COMPARISON: FRENCH SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Faced with flames: Choosing the right sprinkler system
Fires – devastating events that threaten our property and safety – are a constant reminder of the importance of effective protection. While manual fire extinguishers remain indispensable tools, automatic extinguishing systems offer an additional level of safety, acting from the very first moment of an incipient fire to quickly bring it under control and limit the damage.
Today, we explore the world of sprinkler systems, focusing on five innovative solutions:
- Firetrex from Eurofeu: This French system uses a flexible tube to detect and extinguish fire, offering flexible protection adaptable to a variety of environments.
- Traceflam d’Andrieu: This French system stands out for its patented direct-flame detection technology, guaranteeing rapid, precise intervention.
- Amulette de Cordia: automatic, self-contained extinguishing system particularly suited to small volumes (electrical cabinets, server rooms, etc.).
- The Elide Fire extinguisher ball: This self-contained ball, made in France, uses an environmentally-friendly extinguishing agent to put out fires simply and effectively.
- La Barrette Extincteur d’Auto Fire Fighting: This compact, discreet French system is automatically activated by heat, smothering the fire in its germ.
Each of these systems offers unique advantages and features, making them suitable for specific needs and configurations.
In this comparative article, we’ll take you through the features, performance and applications of these four automatic extinguishing solutions.
The objective? To help you choose the system best suited to your needs, and to guarantee the security of your premises and property. You’ll find a summary of this comparison at the end.
Firetrex: Automatic, self-contained fire protection
Protect your premises and assets against localized fire hazards with the Firetrex system.
Firetrex is an automatic, self-contained fire extinguishing system that provides effective protection against fire outbreaks in industrial, commercial and public premises.
Simple, reliable operation
- The system uses a flexible tube to detect and extinguish the fire.
- The tube is made from special polymers that resist leakage and heat.
- The tube is filled with pressurized extinguishing agent.
- When the fire reaches the tube, the tube wall thins and bursts at the hottest point.
- The extinguishing agent is then sprayed directly onto the source of the fire, quickly extinguishing it before it spreads.
Benefits of the Firetrex system
- Automatic detection and extinction: no human intervention required.
- Operation without electricity: The system works even in the event of a power cut.
- Flexible installation: the tube can be installed in hard-to-reach places.
- Fast, efficient extinguishing: the fire is extinguished in a matter of seconds.
- Proven reliability: The system is built to last, with no electronic components to fail.
- Environmentally friendly: Various types of environmentally-friendly extinguishing agents can be used.
Disadvantages of the Firetrex system
- Annual maintenance: Periodic inspection of the extinguisher pressure gauge is a mandatory requirement.
- Installation costs : Installation is quick and easy, which keeps costs down. Expect to pay from a minimum of €700 excluding VAT, and much more depending on the size of the enclosure to be protected. Average cost per cabinet €1200 ex.
- installation by a technician : although the system is quite simple, it cannot be installed without the assistance of a certified technician.
- Space-saving : The system is based on a fire extinguisher positioned on the outside of the cabinet. Only suitable for professional cabinets.
Firetrex is the ideal choice for localized fire protection in the following environments:
- Plants
- Warehouses
- Computer centers
For more information on the Firetrex system, please contact an authorized distributor.
firetrex website : eurofeu firetrex
Traceflam d’Andrieu: A state-of-the-art fire extinguishing system
Faced with the risk of fire, it’s vital to protect your property and your people. Automatic extinguishing systems, such as Andrieu’s Traceflam, offer an effective solution for controlling flames at an early stage and limiting damage.
Developed by the French company Andrieu, Traceflam is a patented direct-flame automatic extinguishing system. This innovative technology enables precise detection and rapid intervention, guaranteeing optimum protection against fire.
How the Traceflam system works
The Traceflam system is based on a flexible tube made of a special, heat- and leak-resistant polymer. This tube is filled with pressurized extinguishing agent and installed close to fire-risk areas.
When the fire reaches the tube, the wall thins and bursts at the hottest point. The extinguishing agent is then released directly onto the source of the fire, extinguishing it quickly and effectively.
Advantages of the Traceflam system
- Precise detection and rapid response: Traceflam’s direct-flame technology enables precise fire detection and immediate intervention, limiting the spread of flames.
- Flexible, adaptable protection: Traceflam’s flexible tubing can be installed in hard-to-reach places, offering flexible, adaptable protection for a variety of environments.
- Wide choice of extinguishing agents: Traceflam can be used with different types of extinguishing agents, such as CO2, powder or water, to meet the specific needs of each application.
- Environmentally friendly: Various types of environmentally-friendly extinguishing agents can be used with Traceflam.
Disadvantages of the Traceflam system
- High purchase price: The Traceflam system is much more expensive than standard portable extinguishers. From €1,200 excl. tax per cabinet.
- Requires installation by a technician : although fairly simple, the system cannot be installed without the assistance of a certified technician.
- Bulky : Although the system is integrated into the cabinet and smaller than a traditional extinguisher, it still takes up some space. Suitable only for professional cabinets.
- Annual maintenance: Amulette Feu requires periodic annual inspection of the pressure gauge and tube by a certified technician.
Traceflam system applications
The Traceflam system is particularly suitable for protecting sensitive premises such as :
- Offices
- Stores
- Plants
- Warehouses
- Archives
- Computer centers
- Vehicles
Traceflam: A reliable, high-performance solution for fire protection
With its high performance, flexibility of use and respect for the environment, Andrieu Traceflam is a reliable, high-performance solution for fire protection.
traceflam website : traceflam andrieu
Amulet Fire of Cordia: Fire protection for professional cabinets
How the Amulet Fire system works
Amulette Feu is an automatic fire extinguishing system that works without a smoke detector. It consists of a thermal bulb and an “amulet” cartridge filled with an extinguishing agent: novec. It can be connected to a flexible tube with the *reportoption , and can also be operated remotely, again as an option.
When the ambient temperature reaches 68°C or 93°C (two possibilities to be defined at the time of purchase), the thermal bulb bursts, releasing the extinguishing agent into the air. This agent, based on environmentally-friendly mineral powder, suffocates the fire, preventing it from spreading.
Benefits of the Fire Amulet system
- Fast, efficient extinguishing: Amulette Feu can extinguish a fire in seconds, limiting damage and protecting property and people.
- Simple, intuitive operation: Amulette Feu is easy to install and use. Simply attach the thermal bulb to the top wall of the cabinet to be protected, using the fastener provided.
- No electrical connection: Amulette Feu operates autonomously, without the need for a power supply.
- Ecological extinguishing agent: The extinguishing agent used by Amulette Feu is non-toxic and biodegradable, respectful of the environment and people’s health.
- Large coverage area: a single Amulette Feu system can protect a volume from 0.19mÂł to 1.61 mÂł.
Disadvantages of the Fire Amulet system
- High purchase price: The Amulette feu system is more expensive than traditional portable extinguishers. The smallest model costs €348 excluding VAT, excluding installation.
- Requires special thermal bulb: Amulet Fire’s thermal bulb must be replaced every time it is triggered.
- Bulky : Although the system is integrated into the cabinet and smaller than a traditional extinguisher, it still takes up some space. Suitable only for professional cabinets.
- Annual maintenance: Amulette Feu requires periodic annual inspection of the pressure gauge and tube by a certified technician.
In short, Amulette Feu is an effective, easy-to-use automatic fire extinguishing system that offers rapid protection against localized fires. However, its high purchase price, compact size and the need to replace the thermal bulb after each activation must be taken into account before making a choice.
Amulet website : cordia amulette
Elide Fire extinguisher ball: Innovative system
Faced with the dangers of fire, it’s vital to protect your property and yourself. Elide Fire’s Fire Extinguisher Ball is an innovative, self-contained solution for controlling flames from the very first moment, limiting damage and preserving safety.
How the Fire extinguisher ball works
This ingenious device consists of a polymer sphere containing an environmentally-friendly extinguishing powder. The Extinguisher Ball is designed to be triggered automatically or manually in the event of a fire.
- Automatic triggering: when the ambient temperature reaches 280°C, the extinguisher ball bursts, releasing the extinguishing powder.
- Manual release: The Fire extinguisher ball can also be manually released towards the fire, for faster, more targeted activation.
The extinguishing powder, based on monoamonium phosphate and micronized graphite, acts by smothering the fire and absorbing the heat. It is effective on Class A, B and C fires, covering a wide range of fuels.
Advantages of the Fire extinguisher ball
- Fast, efficient extinguishing: the Fire Extinguisher Ball puts out the fire quickly, limiting the damage caused.
- Simple, intuitive operation: the extinguisher ball requires no complex installation and can be easily set up in a variety of environments.
- Autonomy and reliability: The system operates autonomously, with no special power supply or connection, guaranteeing optimum reliability.
- Environmentally friendly: The extinguishing powder used is non-toxic and biodegradable, respecting the environment and people’s health.
- Minimal maintenance: the extinguisher ball requires only periodic visual inspection to ensure it is in good condition, and is guaranteed for 5 years.
Disadvantages of the Fire extinguisher ball
- Late activation: The system triggers at 280°C.
- Dimensions: The ball is too large for installation in a conventional switchboard. In 90% of cases it will be installed outside above the risk and will activate later.
- Purchase cost: The extinguisher ball is more expensive than traditional portable extinguishers. Between €70 and €150.
- Potential damage: Extinguishing powder can leave traces on surfaces and objects in the extinguishing zone.
Fire extinguisher ball applications
The Extinguisher Ball is suitable for a wide variety of environments, including :
- Vehicles
- Workshops and warehouses
- Boats
- Industrial machinery and equipment
Fire extinguisher ball pricing
Fire extinguisher ball prices vary according to capacity and distributor. In general, you should expect to pay between €70 and €150 for a 1.5 kg ball.
In short, the Elide Fire extinguisher ball offers an innovative, self-contained and effective automatic fire extinguishing solution. Its ease of use and environmental friendliness make it an interesting choice for protecting your property and your people. However, it’s important to take into account its size, and the fact that it takes longer to activate than other systems, before making your choice.
Elide Fire website: elide fire
Auto Fire Fighting Fire Extinguisher Bar Unit: Miniature protection, maximum efficiency
When it comes to fighting domestic fires, prevention and responsiveness are essential. Auto Fire Fighting’s Fire Extinguisher Barrette is an innovative, compact solution for controlling fire outbreaks from the outset, limiting damage and preserving the safety of people and property.
Major advantages of the Fire extinguisher bar
- The world’s smallest sprinkler system: Its ultra-compact size(just 11 cm long) means it fits easily into the most confined environments, including household switchboards and distribution boxes. In fact, it’s the only system that can protect them from the inside.
- Targeted switchboard protection: Designed specifically for installation in switchboards, the Fire extinguisher strip offers unprecedented protection against electrical fires, which are often the source of major damage.
- The quickest, easiest installation on the market: the system is easily attached to wall or ceiling using self-adhesive brackets or screws, without the need for professional intervention.
Efficient operation and protection
The Extinguisher Bar operates on the principle of thermal detection. Thanks to its pyrotechnic protection cable, it triggers automatically when the temperature reaches 180°C, releasing an ecological potassium-based extinguishing agent. This agent acts by smothering the fire and absorbing the heat, thus stopping the spread of flames.
Additional benefits of the Fire Extinguisher Bar fireproof
- Autonomy and reliability: The system operates autonomously, with no special power supply or connection, guaranteeing permanent protection.
- Environmentally friendly: The extinguishing agent used is non-toxic, biodegradable and leaves no residue after use.
- Minimal maintenance: The terminal strip requires only periodic visual inspection to ensure it is in good condition.
- Large coverage area: A single fire extinguisher strip can protect a volume of 0.1mÂł. For example, a 4-row electrical panel with 18 Schneider modules, L357xD108xH625mm, is only 0.03mÂł.
- 5-year warranty : Once installed, the product lifetime is given for 5 years.
Disadvantages of extinguisher bar automatic extinguishing unit
- Late activation: The system triggers at 180°C, so is not the best in its class. However, the fire will be extinguished in 100% of cases.
Barrette Extincteur Fire protection
The Extinguisher Bar is suitable for a wide variety of environments, including :
- Houses and apartments
- Vehicles
- Offices and shops
- Workshops and warehouses
- Boats
- Industrial machinery and equipment
- Offices
- Stores
- Plants
- Warehouses
- Archives
- Computer centers
Barrette Extincteur
The price of a Fire Extinguisher Bar varies according to distributor and installer. In general, you should expect to pay between €70 and €95 for an extinguisher bar.
In short, Auto Fire Fighting’s Fire Extinguisher Bar is a revolutionary fire extinguishing solution thanks to its compact size, simplified installation and targeted protection of electrical panels. Its efficiency, reliability and respect for the environment make it an essential choice for household safety.
Discover the fire extinguisher clip: the fire extinguisher clip
Conclusion: Which sprinkler system should you choose for your electrical system?
Auto Fire Fighting’s Amulette Feu and Barrette Extincteur Anti-feu stand out as innovative and effective solutions for protecting your home and premises against fire. However, choosing the right system depends on your needs and priorities.
Amulette Feu features a larger coverage area(1.61 mÂł) and a more powerful extinguishing agent, making it ideal for large cabinets or high-risk areas. Its thermal bulb, replaceable after each activation, offers long-lasting protection. However, its high purchase and maintenance costs can be a deterrent for some.
The Fire Extinguisher Bar’ s compact size and simplified installation make it ideal for use in confined spaces such as switchboards. Its targeted protection of electrical panels offers an added advantage in preventing electrical fires. Its more affordable price is also a plus. However, its limited coverage area(0.1 mÂł) requires the installation of several strips for complete and optimal protection of a professional cabinet. In some cases, 6 to 10 strips may be needed to protect the entire cabinet.
Example: a cabinet measuring H1900xW900xD400 (0.7mÂł)) will require 7-8 bars.
In short, if you’re looking for maximum protection for large cabinets without financial limitations, Amulette Feu is a wise choice. If you’re looking for discretion, ease of installation and targeted switchboard protection, the Fire Extinguisher Bar is an excellent alternative.
Don’t forget to evaluate your needs and the features of each system before making your choice.
Here are a few more questions to ask yourself to help you make your decision:
- How large is the area to be protected?
- Is it a switchboard or a large cabinet?
- Are there any high-risk fire zones on your premises?
- Do you have a defined maximum budget?
- Do you need a discreet, compact system?
- Is annual verification by a certified technician a hindrance?
By answering these questions, you’ll be able to determine which sprinkler system best suits your needs and budget.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions, or if you would like more detailed information on a particular system.
Below is a table summarizing and comparing the various advantages and disadvantages of the automatic shutdown systems we’ve discussed together.
