much earlier and with greater precision. This gives users valuable time to take targeted action in the event of a fire and reliably safeguards their processes.”

At the centre of the system is WAGNER’s new W1 technology, which combines sensitive smoke particle detection with intelligent signal processing. Its LOGIC·SENS PLUS fire pattern recognition system evaluates data against ambient conditions to support early detection and reduce false alarms.

The company says the detector’s specialised sensor technology and energy-efficient components reduce power consumption and allow the power supply to be sized according to operational requirements.

Planning, commissioning and maintenance are supported by connected software tools including TITANUS PipeXpress PLUS and TITANUS ServiceXpress. Wizard-guided workflows are designed to help ensure project planning complies with relevant standards.

TITANUS REX is available in three variants — TITANUS REX 30, TITANUS REX 50 and TITANUS REX 70 — to suit applications ranging from elevator shafts and deep-freeze areas down to -32°C to highly sensitive environments and large hyperscale data centres. Its compact design and quiet operation are intended to support discreet installation across a range of settings.

Following its NFPA debut, WAGNER is also presenting TITANUS REX to European fire safety professionals at FeuerTrutz in Nuremberg this week.

FLIR to showcase early fire detection and firefighting technology at NFPA 2026

by Breaking NewsEventsFire DetectionFirefighting EquipmentThermal Imaging

FLIR will present its fire safety and first responder technologies at the NFPA Conference & Expo 2026, taking place from 22 to 24 June at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

The company will exhibit at Booth 471, where it will demonstrate industrial Early Fire Detection solutions and tactical firefighting equipment, including A-series thermal monitoring cameras and K-series hand-held cameras.

Thermal monitoring for high-risk environments

FLIR said its Early Fire Detection systems use continuous radiometric monitoring and intelligent alarming to identify abnormal heat patterns before smoke or flame is visible.

The technology is designed for high-risk environments including battery storage sites, solar fields, manufacturing lines, waste facilities, warehouses and logistics centres. According to FLIR, the systems can be integrated with plant safety controls to trigger automated responses and support 24/7 situational awareness.

Keynote session to discuss life safety compliance

On Wednesday 24 June, Aaron Lawrence, Director of Sales, Automation at FLIR, will lead a keynote session alongside Martin Casillas, Clark County Fire Inspector, and Ryan Sandler, Vice President of Fire & Life Safety at Everon.

The session will examine how thermal imaging, analytics and system design are influencing the next generation of life safety compliance.

FLIR said its technologies are intended to help operators detect risks earlier, support faster response and improve performance in challenging fireground and industrial conditions.

Kidde introduces FIREX Sentry to cut installation time

by Fire Detection

Kidde has launched the FIREX Sentry range.

According to the company, the new family of mains-powered smoke and heat alarms have been developed to help installers complete jobs faster while achieving a cleaner, more professional finish.

Sentry range

Built on the established Kidde FIREX hardwired platform, the Sentry range has been designed to simplify both new installations and replacement projects, addressing common challenges faced on site.

The company highlighted that a key feature of the range is a new slide-on Quick-Fit base, which aligns with standard back box fixing points to reduce the need for re-drilling and speed up installation.

A larger, flared base plate helps cover marks left by previous alarms, supporting a cleaner retrofit finish, while integrated cable management enables quicker and more consistent wiring.

The range is fully compatible with existing Kidde FIREX hardwired systems, allowing seamless interconnection with smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide alarms for whole-property protection.

It is available in Grade D1 (rechargeable lithium back-up) and Grade D2 (replaceable battery back-up) configurations across four core models covering optical smoke and heat detection.

“Sentry is the result”

Maciej Gruszecki, Associate Director of Product Management from Kidde commented: “We spoke directly to installers about what slows them down on site.

“Sentry is the result – a range designed to reduce installation time, simplify replacements and deliver a cleaner finish without changing the trusted FIREX system they already know.”

The launch

The company said that launch comes as demand for efficient, compliant fire safety solutions continue to grow across new build and refurbishment projects, where installation speed and consistency are key considerations for contractors and specifiers.

Hardwired D1/D2 alarms alarms are widely required under UK building regulations, with new build demand running at approximately 300,000 homes per year.

The Kidde FIREX Sentry range is now available through leading electrical wholesalers and distributor partners across the UK.

Aero-X installs fire protection systems installed for Schilthorn cable car redevelopment

by Breaking NewsFire DetectionFire EngineeringFire SuppressionProjectsTransport

Fire protection specialist Aero-X has installed systems across the redeveloped Stechelberg–Mürren–Birg-Schilthorn cable car line in Switzerland, a route known both for its engineering complexity and its connection to the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

Swiss company Aero-X was commissioned to provide fire protection for the recently redeveloped line, including systems for the dual-track Funifor cable car infrastructure and electrical control cabinets at all four stations.

The company selected Kentec Sigma XT extinguishant control panels for the project, with 14 panels installed across the station cabinets and connected to the site management system for supervision from the control room.

The Schilthorn route is internationally recognised as the location of Piz Gloria, Blofeld’s mountaintop lair in the 1969 James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The cable car line has undergone a major redevelopment as part of the Schilthornbahn 20XX project.

Originally built in the 1960s, the multi-stage aerial cableway system in the Bernese Oberland region had reached the end of its technical lifespan and required a comprehensive modernisation programme.

The redevelopment has increased passenger capacity from 400 to 800 people per hour and reduced the travel time from Stechelberg, on the valley floor, to the Schilthorn summit by around 10 minutes. The first section, from Stechelberg to Mürren, now operates as a direct line with a gradient of 159.4%, making it the steepest aerial cable car in the world.

Paul van Trigt, CEO of Aero-X, said: “It is so steep the cable car has to exit through the roof of the station.”

Aero-X was asked to protect the cable car system and electrical control cabinets at each station. The gondolas, which feature solar panels and battery storage, are protected using Aero-X extinguishant units.

The station cabinet protection includes integrated detection and suppression systems. The cabinets are “doubled up” at each station to support continuity of service in the event of a failure, according to van Trigt.

“The reason we used Kentec panels is that we needed to fulfil certain standards, in particular EN12094, EN15276-1 and EN15276-2,” he said. “I love the XT panel because it is plug and play. Connected properly, it simply works: there is no complicated programming to be done.”

Most of the cabinets are fitted with smoke sensors, while others use heat sensors. Van Trigt explained that some cabinets contain relatively high voltage, which can create electromagnetic fields that affect smoke detection.

Each cabinet includes fire-resistant cable connections, a sounder beacon and both automatic and manual aerosol extinguishant release capabilities.

Two or three extinguishant units are installed in each cabinet and connected to the Sigma XT panel via Aero-X’s sequential activator.

“This allows us to supervise the whole line and make sure all units are triggered in the event of a fire,” van Trigt said. “Two units are triggered, then we wait two seconds, then the next two are triggered, etc.”

The sequential activator is designed to ensure multiple extinguishant units can activate when required, rather than being limited by the current supplied by the panel. Van Trigt said the approach provides a higher level of fire security in line with regulatory requirements.

Van Trigt said the main challenge was logistical rather than technical. “Taking the materials up the mountain to each respective station and installing them during the construction phase was difficult, because there was really nothing to use. We had to find other ways!”

The upgraded cable car line is now carrying passengers on the route to Schilthorn, with fire protection systems from Aero-X and Kentec supporting safety across the redeveloped mountain transport infrastructure.

Pye-Barker acquires Fire Protection Specialists

by AmericasAmericas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsFire DetectionFire Suppression

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has acquired Fire Protection Specialists, adding integrated fire protection services to its existing fire alarm and security offerings for customers in the Northwest of the U.S.

Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker, said: “As we join forces, I’m excited for us to strengthen our customer service in Washington and beyond.”

Fire Protection Specialists serves Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and California with the installation and servicing of fire suppression and fire alarm systems for commercial and industrial customers, including education, utility, government and healthcare facilities. The company’s fire protection solutions include advanced system monitoring, system inspections and testing, and fire extinguisher service.

Fire Protection Specialists provides clean agent fire suppression systems to extinguish fire in high value spaces, such as data centers, equipment vaults and MRI/CAT scan rooms. It also supplies automatic extinguishing systems for commercial kitchens and off-road fire suppression systems for heavy mobile equipment.

The latest deal follows an extremely active 2025 in terms of acquisitions from the company, when it added 57 fire alarm, fire sprinkler, suppression and security companies to its portfolio.

Amthal secures multi-site security and life safety contract

by Fire DetectionProjects

Amthal has been awarded a planned maintenance contract to cover Barnet and Southgate College across all its three sites.

According to the company, this contract will ensure a reliable, rapid response and coordinated approach for the benefit of staff, students and visitors.

Barnet and Southgate College

Barnet and Southgate College is a large further education provider operating across three main campuses in Barnet, Southgate and Colindale.

The college supports a diverse student population across academic, vocational and technical programmes with sites that include teaching blocks, workshops, specialist learning environments and high footfall communal areas.

Given the scale and movement of people across the estate, maintaining life safety and security systems is a core operational requirement.

Ensuring safety

Amthal highlighted that it was selected to cover the college’s intruder alarm, fire alarm, Paxton access control and IP CCTV systems across all three sites.

The scope of works includes routine maintenance, system monitoring and ongoing technical support to ensure all systems remain compliant, fully operational and aligned with the college’s safeguarding and estates strategy.

“Essential to minimise disruption”

Pritesh Dattani, Soft Facilities Manager at Barnet and Southgate College said: “Managing life safety and security systems across three busy campuses requires a joined-up approach.

“We consolidated maintenance under a single provider to ensure consistent performance, improved visibility and reduced fragmentation across systems and sites.

“At this scale, reliability, fast fault response and coordinated maintenance planning are essential to minimise disruption to teaching and campus activity.

“Having Amthal in place gives us confidence that fire, intruder, access control and CCTV systems are managed within a consistent framework, supporting safeguarding and operational continuity across the college,” Dattani concluded.

Deployment

The complexity of the estate is reflected in the scale of the systems in place.

The intruder alarm infrastructure spans 800 circuits across 10 monitored panels, providing coverage across multiple buildings and departments with varying access requirements.

Amthal explained that the fire alarm system comprises 1,569 devices connected through 15 networked panels, designed to ensure early detection and coordinated response across densely occupied learning environments.

Access control is managed through 483 Paxton controlled doors, supporting controlled movement across campuses while allowing operational flexibility for staff and students.

In addition, Amthal said that the 452 IP CCTV cameras provide visual coverage across key internal and external areas, supporting safeguarding, incident review and day to day site management.

The company also now also supports the installation works delivered through the college’s contractors, helping ensure new systems integrate effectively with existing infrastructure and maintain overall system integrity as the estate develops.

“A connected and dependable system”

David Williamson, Business Development Manager at Amthal Fire & Security, added: “This contract reflects the importance of maintaining fully integrated life safety and security systems across a large multi site education environment.

“Our focus is on ensuring all systems are maintained in a way that supports reliability, compliance and operational continuity across the college estate.

“By working closely with the college and their contractors we can help ensure both existing infrastructure and new installations continue to operate as a connected and dependable system across all three campuses,” he added.

Advanced launches new-CPD on smoke control systems

by Fire DetectionProductsProducts

Advanced launches a new course focused on smoke control systems and its role in protecting life and property.

According to the company, this new release expands on its Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme.

Titled Smoke Control Systems: Principles, Pitfalls and Protection

The free CPD has been developed to provide consultants, specifiers, fire engineers, installers, facilities managers and other fire safety professionals with a practical understanding of smoke control strategies, system types and compliance requirements.

The company said that the module explores the principles of smoke movement and the importance of smoke control in supporting safe evacuation, firefighting access and property protection.

Attendees will gain insight into natural and mechanical smoke ventilation systems, smoke exhaust and pressurisation methods, as well as the key components used within smoke control systems.

The CPD also examines the standards and regulations that govern smoke control design and maintenance, including Approved Document B, BS EN 12101, BS 7346-8, BS 9991 and BS 9999.

Alongside this, the course highlights common design, installation and maintenance pitfalls, helping attendees better understand best practice approaches and long-term compliance responsibilities.

“A critical role”

Shaun Scott, Applications Engineer at Advanced said: “Smoke control systems play a critical role in modern fire safety strategies, particularly in complex and high-rise buildings where maintaining clear escape routes is essential.

“This CPD has been designed to provide practical, real-world guidance on the principles behind smoke control systems, the challenges involved in their design and maintenance and the standards that govern them.”

“By helping industry professionals strengthen their understanding of smoke control, we can support them in designing better systems and delivering improved compliance, ultimately creating safer buildings,” he concluded.

Certifications and education

According to Advanced, all of the CPDs are certified by the CPD Certification Service, with attendees receiving a certificate of attendance upon successful completion.

The new smoke control CPD joins Advanced’s growing portfolio of educational modules, including:

  • Introduction to Fire Detection & Alarm Systems
  • Managing False Fire Alarms: Tools & Techniques
  • A Guide to Meeting BS 8629

C-TEC releases new technical help videos

by ActiveFeatured NewsFire DetectionFire DetectionProducts

Leading life-safety systems manufacturer, C-TEC, has launched a new series of CAST XFP technical help videos.

Created to give engineers clear, visual, on-demand guidance on the installation and operation of its powerful and super-intuitive CAST XFP fire detection and alarm systems, the videos include practical advice on updating firmware, auto addressing, adding new devices and taking downloads from the panel using a PC.

Terry Gordon, C-TEC’s Engineering/Technical Support Manager, said: “Our new help videos are designed to assist anyone installing CAST XFP. As a soft-addressing system, it’s very flexible and can programmed with our handheld programmer or by using the panel’s auto address function for fast sequential programming of all devices. Our videos highlight all these options and also share guidance on identifying loop integrity faults, updating firmware and much more.” 

Other initiatives introduced recently to boost the company’s technical support services include the creation of a new CAST technical support team, a new dedicated tech support telephone number and a Cloud-based AI-enabled call logging software system.

C-TEC is a leading UK manufacturer of world-class open-protocol fire detection and alarm system solutions for commercial and residential buildings. In addition to fire systems, lockdown systems and evacuation alert systems, the company also manufactures some of the UK’s most-respected call systems, disabled refuge systems and hearing loop systems.

Watch the videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QD14aSIqY8&list=PLQb1vAuFLRdm5qmzBRgnTRqDa1ty_LxEh

For more information, visit www.c-tec.com