LV/HV Electrical Switch Rooms are critical to business. Fires in these areas can be devastating to a business. Overheating cables or components, sparks and component fatigue are all ignition sources that can all cause significant fast growth fires in electrical enclosures which can be difficult to detect and extinguish. As the world heads towards autonomy and unmanned facilities automatic intervention is paramount in the special hazard environments of today.
Not only can fire events in electrical infrastructure endanger lives, but a minor service disruption can also result in tens of thousands to millions of dollars in lost revenue or production capability. As demand for energy continues to increase, it is becoming even more important that the right fire protection measures are put in place to protect all aspects of common electrical infrastructure.
MODULASER
Kidde can offer advance detection systems for early indication of these events utilising advanced Air Sampling Detection Systems. The Kidde ModuLaser is a scalable aspirating smoke detection solution that makes installation easier, maintenance quicker, and takes applications further than traditional air sampling detectors.
The ModuLaser offers detection modules that are sold separately and monitored by one display module. This allows the exact amount of detection channels as required. Additionally, there is no need for detection modules to have similar sampling pipe layouts. This translates into multichannel detection without the traditional limitations, which invariably results in cost savings on the total solution.
Benefits of ModuLaser include:
- Detector modules can accommodate up to 250 metres of aggregate sampling pipe
- Intuitive user interface with colour display and functional buttons
- Installation and Maintenance wizards through display user interface. (no additional tools or computer interface required)
- Classifire Artificial Intelligence to provide optimum sensitivity, mitigating false alarms, yet providing the earliest warning
A fire suppression system with its associated detection equipment needs to be able to detect and contain the hazard as quickly and effectively as possible. This is interfaced and initiated through Special Hazards Control and Indicating Equipment.
Gaseous suppression solutions are commonly used to provide protection to Electrical Hazards, as they are electrically nonconductive and cause little or no damage to critical equipment. While foam and water sprinkler systems are effective, they can damage the hardware – potentially losing valuable information and increasing costs to replace damaged equipment.
When gas is deployed, it is easier to clean up following a fire, as it leaves no residue, allowing a quick return to normal service, with minimal disruption. In addition, the nature of electrical infrastructure means rapid deployment of extinguishing systems is crucial to lessening the impact of fires. With gas systems taking up to 120 seconds to discharge the suppression agent, they can present a more reliable choice for plant managers
KIDDE NATURA IGS INERT GAS FIRE SUPPRESSION
Kidde’s inert gas system (IGS) provides flexibility with your choice of multiple agents, efficient installation and overall lower total cost of ownership driven by reduced material, installation and labour costs, as well as a more economical refill cost after a discharge.
Compared with other high pressure inert gas systems, our series 400 valve regulates flow and pressure to allow the use of Schedule 40 piping for many applications. Installation time and labour costs are further reduced with the use of prefabricated manifolds, quick-connect actuation hoses and electrical connectors.
IGS Features include:
- Flow and pressure regulating valve
- Auto shut off during over pressure events in piping
- Outlet cap also serves as discharge confirmation during in-situ commissioning test and maintenance. Only discharge hoses are required to be disconnected for testing
- A central bank of cylinders can protect multiple hazards using a selector valve system
- Quick connect pilot line hoses and low-pressure monitoring
From Early Fire Detection warning, Special Hazards Control and Indicating Equipment processing from detection to discharge to automatic fire extingushant release Kidde can deliver a total product solution for your next system installation.
To learn more, visit kidde.com.au or contact your local Kidde Australia sales representative.
Or connect with Kidde Australia on LinkedIn https://au.linkedin.com/company/kidde-australia
About the Author
Kidde Australia
Kidde Australia is a leader in fire detection and suppression systems for special fire hazards, serving industries such as marine/offshore, oil & gas, commercial cooking, manufacturing & industrial, mission critical facilities, power generation and heavy duty vehicles.
With over 100 years experience in the industry, our fire protection solutions include intelligent smoke & heat detectors, conventional & networked system controls and the largest portfolio of fire suppression agents in the industry. Our products are designed, installed and maintained by Kidde Australia's highly skilled Authorised Distributor and customer network.
