Dublin, Ireland – Xtralis, the leading global provider of converged solutions for the early detection and remote visual verification of fire, gas and perimeter threats welcomes the release of new China National Fire Code GB 50116-2013, “Automatic Fire Alarm System Design Specifications.” The new fire code was released by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the People’s Republic of China (MOHURD) and became effective on May 1st 2014. It replaced the previous version, GB 50116-2008, and provides new requirements such as fire detection technology selection and design guides in different environments and applications.

For the first time, Aspirating Smoke Detection (ASD) technology was added to the national code and is listed as a major fire detection system recommended for use in six applications, namely:

1. High air flow environments, typical in the semiconductor and data communications industries, where ASD has been the traditional technology of choice used by large and high-end customers. The new code should allow ASD to expand to all customers in these industries.

2. Large open space and other special areas, where point detectors often fail to be effective, particularly where ceiling height exceeds 12 meters or environments with special requirements. ASD will expand to these applications across China, instead of being limited to areas where local city codes apply.

3. Low temperature environments like cold storage

4. Cultural heritage, museums and art centres, where unobtrusive detection is preferred.

5. Power generation and oil & gas processing facilities, especially in areas of limited access.

6. Critical infrastructure, where very early warning fire detection (VEWFD) is essential. Numerous applications, from healthcare to warehousing to control centres require the earliest notification of an impending threat, to protect lives, assets, and business continuity.

The new code should rapidly expand very early warning ASD into applications previously protected by traditional technology like spot detectors. The benefit of ASD — very early warning of a potential threat —provides ample time for local response, increases the efficiency of evacuation, and minimises or eliminates potential fire damage.

“The new fire code will significantly stimulate ASD growth in China through specification of ASD into new vertical markets and customers, and increase applications with existing customers. Xtralis has been actively promoting ASD applications and environments targeted by GB 50116-2013, and this new code will help overcome prior barriers to the acceptance of aspirating smoke detection,” commented Benjamin Qin, VP China and South East Asia for Xtralis.