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Fire protection solutions

It looks exactly like water – and it is perfect for putting out fires in offices, computer rooms, engine and equipment rooms, and communication and control centres.

But it is not water. It is 3M Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid, an offering in ADT Security's stable of fire protection and detection products.

Novec 1230 fluid is a liquid at room temperature, but extinguishes fires through a combination of heat absorption (its main action) and an element of chemical interference with the flame.

The liquid state of Novec 1230 fluid also allows for efficient use of space, requiring about the same number of cylinders as conventional halocarbon agents.

"It is easy to store and is ideal for use in spaces where maintaining high value equipment is of utmost importance," says Hennie Barnard, general manager of ADT Security's Fire Systems division.

A major advantage of the Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid is its favourable environmental profile - low toxicity characteristics and excellent performance make it an ideal halon replacement.

"A number of conventional halon replacements emit greenhouse gases, which are associated with global warming," says Barnard. "More and more industrialised nations have committed to reducing the amount of greenhouse gases, and as a result many halon replacements have, or are becoming, redundant. This means that companies are wary of investing in fire protection systems that they are forced, due to environmental requirements, to replace in the future."

However, with zero ozone depletion and minimum global warming potential and short atmospheric lifetime, the Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid offers a viable, long-term sustainable solution.

"Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid is safe and effective and as a result is not subject to current or anticipated regulatory restrictions, nor scheduled or targeted for future phase out," says Barnard.

ADT also offers the Simplex Fire Detection product range, Minerva MX technology, Nursecall and Care Communications technology. Also on offer are special hazard detection products, institutional timekeeping solutions, voice evacuation and public address systems.

Tyco has developed a number of revolutionary products in the fire protection industry. These include a unique Low Profile Carbon Monoxide (CO₂) detector, which can detect the early release of CO₂, which acts as a very effective early warning system of a fire condition.

Alarm monitoring plays an essential role in the division, with fire alarms being linked to the company's fully staffed Alarm Receiving Centres, which will notify the relevant fire station immediately on receipt of any alarm activations.

"As with every other aspect of security, protection against fire plays an increasingly significant role in any business venture. ADT Security's Fire Systems division is well equipped to deal with these demands and not only offers its clients state-of-the-art security solutions from across the globe but it can also assess and advise on the best solution available for any problem," says Barnard.

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