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The Honeywell Self-Test Revolution

Building Products Index Ltd Fire Protection Leave a Comment

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How is Honeywell revolutionising fire system testing and maintenance with innovative technology?

Building developers and building owners face many responsibilities and challenges when it comes to fire safety, particularly in multi-occupied settings. Advancements in fire safety technology are constantly evolving to meet these challenges and Honeywell Self-Test is the ground-breaking innovation that is revolutionising fire system maintenance.

In complex buildings and facilities, how can you prove that your fire system is compliant and that every single detector has been functionally tested, even in lift shafts, stairwells, and inaccessible rooms?

Traditional fire testing with a smoke pole and cup can be labor-intensive, while fire maintenance frequently disrupts daytime operations or incurs costly out-of-hours activities. Both scenarios are prone to inaccuracies due to access issues in complex buildings and the requirement to isolate the fire panel during testing, introducing additional risk.

Self-Test automates fire system maintenance and does not require physical access to locked rooms to perform functional fire tests. Self-Test eliminates the need for ladders, scaffolding, and scissor lifts to reach hard-to-access detectors, avoiding potential safety hazards, and reduces the need for out-of-hours testing. By automating functional fire testing, competent engineers can focus more time on thorough visual inspections to remain compliant.

How does Honeywell Self-Test work?

Self-Test detectors feature an internal module that generates smoke, allowing for functional testing of the optical sensor. A small fan expels the smoke through designated entry points, ensuring unobstructed detection in the event of a real fire. Additionally, the system includes an internal thermistor for safe heat sensor testing.

With the integration of an internal Bluetooth Low Energy Emitter (BLE), detectors seamlessly connect to a mobile app, enabling engineers to efficiently locate and inspect devices throughout a building while ensuring a discreet and non-invasive on-site presence.

With Self-Test, building owners can now prove that their fire detection systems undergo multiple tests a year, exceeding the prescribed once-a-year testing requirement by British Standard BS 5839-1.

The intuitive Honeywell Connected Life Safety Services (CLSS) app offers a wide range of testing options tailored to specific building needs, emphasising efficiency and speed. Capture essential events, test results, and visual inspection information – enabling engineers to identify necessary corrective actions more effectively.

Traditionally, fire testing documentation relied on printed results, leaving room for dispute. The CLSS app captures all Self-Test activities, including the manual testing and visual inspection commentary with accompanying photographs. CLSS also records daily events, creating a comprehensive digital logbook stored securely in the cloud. This digital logbook ensures no information is lost, providing invaluable historical records for fault investigation and false alarm analysis.

DID YOU KNOW?

Self-Test is capable of functionally testing any size fire system in 35 minutes or less

Paving the way for digital transformation

As the sector continues to evolve, the need for digital solutions and streamlined fire safety maintenance processes increases. Honeywell’s Self-Test technology represents a forward-looking approach to fire safety, offering a future-proof solution for maintaining compliance and ensuring life safety in commercial and institutional settings.

Find out more: https://buildings.honeywell.com/gb/en/brands/our-brands/gent/solutions/gent-self-test

Keraflo launches Accredited Fire Sprinkler Tank Valves brochure

Building Products Index Ltd Fire valves, Valve Leave a Comment

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Keraflo, a leader in water control and management solutions, has released its new technical brochure for the Keraflo Fire Sprinkler Tank Valves range. The brochure outlines the key features and technical specifications of the first-ever fire sprinkler valves to receive LPCB accreditation to LPS 2083, setting a new benchmark in fire safety systems for commercial buildings.

The new brochure highlights how Keraflo’s FB Type Fire Sprinkler Tank Valves have been meticulously designed to integrate seamlessly with existing fire protection systems, providing a robust solution for maintaining optimal water levels in fire sprinkler tanks. These mechanical float valves are ideal for tanks with or without raised valve chambers, making them highly versatile across a range of installation scenarios.

“Achieving LPCB certification for our Fire Sprinkler Tank Valves is a testament to Keraflo’s ongoing commitment to innovation and safety,” says Richard Braid, Managing Director at Keraflo. “Our valves offer superior performance and flexibility, making them a vital component of any fire safety system. The new brochure provides detailed insights into the product’s technical capabilities, helping professionals select the right valve for their needs.”

Compatible with a wide variety of fire protection systems, Keraflo’s Fire Valves are the go-to solution for professionals looking for both new installations and retrofit options. To provide even greater assurance, the valves come with an industry-leading 10-year warranty.

To download the brochure visit: https://www.keraflo.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/FBSALES-Rev2-Keraflo-Fire-Sprinkler-Tank-Valves-Technical-Leafllet-Web.pdf

For more information on Keraflo visit www.keraflo.co.uk

As the Loss Prevention Standard changes to mandate use of compliant fire valves: Keraflo’s Fire Valves first ever to achieve LPCB accreditation

Building Products Index Ltd Fire valves Leave a Comment

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Keraflo’s innovative Fire Valves have become the first ever to receive important accreditation from the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB), a division of the Building Research Establishment (BRE). This significant endorsement highlights the exceptional standards and build quality of Keraflo’s products, setting a new benchmark for the performance of fire safety in commercial buildings.

The path to LPCB accreditation requires products to undergo stringent and rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest safety and performance standards. Keraflo’s Fire Valves have been subjected to these exacting tests, demonstrating their robust design, reliability and efficiency in critical fire safety applications.

Designed with advanced features to provide reliable performance in emergency situations, the valves are built to withstand harsh conditions and maintain functionality over extended periods, ensuring that they operate effectively during a fire event to manage water flow and pressure. Designed for compatibility with a wide range of fire protection systems, the valves can be seamlessly integrated into new installations or retrofitted into existing systems.

Highlighting Keraflo’s commitment to unrivalled quality and assurance, the rigorous BRE testing process has enabled the Fire Valve range to boast an unprecedented 10-year warranty. This is 10 times the industry standard and provides unparalleled peace of mind.

“The accreditation for Keraflo comes at an important time in the industry,” explains Richard Braid, Managing Director of Keraflo. “The LPS 1276 standard, issued in December 2018, mandates that contractors must use valves conforming to LPS 2083. However, until recently, LPS 2083 only existed in draft form, leading to varying interpretations and the use of alternative, , products. This ambiguity ended on May 23, 2024, when LPS 2083 became an integral part of the LPS 1276 standard, prohibiting the use of non-compliant alternatives.”

The integration of LPS 2083 into the LPS 1276 standard is a critical step forward for fire safety. This standard outlines the requirements for the design, installation and maintenance of fire protection systems, ensuring that all components work together seamlessly to provide optimal protection. The inclusion of LPS 2083 means that fire valves used in commercial buildings should now meet these rigorous standards, eliminating the risk posed by alternatives. This change is expected to save lives by ensuring that all fire protection systems are capable of performing their intended functions under real-world conditions.

“Contractors will need to ensure that all new installations are compliant and existing systems are updated to meet the new standards,” continues Richard.

“For building owners and managers, it offers an opportunity to reassess their fire protection strategies and install appropriate systems that provide the highest level of protection. The use of LPCB-accredited products like Keraflo’s Fire Valves will not only ensure compliance but also enhance the overall safety profile of their buildings.”

For contractors, building owners and fire safety professionals, the adoption of Keraflo’s Fire Valves represents a critical step forward in enhancing fire protection and ensuring the safety of occupants in commercial and public buildings.

For more information on Keraflo visit www.keraflo.co.uk