Firetrace International is proud to announce the achievement of the SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden’s P-Mark, for its bus-specific fire suppression systems.
Firetrace International has proactively sought and achieved P-Mark status, SP’s voluntary, industry-leading certification of quality in the field of fire suppression systems. Until recently there have been no international standards for evaluating performance of fire suppression systems within bus engine compartments, despite the significant number of bus fire incidents reported each year worldwide.
The process to achieve P-Mark status is rigorous and methodical, taking place under controlled conditions within a test enclosure so that results can be evaluated in a well-defined and objective way. There are no pre-existing standards specifically for bus engine compartments, so the technical requirements are based on internationally accepted general standards and the testing of systems against multiple worst-case scenario incidents.
Firetrace systems are the smallest, lightest and least complex systems to achieve the P-Mark. Firetrace achieved the mark utilizing as little as 10lbs of powder-based fire suppression (the nearest competitor required 50lbs) and one of the smallest nozzle counts in the current group of approved systems, with six versus as many as 20! As a result, Firetrace systems have a dramatically smaller footprint than other competitive systems, facilitating a simpler layout and a much easier installation within the cramped confines of a bus engine compartment.
Firetrace also qualified at the bus manufacturer preferred -40C, which none of the water or foam based fire suppression systems have achieved.
Firetrace’s reputation for reliability, ease of service and lowest overall cost of protection over the life of the bus – and now with the coveted P-Mark as a demonstration of the systems’ capability – Firetrace has earned its way onto leading bus manufacturers and operators around the world.
Achievement of P-Mark status shows Firetrace International’s Fire Suppression Systems, have been tested for realistic fire hazards that can occur on a bus and that its components will work in harsh environments. In addition, it requires an independent review, by approved third party auditors, of Firetrace International’s factory production control.
Scott Starr, Director of Marketing, Firetrace International, commented: “Firetrace has invested considerable time and expertise in designing a realistic system worthy of achieving P-mark status. We have developed a system that uses minimal agent and a minimal number of nozzles, aspects that will save bus operators time and money on installation and maintenance costs, while maintaining the reputation for reliability that Firetrace has been known for.”
The P-Mark is the new benchmark in fire suppression systems and has been developed to ensure maximum prevention of loss of life, property and revenue.
