Frequently Asked Questions

What is FirePro?

FirePro is the trademark of our company – a brand name that is synonymous with environmentally friendly fire suppression technologies. We design and manufacture fire suppression systems that incorporate our patented fire extinguishing condensed aerosol forming solid compound (FPC). Our compound is based on eco-friendly naturally occurring potassium salts.

What is an aerosol and why was it developed as a fire extinguishing agent?

An aerosol is a 2-phase medium consisting of air/inert gases, commonly referred to as the carrier gas/es and solid particles measuring from a few micrometres (10-6 m) to a few nanometres (10-9 m), commonly known the active agent. Condensed aerosol firefighting technology gained increasing recognition as the acceptable substitute for HFCs, which were banned following the Montreal Protocol due to their negative impact on the Ozone layer and the environment in general.

What is a condensed aerosol unit?

Each FirePro unit houses a set amount of our FPC solid chemical compound which on activation is transformed into a rapidly expanding condensed aerosol fire extinguishing agent. The FPC is actuated via a low amperage D/C electrical pulse of 0.8A and 1.5 – 36V.

How does FirePro condensed aerosol extinguish fire?

The discharged condensed aerosol consists of a mixture of inert gases (the carrier gas) and the active agent (K2CO3). Fire is extinguished through a chemical reaction that inhibits flame free radicals on a molecular level from interacting with oxygen without reducing oxygen levels. This method has been proven to be extremely effective and efficient.

Is a FirePro unit pressurized?

Not at all. The internal pressure within a FirePro unit is equal to that of atmospheric pressure. Our units do not require any hydrostatic pressure testing or other expensive periodic maintenance procedures. Upon activation, internal pressure is developed within the unit casing, as the solid chemical compound transforms into a rapidly expanding condensed aerosol and exits through the discharge ports.

FirePro range of products.

We offer an extensive range of fire extinguishing units, electronic controllers and detection components to develop simple but brilliant standalone integrated systems to protect small and large volumes. The cylindrical type units (20 – 500grams) are made using high quality grade 304 stainless steel whilst the box type ones (1200 - 5700grams) are made in both stainless and carbon steel (red coated) finish.

Click here to view the entire range of FirePro Products

What is a Bulb Thermal Actuator (BTA) and how can it be used?

The FirePro BTA mechanical controller allows detection and automatic fire extinguishing with the use of a bulb sensor rated at specified temperatures. The BTA is attached to the condensed aerosol unit and it is considered a standalone solution (i.e. one BTA per FirePro unit). The BTA can be used in a wide range of applications such as telecom shelters, generator rooms, electrical cabinets and any other small enclosure (typically less than 50m3).

What are the potential applications for FirePro?

FirePro systems are ideal for both conventional and for non-conventional applications that were once considered to be technically or financially challenging for other technologies.

Indicative applications include: Electrical Panels/Cabinets, Control Rooms, Electrical Substations, Battery Rooms, Diesel Generators, CHP units, Machinery Spaces / Plant rooms, Archive Rooms, Warehouses, CNC machines, Oil Storage Areas, Transformers, Historic Buildings, Solvent Rooms, Paint Cabins, Service Risers, Telecom Areas, Vehicle Engine Bays including Marine & Railway applications.

What is the certified lifetime of a FirePro unit?

FirePro’s patented solid condensed aerosol forming compound was tested by KIWA (EU) and UL (US) with procedures defined by international technical committees and has been assessed and certified to have a lifetime of 15 years.

Click here to view the reports and assessments

Do FirePro units carry a product Warranty?

FirePro provides a product warranty to include product defect free period of 3 years and product functionality of 5 years, the definitions of which are elaborated below:

Product Functionality: A FirePro unit is comprised of multiple components hence each component may fail at a particular instance. For this reason, components which are faulty and or behave abnormally can be replaced within a period of 5 years.

Defect Free Period: FirePro units are manufactured under stringent quality conditions/inspections based on ISO9001 and ISO14001 management systems therefore items found to be defective can be replaced within a period of 3 years.

Click the here to view the Warranty Certificate

For which classes of fire hazards does FirePro offer protection?

FirePro units are certified for use on class A, B, C & F fire hazards according to EN2 (EU) and A, B & C fire hazards as per NFPA 10 (US).

What applicable standards are relevant to the condensed aerosol technology?
What are the listing certificates, type approvals and test reports obtained by FirePro?
What is the importance of choosing a “Listed product”?

Accredited bodies on fire safety such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories), KIWA (Netherlands), BSI and LPCB (United Kingdom) perform tests on every brand/product according to the international testing protocols as mentioned in UL2775, CEN 15276, ISO 15779, IMO MSC1/Circ. 1270 and assess whether the product is in full compliance and thus “Listed” on the accredited institute database. Listed brands can be viewed online.

Click here to review FirePro product listings

Does FirePro contain any ozone depleting substances?

FirePro is considered to be ozone friendly as it contains no CFC’s and is SNAP Listed (Significant New Alternative Policy) according to the EPA* (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). FirePro’s FPC solid condensed aerosol forming compound does not contain any substances that contribute to global warming or have a negative impact on the environment.

What are the main components of a FirePro system?

The main components of a FirePro system are: Fire Extinguishing Panel, Fire Detectors (e.g. Smoke, Heat, Fire, L.H.D. “Linear Heat detector cable”), Warning devices, Isolation switch, Sequential activators, and the Fire Extinguishing Agent.

How is a FirePro system designed?

FirePro systems are designed as total flooding solutions and can be used to protect any enclosure (irrespective of volume) in compliance with the local fire legislation, standards and norms. Design calculation methods are described in engineering guidelines such as the NFPA 2010, ISO 15779:2011, EN 15276 and IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1270.

The amount of FirePro agent is proportional to the volume of the protected space. A simple volumetric calculation determines the amount of agent and therefore the number of FirePro units required. As it is simple to design, changes in room layout are easily accommodated.

In general, a FirePro system design takes account of the following parameters:

  • The class of the fire hazard.
  • The potential sources of fire within the zone.
  • The enclosure volume.
  • The internal layout and content of zone.
  • Possible openings of the enclosure.
Why does FirePro recommend a double knock system for detection?

False alarms and discharges are a main concern when incorporating a fire extinguishing system. This is why FirePro always utilizes a double knock system (i.e. 2 input signals from different technologies, mainly smoke and heat detection, to signal a fire). This practice minimizes the likelihood of an erroneous detection and consequently accidental discharge.

Double knock systems allow for the use of a 1st and 2nd stage alarms thus allowing sufficient time to evaluate the situation when the 1st stage sounder operates and enough time for evacuation upon the 2nd stage alarm.

Do employees need to be aware of the firefighting system installation?

All employees should be trained and be aware of the type of systems installed in the workplace, the involved hazards, the proper activation procedure in case of emergency, and the correct response to audible and visual pre-discharge alarms. Training needs to be provided to non-English speaking employees in languages understood by the employees and other individuals that may be exposed to the hazard.

Employees who are designated to inspect, maintain, operate, or repair fixed fire extinguishing systems must be adequately trained. Their training must be reviewed annually in order to be kept up-to-date. The Safety Data Sheet for the extinguishing agent (aerosol) should be available in the workplace.

It is important that employees know the potential hazards of the fire extinguishing agents they may be exposed to and how to protect themselves. Additionally, employees who are likely to enter such areas should receive a basic level of instruction regarding the operating principles of the system to include alarms and related hazards, as well as evacuation procedures (for full instruction reference should be made to the relevant standards).

Are there any limitations of the FirePro condensed aerosol technology?

FirePro operates on the principle of ‘total flooding. Strictly following and fulfilling the pertaining guidelines and requirements is essential. It is for example important to a) calculate the protected enclosure’s volume b) maintain safety distances c) follow post discharge procedures. Guidelines concerning condensed aerosol and all other total flooding agents are found in NFPA 2010 Chapter 4.

How does FirePro technology compare to other brands?

FirePro technology is fundamentally differentiated by the chemical nature of the patented condensed aerosol forming solid compound (FPC). This, matched with the high quality of components and advanced system design, have earned FirePro numerous listings, type approvals and endorsing test reports.

FirePro is probably the only condensed aerosol manufacturer that:

  • Maintains ISO9001 and ISO 14001 management systems thus demonstrating quality and commitment to improve.
  • Represents the aerosol technology in international technical committees during the last 20 years in the formulation of standards.
  • Maintains the largest and most diverse list of client references ranging from electrical panel protection to nuclear power stations.
  • Provides a 3rd party liability insurance.
  • Is certified as per EU directives on CE markings by an accredited body.
  • Provide TUV certificate for the generators, demonstrating their safety integrity level and their operational reliability.

FirePro condensed aerosol forming solid compound:

  • Does not decompose to form acidic by-products (such as hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen bromide, hydrogen chloride or similar).
  • Is classified according to Dangerous Goods as 9 (Miscellaneous Solids).
  • Does not contain any Chlorides or Per Chlorates which are corrosive chemicals, damages electronics and other sensitive materials.
What are the references for the FirePro technology?

In the last two decades, FirePro has been protecting lives and assets against fire in numerous industries and applications across the world. These include Power Plants and Networks, Telecom Facilities, Warehouses, Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Manufacturing and Processing Plants, Mines, Tunnels, Airports, Trains, Vessels, Oil Rigs, Wind Turbines and other. Some of the organizations who have trusted FirePro are Nuclear Power Corporation of India, Several National Power Grid Corporations, Petrobras Brazil, Carrefour, Samsung, Vodafone, Bloomberg, Coca Cola, Eurostar, MTR Hong Kong, Emirates Airports, Central Banks, De Beers Mines, Hyundai Heavy Industries and many more.

What are the main advantages of FirePro technology?

FirePro offers numerous advantages to all stakeholders (designers, installers and clients) defining it as a desirable system which earns wide acceptance from both clients and engineering societies.

For the Designer:

  • Simple to design as it is unaffected by ambient conditions or other design factors that could add complexity during the design stage.
  • Modular as it can be easily expanded, relocated or altered.
  • Feasible to adopt to applications that were technically or financially challenging to adopt using traditional technologies.

For the Installer:

  • There is no need for performing pressure integrity test of the enclosure.
  • The installation is simple and fast.
  • No Piping is required.

For the Client:

  • No Storage Space of Cylinder Banks Required.
  • No pressure test required for components over system lifecycle.
  • Up to 15 years lifetime.
  • Safe for People and the Environment.

Durable and Environmentally Friendly:

  • Suitable to be used in environments with ambient temperature range -54ºC to +100ºC.
  • ODP = Zero
  • GWP = Zero
  • ALT = Negligible
I am looking for a distributor! Where can I buy?

FirePro operates through a large network of channel partners with presence in 75 countries and operations in more than 110. Further information on our products and solutions can be obtained by contacting your local partner, the information of which can be found on the FirePro Partners Page.