Staging Site!

X-twitter Linkedin-in Youtube
International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Ask the Expert – LUKAS Hydraulics

Exclusives /

The Fire Buyer team are delighted to sit down with Daniel Engelhardt, Product Manager for LUKAS rescue, to discuss the legacy and heritage of LUKAS, focusing on their innovative rescue cutters   Since the end of the 40s, pioneering hydraulic products have been manufactured in Erlangen: Initially only for industrial applications, the field of rerailing technology was added in 1955 and in 1972 LUKAS was the first supplier to develop the first hydraulic cutting device for rescue operations. This laid the foundation for an entire industry.  The LUKAS products are still assembled in the in-house production “Made in Germany” and shipped worldwide. The LUKAS team puts its heart into it and manufactures every product with precision and passion. As part of the international IDEX Corporation, synergies between the continents can be exploited and the comprehensive know-how of the existing units of the IDEX Fire & Safety family can be used.  As a result, LUKAS is able to operate globally, exchange international application knowledge and bring high-performance hydraulic products to market anywhere in the world.  Could you introduce yourself and what you do?   My name is Daniel Engelhardt and I am the product manager for LUKAS rescue. I have been with LUKAS for 16 years now and have held various positions during that time. Before moving into product management, I worked in international sales. In my current function I am responsible for the strategic as well as the operative product management of the LUKAS rescue tools.   What can LUKAS’ legacy and heritage offer the industry as a whole?    What has distinguished our market presence over the many years has been the courage to break new ground and to maintain it consistently. Even if it has sometimes taken time for these new ideas to become established on the market.   In 1972, we were the manufacturer of the first hydraulic rescue cutter on the market. In 2010, we were the first manufacturer to bring the first battery-powered rescue kit consisting of cutters, spreaders and ram to the market with our eDraulic e1 and established this technology there.   In 2019, with our eWXT line, we launched the first battery-powered rescue kit that could also be used in water, thus finally paving the way for battery technology.  LUKAS is renowned for its innovative design and industry changing products, could you discuss the new blade geometry of your cutters?  Our cutters S 378, S 789 and S 799 all have our newly developed blade geometry. It is striking that all cutters have an opening width of over 200mm. This is unique on the market, especially for a cutter like the S 378, which is in the mid-range segment. What further distinguishes the geometry of the cutters is the constant opening up to the centre bolt.   With this new blade shape, we have responded to the latest engineering in the automotive industry. What we see there are ever stronger installed materials in combination with wider posts. The cutter has the greatest cutting force directly at the centre bolt.   I can only achieve this optimum cutting point if I can completely enclose the material to be cut and pull it close to the centre bolt with the blades closing. And only with our special blade shape can even very wide material be completely enclosed and safely cut through.  How does LUKAS go about engaging with current industry challenges?  Of course, the rise in raw material prices, the shortage of electrical components and the increased cost of electricity and gas have not left us unscathed.  As far as supply chains are concerned, we have been able to rely on our great cooperation within the Fire & Safety Group during these times, which includes AWG Fittings, Akron Brass, Hurst Jaws of Life, Vetter, Hale and Godiva in addition to ourselves. Within this network, we can call on a variety of other resources that would not be available to us at LUKAS alone.   In terms of electricity costs, we have already installed 80 kilometres of cable on the roof of our in-house production facility and 1,314 PV panels with a total output of 500 kWp in 2021. This corresponds to a saving of 256 tons of CO2 (approx. 20,480 trees planted within one year) and covers the electricity needs of approx. 120 households with three persons. The PV system has a surface area of about 7,280 m².  This forward-looking investment has taken a lot of load off our shoulders, especially at the beginning of 2022 with the rising cost of electricity… To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

Ask the Expert – LUKAS Hydraulics Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Advanced Showcases Latest Fire Safety Solutions at FIREX

Exclusives /

Fire protection equipment manufacturer, Advanced, is giving FIREX visitors the chance to see its range of fire safety solutions trusted for their performance, quality and ease of use   As well as the chance to get to grips with Advanced’s brand-new remote monitoring solution AdvancedLive, visitors of FIREX will learn why new single-loop fire panel, Go, saves time and money while providing complete fire safety peace of mind for smaller sites.  Discover AdvancedLive  For many FIREX visitors, this will be their first chance to try out AdvancedLive, the fire system monitoring solution that allows users to view and control elements of their fire system from any internet-enabled device, at any location.  AdvancedLive provides users with day-to-day reassurance that their fire system is working as intended, with instant notifications to alert them of critical incidents and status changes, and flexible secure access methods to keep their data safe.   Available now on a subscription basis to Advanced panel customers in the UK and Ireland, the platform can be accessed from any internet-enabled device, anywhere in the world, giving users reassurance that they will be the first to know about any problems – no matter where they are. Text alerts notify users of fire events as they occur – and as they evolve – allowing for safer, informed decision-making to maximise safety, minimise disruption and ensure the fastest possible response time.   Heineken Ireland is just one business that’s already seeing the benefits of remote system monitoring after TEE Fire Safety Solutions carried out a complete upgrade of the existing fire protection system at its historic Cork brewery.  Seven Advanced MxPro 5 panels are monitored remotely using AdvancedLive, alerting maintenance employees to potential fire events via instant text notification and giving them the option to silence false alarms when off site.  Advanced Sales Manager for Ireland, Neil Parkin, said: “Heineken Cork is a great example of a business seeing real benefits from remote panel monitoring. Not only have false alarms been reduced thanks to a system upgrade, when they do occur, they can now be dealt with quickly and with minimal disruption, without the expense of keeping a trained individual on site at all times.”     Designed with the user in mind, a host of features are available via an intuitive dashboard showing device status and duration of isolations and enablements with clear colour coding for easy identification. Larger sites may benefit from a floor plan option, with a full-screen, colour-coded map view showing zone and device location and status. Navigate easily with pinch-to-zoom and plot new and unmapped devices by simply dragging them to the required positions.   With data security more important than ever, AdvancedLive makes it easy to add and remove users, set permissions and view user status, giving admins complete control over who is able to access their system. Individual user actions are stored in a comprehensive log for total traceability, while automatic timeout adds an extra layer of security.   Real-time device status information helps users keep on top of servicing and makes compliance easier. Test dates and times are logged so it’s easy to see which devices are due for inspection. Meanwhile, device history flags trends and provides useful insight to help predict and prevent potential issues.   The Advanced team will be holding regular drop-in demos of AdvancedLive throughout FIREX, or you can register for a virtual demo at advancedco.com.   Ready, set, Go!  Another new product on display at FIREX is Go, the new-generation, single-loop fire panel. Shortlisted for Fire Safety Innovation of the Year at the Fire & Security Matters Awards 2023, Go offers smaller sites the same quality and popular features customers expect from the best-selling MxPro 5, in a simple, non-networkable format.  Go is the ideal solution for a wide range of single-panel sites – from restaurants, bars and guesthouses to small offices, shops, salons and surgeries. On straightforward jobs, Go’s fuss-free installation and configuration save time and money. However, the new panel also makes light work of more complex sites requiring sophisticated cause and effect programming options as well as false alarm management and reduction solutions.  Developed with small site budgets in mind, Go is a cost-effective option for those working with small-to-medium size sites where networking’s not needed, but who don’t want to compromise on features or safety. The panel has 15 zonal LEDs as standard for clearer visual indication and BS 5839 compliance without the need to buy a separate LED zone card. Compatibility with three leading detector protocols provides wired and wireless options, as well as greater freedom over design and maintenance provider costs. Further cost savings as well as greater flexibility for site-specific installations are available thanks to a choice of two performance options with different maximum numbers of configurable addresses.  Versatile solutions  Also on display will be the innovative Dynamic Safety Signage System – emergency lighting that improves safety and response times in evacuations – and EvacGo, the evacuation alert system that simplifies BS 8629 compliance. Meanwhile, visitors looking for wireless solutions can find out why Advanced should be their fire panel of choice.  Advanced is a world leader in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. Advanced’s reputation for performance, quality and ease of use sees its products specified in locations around the world, from single-panel installations to large, multi-site networks. Advanced’s products include complete fire detection systems, multiprotocol fire panels, extinguishing control, false alarm management and emergency lighting.  Advanced is owned by FTSE 100 company Halma PLC. Its fire protection and life safety products protect an array of prestigious and high-profile sites around the globe across a wide range of sectors.  Halma is a global group of life-saving technology companies with a clear purpose to grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day.  Find Advanced on Stand FI.1837 at FIREX 2023, 16-18 May. For more information, visit www.advancedco.com   Fire protection equipment manufacturer, Advanced, is giving FIREX visitors the chance to see its range of fire safety solutions trusted for their performance, quality and ease of use   As

Advanced Showcases Latest Fire Safety Solutions at FIREX Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Product Spotlight – STI

Exclusives /

False fire alarm numbers continue to rise post-pandemic causing major issues for the economy by wasting vital time and resources  The latest Home Office figures from the year ending September 2022 reveal fire and rescue services attended 238,885 fire false alarms, the largest total of false fire alarms in over a decade, an increase of 10% compared with the previous year.   With an 18% increase from the previous year for malicious false fire alarms, 6,473 false alarms were determined, the number still rising post-COVID.   False fire alarms continue to be the largest proportion of incidents attended at 38% and so it is increasingly important to minimise false alarms to ensure both the safety of individuals and the efficient use of emergency services.   The British Standard BS 5839:2017-1 recommends that: “All MCPs should be fitted with a protective cover, which is moved to gain access to the frangible element” – to reduce false alarms.   The recommendation is essential in helping to ensure that buildings are adequately protected against the risk of false fire alarms, leading to complacency and therefore possible fatalities.   Protective covers can also act as a deterrent to malicious activations of call points, a teenager was arrested in Aberdeen after setting off fire alarms more than a dozen times, which police investigated as ‘deliberate and malicious’. Firefighters attended calls and wasted time and resources, meaning they could not respond to real emergency calls.     False alarms are costly and disruptive, amounting to around £1 billion a year for the UK they often require emergency responders to mobilise and respond to a non-existent emergency, wasting resources and time.  False fire alarms can be costly for building owners with fines introduced for repeated false alarms from emergency services, as they may have to attend multiple times, causing a drain on resources that could be better used elsewhere.  They can also cause panic and confusion, particularly if they occur frequently, making it harder for people to take the necessary steps to evacuate safely in the event of a real fire. Frequent false alarms can lead to complacency among building occupants, who may not take real fire alarms seriously, potentially putting themselves and others at risk.  Firefighters attended false alarms a considerable number of times at Basset Lodge, an independent living facility for many elderly and disabled people. False fire alarms are not only disruptive for staff and residents but also pose a risk to their safety, and place additional strain on fire and rescue services. These repeated false alarms can lead to complacency in the public, lowering the sense of urgency in real evacuations.   Protective covers can help to control the number of accidental and malicious fire alarms, but there are many ways in which you can reduce false alarms, for example regularly checking and testing equipment to ensure it is not faulty is one approach to preventing unnecessary risk for the fire department and public from false alarms.   As the original call point cover manufacturer, Safety Technology International manufacture tough covers that have been specifically designed to help deter false fire alarms and to prevent malicious or accidental activation of manual call points. The strong, durable construction of our Stopper® polycarbonate call point protectors means they can withstand the toughest knocks, whilst offering lasting protection against false fire alarms.   With various models available in a range of sizes and colours, and multi-language or custom text options, we have covers suitable for most applications or devices. Sounder models help to deter malicious activations with an audible alarm that draws immediate attention to the area. Waterproof models also allow for outside application, protecting devices and manual call points against the ingress of dust or water.   You can view the full Stopper® range on stand FI.2620 at FIREX International between 16-18 May 2023.    To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

Product Spotlight – STI Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Product Spotlight – Allegion

Exclusives /

Allegion UK, a pioneer in fire safety hardware and manufacturer of ‘Briton’ door controls and exit hardware, has launched its new set of best practice guides, designed to provide a broader understanding of fire door safety in commercial, education and healthcare environments.  In support of fire safety practice, the three ‘Fire Door Safety in Review’ guides have been compiled using original research from commercial, education and healthcare sectors, drawing upon key insights from building managers and door hardware specialists. Allegion’s research has uncovered several findings and emphasises a fundamental misunderstanding of fire safety responsibility and the importance of fire door hardware across all three fields.  Now available upon request, the guides are intended to provide essential and accessible information on hardware specification, installation and maintenance, helping responsible persons to improve fire safety standards in their buildings.  Pete Hancox, country manager at Allegion UK, commented: “Specification, installation and maintenance are vital components of fire door safety, and we believe it important to raise awareness and improve knowledge on these crucial subjects. The ‘Briton’ door hardware experts at Allegion UK have extensive experience in fire door safety within commercial, education and healthcare environments, and we understand that there is a clear disconnect between legislative fire safety standards and the reality on the ground in these building environments.  “Our research has revealed fire safety is often compromised in these settings. In healthcare, three in four are unsure whether their building’s fire door hardware is installed correctly and operates as it should. Similarly, in education, over 50% of our respondents were not aware of fire door maintenance procedures in their building. And in commercial buildings, almost 40% are not up to date with the latest in fire safety regulations.  “Presently, there’s a real emphasis to raise fire door safety awareness and it’s an opportune time to support a crucial message. We hope our newly launched guides act as an invaluable resource for those tasked with improving and maintaining fire safety standards in these core sectors.”  To download a free copy of the Briton ‘Fire Door Safety in Review’ guides, visit: www.briton.co.uk/en/tradeprofessionals/firedoorsafety.html.   To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

Product Spotlight – Allegion Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Product Spotlight – Aico

Exclusives /

Aico presents the next evolution in Home Life Safety. The Ei3030 provides installation ease, and technological excellence  Introducing the newest innovation in Multi-Sensor alarms from Aico, the Ei3030 Multi-Sensor Fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm. The flagship alarm in Aico’s technologically advanced 3000 Series, the Ei3030 combines individual Optical, Heat and CO sensors, for the ultimate fire and CO response.  Aico continues to evolve its offering to provide products that align with its customers’ requirements while maintaining the simplicity that installers love.  The Ei3030 multi-sensor Fire and CO specifications include:  Fire Response – The device contains a Thermistor Heat Sensor and high-performance Optical Sensor that intelligently work together, but will also operate independently. CO Response – The proven electrochemical CO Sensor provides an accurate CO response. The CO response is in line with BS EN 50291-1:2018. Visual Indicators – The Ei3030 has visual Fire and CO indicators. The relevant indicator flashes depending on what has triggered the alarm. Kitemarks – This device holds Kitemarks for British Standards BS EN 14604:2005, BS 5446-2:2003 and BS EN 50291-1:2018.  Michael Wright, Product Development Manager at Aico comments, “The Ei3030 continues Aico’s pioneering development of Multi-Sensor Fire and CO alarms for domestic properties by offering both Multi-Sensor fire detection and CO detection from one alarm. This maximises coverage whilst making installation simpler and easier. The alarm sits alongside the Ei3028 Multi-Sensor Heat and CO alarm, meaning users can achieve combined fire and CO coverage for all areas of the home from our flagship 3000 Series”  The Ei3030 also has a range of additional benefits, including built-in dust compensation technology. The unique self-monitoring dust compensation mechanism reduces the risk of false alarms. The optical sensor chamber continually self-monitors minute changes in dust levels, automatically recalibrating the alarm’s trigger point when necessary to reduce false alarms. The Ei3030 can also be fitted in any room where both Fire and CO protection is required (excluding the kitchen) meaning coverage can be provided with fewer alarms.   Like all alarms in the 3000 series, the Ei3030 utilises an easi-fit base, is mains powered, has a 10-year rechargeable lithium cell backup, and is compatible with other Aico mains-powered units. The device is also compatible with the Ei3000MRF Module for wireless interconnection and data extraction via the Ei1000G Gateway.  The Ei3030 also includes Aico’s award-winning AudioLINK+ technology, making it simple to gain data directly from the alarm head via the AudioLINK+ app, reporting on information such as alarm activations, sensor status and record of testing.   The Ei3030 will be available to order from the 8th of May 2023. To keep up to date with the launch please visit: Aico.co.uk  To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

Product Spotlight – Aico Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Ask the Expert – Quelfire

Exclusives /

Fire Buyer sits down with firestopping expert Craig Wells, Sales Director of Quelfire to discover the competency challenges in efficient firestopping and what Quelfire are doing to combat this  Could you introduce yourself and what you do?    I’m Craig Wells, Sales Director at Quelfire. Quelfire was established in 1977 as a family business and we have since grown into one of the key manufacturers and suppliers of tested firestopping solutions and influencers of the market. What makes Quelfire stand out is the unwavering passion that everyone, from management to production, has for what we do: Protecting People & Property.   What can the Quelfire legacy and heritage offer the industry as a whole?    Quelfire is a highly competent manufacturer and has become a reliable source of tested firestopping solutions and information within the construction industry.     The decades of experience in supplying firestopping solutions has helped us gain more awareness and understanding of the fire safety sector. This is through direct insight into the challenges and motivations of all trades involved in a project.    With experience comes knowledge. Our passion for fire safety and knowledge has given us a broader way of viewing challenges faced in the industry. This is not only through the training we undertake but by engaging with professionals with the right mindset, and having open conversations on all platforms, such as industry media and at large-scale events.    Quelfire is a highly ethical company that bases its decisions around core company values. We aim to provide tested solutions over engineering judgements, and we always advise customers if we do not have a tested solution for any applications.    Our experience, knowledge, and ethics have given us the skills to be able to competently understand and meet the needs of the construction industry. These factors have played an important part in our mission to educate the industry and provide as much primary test data as possible.   What makes Quelfire products different from competitors and what applications are they suitable for?    What makes Quelfire products different from competitors is their scope of application for service penetrations in buildings. We invest a significant proportion of our annual investment into our research and development and currently aim to do at least one fire test per month. We base our test programme on our customers’ feedback and trends in the industry. This ensures that there is a tested solution for the most used, and even some less common, service penetrations.  To support navigating through our tested detail library, we provide useful tools, such as the QuelSelector tool which is a handy guide of tested details. The QuelSelector makes the lives of our customers easier by helping them find the best solution for their application in less time.  We also offer extensive technical support from planning through design to installation. The technical team undertake many hours of personal development to ensure they are up to date with regulations and all things technical to make sure our customers are receiving the best support possible.  What adds extra value to our products is the support we provide to our customers every step of the way. For us, it’s not only about supplying the products, but also to ensure that the customer has all the support to understand the why through to the how, ensuring compliant installations.   How do you go about ensuring your clients are supported and what advice would you give them in ensuring your products are properly utilised?  We would not be affectionately known as ‘Team Orange’ without our value-added services. It is not only our mission to supply effective firestopping solutions, but to make it easy for our customers to achieve compliant firestopping design and installations.  Our first-class customer service is a prime example of the core values that we have here at Quelfire. Our team is friendly, honest, and reliable, and is always willing to help with any challenges faced in the industry. We understand that it can be quite daunting to find the most suitable and compliant firestopping solution and so, we offer extensive product documentation and unlimited support from relevant teams when selecting the correct products. Our technical team aim to answer any queries within one working day.   All our technical documentation is freely available from our website to support design and specification: NBS specifications, BIM models, tested detail drawings, and product datasheets. We also offer support with installation through our installation guides and videos.   One of our main missions is to educate the industry about the importance of fire safety. To ensure the system gets designed and installed as per the test evidence, we have designed an early engagement process that supports all parties involved from design to installation: main contractors, architects, specialist engineers, firestopping contractors, and other trades.  At the beginning of the design stage, the process starts with an early engagement consultation, usually with the main contractor. The meeting aims to identify the needs of a project with a view of putting together a follow-up package of standard installation details to suit; for example, fire resistance requirements under fire strategy EI60, E120, EI60/E30.  As part of the process, we collect information via our Information Collection Form (ICF) which is based on the 37 questions posed by the ASFP’s ‘Best Practice in Design and Installation’ guide. The technical team will then respond to any queries, breaking down each service penetration scenario with a detail drawing for each application. If we are unable to find an appropriate tested detail, we will then make recommendations to change parameters of the service penetrations, for example, the service or wall type to suit the scope of application available. We communicate with the architect and any specialist engineers and consultants involved if necessary.   Once the tested solutions have been checked and approved by the main contractor and other parties involved and we head into the build stage, this is where theory becomes a reality.   To support installation as per the design and the tested detail, we are also directly communicating with the any trades

Ask the Expert – Quelfire Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Cover Story – LION

Exclusives /

Managing Editor Rebecca Spayne catches up exclusively with Martin Joosen, Managing Director of LION Protects EMEA to discover the nature of digital training for firefighters  Please introduce yourself and give us a little bit of background about LION Protects?  I’m Martin Joosen, I’m the Managing Director for LION Protects EMEA. Our training products and solutions are produced over here in The Netherlands and are sold to the EMEA market. The office and production are split 50/50 here as our engineering department and product development all takes place in The Netherlands in house.   LION is renowned for its innovative design and industry changing products for training. Could you just discuss a little bit about how LION’s technologies assist firefighters on the job?  We design, build and provide everything that is related to fire rescue training. Whether it be fire training products that can include smoke generators or smaller training props where firefighters can train in different scenarios up to building bigger simulators. And furthermore, complete training sites where fire brigades can train all possible scenarios.  One of the biggest challenges that fire departments face is budget restrictions. What are the typical cost of a LION training centre and how is it affordable for fire rescue departments?  The story goes a little bit beyond just cost restrictions, but cost restrictions are indeed an important factor. As you probably know, firefighters in training typically use burning woods or the alternative gas. The prices for these components are increasing rapidly, especially in Europe. And because of that there is a growing challenge. To understand this fully, you need to understand which three different types of fire training we have.   In general, there are three types. One is carbonaceous fire, which means the burning of wood. The second one is the alternative gas-based burning. So, you have gas-based simulators, and you try to simulate the fire that way. And the third one is digital.  If you start with the first one, the carbonaceous fire, that’s the one that is at the moment the most used in the world. Why? Because it’s very realistic. It gives flames, it gives smoke, and it gives heat something that firefighters need to train realistically. The challenge, however, is first from an environmental point of view with the emissions because it’s CO2 coming out into the air and the second one is the release of toxic particles. That becomes a real danger for the environment and for firefighters themselves. Especially in Europe, but countries are all very conscious of reducing their carbon footprint, so there is additional pressure to train with different solutions.   With the releasing of CO2 and toxic particles, firefighters also have to clean their PPE during and after training. So, all of a sudden, the most wanted and most realistic training installation is now under fire because it is dangerous and expensive. In addition, wood is also an expensive material.  And what about gas training?  The second one is gas. With gas you have no toxic particles, but you still have CO2, which is less than when wood burns, but there is still emissions. It’s also very realistic because you have flames, you have artificial smoke, and you have some heat, which is not really comparable to wood burns, but there is still heat. However, the challenge that they have, if we look at total cost of ownership, is the gas prices, they are going sky high. So, gas burns are also really expensive.  So how does digital come into play?  The third one is digital, powered by electrical power. Something LION is very famous for in the world. The flames are there, so it remains very realistic, there is smoke, but there is no heat. However, what we found out by doing different research with fire brigades in Europe is that if you look at all the training that they need to do, a lot of them can train up to 50, 60% of their training procedures with digital. And that means a lot of cost savings but also no emissions. It’s cheaper because it’s electrical power and the cleaning costs are also not there. So, they can do more training at a cheaper cost and it’s environmentally friendly.  So is digital the future?  At this point you would probably say the solution is ‘easy’. Firefighters all buy digital and then we don’t have any problems anymore. But that’s not how it works because according to training procedures, they do need to have what they call H.O.T training. And you can only do that with carbonaceous fire. So, the development that we are seeing is that fire brigades are starting to make combinations of the three burn options. And that’s where our new concept, NFTT, New Fire Training Technology comes in where we can calculate for our customers the amount of emissions, but also the total cost of ownership for the combination of the three fire systems. So wood burns, gas and digital, they can still reduce their carbon footprint, but also their total cost of ownership. And that goes up to more than 65% saving if you make the right combination.  I think this is a good example of a collaboration between regulations and technical solutions available. We will not step away from carbonaceous fire training because they cannot. But, it does mean that we continue to innovate. For example, we developed a very special product called a smoxidiser, also known as an afterburner, which can be used in combination with the carbonaceous fire trainer. What it does, is it burns the black smoke and removes the toxic particles to reduces the CO2. We are seeing many fire brigades choose this for the concept of the combination between digital and carbonaceous fire, or they choose for carbonation fire with a smoxidiser… To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel:

Cover Story – LION Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Ask the Expert – Kentec

Exclusives /

Managing Editor Rebecca Spayne sits down with Johnny Martin, Business Development Manager for wireless fire detection at Kentec Electronics, to discuss the K Mesh and Wireless detection systems  For over 35 years Kentec has evolved into one of the leading life safety control system manufacturers internationally. The Kentec name has become synonymous with great products, great service and excellent support. Based in the UK, Kentec is a global supplier, exporting control equipment to over 90 countries worldwide, and in many different languages.  Kentec offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of Conventional, Analogue Addressable Fire Detection and Extinguishant Control Panels available. Their Custom Build Service is also sought after in the industry and utilises our expertise in Control Panel technology to design and build high quality products to exacting customers specifications. Marine products are now an important part of our product portfolio.   Fire Buyer had the opportunity to sit down with Kentec Electronics to discover more in depth about the product offering they have, as well as talking about the upcoming, must-attend FIREX event.   What are the existing trends and developments in wireless fire detection?  Wireless detection has recently undergone a meteoric rise in its use and popularity, now being used in anything from smaller scale sites and simple applications, to within more large, disparate and complex projects. This is because of its easy and low-impact installation and use, and the low running costs that accompany it, as well as its continued advancement by way of reliability and functionality.   The remit of where wireless fire detection is being used has also increased. We’re now starting to see factories, warehouses and catering facilities, for example, implement wireless detection to cover specialised areas of their depot or workplace, to enhance or upgrade existing fire detection systems as part of a wider fire safety solution.   A big move within the industry in the present day is making systems expandable and able to accommodate future developments to the site, which is where K-Mesh, Kentec‘s proprietary wireless fire detection technology, comes into play. The tide has turned in terms of increasing installer and end-user confidence in wireless reliability and capability, especially in relation to battery life and connectivity, and that confidence is set to keep getting stronger.  What are the challenges that K-Mesh aims to fix? What are the greatest advantages of this technology?  K-Mesh was one of the first certified MESH wireless detection system to be approved within the fire industry and continues to pave the way for customers and installations where wireless detection is the preferred option. Its goal was to prove to the market that wireless fire detection systems can offer a comparable solution to wired technology, with regards to functionality and reliability. Historic issues associated with wireless fire detection related to signal and battery life, for example, are a thing of the past with K-MESH technology, which determines which expander has the strongest signal path and automatically connects to it. This gives the wireless signals multiple avenues of transmission. Battery life has also been extended up to 10-years – much improved from the industry’s previous standard of three years.  Sustainability and aesthetics have become more prominent issues in recent years across all aspects of design and engineering, and this is true of the fire industry too. Wireless systems, replace outdated cabling systems and are less invasive to a building’s structure (i.e. less drilling, containment and ducting), which is especially useful in historic and heritage properties, as well as other sites where the fabric of the building needs protecting.  Who benefits most from K-Mesh wireless detection?  Whilst new customers benefit hugely from wireless and integrated wireless systems, we feel it is existing customers looking to upgrade or expand fire detection systems who would witness the biggest benefit… To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

Ask the Expert – Kentec Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

22nd IWMA Conference webpage online

Event News /

The 22nd International Water Mist Conference (IWMC) will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 11th and 12th October at the Copenhagen Marriott Hotel. The conference webpage for the event is now online. From 2023 onwards, all pieces of information that delegates and exhibitors need will be available from the IWMA webpage. A special highlight will once again be the presentation of the IWMA Young Talent Award. In 2023, the prize will go to the author of the best Ph.D. thesis dealing with water mist. The submission is currently being evaluated by the IWMA scientific council. The winner will be announced on 30th June. From this point onwards, the schedule for this event will look as follow: The IWMA scientific council is currently evaluating the abstracts. Speakers will be notified about acceptance of their submissions by 30th June. The programme will be published not later than 1st August. The early bird period – during which IWMA offers special ticket prices – will end on 15th August. On 6th October, the registration will be closed. Day one is again applications day and can be booked separately. Day two will mainly be dedicated to sciences and research. An exhibition will run alongside the conference. In 2023, IWMA (International Water Mist Association) will offer a number of free tickets for students to attend the conference. To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

22nd IWMA Conference webpage online Read More »

International Fire Buyer placeholder image

Fire Chiefs comment on construction testing

Exclusives /

Fire service leaders are calling for the testing of construction products to be conducted within complete systems rather than solely on individual components. Ian King, COO, Zeroignition is deeply committed to this topic and has expressed his belief that a methodical and systematic testing approach is essential to guarantee that the construction industry erects buildings that safeguard occupants. “To ensure effective fire safety in a building, the sector needs to step away from its current mentality: that a project comprises of individual assets and instead see structures as one complete system, working in unison. This is where the much discussed golden thread has a crucial role to play. “The construction industry needs only to look at other industries to learn valuable lessons. Automotive and aviation, for example, focus on a checklist approach to fire safety, ensuring every area, and the combined systems, have been covered to safeguard passenger safety. “In construction, a similar approach is needed. By further embracing the current ‘digital ‘revolution’, the sector can create ‘digital footprints’ that prove the right building criteria and safety checks have been adhered to. This will become essential in the handover process so occupants can feel assured rigid safety checks have been carried out. “Importantly, a system-led, fire protection design method should also be adopted. This involves checking the specified components work both individually and holistically. Without this joined up approach, we can’t be sure individual elements will perform as they should, in the event of an emergency. System components will generally include: Active fire protection – measures triggering a response, such as sprinkler systems and smoke alarms Passive fire protection – measures to slow down or contain fire, such as fire doors and fire-retardant materials “A systems-led approach can combine compartmentation, including fire doors, sprinkler systems and FR-rated OSB boards. Here, an assessment can be conducted where each component is assessed for its individual performance, as well as how it works in combination with other components.“It’s clear, however, for a systems-led approach to fire protection to really work, a shift in mindset, knowledge and awareness is needed across all areas of the industry. Adopting this approach will feed into wider goals of safe and fit-for-purpose buildings and structures.” To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on:  International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

Fire Chiefs comment on construction testing Read More »

Scroll to Top