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International Fire Buyer Latest Edition July – August 2012

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Tyco's latest detection

Reduces installation time Tyco Fire Protection Products has introduced its latest innovation in fire detection solutions. Based on its long established MZX technology platform, Tyco Fire Protection Productions has introduced the latest development in fire detection, Generation 6. A unique feature of the new range of Generation 6 detectors is an infra-red link built into the detector which enables two way communication with Tyco’s 850EMT Engineering Management Tool. This functionality is an industry first and allows fire detection engineers and service technicians to adjust the settings and parameters of the detector using this simple hand held device without having to manually access each detection module. In applications with a large quantity of detectors or access issues, this offers time savings and makes the installation and programming of the detectors significantly safer. This all new range provides superior detection performance, greater fault tolerance and improved environmental protection, enabling easier and quicker installation and reducing the overall lifetime cost of the system. The 850 and 830 series detectors included within the range use sophisticated digital signalling to communicate with the MZX fire control panel, providing a robust and secure fire detection network that is engineered to suit the requirements of the environment and application. “Our latest fire detection innovation ensures that we can provide a more robust product to our customers with improved operational resilience,” comments Eric Tassé, Director of Product Management, Fire Detection, Tyco Fire Protection Products. “The inclusion of infra-red technology within the new detectors is a unique innovation within the fire detection industry and we are sure will deliver direct and rapid benefits to our customers.” Alongside the new engineering management tool within the Generation 6 range, Tyco has introduced a range of features to provide additional freedom in the aesthetic design of the system and ease of installation. The Generation 6 detector housing is now available in a range of 10 standard colours for use across a wide range of environments including hotel, retail and leisure and where the fire detector needs to stand out, such as industrial applications The detectors can be also be customised to specific colour pantones to match the décor and branding of any organisation. In addition to these two unique features of the new Generation 6 detector technology, Tyco now offers a patented ceiling tile adaptor (CTA) specifically for installation in suspended and floating ceilings. The adaptor enables the detector to be tested and commissioned before the ceiling is fitted, ensuring improved installation quality, a reduction in the construction programme’s critical path. This provides savings during installation as no time is wasted trying to locate cables and back boxes. Instead, the installation and commissioning of fire detectors is simplified. Furthermore, with less time working at height, safety on site is significantly improved. “The development of our Generation 6 range demonstrates our commitment to providing the latest products and leading innovation within the industry” adds Eric. For further information visit www.tycofsbp.com  

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Elmdene appoints new Technical Director

Hugh Devereux Innovative electronic security and fire products manufacturer, Elmdene International Limited – a subsidiary of Potter Signal, LLC – has announced the appointment of Hugh Devereux as its new Technical Director to further strengthen the company’s product development process. Hugh, who joined Elmdene in June, brings a wealth of experience to the position across product management, fast-track product development and product introduction to manufacturing. Significantly, he has spent the majority of his working life in the security sector, Government organisations and major manufacturing concerns. Most recently, Hugh was the Director of Product Management at AD Group, and its subsidiary Dedicated Micros, where for the past two years he was tasked with growing the mobile CCTV business. As Elmdene’s Technical Director, Hugh will be responsible, primarily, for the company’s large engineering team, driving forward all aspects of product innovation and development. A key task will be ensuring that the resulting solutions meet the operational requirements and high standards demanded by Elmdene’s expanding distributor, installer and end-user customer base. Commenting on his appointment, Hugh said: "I am looking forward to the opportunities presented by working for Elmdene, a company which over recent years has built a strong reputation in the marketplace for the quality of its product lines. Being Technical Director gives me a fantastic opportunity to broaden my experience into new technology areas and, crucially, to play a central role in the strategic path of the business delivering solutions which add real value for customers. There are number of key innovations coming through such as the PoE (Power over Ethernet) standby PSUs devices and the continued expansion of switch mode power technology which I will now be helping to steer. Said Ian Moore, Managing Director, Elmdene International Limited: "We are delighted to have someone of Hugh’s calibre joining us at a time when we are launching more new products than ever before. The Technical Director sits right at the heart of what we do as a business so it is imperative that we have the right person in place to push forward our ambitious product development plans." For more information visit www.elmdene.co.uk. Elmdene also has a YouTube Channel which can be found at www.youtube.com/user/ElmdeneInternational and a Twitter account: ElmdeneIntLtd.  

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Rosenbauer Group

Jubilee in the premium class Kate Prendergast, Editor took a trip to Linz, Austria to see the unveiling of the 1,000th Panther ARFF with its outstanding drive and extinguishing performance   I was lucky enough to be invited to Linz to attend the unveiling ceremony of the 1000th Panther ARFF vehicle. To mark the production of the 1,000th Panther, on May 14th 2012, three trucks were ceremonially handed over to the Stansted-London (1000th), Düsseldorf (999th) and New Doha (production number “1001”) international airports. The vehicles in question consist of a Panther 6×6, a Panther 8×8 with short wheelbase and a Panther 8×8. They are thus representative of the range of variations in which the world’s most successful ARFF is manufactured.   The Panther series incorporates trucks with 2-, 3- and 4-axle chassis, permanent all-wheel drive, engine capacities of 500 -1,260hp and tanks with volumes of 6,000 – 19,000I. A difference of four metres and over thirty tonnes exists between the Panther 4×4 ATA, which is the smallest version and suitable for air transport, and the Panther 8×8 CA7 with long wheelbase, which is the biggest model. However, irrespective of their dimensions, every Panther meets the most important standards and safety regulations for ARFFs, above all those of the ICAO (International) FAA (USA), ADV (Germany) and NFPA (USA and US-influenced states).   With its performance data, the Panther sets the benchmarks for ARFFs and on large commercial airports can demonstrate its strengths to the full. These include a sizable extinguishing agent payload, high extinguishing performance and efficiency, and optimised handling, and have predestined the vehicle for global sales. To date, the Rosenbauer flagship fire truck has conquered 81 countries and with over 1,000 models sold is by far the most frequently employed ARFF at international airports. The top ten markets for the Panther are India, USA, Australia, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Germany, China, Great Britain, Japan and Spain.   After the lavish unveiling ceremony, the next morning I went on a tour of Rosenbauer Headquarters and found out about the Rosenbauer story from the very beginning and how the Panther was conceived and evolved, as well as having the opportunity to view the mechanical process of its build from start to finish. In the afternoon I visited their training site and got to see the Panthers and other ARFF vehicles in operation, which was truly a memorable experience.   This May, Rosenbauer made an important decision for the future by incorporating a new engine supplier. The signing of a supply contract with Volvo Penta means that in the coming years, the Swedish truck manufacturer is to supply engines for the Panther series. The engines in question are 16I diesels, which among other features meet the Euro-5 emission standard. This agreement represents a considerable expansion of an existing co-operation. To date, Rosenbauer has built municipal and industrial fire trucks on Volvo chassis, but now the engines for the company’s premier class vehicles are also to come from the Swedish giant.   Technological and design perfection The Panther is a fully integrated, mobile, high-end pumper with outstanding performance data in what, for a fire truck, is breathtaking design. It was the world’s fire industry vehicle to be developed in conjunction with designers and has been awarded numerous prizes:   Austrian National Prize for Design 1991 iF product design award in the Transportation category 2006 red dot product design award 2006  Focus Energy Gold 2006  Design prize of the Federal Republic of Germany in silver    Top quality chassis components such as a torque-resistant box frame with individual axle suspension, helical springs and single tires, as well as a low centre of gravity lend the Panther its exceptional handling characteristics. The vehicle achieves the very highest acceleration by means of a powerful engine, fully automatic power shift transmission and permanent all-wheel drive, and is also fast and safe when off road.   The extinguishing systems can be operated with one hand from the driver’s cab and the roof turrets offer output of up to 10,000I/min and a throw range of as much as 90m. in addition, the Stinger Hret allows the precise application of extinguishing media from a safe distance. For example, the nozzle at the tip of the turret arm can be brought right up to a burning engine and the Stinger can also be fitted with an extinguishing lance that is able to penetrate the fuselage of an aircraft and spread extinguishing media throughout its interior (1,000I/min).   All the main vehicle and extinguishing systems, such as foam proportioning, are automatically controlled in order to allow the crew to concentrate fully on their assignments. The vehicle, extinguishing and communications systems are linked electronically, which ensures very simple operation and high functional safety, along with connection to an onboard diagnosis tool and telematic applications. For example, every Panther can be retrofitted to an airport navigation system via EMEREC Airport.   The Panther story The story of the Panther stretches back to the very beginnings of the development of airport fire trucks. Rosenbauer supplied its first thoroughbred ARFFs in the mid-1950s to the Austrian Armed Forces. These were already followed in the 1960s by large airport pumpers carrying several thousand litres of extinguishing media and ingenious, high performance extinguishing systems. For example in 1969, Rosenbauer developed the Foamatic proportioning system, which provided previously unattainable mixing precision. In the meantime, no ARFF is fully equipped without automatic foam proportioning.   With the arrival of the first Boeing 747 Jumbos in the 1970s, airport fire trucks also increased in size. In 1984, Rosenbauer unveiled the SIMBA 8×8, which to date was the biggest and most powerful company vehicle on the market. However, by the end of 1980s, the gigantomania that had led to the demand for ever-larger, special chassis was over. New materials such as GRP (glass fibre reinforced plastic) in tandem with innovative bonding techniques (gluing instead of welding) opened up fresh possibilities in ARFF production. Furthermore, stricter international safety regulations demanded airport fire trucks with

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Dover Vanguard, Manchester, UK

Roller shutters and door products with global operations in the UK, USA and Australia The AMgroup started in 1923 and now operates globally across 3 continents; Australia, North America and Europe and includes a total of 13 companies.   Their products include the original premium quality heavy-duty fire truck roller shutter door Nyloy 30 Dover Vanguard are suppliers of roller shutters and doors for fire trucks within the industry and are part of the AMgroup. With applications for all special purpose vehicles and trucks providing access to cabinets or compartments housing tools, equipment and machinery. It has a maximum size of 2,500mm wide x 2,500mm high.   The three companies with the group that specialise in the fire truck shutter manufacturer are Dover Vanguard in the UK, Dover Roller Shutter in the USA and Austral Monsoon in Australia.   Dover Roller Shutters was established in 1954 and was the original manufacturer world wide of aluminium roller shutters for use on fire engine trucks. It established itself as the premium supplier of roller shutters to fire departments and emergency services providers throughout the world.   Vanguard Shutters Ltd was established in 1971 supplying roller shutters to truck body builders for delivery vans and trucks. Over the years Vanguard also developed products for architectural markets including steel and aluminium roller shutters.   In 2004 Austral Monsoon Industries Pty Ltd, a privately owned Australian based multinational, purchased the Dover Roller Shutters business and in 2005 acquired the Vanguard Roller Shutters business forming Dover Vanguard Roller Shutters Ltd (DVRS). The Dover Roller Shutters business was relocated to Vanguard’s premises in Coldhurst Street, Oldham, England.   In 2007 the Oldham premises were expanded doubling production floor area and a new administration office was constructed. A significant capital expenditure in new machinery was also undertaken in 2007 and 2008 including the addition of a powder coating paint line and rolling mills for Slat and Guide Track production. DVRS is capable of delivering a wide range of roller shutter and other door products for commercial, industrial and domestic applications. It provides a full range of services including installation of its products, 24 hour emergency repair and product maintenance.   The AM Group operates a range of manufacturing companies in Australia, USA and UK. Group products are broadly based on commercial and industrial building products and doors for truck body and trailer markets.   www.dovervanguard.co.uk    

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KME unveils new engine and transmission combinations

Custom apparatus with the largest offering of horsepower The KME 2012 FDIC featured a wide range of custom apparatus with the largest offering of horsepower and model options available to the fire service. KME apparatus features both Cummins and MaxxForce engines with ratings from 300 to 600hp. These brands also represent both urea and non-urea based technologies for emission compliance.   KME’s display included an FDIC exclusive 405hp MaxxForce 10 engine, a new rating for that model. In addition, KME had a pumper with a MaxxForce 13, 450hp 13 litre engine paired with an Allison 3000 EVS transmission. This combination offers big bore engine power with the affordability of the 3000 EVS transmission, saving customers up to $7,000.   Apparatus with both Cummins ISL and ISX engines was on display. The Cummins line offers the broadest range of models and horsepower ratings available to the fire service.   While other suppliers limit engine offerings, KME continues to offer their customers a wide range of products that bring affordability, reliability and innovation to the fire service.   KME features 123-foot AERIALCAT rear-mount ladder The KME 2012 FDIC display featured an all-new 123’ AerialCatTM rearmount ladder being delivered to the Westfield, Indiana Fire Department. The device has an unrestricted 500lb wet/dry tip load and a 1500gpm waterway. It also brings all of the “fire service best” features found in KME’s 79’ and 109’ ladders introduced last year.   114’ horizontal reach With a 114’ horizontal reach, even during setback building operations the higher vertical reach and longer horizontal reach allow for 37% more scrub zone of a building than the typical competitive ladders. 2.5:1 structural safety factor KME’s ladders are constructed with 110,000psi steel, the strongest in the fire service and are the only steel ladders to offer a 2.5:1 structural safety factor.   Store front blitz KME’s unique waterway design and flow capability provide the ability to offer a “Store Front Blitz” feature. This design feature allows for the ladder to be positioned below horizontal and flow a 1500-GPM master stream above the centerline of the ladder. The tip of the ladder can be positioned inside a store front or structure and allow for a blitz interior attack with the aerial waterway.   Safe and clear climbing ladder Special attention was given to the height and width of the ladder section dimensions. The fly section touts a fire service best height of 23.5” and 23.25” width giving personnel the security and work-space required for safe travel. In addition, the wide fly section allows for a Stokes basket to slide through the ladder and for a full width roof ladder to be stored in the fly section.   Stainless steel bolt-on egress The ladder incorporates a new stainless steel bolt-on egress with knurled stainless steel handrails and rungs, increasing safety and reducing possible paint damage that is typical at the ladder tip. The egress is equipped with “Ladder Tip Skid Guards” on the very tip, which allow the ladder tip to slide on a roof or side of a building without getting caught on building materials.   KME unveiled new engine rescue with digital panel The KME 2012 FDIC display featured a new engine rescue with a compact, all digital pump panel display. The unit brings together the latest technology and functionality required by today’s multi-tasking fire service.   The featured KME Engine Rescue addresses a variety of needs expressed by pump operators, mechanics and fleet services staff:   Increased storage capacity for pump and rescue equipment—All body compartments are 29” deep and full height for 496 cubic feet of storage capacity. The driver side body roof storage compartments are set-up to carry a stokes basket and a little giant ladder, both deployable from the rear of the apparatus, while still providing ample storage up top for unique equipment.   Easy access to ladders—Ladders are stored in a fully enclosed storage compartment, at frame rail height. This allows deployment at waist height for the firefighter and provides full protection for the ladder in storage.   Safe hosebed access—The primary hosebed is approximately 47” above the rear step providing access to the bed from ground level which will prevent accidents and injuries. The LDH bed is capable of holding 1000’ of 5” supply line.   Maneuverable operations—The 34” pump panel helps to achieve a 187” wheelbase which provides a short turning radius and the 31’-7” overall length is quite small given the massive storage capability.   Full pumper and rescue capability—The full height/full depth compartments on both sides bring heavy rescue storage capability while still maintaining a pumper with a 1500gpm pump, 975 gallons of water and 25 gallons of foam.   Simplified pump operations and maintenance—The all digital, touch screen pump display provides both pressure and flow readings and a central controller for all valves to minimise cost. In addition, without handles on the panel, it’s easy to access the pump for full access maintenance.   The new KME Engine Rescue was designed by the fire service for the fire service. It brings unprecedented levels of storage, safety, simplicity and functionality for all engine and rescue operations.  

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Task Force Tips

ROD CARRINGER, VP OF SALES & MARKETING EXPLAINS THE CAFS FORCE NOZZLE The only automatic nozzle combination designed specifically for Compressed Air Foam (CAFS) and water applications, CAFS-Force is engineered to provide optimal foam stream performance, as well as offering low pressure nozzle operations when using water alone.   Ideal for 1-1/2”, 1-3/4” or 2” lines Automatic dual pressure control with a water flow capacity of 70-200 gpm Offering 7/8”, 15/16”, 1”, 1 1/8” and 1 3/8” smoothbore options  Distinctive white pistol grip and handle cover  Two piece nozzle allows for Break-and-Extend operations    CAFS, continue to be evaluated by fire service professionals worldwide for use in interior structural attack operations. With over 4% of all pumping apparatus being delivered today with CAFS capabilities, there are several common misconceptions about the overall versatility of this manner of Class A foam application.   CAFS is a high-energy delivery system for Class A foam. Just as a nozzle or a nozzle with a foam aspiration tube is a low-energy delivery method. Class A foam is nothing more than the soap agent that makes the water foam up as it is agitated. Often, departments do not realise that common pumping systems and regular nozzles and attachments will work fine with Class A foam.   As has been proven many times in testing done by NFPA/UL and the National Institute for Standards and Technology, the foam application method has no effect on the necessary critical application rate. It is important to remember that the chemical chain reaction we call fire requires a minimum application rate of water to absorb the BTUs being generated.   Foam (water) either from a CAFS attack or from a standard nozzle must be applied in sufficient quantity for successful suppression to take place. Class A foam is an enhancement to, not a replacement for, water.   Hose handling characteristics of high-energy CAFS lines require additional training and understanding for crews to be safe and effective. Thought lightweight and easy-to-maneuver, these lines are actually storing the energy of the air compressor’s pressurisation. When opened and the stored energy is released, substantial nozzle reaction can be expected. Crews need to be prepared for this force. Additionally, kinking of a CAFS line will certainly change both foam quality and flow rate and ultimately could cause “slug flow.”   Slug flow is an inconsistent mixture of air, water,, and foam concentrate in the hose that causes the line to react uncontrollably. Many firefighters that have viewed finished CAFS streams are amazed by the consistent bubble structure of the highly expanded “shaving cream” quality foam.   This “dry” foam is outstanding for exposure pretreatment, but often lacks the necessary water within the bubble structure to drain into the fuels to which it was applied. It is not uncommon to have a fire continuing to burn in fuels that have had CAFS foam applied to them.   This is due to the limited drain out of water in the bubble structure and can lead to rekindling and overhaul challenges. Using a wetter foam is often more preferable when dealing with deep-seated fires.   The best source of information on the use of CAFS in structural firefighting is “NFPA 1145 – Guide for the Use of Class A Foams in Manual Structural Firefighting – 2000 edition.” This guide offers suggested nozzle choices for different manual firefighting challenges.   Exterior or interior direct attack  When using a high-energy foam system (CAFS), the system should be adjusted to provide a wet foam. A conventional nozzle can be used to provide a protective fog pattern, though reach and foam quality may diminished.”   Exposure protection “The appropriate foam can be produced by varying the mix ratio, and/or changing the discharge device. Smooth bore nozzles or open ball valves should be used for the delivery of dry foam in CAFS.”   Ultimately, the selection of the nozzle used in CAFS applications is key to the successful suppression of the fire. Task Fire Tips, Inc. recommends a combination of their VITG series of integral smooth bore/ball valve in combination with their CAFS Force Dual-Pressure Automatic tip. This break- apart combination will provide maximum performance for all CAFS applications.   The smooth bore inserts can be customised to your system for dry foam applications and the Dual-Pressure tip can provide a protective fog pattern for your attack crew or wetter foam for penetration.   Factors that can affect quality of finished foam through a CAFS line  Quality of the class A foam concentrate • -Cheap foam often has to be used at a higher injection ratio (up to 1%) to make good foam. Potential cost savings can go right out the window. Cheaper may not be the most cost effective.   Water quality Very hard water (ph or mineral content) has a negative effect on making lots of bubbles.   Water/air temperature  The colder it is, the harder it is to make bubbles. Often injection percentages have to be increased dramatically in cold weather to produce an acceptable quality/quantity of finished foam. Hose Length too short or too long of a pre-connect and you may not get proper bubble creation in the hose line.   Construction rougher interior hose linings produce more consistent bubble structure, smoother linings less consistent.   Kink resistance  kinking can cause stripping of bubbles in the line resulting in an “unsafe” slug flow at the tip.   Pump/air compressor operations Though many of the commercially available integrated CAFS systems provide automatic air/water pressure and flow balancing and control, operator error can easily generate “unsafe” slug flow, poor foam quality or foam concentrate waste.   Foam proportioning systems Proper concentrate injection accuracy and adequate mixing of the solution with air is imperative for the best foam performance. Thought systems are often pre-engineered and designed to work.   The Nozzle The wrong nozzle choice can negate the performance of the entire engineered CAFS system. The more nozzle “directs”, “constricts” or “shapes” a CAFS stream, the more it will strip out the bubble structure ultimately creating a “wetter” type of foam.  

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