Luminite introduces battery-powered sounder enhancing fire door security solutions

by Featured NewsPassiveProducts

Fire door alarm advancement by Luminite

Luminite, known for their expertise in PIR detection and wireless alert systems, has unveiled a battery-powered sounder.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, this new offering is aimed at boosting security by serving as an additional deterrent against intruders.

Sounder features: enhancing security for fire doors and more

The sounder is powered by four 1.5v batteries and can produce an alarm sound reaching up to 117 decibels.

It provides users with 32 distinct alarm sounds and comes with an accompanying beacon available in either red or blue colours.

Post-activation, a built-in adjustable timer ensures the sounder is silenced.

Moreover, this device can be integrated with any alarm system with volt free contacts. It can be utilised for panic alarms, fire door alarms, or even as a part of larger security setups like with the OCULi PIR Camera.

Graham Creek, Managing Director at Luminite, stated: “We constantly pursue innovations addressing challenges faced by installers, especially in locations where power might be an issue.

“The mere sight of cameras and PIRs isn’t always enough nowadays. By activating the LGSOUNDER immediately upon PIR triggering, intruders are instantly made aware of their detection.

“This immediate feedback helps reduce potential thefts and property damages.”

IFSJ Comment

The advancement of security solutions, particularly pertaining to fire doors, is always a noteworthy development in the safety sector.

Luminite’s introduction of a battery-powered sounder, with its array of features, represents a tangible step forward in deterring unauthorised entries.

With intruders increasingly undeterred by standard surveillance methods, this tool offers an added layer of protection.

Especially in locations where consistent power supply can be a concern, such innovations present effective solutions.

The integration ability with various alarm systems further adds to its versatility, making it a valuable addition for both residential and commercial premises.

The Badger: JHB Group’s new innovation in overland response technology

by AmericasFeatured NewsProducts

The JHB Group, Inc. has announced its newest venture in the public safety arena.

They are preparing to launch a unique overland response series, introducing an innovative trailer named “The Badger”.

The Badger: a revolution in overland response

The Badger is the first product to be featured in the Overland Response Series.

It aims to enhance the capabilities of emergency services agencies such as police, fire, and disaster management units.

This versatile command trailer is built to confront challenges directly and provide a compact, sturdy solution for a variety of mission profiles.

These profiles range from incident command and wildland response to disaster management, quick reaction forces, drone operations, and more.

The intention behind this overland response vehicle is to offer enhanced power systems, communication and network abilities, scene lighting, rehab functionality, and augmented versatility.

Industry support for the innovative overland response trailer

In developing the Badger, JHB Group has received support from several industry leaders. These include Michelin Tires, Tecniq, Peplink, sPOD, Overland Vehicle Systems, Hypha, and GoPower.

“The response from the industry has been overwhelming,” JHB Group CEO Chris Gantz acknowledged: “The support from these industry leaders has really helped shape the Badger into one of the most versatile and rugged emergency response vehicles ever built.”

Gantz also highlighted the innovative elements of the Badger: “The Badger has components and design elements that have never been tried before, and the collaboration is amazing.”

The name “The Badger” was chosen to reflect the qualities of the animal it’s named after – small, yet fiercely brave.

Launch details for the Badger overland response trailer

The official launch of the Badger Overland Response Trailer is set for 4:05 p.m. on August 16, 2023.

The event will take place at Fire Rescue International (FRI) in Kansas City, MO.

Industry professionals, stakeholders, and enthusiasts of public safety technology are invited to witness the debut of the Badger.

IFSJ Comment

The introduction of JHB Group’s Overland Response Trailer, the Badger, symbolises a major stride in emergency response innovation.

It showcases the possibilities of merging modern technology with the ever-changing needs of emergency services.

This could potentially redefine how public safety agencies respond to incidents, specifically in challenging environments.

Fike unveils advanced Fire Monitors for superior fire suppression

by AmericasFeatured NewsProducts

Innovative water cannons precisely target difficult-to-reach fires within seconds

Fike Corporation, a leading worldwide manufacturer and provider of fire protection systems, has launched its most recent fire suppression product, the Fike Fire Monitors.

Rapid and precise suppression

These innovative automatic water cannons are capable of extinguishing hard-to-reach fires, often within a short time span of just 15 seconds from the moment they are detected. Fike Fire Monitors are frequently paired with Fike’s own flame detectors equipped with HD cameras or thermal imaging systems. This combination provides a trustworthy, water-based fire suppression solution, especially useful in environments where total flood suppression may not be possible or desirable.

Advanced fire response

Once a fire is detected, the Fike Fire Monitors can be pre-set to spray up to 1,320 gallons of water per minute up to 87 yards away, focusing on specific areas and following a pre-established spray pattern. In addition, a remote human operator can manipulate the unit from any location globally using a joystick, application, or computer, giving a real-time response based on live video footage.

The fire monitors, when wall-mounted, can offer up to 180 degrees of coverage, while those installed on ceilings can deliver a complete 360-degree reach.

Diverse applications meet industry needs

Fike Fire Monitors can be particularly effective in various environments where fire hazards may arise, such as under heaps of trash, wood chips, scrap metal, on top of warehouse racks, rooftops with solar panels, and many more scenarios.

“We’ve seen a big demand in the industry for this product to be offered by Fike because of our focus on product quality, unmatched technical support, and accessible customer service,” said Joe Donato, Fike Product Manager, Water Suppression. “We are excited to meet the demand of the customers who have been waiting for Fike to offer its own version of this exciting technology.”

For more information about Fike Fire Monitors, visit Fike Corporation’s website.

About Fike Corporation

Fike manufactures industrial safety products that protect people and organizations from pressure-related explosions, combustible dust explosions and industrial fire hazards. Using internal product development, scientific research and testing and validation capabilities, Fike develops application-specific solutions consistent with or exceeding the world’s standards and regulations. 

OTEGO’s Fireshield Poncho sets new standards in fire safety

by Featured NewsPPE

OTEGO, the global pioneer in coated and laminated technical textiles, has unveiled its latest lifesaving innovation for the global market – the Fireshield Poncho. Designed alongside and expressly for the needs of firefighters, this breakthrough product represents a leap forward in protection against deadly radiant heat during forest fire scenarios.

The Fireshield Poncho, a robust piece of personal protective equipment (PPE), is an ultimate safety recourse for firefighters facing intense, unpredictable fires. Crafted from ultra-lightweight fiberglass coated with aluminised aramid, the poncho incorporates OTEGO’s proprietary Fireshield technology.

Alain Tieu, Heat Protection Market Manager at Otego, elaborates on the impetus behind the development of the poncho: When a firefighter goes into the forest they will usually stay close to their fire truck. But fire is unpredictable, and sometimes firefighters can become separated and surrounded. The firefighters realised they needed an additional piece of PPE (personal protective equipment) of last resort. In environments of high radiant heat, this poncho could help them stay alive until rescue arrives, or give them the protection needed to run to safety should gaps in the wall of flame appear.”

The Fireshield Poncho is engineered to provide firefighters with added protection and precious extra time when confronting the extreme radiant heat that forest fires generate. Grégoire Bernand, Fireguard Product Manager at Otego, adds, “Radiant heat is usually the first kind of heat a firefighter will feel and one of the most dangerous.”

Prior to its global launch, the Fireshield Poncho underwent rigorous laboratory testing. Thermal sensors were deployed on two mannequins attired in standard firefighting gear, with and without the poncho. The tests assessed the poncho’s capacity to protect the wearer from various intensities of radiant heat and flame.

“The temperature rises very quickly in a forest fire situation,” said Alain. “80°C is the threshold for significant injury – that’s the temperature we must not exceed – so we tested the effect of the Fireshield Poncho when modifying the intensity of radiant heat.

“Five kilowatts per square meter gave the unprotected mannequin just 225 seconds before the temperature reached critical levels. With the poncho, we doubled the temperature to 10 kilowatts per meter and monitored the mannequin for more than double the time (500 seconds) yet the temperature within the poncho didn’t exceed 30°C. We increased the radiant heat further, to 30kW, then 50kW. At no point did the temperature reach 70°C.

“When we placed the Fireshield Poncho in bushfire conditions, amid burning vegetation, there was still no damage to the mannequin.”

The Fireshield Poncho, while not designed for extended direct flame exposure, offers robust protection against intense radiant heat and enables mobility – a crucial advantage over other static ‘fire shelter’ approaches. Furthermore, in China, the poncho has been adopted as an affordable alternative to full proximity suits for firefighters engaged in support roles during gasoline or chemical plant fires.

OTEGO’s Fireshield Poncho, initially developed by and for firefighters, continues to be discovered and adopted by firefighting teams worldwide, underlining its versatile, life-saving potential in a broad array of high-risk situations.

For further information about the Fireshield Poncho, please visit www.otego.com.

About OTEGO

OTEGO is a leader in the manufacture of coated and laminated technical textiles. With an unwavering commitment to innovation and safety, OTEGO continuously strives to create cutting-edge solutions designed to protect individuals working in high-risk environments. For more information, visit www.otego.com.

New compact smoke control panels from WindowMaster

by Featured News

The compact smoke panel is designed to improve comfort

Danish CleanTech company, WindowMaster, has announced the launch of its new compact smoke control panel, WSC 104, as a latest addition to its range of innovative smoke and heat ventilation solutions. The new panel combines smoke extraction with comfort ventilation, providing fresh air to enter the interior while evacuating toxic smoke and gases in case of a potential fire.

WSC 104 is an upgrade to WindowMaster’s current model, WSC 204, and will be officially launched at BAU 2023 in Munich. The control panel can connect to either ±24V DC standard motors or motors with WindowMaster’s MotorLink® technology, delivering optimal smoke ventilation that preserves and protects. It is designed to help support compliance and automate the process of evacuating occupants in the event of an emergency.

According to Erik Boyter, CEO of WindowMaster, the launch of WSC 104 is the result of combining several relevant and requested functions with new modern technology, and leaves out the need for additional modules.

“Our clients are constantly having to adapt to evolving building safety regulations, so it’s vital we are adapting and improving our product base to dovetail and align our offering with their needs,” said Boyter

“The design process of any product provides challenges, but we’ve been able to combine several relevant and requested functions with new, modern technology. The result is one product that leaves out the need for additional modules. BAU 2023 presents a fantastic opportunity to introduce WSC 104 to our Europe-wide audience, demonstrating how it’s possible to achieve safety and sustainability simultaneously.”

The compact and user-friendly control panel is suitable for smaller interiors and other parts of a building, and has 3-wire multifunction technology that can be easily integrated into any existing cable network when retrofitting former systems.

WindowMaster’s WSC 104 will be available in the second quarter of 2023, offering an innovative solution for commercial interiors to meet evolving building safety regulations and achieve safety and sustainability simultaneously.

Dräger calls for increased use of fire escape hoods in evacuation safety.

by Breathing ApparatusBreathing ApparatusFeatured NewsProducts

Dräger, an international leader in the fields of medical and safety technology, is calling for fire escape hoods to become part of any fire safety plan where evacuation takes more than a couple of minutes – including educational facilities, hospitals, hotels and high-rise buildings.

Fire escape hoods are designed to provide wearers with crucial minutes of protection from fire-related vapours, particles and gases, including carbon-monoxide. Dräger’s PARAT smoke hood range provide wearers with up to 15 minutes of protection.  According to the UK Government, nearly one in three (30%) of fire-related fatalities are the result of being ‘overcome by gas or smoke’[1], which makes fumes a fire’s most deadly killer.

Dräger therefore believes it is essential that fire escape hoods are used as a supplementary support to other fire safety evacuation measures, e.g., fire doors and disabled refuge areas.

Indeed, the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) recently found in a study of more than 100,000 fire door inspections that three in four, or 75% of all fire doors failed to meet required standards[2]. Buildings that had the highest number of fire door inspection failures included healthcare buildings, local authorities and housing associations, and private housing, but across the board the research supports the need for supplementary fire safety measures.

Ian Gil-Rodriguez of Dräger Safety UK says the Industry has a responsibility to promote the increased use of fire escape hoods “The fact that Fire and Rescue Services globally and in the UK are now using fire escape hoods is evidence of their critical importance,” he says. “Our Industry needs to come together and join forces to push this change, for the good of public safety. Fire Escape Hoods should be a standard component of evacuation plans, a complementary part of the complicated puzzle, as opposed to a standalone solution.”

For more information on Dräger or its product offering, please visit www.draeger.com  

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/detailed-analysis-of-fires-attended-by-fire-and-rescue-services-england-april-2021-to-march-2022/detailed-analysis-of-fires-attended-by-fire-and-rescue-services-england-april-2021-to-march-2022#:~:text=2.4%20Causes%20of%20deaths%20and%20injuries&text=In%20the%20year%20ending%20March%202022%2C%20where%20known%2C%20the%20most,of%20fire%2Drelated%20fatalities).

[2] https://www.ifsecglobal.com/fire-news/three-quarters-of-fire-doors-fail-inspections-according-to-fdis/

UK Association of Letting Agents partners with Aico

by Featured NewsProducts

The UK Association of Letting Agents (UKALA) has partnered with Aico, a manufacturer of choice for life safety products.

UKALA is a professional association that supports letting management agent members to be successful, stay compliant and provide a high-quality service. The organisation represents members’ interests across the UK, works constructively with various government departments and sits on many committees and policy input bodies.

Recent legislative changes now require all rented accommodations in England to have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted to a fuel-burning appliance. In rented domestic premises, a category LD2 fire detection system must be installed within the residence. A Category LD2 system, as defined by BS5839-6 2019, means that mains-powered alarms with a sealed tamper-proof battery backup should be installed in the living areas and escape routes, with a heat alarm in the kitchen, and all alarms should be interlinked.

Tony Boyle, National Sales Manager at Aico, said of the partnership: “We are delighted to be working with an organisation like UKALA, which strives to improve standards in the private rental sector through professional development and provision of information and help.

“In a climate of constant regulatory change, it is clear UKALA does a fantastic job of keeping its members up to date with the latest requirements for compliance and improving the safety of residents. With over 4 million privately rented homes in England alone, it’s encouraging to see organisations like UKALA improving standards within the sector.”

Aico products are supplied to the UK’s professional electrical distribution network. UKALA members can procure Aico products through these channels through an agreement set up separately by the organisation.

Anthony Lock, Director of UKALA, added: “We aim to give letting agents a package of benefits from client money protection insurance, help and information through to commercial benefits. UKALA members can enjoy access to all of Aico’s carbon monoxide, smoke and heat detector products that conform to the latest legislative changes through the appropriate professional electrical distribution channels. The partnership with Aico is an important safety-related addition to the benefits we offer UKALA members, and we are delighted to be working with them”.

Motorola Solutions introduces smart radio for Fire Market

by Featured NewsProducts

Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) announced that the APX NEXT™ XN P25 smart radio and XVN500 remote speaker microphone (RSM) meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1802 standard, the most stringent in the fire industry for use in hazard zones and conditions.

The NFPA 1802 standard was developed to define a more durable portable radio and RSM to support resilient and reliable communications, even in the most extreme fireground situations.

The NFPA certification body, the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI), oversees rigorous testing related to the standard, including exposing devices to a direct flame for 10 seconds, 500ºF (260ºC) temperatures for five minutes and 9.8ft (3m) drop tests.

In addition, they validate that software safety requirements are met for hazard zone mode, self-checks, data logging, audible and visual alerts and visible event indications. The APX NEXT XN radio and XVN500 RSM meet all NFPA operating environment parameters, as well as requirements for design, performance, testing and certification, without compromising reliability and compatibility with communications networks.

APX NEXT XN combines trusted mission-critical radio communications with broadband capabilities for applications that provide essential information to help firefighters respond to emergencies. These include interactive maps with firefighter locations, multimedia messaging and GPS location information that updates every few seconds to enhance safety for every firefighter.

The radio supports seamless connectivity by automatically switching voice communications to broadband when users travel outside of radio coverage areas. It also features ViQi™ Voice Control, which enables firefighters to control their radio through simple and intuitive voice commands.

Jeanine Nicholson, chief, San Francisco Fire Department, commented: “Portable radios are an indispensable tool for firefighters, and our industry was in need of universal benchmarks to make sure these endure and perform in the most extreme of circumstances. Our agency was pleased to be a driving force in establishing the rigorous standards and testing criteria for the NFPA certification, and we appreciate the commitment of Motorola Solutions in designing a radio that will improve industry safety.”

Ken Rehbehn, principal analyst, CritComm Insights, commented: “Reliable portable radio communications are a vital backstop for firefighters when conditions become untenable, and a mayday becomes a reality. The arrival of NFPA 1802-compliant devices marks a significant advance that helps ensure a crew member’s handset works when conditions are the worst. Advances in materials technology coupled with a rigorous testing process make this a major milestone in the journey to improve firefighter safety.”

Scott Mottonen, senior vice president of Products, Motorola Solutions added: “Firefighters today face increasingly intense and prevalent wildfires, as well as a growing list of challenges related to building structures, including more flammable furnishings and risks of material failures. This certification underscores Motorola Solutions’ long-standing commitment to the fire market and continued innovation to meet the demands of these challenging environments. APX NEXT XN and XVN500, our most rugged devices to date, are purpose-built to provide reliable mission-critical communications when firefighters need it most.”

Updated FIREPRO Book launched by ROCKWOOL

by Featured NewsPassiveProducts

Insulation manufacturer, ROCKWOOL, has launched an updated version of the ROCKWOOL FIREPRO® Book, its go-to resource for information and guidance on all of the company’s passive fire protection solutions.

The FIREPRO® Book is a comprehensive catalogue of tested and certified ROCKWOOL passive fire protection solutions which contains all the information specifiers and installers need for firestopping and fire resistance in every application, from structural protection to cavity firestops, and building services protection.

The guide contains detailed information for each product in the FIREPRO® range, including application and installation advice, testing data and relevant specification clauses.

Updates within the latest ROCKWOOL FIREPRO® Book include the addition of Silicone X – the new ‘Type X’ silicone sealant added to the ROCKWOOL FIREPRO® range of specialist fire protection products earlier this year.

In addition, the updated ROCKWOOL FIREPRO® Book features improved product datasheets which, where applicable, provide direct access to third party certifications, European Technical Assessments (ETAs) and certificates of constancy of performance.

Speaking about the latest release of the FIREPRO® Book, Paul Barrett, Head of Product Management at ROCKWOOL, commented: “The FIREPRO® Book is an essential resource for any specifier or installer working within passive fire protection.  We are proud of our ongoing testing programme that expands certifications for

“ROCKWOOL products in line with the latest industry legislation. This testing, coupled with our development of new products, means we regularly update the FIREPRO Book to provide all essential technical information in one place, while ensuring that our content remains relevant and accurate.” 

To view or download theFIREPRO® Book,visit the ROCKWOOL FIREPRO® Resource Hubhere or at rockwool.com/uk/firepro.

True colour recognition LED flashlight launched by Streamlight

by Featured NewsLightingProducts

Streamlight Inc., a provider of high-performance lighting tools, introduced the Dualie 3AA Color-Rite, an intrinsically safe dual beam LED flashlight that provides true colour recognition, in September.

The high-performance LED flashlight provides the option of bright, white light or high CRI light with Streamlight’s Color-Rite Technology for true colour recognition in industrial, automotive and other applications.

The dual beam light includes a high-power white LED for bright area illumination and a High Colour Rendering Index (90 CRI) LED with Streamlight’s proprietary Color-Rite Technology to better see the colour spectrum.

It offers three output modes: a spot beam for distance illumination, a soft, wide flood beam to illuminate work areas and to aid in true colour recognition, and a combined spot and flood beam.

The compact, hand-held light, which is powered by AA batteries, is safety-rated for use in Division 1 environments faced by many professionals. it is also ATEX and IECEx-certified for use in Zone 0 locations and InMetro approved.

Streamlight Chief Revenue Officer Michael F. Dineen, said: “The Dualie 3AA Color-Rite provides the option of bright white light for illuminating large areas, or a high CRI beam that is ideal for auto detailing and painting, differentiating coloured wires, spotting finish imperfections or other tasks that require exacting attention to detail. With the Dualie 3AA Color-Rite, users have two lights in one.”

The light’s spot beam provides 225 lumens and 8,000 candela over a 179-metre beam distance, while the flood beam delivers 175 lumens, 380 candela, and a 39-metre beam distance. The combined spot and flood beams offer 320 lumens, 7,000 candela and a 167-metre beam distance.

The device includes separate dual head switches for easy user activation of either function. The two beams can be activated simultaneously by depressing both switches.

Run times for the Dualie 3AA Color-Rite are 8 hours in spot mode, 8.5 hours in flood mode and 5 hours when the beams are combined.

The lightweight Dualie 3AA Color-Rite is constructed from an engineered polymer resin that is impact- and chemical-resistant and features an unbreakable polycarbonate lens with a scratch-resistant coating.

It offers slip-resistant grip texture that is both comfortable and easy to use with gloves. Its rugged, integrated, snag-free clip conforms to the body of the light and grabs easily onto shirts, pockets and other gear for hands-free use.

The Dualie 3AA Color-Rite weighs 187.11 grams and measures 17.78 cm in length. The light is IP67-rated for dust-tight and waterproof operation to 1 metre for 30 minutes. It is available in high visibility yellow, while the ATEX/IECEx and InMetro models are available in international safety orange.