For decades, CO2 fire extinguishers have been the go-to choice for many professionals. However, they come with inherent risks – high pressure, heavy weight, risk of freeze burn and static charge, potential danger to people in confined spaces and the possibility of damage to delicate equipment due to thermal, acoustic and static shock. As fires can occur in various environments, there’s a growing need for safer, more efficient solutions.
Enter Fluoroketone (FK), the latest innovation in fire-suppression technology. Ceasefire’s extensive range of FK-based fire extinguishers and suppression systems offers a cutting-edge alternative to CO2. These products boast lower pressure, are safe for humans in confined spaces and prevent harm to sensitive equipment thanks to their non-thermal, non-static shock properties. Here’s why FK is quickly becoming the preferred choice for fire safety:
1. Safe for people
Unlike CO2 extinguishers, Ceasefire’s FK-based extinguishers and systems are safe for use around people. They don’t pose this risk and are much safer to handle in emergency situations. This makes FK a superior option in scenarios where human safety is paramount compared to traditional agents like powder or CO2.
2. Non-conductive and intrinsically safe on delicate electrical equipment
CO2 systems operate at high pressures, leading to potential damage from static, acoustic or thermal shock – particularly in environments with sensitive electronics. FK-based extinguishers, on the other hand, are non-conductive and operate at much lower pressures, ensuring no risk of thermal, static or acoustic shock. They are intrinsically safe for use around delicate electrical equipment like servers and data centres. Plus, they leave no residue, protecting valuable technology from damage during fire suppression.
3. Environmentally friendly
In addition to safety, FK offers impressive environmental credentials. With zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less than 1, FK is a green alternative to traditional fire-suppression agents like Halon or HFCs. Companies focused on reducing their carbon footprint will appreciate this eco-friendly choice.
4. Exempt from F-Gas regulations
FK-based extinguishers fall outside the scope of F-Gas licensing regulations. This offers businesses the flexibility to use these low-GWP fire-suppression systems without additional regulatory burdens, ensuring long-term operational freedom.
5. Low-pressure technology
Ceasefire’s FK systems employ low-pressure technology, which meets NFPA 2001 NOAEL and LOAEL safety standards for spaces with human presence. This not only enhances safety but also ensures that fire extinguishers can be deployed quickly and efficiently, even in manual operations.
6. Minimal cleanup and downtime
One of the greatest advantages of FK is its lack of residue, meaning businesses don’t face lengthy downtimes after a fire is suppressed. Other agents often leave behind material that requires extensive cleaning, but FK allows operations to resume much faster, saving both time and money.
7. Prevention of freeze burns and static charge
Unlike CO2 extinguishers, which can cause freeze burns and static charge to the users when discharged, FK-based extinguishers do not pose this risk. This makes them safer to handle, especially in emergency situations.
8. Compact design and easy handlingCeasefire’s FK extinguishers are compact and lightweight, as compared to CO2, which is much heavier, making them easier to handle in emergencies. Their ergonomic design ensures quick and easy manoeuvrability, which is critical in urgent scenarios. This is a significant improvement over the bulkier CO2 extinguishers that can be cumbersome to operate.
Conclusion
In summary, as fire-safety technology evolves, the need for safer, more environmentally responsible agents is becoming more urgent. Ceasefire’s FK-based extinguishers and systems meet this demand, offering a superior alternative to traditional CO2 by eliminating risks to people, protecting delicate equipment and ensuring minimal environmental impact.
For more information, go to www.ceasefire.co.uk/fk-range
