Model V-EP Attic sprinkler from Viking allows for design with lower flow rates

by Products

The Viking Corporation has announced availability of a new specific application sprinkler designed to protect challenging attic spaces. The 5.6 K-factor “Model V-EP” VK690 allows for an enhanced system design which eliminates the need for additional branch lines, reducing installation and materials costs. In addition, the sprinkler can reduce flow and pressure requirements compared to other attic protection schemes.

When used in conjunction with Viking’s existing Model VK697 5.6 K-factor attic upright sprinkler, the new Model V-EP attic sprinkler can protect up to 80 ft roof spans using 3 branch lines, and up to 100 ft spans with a 5 branch line design, with roof pitches ranging from 2½:12 through 6:12. Additionally, the VK697 and VK690 used together allow for flows as low as 20 gallons per minute and a minimum operating pressure of 13 psi. Thorough design criteria may be found on the sprinkler’s technical data sheet.

The cULus Listed sprinkler is available in brass or corrosion resistant ENT plating. With a thread size of 1/2” NPT or 15 mm BSPT, the 5.6 (80) K-factor sprinkler can be ordered with an intermediate temperature rating of 200° F (93° C).

The product joins Viking’s complete line of attic sprinklers, which also includes back-to-back, single directional, and HIP style sprinklers.

www.vikinggroupinc.com

Johnson Controls unveils advanced smoke detection technology

by Featured News
Johnson Controls has introduced advanced smoke sensors built upon the established performance of its flagship TrueAlarm technology that is designed to meet 2021 UL standards.
The latest updates to UL 268, Standard for Safety of Smoke Detectors for Fire Alarm Systems, call for significant improvements to smoke detection technology.
Set to take effect in June 2021, the new UL 268 seventh edition standard requires smoke sensors, detectors and smoke alarms to pass more than 215 new or revised performance tests, including three new challenging tests: a cooking nuisance alarm test, a flaming polyurethane foam test and a smoldering polyurethane test, said the statement from Johnson Controls.
To satisfy these requirements, the smart and sustainable buildings specialist has introduced advanced smoke sensors built upon the established performance of its flagship TrueAlarm technology.
The UL 7th edition polyurethane tests better represent the type of smoke and flames produced in modern building fires due to the increased use of synthetic furnishing materials that can ignite and burn faster than other materials, said the statement.
The cooking test was added after research showed people frequently disable smoke alarms due to nuisance alarms caused by cooking and shower steam, it added.
The new TrueAlarm sensors provide earlier detection, better fire type recognition and fewer nuisance alarms. They use sophisticated algorithms to analyze particles and determine whether they are generated by an actual fire rather than smoke or steam from cooking.
Sensor alarm points can be programmed for timed, multi-stage operation per sensor. A lower percentage alert can cause a warning prompt to investigate the issue while a higher programmed percentage will initiate an alarm.
“The design of our new sensors is based on decades of fire detection experience and demonstrates our commitment to creating the most innovative and reliable products in the industry,” remarked Peter Ryan, senior commercialization manager, Global Fire Detection Products, Johnson Controls.
“These re-designed smoke sensors reduce the number of nuisance alarms while providing early notification, when needed, to help building occupants evacuate quickly and safely during a fire event,” he added.
Johnson Controls said the ability of the redesigned TrueAlarm sensors to intelligently differentiate between high-risk fires and burning food or steam is especially important for commercial spaces such as hotels, dormitories, hospitals and other facilities that are prone to nuisance alarms.

New practice guide launched: ‘Firestopping of service penetrations’

by Projects

To assist in the design, specification and installation of building services penetrations to ensure fire compartmentation is maintained, five organisations have launched a Best Practice Design and Installation Guide, Firestopping of Service Penetrations.

The aim of the guide is to encourage all stakeholders in construction to consider firestopping design earlier in the process in order to avoid problems at a later stage in construction. Those involved in the project would like to highlight that it is not an installation manual, but guidance to a good practice approach.

The guide is broken down to provide information on actions that should be carried out during each of the stages one to seven as defined in the RIBA Plan of Work.

With a foreword by Dame Judith Hackitt, who was the Chair of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, the Best Practice Guide will enable a project team to meet its obligations to deliver a safe and secure project in terms of penetration seals.

The guide was produced collaboratively by the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA), Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) and the Gypsum Products Development Association (GPDA) to address service penetrations in buildings and ensure the spread of fire due to inappropriate or poorly installed service penetrations can be eliminated.

Commenting on the launch of the guide, Dame Judith Hackitt said: “This document is the result of a collaboration between a number of relevant trade bodies and organisations representing the wider construction and fire safety industries, and it is an example of the collaborative working and acceptance of professional responsibility throughout the supply chain that must become a feature of the industry’s culture from now on.”

Commenting on the launch of the guide, Nick Mead, Mei Systems And Assurance Lead – Meica Systems, Laing O’Rourke Europe said: “Service penetrations in fire-separating elements are in part a minor element of a compartment wall or floor, yet in truth they are one of the most important elements when it comes to ensuring the performance of any compartment wall or floor is maintained.”

The guide was produced with the support of stakeholders across the industry including manufacturers, designers, contractors and specialist fire companies. Those who produced the guide would like to thank Rockwool, FSi Ltd, and Warringtonfire in particular.

The Best Practice Design and Installation Guide, Firestopping of Service Penetrations is available to download on each of the association’s websites

https://data.asfp.org.uk/default.php?cmd=210&doc_category=715

Akron Brass launches Revel Scout – Portable LED Emergency Scene Light

by Products

Compact, lightweight and portable, the Revel Scout from Akron Brass provides more options than most LED scene lights to help accomplish various tasks, from preventing and extinguishing fires to saving lives and property. The Revel Scout portable scene light has a versatile design that allows for multiple placement options—set on a flat surface, hung over a door, strapped to a ladder or hung on any number of vertical surfaces with its integrated spike.

Light Where You Need It

Powered by a 28V removable, rechargeable battery, the Revel Scout emergency scene light is all you need to light both your exterior scene and interior work area. Easy to move or position, the Revel Scout’s combination of flood and spot-light optics increases your overall visibility when lighting exterior areas such as vehicles, structures, parking lots and overhead hazards.  Continue your overhaul work inside homes, buildings, or other structures with this versatile, portable scene light.

Additional Features and Benefits

  • Optional truck mounting bracket, storage case, and battery charger accessories
  • Integrated strap included to secure to horizontal object, ladder rung, etc.
  • On/off toggle switch to turn light on and off and adjust to 4 light levels
  • Corrosion-free construction
  • Zero deployment time
  • Battery type — 28V LI-ION, Weight: 3 lbs (1.4 kg). Charge time: 1 hour
  • Warranty — Light assembly: 6 Year, Battery and charger: 1 Year. Warranty valid only with Akron Brass supplied batteries and charger.

www.akronbrass.com/

Apollo launches hybrid wireless fire detection range for schools

by Products
Apollo’s new XPander hybrid wireless range offers a comprehensive solution to many problems that present themselves when installing a fire detection system. It is quick to install and requires minimal cabling and is reportedly 75% quicker to install, in comparison to a wired system.
XPander has many applications, its versatility key to deciding on which type of system fits best for a building. Ideal applications:
  • Time-sensitive Projects
  • Minimising Disruption to Building Operations
  • Temporary Structures (i.e. marquees)
  • Annexes
  • To Minimise Disturbance of Asbestos Materials
  • To Preserve Building Fabric (e.g. in Heritage / List Buildings)

A great example of a time-sensitive ­project where XPander excels is in schools. A school is generally occupied most of the time and therefore being able to install an entire fire system without jeopardising safety is a tricky line to walk. So, a quick and compliant solution is needed.

XPander can be used during a remodelling project, for an off-campus outbuilding, or even to protect a temporary structure like a graduation marquee. The physical interface is wired onto the loop as standard, but the detectors can be placed inside of these areas wirelessly during the event and then can be removed when the marquees are taken down. This is much faster than hard wiring each time. You can take comfort in the knowledge that students are kept safe in every scenario.

Another challenge is making upgrades to a school system during summer holidays. You might only have a small window of opportunity to make the upgrades before the students return. Having to wire in a complete system just so that building work can be completed, only to remove all of that wiring hard work, is both costly and time-consuming. A wireless solution is ideal, it removes the need to delay construction, and shaves off time at the end of the project as there are no wires to remove. Just simply detach the detectors.

Similar issues occur in the healthcare sector. A hospital, for instance, is almost never vacant and therefore extensive wiring work would cause uncomfortable disruption. XPander would eliminate these concerns and installing a compliant fire system would cause minimal disturbance.

“XPander allowed for an easier install where the project area was an Emergency Care Department (inc A&E) where minimal intrusion on a live site was key. Wireless was the logical solution to bring these areas up to L1 standards with a new system.” : Apollo Customer Testimonial.

Temporary structures offer a unique challenge when trying to keep people safe from fire. COVID-19 Pods and temporary accommodation for medical staff / resources need to be protected without unwanted complications. XPander can be quickly added to the existing hospital fire system. An interface is placed on the loop, this device ‘manages’ all of the wireless devices fitted in the temporary structure. The devices even show up on the panel, as if it was wired into the loop. This secures the integrity of the existing system and makes sure that any necessary expansion is protected from fire.

COVID-19 has caused unexpected slowdowns within the construction and fire industry communities. But as the restrictions lift there will be an influx of work. And having a quick and easy solution at the ready could mitigate any further frustrations.

www.apollo-fire.co.uk/products/range/xpander

TFT releases new working Fire Nozzle

by Americas - Products

The new TFT Working Fire nozzle reportedly delivers revolutionary performance when you need maximum flows for a “working fire.” For every day use, it is a true 150 gpm @ 75 psi Fixed GPM Nozzle, but when you need even more GPM, the nozzle’s exclusive pressure relief system dramatically limits nozzle reaction.

When you achieve the 150gpm rate, the nozzle flows great, and there is about 65lbs of nozzle reaction force. However, when you need a lot more GPM, that is where the Working Fire excels.

By integrating TFT’s exclusive pressure relief, a 33% increase in flow rates only yields a 33% increase in reaction force. Compare that to a traditional fixed nozzle, which increases 78%. With the Working Fire nozzle, TFT is able to deliver high GPM (200 gpm) with reportedly 30lbs less reaction force than other nozzles.

The Working Fire is available in a break-apart or integrated, stainless steel ball valve configuration. Pistol grips, bail handles, and stream shaper are available in colours and spinning teeth are an option. The nozzle has a rugged, black hard coat finish with a black reflective Scotchlite trim. There is a tactile indicator and detent for straight stream that prevents unintended rotation into other streams.

Streamlight® launches Vulcan® 180 HAZ-LO® Lantern

by Americas - Featured News

Streamlight Inc. have introduced a Class 1, Division 1 safety-rated lantern in its Vulcan® series for use in hazardous environments faced by many first responders. Lightweight, compact and waterproof, the Vulcan® 180 HAZ-LO® features a 24-hour run time on low, 180° articulating head, and two ultra-bright blue taillights for visibility in thick smoke.

“The Vulcan® 180 HAZ-LO® is an extremely bright lantern with rear taillights, designed to enable firefighters to operate safely in difficult environments, whether from smoke, inclement weather or other hazards,” said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F. Dineen. “With its 180° articulating head, first responders and other users can aim the light beam precisely where it is needed for task lighting purposes. And because it is powered by a lithium ion battery, it is one of the lightest-weight lanterns in its category.”

Featuring a triangular-shaped face cap and rotating head, the Vulcan® 180 HAZ-LO® combines three white power LEDs for extreme brightness with cordless operation to eliminate trip hazards. Three deep-dish parabolic reflectors produce a tight spot beam with optimum peripheral illumination to aid in navigation, while two ultra-bright blue LEDs illuminate the lantern’s taillights. It delivers 400 lumens, 25,000 candela, a 316-metre beam distance, and a run time of 10 hours on the high setting. On low, it provides 130 lumens, 8,000 candela, a 128-metre beam distance, and a run time of 24 hours.

The light’s rotating head tilts 180° and features a locking mechanism to lock it in the upright position. The lantern’s rubberised cushion-grip handle and large, multi-function, push-button enables smooth handoffs and use even with gloves and offers a nonslip grip for easy carrying. Powered by a rechargeable 7.8Ahr lithium ion battery, the Vulcan® 180 HAZ-LO® fully recharges in 15 hours with battery status indicator. Its quick install charge rack fits the same footprint as other lanterns in both the Vulcan® and LiteBox® series.

The light is encased in a durable, super-tough nylon with the rotating head constructed from high grade aluminium and also encased in super-tough nylon. It is IP67-rated for waterproof operation to one-metre submersion and also floats.

Product Features:

Lumens: High: 130-400
Battery: Lithium Ion
Size: 7.43” (18.87cm) x 4.36” (11.07cm)
Weight: 2.45 lbs. (1123g)
Colour: Orange or Yellow

Available in in safety orange and safety yellow, the Vulcan® 180 HAZ-LO® comes with the Streamlight Limited Lifetime Warranty and has an MSRP that ranges from €300 to €361 depending on the configuration.

Euralarm releases guide on periodic testing in fixed firefighting systems

by PassiveProducts

Euralarm has published a guidance document on the important aspects relating to the periodic inspection of cylinders used in fixed gaseous fire extinguishing systems and especially in respect to hydrostatic testing. The guidance note is intended to identify some critical areas that are often not fully understood and does not prescribe the full processes involved in the testing or the physical handling of the cylinders.

Transportable cylinders under the TPED (Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive) and ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) are required to go through periodic testing for re-certification. The new Euralarm document addresses the issues related to the importance of procedures for periodic testing and subsequent refilling the cylinders.

The document guides the reader to avoid serious safety issues of hydrostatic testing. The guidance note is meant for the testing of gas cylinders of seamless steel, seamless aluminium alloy and welded carbon steel according to respectively EN 1968:2002, EN 1802:2002 and EN 1803:2002.

Aspects that are covered in the guidance note are moisture control, the reuse of cylinder valves and the recertification of cylinders. A useful checklist is part of the document. The checklist covers important steps to ensure that the safety of cylinders is maintained during periodic inspection processes and during the filling afterwards.

www.euralarm.org/

Abu Dhabi Civil Defence uses firefighting robot to control fire

by Middle East - Products

Abu Dhabi Civil Defence General Authority recently deployed a remote control system, TAF35 Firefighting Robot to control fire.

The authority explained that the robot pumps large quantities of water from 1500 litres to 4,500 litres per minute in the regular system and water spray system. It can also be used to pull weights up to 3.8 tons and is characterised by the presence of a bulldozer at the front.

Reports have stated that the TAF35 has been used to put out various types of fires in industrial areas and tunnels, and closed parking spaces with remote control technology with a distance of no more than 500 metres, as it manoeuvres in fire accident sites and progress to the direct fire line, pumping large amounts of water and providing protection to firefighters at the sites.

The robot has played a leading role in the national disinfection programme to combat coronavirus in coordination with the relevant authorities and the first line of defence.

Last year, the General Directorate of Civil Defence Abu Dhabi has carried out a practical experiment to use the drone to douse a fire in a tower under construction by Hydra Real Estate Company in Al Reem Island.

Brigadier Mohammed Ibrahim Al Ameri, Deputy Director General of Civil Defence Abu Dhabi, stressed the importance of using modern and advanced methods in the fight against fires and when dealing with accidents and emergencies, which contributes to boost in security and safety.

The drone has two main characteristics of extinguishing, namely the use of chemical powder and extinguishing method using the projectile directly at the fire.

Inim Electronics launches new range of ultra-low power consumption alarm sounders

by Middle East - Products

Inim Electronics, designer and manufacturer of electronic equipment for fire detection and alarm systems, has  been producing a range of audible/visual alarm signalling devices that are widely appreciated by the market, certified in accordance with EN54-3 and EN54-23 standards and capable of warning building occupants via predefined tones, pre-recorded voice messages (each signalling device includes a library of different messages in 10 different languages) and a high-performance flasher.

The reference legislation for the Fire Detection and Alarm Systems sector steers designers ever more towards alarm signalling systems that are capable of warning building occupants in a targeted and detailed way. More attention is paid to the correct distribution of alarm sounders, the appropriate choice of sounder and the correct use of warning tones for the type of building and the predominant characteristics of its occupants.

The addressable loop-powered version of Inim’s alarm sounders allows the signal to be automatically modulated in accordance with the alarm level in such a way as to allow the effective management of orderly and safe evacuation.

In order to satisfy the ever increasing number of signalling devices that a control panel is required to manage, the range of audible/visual sounders manufactured by Inim Electronics has been enhanced, counting among its items a new series that offers exceedingly low power consumption and high sound output.

This new series, characterised by a power consumption of around 2 mA for the sound only version, is available in wall and ceiling mount versions as well as in the Detector base version, making life easy for the professional installer in all situations.