Helios Fire Systems is pleased to announce it is the exclusive installer of AMFE (automatic mini fire extinguisher) technology in the UK and Ireland. Easy to install and retrofit, there are 3 variations available in as small as 5x20mm. AMFE is a simple measure that integrates within an electrical system to detect and suppress fire using 3M™ NOVEC extinguishing agent, a highly effective gaseous extinguishing agent that is non-toxic and residue-free after applications.
Garry Adey, Director at Helios comments: “It can take as little as 3.5 watts to start an electrical fire, and electricity or electrical products are responsible for around 33% of accidental fires in the workplace.
“Triggers for electrical fires can include weak soldering spots, manufacturing errors, inadequate plug connections, poor operating conditions or parts failure. One small component going wrong can quickly spell bad news for a business. Often an electrical fire can build and build until it is detected by human or smoke alarms, becoming uncontainable.
“That’s why device-integrated fire protection (AMFE) is a cost-effective and reliable fire detection and suppression system that equals a lesser amount of damage than traditional cabinet protection systems. It uses a thermo-glass ampoule, configured to a certain temperature. Once it detects increasing heat, it opens the connected extinguishing cartridge without the need for an electrical signal.”
Industrial facilities are well-equipped to handle fire, with a company expert responsible for fire prevention and safety of the company. They often have in place the ‘traditional steps’ of fire safety like structural protection of the premises, system-aided devices (alarm panels), emergency procedures and defensive protection such as first responders and firefighters.
But what they may not have considered is additional fire suppression at the source. At the first sign of an electrical issue, thermally triggered AMFE will suppress any fire risk at the origin of the fault.
Helios Fire systems have been at the forefront of developing this innovative system with the introduction of R-AFE, the new 3-stage detection and suppression system. This system, combined with our E-Detect product can detect minute temperature changes in components and alert the client prior to any thermal run away and fire, allowing them to isolate the component and change it before it becomes a risk.
If for whatever reason the component goes into the thermal run away and creates a flame then a secondary optical smoke sensor will detect the smoke, alert the client and automatically discharge the AMFE cylinder, extinguishing the fire immediately. This innovation now allows us to detect at the earliest instance any heat or small fire and extinguish it before it has created any damage to surrounding components or entire cabinet.
AMFE helps to avoid an electrical malfunction turn into an out of control large-scale fire. It contains the fire within an electric cabinet or machine. AMFE means enhanced safety for employees and others, a significant reduction in business interruptions and helps to minimise damages, both physical and financial.
To learn more about AMFE click to see our product page or email Garry Adey to discuss.
