A Nottingham firm is set to revolutionise fire safety on the UK rail network after a deal to install hundreds of unique fire suppression devices in Ireland sets the benchmark.
Aerocom (UK) is in talks with Network Rail after its partner firm in Ireland struck a deal with Irish Rail to supply its ground-breaking MAUS Stixx Pro fire suppression devices in an effort to mitigate electrical fires in train stations and junction boxes.
Tallaght-based Dynamic Electrical is supplying hundreds of the devices to Network Rail’s Irish counterpart, the smallest of which is the size of a highlighter pen. They are installed in electrical panels and are capable of extinguishing an enclosed fire in seconds.
The lightweight and inexpensive Stixx Pro device, which can be installed in any electrical cabinet, floods the space with a harmless potassium-based smoke when the temperature exceeds 170 degrees Celsius. Most fires do not ignite below 200 degrees.
Now, Nottingham-based Aerocom (UK) Limited, which has sole distribution rights for the Stixx Pro in the UK, is in early discussions with Network Rail in an effort to mirror the Irish deal.
Fires ignited from an electrical distribution source were the second most common cause of fires in the UK in the year ending March 2023, according to government figures. Meanwhile, 16 per cent of all UK rail network non-potentially higher-risk train accidents (PHRTAs) last year were the result of fires.
Tom Hughes, Managing Director of Nottingham-based Aerocom (UK) Limited, said: “Irish Rail is leading the way in fire safety on its network, focusing primarily on fire suppression at source rather than dealing with fires after they have ignited.
“The Stixx Pro is unique. There is nothing else like it in the world, and yet it is so simple and easy to install.
“Although we are in very early stages of discussion with Network Rail, we are very hopeful that they will recognise the huge boost these devices could give to fire safety across the UK rail network.
“Electrical fires in compartments like junction boxes can be caused simply by the components overheating. The Stixx Pro can automatically mitigate any danger from fires ignited as a result of overheating.”
The Stixx Pro, available in three sizes, has no cables or wiring, requires zero maintenance, leaves no extinguishing residue after activation, and can be installed in under five seconds.
Network Rail operates more than 2,500 mainline stations in Great Britain and more than 5,000 level crossings on 30,000km of track. If it followed the example set by Irish Rail, any subsequent deal could include the installation of many thousands of Stixx Pro fire suppression devices.
Aerocom (UK) Limited last year signed a deal with Swedish firm MAUS, giving it exclusive rights to supply the Stixx Pro in the UK and Ireland. The Irish part of that distribution deal has since been put under the management of Aerocom’s partner, Dynamic Electrical.
Since the Stixx Pro was launched in the UK, Aerocom (UK) Limited has supplied more than 100,000 devices for use in multiple areas, including hospitals, offices, homes, and caravans.
The Nottingham firm also supplies pneumatic tube systems and automated guided vehicles (AGVs).
For further information, visit www.aerocom.co.uk.
