Frequently Asked Questions about self-actuating fire suppression devices
What are self-actuating fire suppression devices?
Compact but powerful, self-actuating fire suppression devices are designed for enclosed high fire-risk spaces such as electrical cabinets, battery compartments, engine bays, 3D printers and technical enclosures in road and off road vehicles, boats, homes, workshops and factories. As the name suggests no electricity, batteries or human activation is needed. Just peel, stick – or screw – in place for protection 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for up to 10 years†. Each device contains quantities of active ingredients that are calculated to offer protection based on an area’s approximate volume.
So why use the self-actuating fire suppression devices?
These devices are for use in areas which are often unseen and rarely inspected. Engine bays, electrical cabinets, fuse boxes etc. are examples of where a fire can occur without being seen and go unnoticed until it becomes too large to tackle safely. Self-actuating fire suppression devices will activate once flame is detected or the temperature reaches c.170°C, releasing the aerosol to suppress the fire. So although the Fire safety Stick is an excellent device for fires you can see and know about, our self-actuating fire suppression devices will be silent protectors 24/7 in hidden or confined spaces.
What is the discharge time of the self-actuating fire suppression devices?
Manufacturer figures quote up to 10 seconds depending on model. They are designed to discharge a large quantity of aerosol, quickly in a very short time to immediately suppress flames.
Is the aerosol safe?
Yes, the aerosol is non-corrosive and non-toxic.
They are environmentally friendly with no toxicity, non-corrosive and causes no damage to the atmospheric ozone layer.
NO! The discharged gas is totally clean and comprised of nano-sized particles. Even in the most extreme instance, the net total of discharge is so minuscule compared to a traditional extinguisher that it is effectively considered to be non-existent. Beyond the clean nature of the discharge, it is non-corrosive, non-toxic, and environmentally safe. If ever activated a quick wipe down is all that is needed afterward – although you may have damage from any flames to repair of course. Compare this to a typical powder or foam extinguisher which often create more damage and mess than the fire itself.
Where can I use a self-actuating fire suppression device?
Any enclosed high fire-risk spaces such as electrical cabinets, battery compartments, engine bays, 3D printers and technical enclosures in road and off road vehicles, boats, homes, workshops and factories. In other words virtually anywhere a fire can start unnoticed. (3D printers for example are often left running for many hours unattended and if a fault occurred and a fire started, these devices would activate automatically.)
This extends to: 1. Construction Industry: power distribution rooms of high-rise and industrial buildings, libraries, archives, underground storage rooms and safes. 2. Telecommunications Industry: telecommunication rooms, computer rooms, communication base stations, relay stations, distribution cabinets, data processing rooms and precision equipment distribution cabinets in remote control rooms. 3. Metallurgical Industry: rolling mill equipment rooms, electronic instrument control rooms, electrical basements, cable interlayers, cable tunnels and transformer rooms. 4. Petrochemical Industry: flammable liquid storage areas, power distribution rooms, generator rooms, cable tunnels, cable wells, distribution cabinets and switch cabinets. 5. Transportation Industry: train machine rooms, railway signal stations, station signal buildings, highway signal stations, automobile engine compartments, turbine rooms and ship engine rooms. 6. Other Industries: CNC machines and other high-value machinery and mobile equipment. 7. Excluded fire scenarios and substances: this condensed aerosol fire extinguishing device shall not be used in explosive hazardous areas, for fires involving oxidants (e.g. nitrocellulose) or active metals (e.g. potassium).
Suitable for fire classes A, B, C and electrical.
Does they need servicing and have a shelf life?
Apart from occasional inspection to ensure it hasn't been moved or damaged, there is little to do in terms of maintenance.
Manufacturer's advice is to replace the device(s) every 10 years if it has had dry, internal use. Where it has been used in high heat, humidity and vibration areas e.g. vehicles and marine engine bays – 5 years.
What self-actuating fire suppression device should I use?
Whether it’s for a fuse box, electrical housing enclosure or equipment space, estimate the cubic volume and choose the most suitable product. If in doubt choose the next size up. Campervans, motorhomes and boats may have many areas with potential sources of fire – so a mix of products should be used.
I have seen this before – is it sold elsewhere?
There are a number of similar looking products available. However, although they may appear similar, there are many factors to bear in mind. Many have much smaller amounts of active ingredient within them and therefore will be ineffective in a given space - this can be hard to ascertain as often few details are given. Build quality cannot be guaranteed without inspection and knowing the source or manufacturer. Often no instructions are supplied. Our products are CE approved and we have sourced them from reputable, established manufacturers. As these devices are protecting valuable vehicles, premises or machinery, we don't believe the risk is worth taking on cheap products.
Can I use these on lithium batteries
Whilst we have products which have been developed for these, lithium batteries are extremely dangerous should an internal fault occur. While the aerosol can quickly knock down the visible flames, lithium-ion battery fires are driven by an internal chain reaction called thermal runaway, which generates its own oxygen and intense heat. So when it comes to lithium batteries there is a high risk of re-ignition, even if the open flames have been extinguished, and immediate evacuation is required.
Important Safety Limitations
In addition to the above warnings on lithium batteries, please note:
1. Enclosed Spaces Only: The chemicals within the devices mentioned above only work if they are deployed inside a sealed or semi-enclosed environment (like a battery box or cabinet). If used in an open room, the aerosol cloud could dissipate too quickly to be totally effective.
2. Re-ignition: With all fires and fire suppression devices, there is a risk of re-ignition once the open flames have been extinguished, if the fuel supply (e.g. gas, petrol etc.) is still available and exposed to the original heat source. In these cases the supply should be shut off as soon as safely possible.
