The AMFE (Automatic Mini Fire Extinguisher Unit) is a small extinguishing device that can be combined with one of our fire extinguishing control centres to create an innovative fire extinguishing system.
The extinguishing system offers reliable and cost-efficient fire protection for your switch cabinet, electrical distribution board, and electrical systems! If a technical fault occurs in an electrical device, the AMFE can detect, and extinguish the fire as well as prevent re-ignition.
The extinguishing agent used, FK-5-1-12, also known by the brand name of Novec™ 1230, removes the heat from the fire, thus stopping the combustion reaction. As it is electrically non-conductive and evaporates without leaving any residue, there is no secondary damage.
Connection to any commercially available fire alarm system is guaranteed by compliance with DIN EN 54-2 so that our extinguishing system can be integrated into your existing infrastructure. As a certified AMFE partner of JOB GmbH, Meister Brandschutz GmbH & Co. KG is always available to answer any questions that you may have.
The AMFE has VdS approval. In combination with the Hekatron fire extinguishing centre as the "Amfe Pro Cert" extinguishing system, it has VdS system approval. These certifications also guarantee recognition by your property insurer.
The thermoglass sprinkler bulb integrated into the mounted trigger head breaks when a defined trigger temperature is exceeded, activating a spring mechanism which releases the cylinder with the extinguishing agent.
As this is a mechanical release, neither a power supply nor a control unit are required.
The sprinkler cylinder has a metallic coating and can therefore be connected to any standard fire alarm system coupler for fire alarm detection.
With the optional use of a fire extinguishing control centre, we enable the integration of various fire detection systems such as smoke detectors or a smoke aspiration system for smouldering fire detection/extinction.
We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about AMFE as a product, cascading options and installation instructions in a concise format.
AMFE – an easy-to-understand explanation – watch the videos on our YouTube channel to learn more about our automatic mini fire extinguishing unit AMFE.
"If a fire broke out in our logistics center, we would not only have the problem that our systems would be over, but also our customers' goods, which are packed and shipped by us. The AMFE protects us against the risk of fire in the switchgear in a device-integrated way and also protects the delivery of your packages."
FRED LABOSCH
Logistics Manager
Amazon Services GmbH
"To protect our production facilities, we installed the AMFE in all of our control cabinets and switchgear. In this way we can prevent costly production losses and system downtimes caused by fire. This gives us production security. "
RUVEN CANO
Technical Manager
ABS Coatings GmbH
The cascaded use of several AMFEs means that larger volumes can also be protected.
| Size | Class A [E] Fire (4,2%, NFPA) Protected volume [m³] with NOVEC™ |
Class B Fire (5,8%, NFPA) Protected volume [m³] with NOVEC™ |
|---|---|---|
| #0 | 0,06 | 0,04 |
| #1 | 0,19 | 0,14 |
| #2 | 0,32 | 0,23 |
| #3 | 0,64 | 0,46 |
| #4 | 0,96 | 0,69 |
| #5 | 1,61 | 1,15 |
Minimize the risk!
Example:
Every major household appliance manufacturer has had to recall ranges of appliances in recent years, due to the risk of fire. The use of AMFE reduce product recall costs. Sometimes the need to recall the entire range can be avoided, as in the event of a fire the AMFE extinguishes the fire and cuts off the power supply to the device. There is then a straightforward service need for individual defective devices. If a recall should nevertheless be necessary, the otherwise significant reputational damage is significantly lowered due to the installation of AMFE, as "precautions were taken".
Example Calculation:
200,000 Recall Units x $50 Recall Costs = $10m Costs + Significant Reputational Damage
vs. Material Costs x Production Quantity = Positive Business Case
Savings possible!
Different fire protection concepts can be used in the design of electronics. Our aim is to increase safety. The use of AMFE can reduce the overall product costs, for example by reducing or replacing flame-retardant materials. Furthermore, these flame-retardant materials are often criticised for being harmful to the environment.
More Sales!
Through the use of device-integrated fire protection, including the AMFE, electrical appliances, such as digital signage and LED advertising screens, switch from being classified as “causing a fire” to “being involved in a fire” in a fire risk assessment. This is especially relevant for sensitive locations, such as shopping centres, exhibition halls, airports, or train stations. This also means that printers, screens or billboards can often gain installation approval, even in escape route areas.
Added value explained simply!
The use of the AMFE can protect against business interruptions, or shorten the interruption time. Every third fire in Germany causes over €500,000 of property damage in industry, so much that the companies concerned can no longer recover. Only 23% of all firms affected by a fire completely reopen their business again. While more than 40% of companies have to stop trading all together after a fire (see “Logistik heute”).
Hospital: In England there are over 550 fires in hospitals every year, statistically that’s 1.5 per day. Often the origin of these fires lies in electrical equipment. Medical technology devices with built-in AMFE reduce the risk of fire, and thus increase safety for patients and protect against commercial and asset loss, and interruptions to healthcare services.
Hotel: Consider a fire breaks out in a hotel minibar. Without fire protection integrated into the device, only the sprinkler system protects the hotel so that it can continue to operate. The room is usually locked down for a few days and cannot be booked, leading to a loss of income. In the event of a fire an AMFE in the minibar would allow the refrigerator to be replaced quickly, the guests would be unaware, and normal operations could continue. This combination of sprinkler system and device-integrated fire protection therefore makes sense.
Industry: The cost of business interruptions in industry is rapidly increasing into the millions. Securing production-relevant systems, by installing the AMFE as secondary protection within power supplies, both pays off and makes economic sense.
Premium reductions possible!
The operation of electrical devices with device-integrated fire protection (e.g. the AMFE) is accepted by insurance companies. For manufacturers it concerns product liability and recall cost insurance, and for operators it is relevant for fire and business interruption insurance. Its use makes it easier to take out general insurance, and for many insurance companies the use of integrated fire protection solutions is even relevant to premiums. Please speak to your insurance company.
Gain market share!
Safety as a product characteristic is valued by customers and, as a unique selling point, can secure market shares, and help to win orders.
The AMFE can help to market to consumers the added value of a device-integrated fire-stop, as a built-in fire extinguisher.
