Latest version of Cerberus PRO launched by Siemens

by Featured NewsProducts

As part of its ongoing commitment to its ‘Smarter Protection Matters’ philosophy, Siemens has announced the launch of IP8, the latest version of Cerberus PRO, the company’s comprehensive EN54-13 approved fire alarm system.

One of the central features of the new IP8 version is the introduction of a 1.5A per line high power driver which, importantly, allows more devices to be installed on a single loop, increasing flexibility and improving efficiency.

Another feature of the Cerberus PRO IP8 system is the disturbance-free function testing (DFT) capabilities. Through remote services, maintenance can be simplified and business interruption minimised with monitoring and periodic testing of devices undertaken off-site. This is across devices on the system, from detectors and voice messaging to sounders and beacons. Many of the checks can be performed automatically without the need for any human intervention.

Through its cloud connectivity capability, Cerberus PRO can actually be configured off-site. Device, zone section and area information can all be programmed from a remote location, as can evacuation and control zones.

In order to prevent false alarms, Siemens Cerberus PRO ASA detectors use a patented detection chamber design, dual optical sensing technology and Advanced Signal Analysis (ASA) to optimise response, virtually eliminates false alarms from the deceptive phenomena which regularly cause them such as dust, steam, aerosols, cooking and exhaust fumes.

The benefits of Cerberus PRO and the additional potential afforded by the IP8 innovations means it is already being recognised as the optimum solution for a wide range of applications. In addition to new installations, the capacity the higher power offers to reduce the number of control panels on a fire alarm system is also expected to see a significant increase in the use of the Cerberus PRO IP8 panel to upgrade older third-party manufacturer installations.

Fully automatic break tank package booster set for fire fighting

by Featured NewsProducts

KSB has announced a new, fully automatic break tank package booster for fire fighting with a new Hya-Duo D FL-R pressure booster system complementing its portfolio of hydrant break tank package booster sets for firefighting.

The fire-fighting system, designed in conformity with DIN 14462, uses only one main fire-fighting pump to supply hydrants installed above-floor or underfloor with up to 192 cubic metres of fire-fighting water per hour in the event of fire.

The systems have been developed for supplying fire-fighting water to protect multiple dwellings, residential and office buildings, multi-storey car parks and hospitals, for example.

The fully automatic break tank package booster set for fire fighting is fitted with two fully redundant pumps, each of which has got their own power and control circuit.

Their redundant control systems continuously monitor pressure switches and limit switches for broken wires and short circuits. Motor protection and dry running protection are disabled in the event of fire, making sure the pumps do not stop before fire fighting has ended.

The master switch and valves are secured against unauthorised operation. If one of the pumps fails, the redundant control system takes over and starts up the second pump. This provides a high level of safety for the operator, the buildings to be protected and the infrastructure.

The break tank ensures that drinking water and fire-fighting water are hygienically separated to EN 1717 type AB. The net tank volume meets the 3 percent rule stipulated in the standard.

The modular design makes the system easy and fast to instal and connect to the water supply, saving both time and money. Emergency drainage of the break tank is not carried out by the fire-fighting pumps but by a separate solution matched to on-site conditions.

Mains water supply is effected via a DVGW-approved inlet valve at inlet pressures between 1.5 and 5 bar. Drinking water and fire-fighting water are hygienically separated from each other in compliance with the DIN EN 1717 and DIN EN 13077 (type AB) standards. In combination with regular flushing of the valve microbial contamination of drinking water is ruled out.

An automated daily functional check run increases the operating reliability and ensures that the operator is always informed about the operational status of the system.

If space is at a premium, the required tanks with type AB overflow for the hygienic separation of drinking water and fire-fighting water can be welded together on site. The system is exclusively manufactured in Germany.

Volume Control: mitigating the risk of occupational noise

by Breaking NewsProducts
Craig Storey, Noise Measurement Expert at Cirrus Research, discusses the importance of monitoring firefighters’ noise exposure

Occupational noise exposure is a hazard associated with many professions. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, sets out clearly defined exposure limits for noise that all employers must ensure their personnel do not breach. This is key to protecting people from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) amongst other debilitating conditions, such as tinnitus, hyperacusis, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and stroke.

Firefighting is arguably one of the most hearing-critical occupations. The hearing health of firefighters concerns much more than just the conservation of hearing, however. Hearing is crucial in preventing injury in the firefighting environment. Smoke minimises visual cues, and high levels of background noise and stress-related distractions can affect the safety and ability of personnel.

Firefighters should have adequate hearing acuity to hear someone call for help; the low-pressure alarm from self-contained breathing apparatus that indicates that the device is running out of air; sounds associated with imminent building collapse; and to hear sounds associated with changes in a fire pattern.

The key to ensuring the safety of firefighting personnel is to understand what noise levels they are exposed to while carrying out their duties. Firefighters must have their hearing protected from the loud noises associated with their duties, while ensuring that any PPE provided does not obscure their hearing for the reasons referenced above. To get this balance right, it means monitoring personnel’s noise exposure in all work scenarios correctly and accurately and using the data to inform choices on the hearing protection they need. However, this is not an easy task when there is a huge variety among the many roles carried out by firefighters.

How to assess the risk of noise effectively and accurately

The most effective solution to assess firefighters’ noise exposure is to use a noise dosimeter that features octave band filters. A noise dosimeter, often called a personal noise exposure meter, is a small wearable device that fixes to a person’s shoulder. It is a compact and lightweight instrument that can be worn throughout the course of the wearer’s shift while gathering all the noise data required to comply with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations.

Octave band filters break the recorded noise levels down into their frequency bands, which when analysed using specialist software, can be used to select the most appropriate hearing protection specific to the noise levels recorded.

Contrary to what many people think about hearing protection, it is entirely possible to be either under or over-protected. Both come with their own set of risks. In the case of under-protection, the chance of a firefighter developing noise-related health conditions increases. Over-protection may inhibit their ability to hear important sounds related to the safe and effective discharge of their duties.

A noise dosimeter, such as the Advanced doseBadge5 from Cirrus Research, provides all the functionality required to effectively measure and monitor personal noise exposure for fire and safety professionals. With octave band filters as standard and the ability to measure all occupational noise parameters simultaneously, the Advanced doseBadge5 makes personal noise monitoring straightforward.

Cirrus Research supplies every noise dosimeter with its licence-free data download, analysis and reporting software, NoiseTools. NoiseTools features an extensive database of hearing protection that, based on the octave band data captured by the Advanced doseBadge5, provides a comprehensive list of the most suitable PPE based on the specific noise levels and frequency measured.

Where does the noise risk to firefighters come from?

Noise is a part of the causal mechanism leading to hearing injury and can cause hearing loss. Firefighters are exposed intermittently to high-intensity noise. However, firefighters can tend to accept noise exposure as inevitable.

When you look at the potential occurrence of exposure to high noise levels on a typical firefighter’s day, the risks can come from three main categories of activity. These are scheduled activities such as BA tests, compressor tests, and siren tests; training exercises on various pieces of equipment; and actual call-outs.

Typical noise levels from, for example, BA board tests within a fire engine’s cabin can often breach the Upper Action Level of 85 dB(A). Similarly, the routine testing of airbags, loud hailers and sounders also creates noise levels above the Upper Action Level. Measurements taken while testing field equipment, such as spreaders and cutters, also generate noise levels well above the Upper Action Level of 85 dB(A).

With the varied nature of firefighters’ daily work, knowing which equipment can pose a danger to them from a hearing perspective is essential. Effective and successful identification of the noise levels generated by specific pieces of equipment can then allow health and safety managers to take proactive measures to minimise the risk. For example, in a daily testing environment, it may be beneficial to ensure that firefighters wear hearing protection for specific tests.

How to reduce the risk of noise

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations aim to mitigate the risk of occupational noise through a hierarchy of control. In order of effectiveness, this emphasises the elimination of noise at its source; substituting the noise source for quieter equipment, for example; isolating people from noise; and changing the way people work. All of this should be considered ahead of reliance on PPE, such as hearing protection products, which the regulations consider a last resort. The reason for PPE being the least effective method of protection is that managing the correct use of hearing protection solutions is difficult.

The correct product needs to be worn in the correct manner for it to do its job effectively. Having a hearing protection product that is damaged in any way, or is not fitted correctly will greatly reduce its ability to adequately protect its wearer. When selecting suitable hearing protection products, consideration must also be given to their use in conjunction with other PPE that is being worn, such as headwear. In an ideal scenario, of course, the noise is completely eliminated from daily work.

Clearly, in the case of firefighters, some of these approaches are not practicable. The nature of their work is such that noise cannot be controlled to the same extent that it can in a more conventional environment such as a factory or warehouse. Even so, there are things that health and safety professionals can do to mitigate the noise levels that firefighters are exposed to.

One of the most effective things that health and safety professionals can do is source equipment that is proven to be quieter than existing tools. Many organisations operate Buy Quiet schemes that mandate purchasing tools and equipment that produce noise levels below a specific threshold. Appropriate training on the correct use of these tools can also ensure that noise levels are kept to a minimum.

Another effective means of controlling firefighters’ noise exposure is to ensure that nonessential personnel are kept at safe distances during noisy tests. Staff rotation is also a useful way to reduce personnel’s noise exposure. By sharing noisy activities among staff, you can ensure that no one person is exposed for longer than necessary. Knowing the noise levels from equipment and systems that personnel are exposed to can provide helpful information to generate procedures that ensure that they are not unduly exposed. Clearly, in an emergency situation, noise levels cannot always be controlled, but knowing typical noise levels in

This article was originally published in the August edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Danger Detection Devices: The latest products from Teledyne

by Breaking News
IFSJ sat down with Teledyne at INTERSCHUTZ to find out about its latest products for the fire market

Last year, American provider of sophisticated digital imaging products and software Teledyne Technologies Incorporated completed the acquisition of thermal imaging camera manufacturer FLIR Systems, Inc. At INTERSCHUTZ this year, Teledyne FLIR and Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection united on one stand to showcase their latest technologies for hazard detection and keeping firefighters safe.

IFSJ spoke to Stephen Grondman, Key Account Manager Public Safety EMEAI at Teledyne FLIR, and Halim Uzun, Regional Sales Manager Portable Gas Detection for Western Europe at Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection, to find out more about the acquisition, what each brand was presenting at the trade show and plans for the future.

Teledyne FLIR

Fire fighters are regularly faced with extreme temperatures and poor visibility on the job and they need special equipment to aid them through hazardous environments. Thermal imaging cameras can help emergency responders navigate these environments and maintain a better level of safety by giving them the best solution to carry out their job. Thermal cameras see through smoke, offering invaluable situational awareness while evacuating or searching for victims.

Teledyne FLIR designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes technologies that enhance perception and awareness, bringing innovative sensing solutions into daily life through thermal imaging, visible-light imaging, video analytics, measurement and diagnostic, and advanced threat detection systems.

The company has a diversified portfolio serving a number of applications in government and defence, industrial and commercial markets. Its products help first responders and military personnel protect and save lives, promote efficiency within the trades, and innovate consumer-facing technologies, strengthen public safety and well-being and increase energy and time efficiency.

For Teledyne FLIR, INTERSCHUTZ was not so much a launchpad for new product as it was a showcase of the key products it has to offer to the fire industry. Its range can be split into two categories: fixed thermal imaging cameras and portable thermal imaging cameras, such as the FLIR K-Series which is designed to see through smoke, measure temperatures and find hot spots.

Grondman says that FLIR’s fire tech cameras have an unrivalled image quality across their entire range: “Our main focus is thermal imaging. That is what we do. That is what we live and we breathe. A lot of the other cameras that are available on the market are from manufacturers of other products which also supply thermal imaging cameras but their focus is something else.”

Clarity of image is extremely important for people assessing fire in potentially dangerous situations. “The benefit to having a clear image, it can see through smoke – smoke has no effect on the image. A thermal image will always be there whether it’s day or night it doesn’t matter,” he explains. “It will show up because you have the temperature difference.”

The most recent product launched by Teledyne FLIR was an ATEX certified AX housing for its FLIR C5. “ATEX means that it needs to be explosion proof, so for instance take the oil and gas industry, chemical industry: ATEX is a general European certification standard,” Grondman explains.

Looking ahead, he adds: “There are ideas in development, but it is difficult to say where they will lead to. There is a shift towards every firefighter having their own thermal imaging camera, but equally there are moves towards a more sophisticated thermal imaging camera to be used by certain teams in a fire department.”

Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection

Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection’s brand is backed by more than 100 years of gas detection experience and has become a world leader in the design and manufacture of high-quality and innovative portable gas detectors, specifically designed for the oil and gas, chemical and shipping industries world-wide. Its manufacturing site in Renfrew, Scotland, has supplied over 200,000 devices across the UK and many more across the globe.

At INTERSCHUTZ, was launched its Gas Laser with highly advanced laser technology, designed to detect natural gas with the aim of enhancing safety and improving detection for fire services, and first responders.

Frequently, fire personnel and first responders are called to natural gas emergencies using equipment that puts them close to potentially dangerous structures. The Gas Laser was created to support remote detection by allowing the operator to work at a safer distance from the hazard location. When access to a property cannot be established, the Gas Laser gives the user an audible and visual indication to the presence of methane.

It performs a quick scan which enables fire personnel and first responders to make rapid decisions and establish control of the gas and ignition sources should a gas escape be detected. It is able to detect gas from a distance of 30 metres, has an eight-hour runtime, features highly visible, sunshine resistant guide laser equipped for location accuracy, graphical interface for easy user interpretation, colour camera with Bluetooth, WIFI, and datalogging onboard and is Certified Intrinsically Safe to Class I, Division 2, Group D, T4.

“When we are talking about our products, their main function is to protect the worker,” explains Uzun. “The Gas Laser is important because it enables them to stay at some distance from the area of risk. Before going in they can use the Gas Laser to check if there is methane inside, which is a flammable, explosive gas.” The Gas Laser was launched at the show and by the second day Uzun says they had already had a lot of firefighters coming and testing it and have given lots of positive feedback about it: “Already a lot of firefighters who want to see it in action – they want us to come onto the field to see how it works in more detail.”

Integral to the design of the Gas Laser, says Uzun, is how easy it is to use: “When we are promoting the Gas Laser to our customers they know that their worker will be able to use the product easily because it is not difficult to use. It only has three buttons on it: you switch it on, you start to use it, you use it where you want to check and see if it is safe or not.”

Also on show from Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection at the show was its improved GT-Fire: an innovative, hand-held solution designed for the fire industry to help isolate gas leaks quicker and easier than before. After normal evacuation procedures are complete, the GT-Fire portable gas detector enables firefighters to conduct more specific leak detection investigations while they wait for gas utility companies to arrive. With this, firefighters have additional information to secure a scene more effectively.

With increased sensitivity and flexible probe, firefighters have enhanced capabilities within a single instrument, meaning they can react faster and with more knowledge. The large backlit display provides meaningful and accurate data, giving them confidence and assurance at the scene.

Uzun adds: “In a world today where a lot of companies are trying to reduce the cost by moving away from Europe, we managed to stay in Europe which is for our customers very important. We are able to answer very quickly any requests from our customers where they are.”

This article was originally published in the August edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

UL Solutions unveils screening test to evaluate risk of EV battery fires

by Featured News

UL Solutions has announced the Battery Enclosure Thermal Runaway (BETR) evaluation, the first material screening test method at UL Solutions to evaluate electric vehicle (EV) battery enclosure material.

Battery performance has continually presented challenges in EV efficiency, as the heavier weight of EVs — caused by heavy battery systems — means more frequent charging and shorter drive times.

Battery enclosure systems play a critical role in mitigating the impact of thermal runaway, a risk associated with lithium-ion batteries. Thermal runaway occurs when the lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable self-heating state that can produce fire, smoke and extremely high temperatures while ejecting harmful particulates.

“As the electrification of mobility continues to grow, thermal runaway has become a critical safety issue in the automotive industry and has heightened attention concerning how optimal enclosure material is used for thermal runaway protection,” said Eric Bulington, director of product management in the Engineered Materials group of UL Solutions.

“With this offering, we are helping manufacturers navigate one of the e-Mobility industry’s most complex challenges while meeting the market demand for innovative and trustworthy automotive products.”

The UL Solutions testing methodology evaluates material performance by simulating a thermal runaway scenario. The evaluations entail testing material plaques versus the entire battery assembly, reducing testing costs and development time for resin manufacturers and material suppliers.

Evaluations also focus on screening multiple formulas during research and development to provide material producers the opportunity to offer original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) the solutions that meet their needs while also considering performance among materials.

“UL Solutions has a long history of thought leadership with respect to batteries of all shapes and sizes, so it’s fitting that we continue that legacy with EV batteries,” Bulington said. “With this offering, UL Solutions addresses industry concerns by providing automotive OEMs and suppliers, and automotive component and system manufacturers, testing and advisory solutions to meet multiple standards and regulations.”  

Umatilla County Fire District orders Spartan Star Series Pumper

by Featured NewsProductsVehicles

Spartan Emergency Response, a subsidiary of REV Group and manufacturer of fire apparatus, has announced that the Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 in Oregon has ordered a Smeal 100’ Rear Mount Platform and a Spartan Star Series Pumper. Both units were sold by authorised dealer True North Emergency Equipment.

The new apparatus are part of the district’s vehicle replacement plan, which included the purchase of two Spartan Emergency Response pumpers three years ago.

“Morale has been improved with the addition of these new apparatus and the community pride is going strong,” said Chief Scott Stanton. “Spartan Emergency Response and Smeal have proven to deliver a quality product, and True North Emergency Equipment has been great about responding to or taking care of any questions or concerns we’ve had.”

“The Spartan ER and Smeal teams are humbled to have had the Umatilla County Fire District expand their fleet further with us based on the value of the previously delivered units,” said Chris Wade, Director of Sales, Spartan Emergency Response. “We look forward to another opportunity to dedicate our labor to this additional fire apparatus and provide the district, and its citizens, dependable, quality vehicles.”

Streamlight talks lighting innovation in the fire market

by Breaking NewsFirefighting EquipmentProducts

Whether for fighting fires, investigating scenes, signalling others in emergencies, or conducting rescues, lighting appliances are an essential piece of equipment for fire and rescue teams in order to navigate hazard-filled environments. Stream light, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting devices, offer a range of high-quality products built with precision and performance works to meet the needs of the fire market.

The company has developed its insights over decades of open communications and has a user-centric approach in developing new ideas and innovation for the fire market which, combined with their knowledge, experience and technical capabilities has seen them become a market leader in the industry.

Streamlight’s product development and compliance teams have been making a continuous effort to develop and evolve its ATEX product lines – the European certification given to equipment tested and approved to be intrinsically safe for use in or around explosive atmospheres – with the assurance that its flashlights are all safe, reliable, and a good fit for the job. International Fire and Safety Journal looks at a selection of Streamlights solutions for the fire market. 

Advanced Lighting

A clip-on flashlight is depended on by firefighters and so needs to be tough, compact in size, and reliable. Streamlight has developed specialised products for the fire market, including its clip-on flashlight Survivor Right Angle ATEX Light which possesses the latest in high-lumen LED technology for extreme brightness. The Survivor has four lighting modes that include high and low intensity, emergency flash, and a moonlight mode for low-level lighting that runs for 15 days.

The Survivor’s custom optic produces a narrow beam which is designed to cut through smoke, fog, and mist whilst also providing optimum peripheral illumination to aid in navigation. To ensure reliability, it operates on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery than can be recharged up to 1,500 times and permits firefighters to insert a spare pack of four AA alkaline or four AA lithium batteries to reduce the likelihood of being caught in the dark with a dead battery.

Avoiding hazards

Another key feature of any lighting device used by firefighters is that it needs to be safe for use in hazardous location. Streamlight’s high-performance Enduro Pro HAZ-LO ATEX headlamp is IECEx-certified for use in Zone 0 locations – places in which ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapours are present continuously – which are regularly faced by many fire fighters in their role as first repsonders.

The headlamp features a 45 degree tilting head and has three lighting modes to cover a variety of tasks: spot for a focused beam, flood for soft area illumination that will prevent eyes becoming tired and spot/flood combo for even more light output. The light also includes an adjustable elastic head strap and comes with two additional options: a rubber head strap and 3M Dual Lock re-closable fasteners for mounting on hard hats.

Streamlight’s Dualiefamily of lights are designed to be fundamentally safe and feature multi-directional lighting. Also ATEX and IECEx-certified is the Dualie 3AA flashlight which features a bright light that shines both ahead and downwards, helping firefighters avoid slips, trips, and falls. Powered by AA batteries, the Dualie 3AA features two powerful LEDS and three output modes: spot, flood, and spot/flood simultaneously for maximum brightness.

The 3AA model also has a case constructed from a durable, non-conductive, corrosion-proof polymer resin and unbreakable polycarbonate lenses with scratch-resistant coating and includes an integrated, snag-free clip for use on shirts, pockets and mounting on to gear for hands-free use.

Power and precision

Many situations faced by firefighters will need precision, task-oriented lighting. Streamlight’s Vulcan 180 HAZ-LO ATEX is a multifunction and rechargeable high-performance lantern featuring a 24-hour run time on low, and features a 180-degree articulating head and two ultra-bright blue taillights for visibility in difficult environments – whether from smoke, inclement weather, or other hazards. Firefighters and first responders can aim the light beam precisely where it is needed for task lighting purposes.

Portability and durability in poor conditions are another important design consideration, which is why Streamlight developed The Portable Scene Light II: a 10,000-lumen rechargeable, waterproof scene light. Featuring a versatile steel frame and 360-degree rotating head for precise aiming, this scene light is particularly beneficial for marking exits, post investigation, ground clean-up and mobile triage centre lighting.

Also from Streamlight is the recently introduced BearTrap: is a multi-function, rechargeable, 2,000-lumen work light, featuring both spot and flood beams. The BearTrap can rotate 270 degrees in its frame and it clamps to most surfaces without scratching or stands alone for hands-free task illuminations. It also features a magnetic base and a hanging hook and has an IPX4 rated design for water-resistant operation and is impact resistant tested to one meter.

Informing On Innovations

As lighting technology continues to evolve, the range of options for firefighting professionals worldwide continues to grow thanks to advances in portable lighting technology from innovators like Streamlight.

Streamlight is working with fire departments and training facilities to educate them on the latest technology innovations in lighting, spreading the word about the importance of light at a fire scene, and detailing the use of actual products in the training sessions. The company also offers an extensive video showcase on its website, which provides product and training information for fire personnel.

Streamlight President and CEO, Ray Sharrah comments: “Streamlight is a pioneer in rechargeable lighting with one of the largest range of safety-rated lights. We are revolutionising LED lights, making them brighter, safer, and incredibly durable.” He adds, “After we’ve met the challenges involved in designing and engineering a light, we put it through the most demanding industry testing to ensure the highest levels of performance and dependability”.

This article was originally published in the June edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Why heat and overheat detectors are vital for industrial and hazardous areas

by Featured NewsPassive

Smoke and fire detectors are an industry standard when it comes to raising the alarm but often by the time they register an outbreak it might already be too late. This is why manufactures of active fire detection systems such as LICO have developed technology that can recognise heat and overheat before it becomes a bigger problem.

Avoiding ignition

Generally in the case of a smoke or fire, a fire security system will alarm any personnel in the proximity allowing them to act, whether this is to extinguish the fire or evacuate the premises and contact the local fire department. The situations in which fire teams are called out are normally, however, the worst-case scenario for when the fire has already taken hold. The preferable scenario is one in which more human lives are saved. The time it takes to mitigate any hazard can be vastly reduced if more focus is put into early heat and overheat detection to prevent a fire or explosion.

Excessive heat, even without the presence of smoke, can be a potential hazard of fire or explosion. The prevention of a potential fire, caused by excessive heat, allows corrective action to avoid igniting flames. Active fire protection expert and heat detector unit manufacturer LICO has several solutions in its wide range of fire prevention devices to ensure early detection.

HDL (Heat Detectors LICO) products are custom made with the customer and/or with the local system integrator. Its devices are designed to cover a wide range of industrial use including: engine rooms, transformer stations, wind generators, saunas, kitchens, painting rooms, gas turbines, off-shore platforms, oil refineries, and nuclear power plants. All HDLs have ATEX, EN 54-5, CE and ISO 9001 certificates to ensure they are the highest level of technical solutions.

A simple solution

“Our HDL heat- and overheat detectors are based on bimetallic, heat detector switches, free of electronics, to provide the best reliability in high temperature applications, also during harsh environmental conditions,” says Gergely Böde, Sales & Production Manager at LICO. “Simplicity goes through the product family to provide easy installation and a cost-effective maintenance. Various alarm temperature settings are available from 140°F(60°C) until even 950°F(510°C) in N/O or N/C potential free contacts, which makes fast system integration in practically every already existing or new systems. “

The sensors in the HDL units are designed with rate compensation, providing a unique advantage over both fixed temperature and rate-of-rise types of detectors. They can accurately sense the surrounding air temperature regardless of the fire growth rate in contrast with fixed temperature detectors which must be completely heated to alarm temperature and therefore a lag in response time may occur with a fast rate of fire.

Böde adds: “Rate-of-rise devices, on the other hand, are triggered by the rate of increase in ambient temperature and are subject to false alarms caused by harmless, transient thermal gradients, such as the rush of warm air from process ovens.”

This article was originally published in the June edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here

Global Fire Safety Equipment market to reach $60bn by 2026

by Breaking NewsProducts

The global fire safety equipment market size is expected to grow from $39.03 billion in 2021 to $43.55 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.6%, according to a new report from The Business Research Company. The global fire safety market size is expected to grow to $60.13 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 8.4%. The main types of products in fire safety equipment include extinguishers, fire hydrants and respirators.

The rapid growth of the construction industry is expected to propel the growth of the fire safety equipment market going forward. Construction is the process of building, altering, repairing, remodeling, improving, or demolishing any structures. Fire safety equipment is widely used at the construction site to protect the user from fire.

According to Invest India, an India-based investment promotion and facilitation agency, the construction industry is expected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2025 and by 2030, India’s real estate business would be worth $1 trillion, contributing 13% of the country’s GDP. Therefore, the rapid growth of the construction industry is expected to drive the growth of the fire safety equipment market.

Strategic partnerships have emerged as a key trend gaining popularity in the fire safety equipment market. Major companies operating in the fire safety equipment sector are focused on new partnerships to strengthen their position. For instance, in July 2021, MSA Safety Incorporated, a US-based manufacturer of safety products partnered with Perspective Robotics AG, a Switzerland-based aerial robotics design and manufacturing firm. Through this partnership, the two companies will work together to increase fire scene situational awareness, both locally and remotely.

In November 2020, the American University of Sharjah, a UAE-based institution partnered with Emirates Fire Fighting Equipment Factory LLC, a UAE-based firefighting equipment factory. Through this partnership, these two companies have been working together in areas of research, student internships, fire protection engineering, and community awareness initiatives.

Major players in the fire safety equipment market are Bosch Security System Inc., Hamla PLC, Hochiki Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., Johnson Controls International Plc, Napco Security Technologies Inc, Siemens Building Technologies pvt. Ltd, Gentex Corporation, Eaton Corporation Inc, Nittan Company Ltd., Space Age Electronics, Lowa Fire Equipment Company, Hiren Industrial Corporation, Larsen Manufacturing, and NAFFCO.

North America was the largest region in the fire safety equipment market in 2021. The regions covered in the global fire safety market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

Euralarm updates study on False Fire Alarms in Europe

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProducts

Euralarm’s Task Group False Alarms has released a second edition of the study on false fire alarms in Europe. The new edition has been enhanced by the analysis of the situation in Denmark. In addition, the measures to reduce the amount of false alarms have been updated and newer content has been added.

The Euralarm study focuses on the statistical data of fire alarms and the methodology in the collection and evaluation. Anyone studying the data of the different countries that participate in the study, comes to the same conclusion: that there is no unified approach.

This, said Euralarm, greatly hinders comparisons, which are invaluable when trying to better understand the overall situation and develop effective and simple countermeasures against false fire alarms.

This revised and expanded publication of the study is designed to be the basis to help guide the industry and its stakeholders towards a more uniform approach across Europe, by working together with the European standardisation Technical Committee 72 to implement a common technical language.

It also contains measures for the reduction of false alarms in terms of products, planning, organisation, and maintenance.

The latest edition of the False Alarm Study can be ordered in printed format or as ebook via the publisher or via the main book-webshops.