Watch this quick video to see how a combination of smoke detectors can be used to fit your unique situation.

Cerberus Pro is the way to go when you are in unique buildings, especially when trying to preserve historic buildings.  Through innovative cabling and sleek design the Cerberus Pro system will integrate with your unique building situation.

Call Excel Fire today and speak with one of our design engineers to find out if Cerberus Pro is the right solution for your situation.

New Castle’s library was the first in Garfield County, originally built in 1968.  During the renovation the building’s roof was raised and now features beautiful wood beams as well as two new clerestory windows bringing light into the middle of the building.

The library will have 10kwh of solar panels designed and installed by Colorado Mountain College’s Integrated Energy classes.  New flooring and fixtures are currently being installed. GCPLD recently received a generous donation from Encana Energy Inc. to purchase the natural gas heating systems for this facility. The Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation provided a $20,000 grant for an interactive early literacy installation in the children’s area.

Here is a preview of the upgrades, just in case you have not had the opportunity to see the beautiful upgrades.

Your fire extinguisher must be inspected annually by a person licensed to do such inspections. In most cases your extinguisher must go through a “tear-down” every six years. Your fire extinguisher service company will track this for you when they come to do the annual inspection.

Here are some step you need to know about hydrostatic testing & 6 six year internal maintenance (know as Tear Down):

What are the steps involved with hydrostatic testing?

Hydrostatic testing is a process that requires special training and equipment to complete the process completely.

Hydrostatic Test Service includes:

1. If a charge remains on the cylinder, it is emptied and the charge is processed and
   recovered for re-use. Halon extinguishers require special equipment. The charge must be emptied into a Halon Recovery Chamber, to comply with environmental regulations.
2. The head is removed.
3. The inside of the cylinder is inspected for any signs of damage, rust, or corrosion.
4. The cylinder is filled with water and a high-pressure fitting is installed to allow pressure testing.
5. Water is manually pumped into the cylinder until the internal pressure is 2-3 times the normal operating pressure for the cylinder (typically 585 PSI, or as specified by the manufacturer).
6. Inlet valve is closed and the cylinder must maintain the minimum test pressure for at least 60 seconds.
7. The cylinder is inspected to verify that there are no signs of leaks, cracks, or bulges that would indicate a defective cylinder.
8. The pressure is then released and the cylinder is drained and thoroughly dried.
9. Finally, if the cylinder passed all tests and inspections, a new Hydrostatic Test Label is attached to the cylinder per State Fire Marshal directives.

IF the cylinder fails any of these tests or inspections, it must be removed from service and replaced with a new extinguisher.

If the cylinder passes all tests and inspections, steps 2 – 9 of the Internal (Tear Down) Maintenance are performed and the cylinder is returned to service.

Internal (Tear Down) Maintenance includes:

1. If a charge remains on the cylinder, it is emptied and the charge is processed and recovered for re-use.
2. The head is disassembled, O-rings replaced, and valve is lubricated.
3. Interior of the cylinder is inspected for signs of rust, corrosion, other deterioration.
4. Hose / Nozzle assemblies are inspected and repaired or replaced as needed.
5. Handle and other parts are inspected and repaired or replaced as needed.
6. Cylinder is refilled with extinguishing agent to specified weight or volume.
7. A “Verification of Service Collar” is installed per State Fire Marshal directives.
8. Extinguisher is reassembled, pressurized, and tested for leaks.
9. Finally, a new “Annual Maintenance Tag” is attached to the cylinder per State Fire Marshal directives. This tag also has space for the owner to record monthly inspections.

Inspection and maintenance will ensure that if you need your extinguisher it will be ready for service.  At Excel Fire Protection we understand that inspections can save lives and we take our job very seriously.

Excel Fire Protection will bring that testing to your doorstep with our fully equipped testing and service vehicle.

Fire alarms have come a long way since their inception.  Seimen’s has 160 years of helping the public protect assets through early detection of fire.

In the beginning it was a telegraph that would be sent to the fire station to alert them of the danger in your building.  Imagine trying to keep your wits about you so you could type a message out that you needed help!

Watch this fun and educational video that details the history of fire detection and how Seimen’s has played an integral role throughout history.

There is a new building downtown and it will be the new home to numerous Mesa County divisions.  The goal is to make county operations more convenient for the public, with just one location to get many things accomplished.

Excel Fire Protection would like to congratulate the county on their new building.  Not only will the building serve the purposes of the county, it will be a wonderful facility for the public.

At least ten Mesa County divisions will be within the new facility.

• building inspections
• elections
• water quality
• motor vehicles
• code compliance
• planning
• engineering
• administration
• supplemental foods
• recording

There is a story on KREX that shows an interview about this facility and some images of the interior of the building.

Cerberus PRO – an intelligent fire protection system

The newest additions to both the Siemens and Excel Fire Protection line of products are the Cerberus PRO line of fire control panels and detectors.  With their flexible and scalable technology, the Cerberus PRO panel family comprises a stand-alone control panel for smaller applications and networkable control panel for more complex applications.

The Cerberus PRO detector family offers fire detectors for standard as well as demanding application areas.  With their unique ASAtechnology (Advanced Signal Analysis) these detectors prevent costly false alarms.  ASA detectors ar selectable as multi-criteria fire, heat, smoke, and CO life safety detectors.

Cerberus PRO

Complete fire protection system

Cerberus™ PRO is an intelligent fire protection system that covers a variety of applications. The comprehensive portfolio includes:

• Fire detectors with excellent reliability that prevent false alarms and meet the requirements of the fire safety and carbon monoxide codes NFPA 72 and NFPA 720
• Control panels, fire terminals, remote terminals, and displays that are easy to operate
• Range of peripheral devices, from notification devices to manual alarm stations

Unique detector technology

With its unique detector technology, Cerberus PRO takes reliable detection, fast notification, and quick response to a higher level:

• Redundant sensors increase the reliability of the detectors
• Forward /backward light scattering technology ensures enhanced sensitivity to actual fires
• Detectors with ASAtechnology™ ensure fast, reliable detection even in demanding environments

Benefits at a glance

• A fire alarm system that is custom-built according to your safety and budget needs
• Quick, reliable detection of fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide
• Simple panel operation with easy access to all functions
• Solutions for a variety of applications
• Enhanced detection technology making detectors virtually immune to false alarms
• Fire alarm system is flexible and can be adapted to meet changing needs or building conditions
• Supported by Siemens’ 160 years of experience in fire safety

FC901 fire control panel

A stand-alone control panel for smaller applications

The FC901 fire control panel is a basic, stand-alone panel. It is an excellent choice to cost-effectively install a simple fire alarm system in a small application. Up to 50 detectors or peripheral devices devices can be connected – from our Cerberus™ PRO family as well as other existing Siemens fire protection systems. Additionally, you will be able to connect future Siemens devices. This makes FC901 a safe and long-term investment. The basic FC901 is specifically suitable for applications such as:

• Retail shops
• Doctor’s offices
• Dry cleaners
• Small restaurants
• Strip malls
• Banks
• Small commercial buildings

Common features:

• Max. number of C-NET addresses: 50
• Number of integrated C-NET circuits: either one class A or two class B
• Number of NAC circuits: either one class A or two class B

FC922 control panel – small to medium applications

The FC922 control panel is the right choice for small to medium applications. You can connect up to 252 detectors and peripheral devices. Even detectors from other fire protection systems from Siemens are compatible. Peer-to peer networking allows up to 16 panels to be connected. This also enables quick and easy adaptation to future changes in building structure. Additionally, FC922 can also be integrated into a management station from Siemens. The FC922 is specifically suitable for applications such as:

• Apartment complexes
• Food stores
• Data centers
• Telecommunications
• Industrial facilities
• Smaller hotels

Common features:

• Max. number of C-NET addresses: 252
• Number of integrated C-NET circuits: two class A; it is also possible to install two class B circuits instead of one class A circuit
• Number of NAC circuits: either one class A or two class B 

FC924 control panel – for medium to larger applications

The FC924 control panel is ideal to install medium to mid-size applications. You can connect up to 504 detectors and peripheral devices. Detectors from other fire protection systems from Siemens are also compatible. Peer-to peer networking allows up to 16 panels to be connected. This also enables quick and easy adaptation to future changes in building structure. Additionally, FC924 can also be integrated into a management station from Siemens. The FC924 is specifically suitable for applications such as:

• Shopping malls
• 1 and 2 floor office buildings
• Schools
• Retirement or assisted living facilities
• Warehouses
• Libraries
• Extended stay facilities

Common features:

• Max. number of C-NET addresses: 504
• Number of integrated C-NET circuits: four class A; it is also possible to install two class B circuits instead of one class A circuit
• Number of NAC circuits: either one class A or two class B

ASAtechnology  Advanced detectors for demanding environments

Siemens unique ASAtechnology™ (Advanced Signal Analysis) provides Cerberus™ PRO advanced detectors with an exceptionally fast response to flames caused by the combustion of liquid and solid matter. They are also highly reliable in preventing false alarms caused by deceptive on-site phenomena like:

• Machine exhaust gases
• Dust
• Steam

Detectors with  ASAtechnology provide both fire and carbon monoxide (CO) detection with innovative technology for maximum life safety. The additional CO sensor provides the earliest detection of CO-generating fumes independently from fire. The CO detector complies with the requirements of the fire safety and carbon monoxide codes and standards UL 2075 and NFPA 720.

Customizable protection in any environment

Cerberus PRO Advanced detectors can be optimally tailored to meet current environmental requirements. Offering more than 20 application-specific detection profiles, they can be adjusted to the expected environmental condition. You can also easily and quickly change between the profiles, should the conditions change. This makes the advanced detectors a safe and long-term investment.

Cerberus PRO Advanced detectors are especially suited for:

• Data centers and IT equipment
• Telecommunications facilities
• Hospitals and nursing homes
• Restaurants and small commercial kitchens
• Auto repair shops and parking garages
• Industrial production facilities
• Warehouses
• Power generation facilities

Nick L. - Commercial Hood Specialist

Today we are happy to present an interview with the President of Excel Fire Protection, Ray Segura.  As January rolled around the calendar again, Excel Fire Protection officially turned 30 years old!

In those 30 years there have been many services that have come and gone, primarily because Ray only wants to provide the best to his customers.

Commercial Hood Servicing is a complicated matter, and Ray has searched for many years for the right person to take on that division of his company.  That day has finally come.  Ray is pleased to welcome Nick Lankilde to the Excel Fire Protection Team.

Question:  What have you been doing for commercial hood servicing before Nick L. was a part of the team?

Ray: There are two parts to commercial hoods, the cleaning, and the servicing of the fire suppression units.  Excel Fire Protection was servicing the fire suppression units, and leaving the cleaning to other companies.

It felt like we were not serving the customer properly.  With the unit still dirty we had to leave the owner with a warning that they still had an extremely dangerous fire hazard in their kitchen until they could get it cleaned.

Question: It would seem that this was an opportunity to pair up with a company that cleaned the units.  Is there a reason this did not happen?

Ray:  The way that most companies address cleaning a kitchen hood is with a pressure washer.  As you can imagine there is a lot of baked on, hard, crusty grease.  The pressure washer can only do so much, it does does not remove all of it.

Not to mention the mess that that it creates in the kitchen!  Just imagine taking a pressure washer in to clean a part of kitchen at home.  It is the wrong tool for the job!

Question:  How does Excel Fire Protection clean the kitchen hoods differently?

Ray:  I have wanted to bring professional hood cleaning into the valley for well over 20 years.  It is really hard and dirty work, but very rewarding.  Very few people enjoy working with their hands anymore.

Nick L. cleans the kitchen hoods the old fashioned way, he scrubs them by hand.  He uses special de-greasers, scrapers, and hand pads that are designed for hood cleaning.  They are buffed and polished.  Before he leaves the kitchen the floor is mopped, the appliances are all wiped down.

Nick is so proud that he always says, “You can eat off this hood.”

Not only does this extend the life of the hood, but it prevents fires from starting in the ventalation system.

I am really excited about.  It has been a long time since I met someone with his type of attitude.  He is excited, and he loves what he does.  He feels that he is providing a necessary service to our customers.

For the first time in many years we are finishing the job, going full circle, and completing the process to the level of professionalism that I had been wanting for years.

Question:  Why is it so important to get the kitchen hood cleaned the right way?

Ray:  Fire is the number one reason a business will not be able to open.  According to Home Computing Magazine, “30% of all businesses that have a major fire go out of business within a year. 70% fail within five years.” (http://www.dscorp.net/infocenter.php?sub=3)

It is the main reason that you need to make sure your fire suppression inspector is qualified to do that inspection.

Not only is the hood cleaned beyond what is currently available.  Nick L. will supply the company with a full inspection report with before and after photos.

This report is also sent to the fire marshal, notifying them that the fire supression system has been serviced, and it is properly tagged.

Question:  How much time does it take to clean a hood?  I am sure this is a very big concern with restaurant owners.

Ray:  Nick L. and his team work around the restaurant’s schedule.  You can’t just let this go for another month or two they have to be cleaned on a regular schedule.

We charge a fair and reasonable fee for getting it done, but it is with the highest quality.

Question:  Is there anything else that sets apart this new team?

Ray:  Finally I have filled the special hazards team.  They are backed by Excel Fire’s bonding and insurance and a company that is solid in the community and has been for 30 years.  The management team is rooted in the community with strong commitment to growing Excel Fire Protection.

Question:  What restaurants are you working with?

We are finding a lot of the restaurants are desperate for the service.  Right now we are working with the following restaurants and the list keeps growing daily!

Grand Villa, Tequilas, Fiesta Guadalajara, Ale House, Tropic Hawaiian BBQ, Enzo’s Italian Pizza, Sonic, Kunikos Teriaki Grill, Yoshi Bowl, Carl’s Jr., Olive Garden, Cafe Rio, Tea House, Wagon Wheel Restaurant, Bistro Italiano, Caribou Club in Aspen, The Hilltop, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Saint Matthews, Holy Family School, Grand Junction Regional Center, Hyeongje, Village Inn, Rib City, and Qudoba.

Question:  Is Nick L. related to Joe L., The Fire Guy?

Ray:  They are brothers!  The Langkilde brothers are our Samoan team – fun, honest, smart, and hard working.  Their family has been working in the California area for years, and Nick is specialized in hood cleaning.

When you meet them out there they are really interesting gentlemen.

For most companies now a days the largest asset outside of the employees is in electronic data.  A standard ABC fire extinguisher will cause you more anguish than relief if an electrical fire were to start.

Haolotron Extinguishers by Amerex were designed specifically for this type of fire.  The primary agent is HCFC-123 with near-zero ozone depleting potential (0.0098, CFC-11=1.0) and a low global warming potential (77, 100 year CO2 time horizon).

There is no thermal or static shock, which is possible if an employee were to discharge a standard extinguisher on an electronic fire.

Here’s the biggest kicker…

ABSOLUTELY, NO RESIDUE.

Why is that so important?  Well, when you are discharging on electronics, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to turn them back on after everything is said and done?  Of course it would!

A traditional ABC extinguisher when discharged will leave the entire room is in a white cloud that is highly corosive to electronics, not to mention  it takes hours and hours of clean up time.

Imagine if you had to replace every piece of equipment in your office.  While that all may be covered by your insurance, was you data?  Or the man hours to replace that data?

The Halotron extinguishers are a little more expensive up front, however they are far cheaper to maintain in the long run because they don’t require servicing every year, instead it is every 12 years.  They will last for 30 years, as opposed to six, before you have to look for a replacement.

The average Halotron extinguisher will cost about three times more up front than the ones you have sitting on your wall, however it is still cheaper than replacing a single laptop.

These extinguishers are built to the same standard as all Amerex products.  These are not extinguishers that you can pick up at your local big box store.  They are built to last and only available through licensed vendors, such as Excel Fire Protection.

Let Excel Fire Protection evaluate your office and help you determine the right fire extinguisher for the job.

Joe L. - The Fire Guy

Excel Fire Protection is a member of the Colorado Fire Protection Association and we wanted to take a moment to let you know what they are all about.

Per the CFPA web site this is the mission statement and the objectives of the organization.

Mission Statement:

The Colorado Fire Protection Association is organized to promote the requirement of quality fire protection installations for preservation of life and property through education of members, building designers, fire officials and building officials.

Objectives:

• Provide continuous education for members.
• Develop and maintain relationships with fire officials and building officials.
• Develop and maintain relationship and communication with design professionals.
• Promote public awareness of the purpose and effect of stringent fire protection regulations.
• Monitor and promote fire protection regulations through legislation.

History:

The Colorado Fire Protection Association was established in 1985. The CFPA represents all fire sprinkler interests including fire sprinkler contractors, suppliers and manufacturers of fire sprinkler and related equipment, professionals, and authorities having jurisdiction. The  CFPA offers numerous opportunities to attain required continuing education credit through General Meetings, Seminars, and other special training sessions for professional development.

Associations:

Excel Fire Protection is a member of several associations.  It is important to our staff to have the most up to date training and be associated with professional organizations that add value to our customers.  If you have any question about our association with CFPA, or any other organization we belong to, we will gladly answer all of your questions.

Not only is it important to know how to use a fire extinguisher you can also learn which type of fire an extinguisher will put out.

OSHA has very strict guidelines for training of employees when you place a fire extinguisher.

1910.157(g)(3)
The employer shall provide employees who have been designated to use fire fighting equipment as part of an emergency action plan with training in the use of the appropriate equipment.

While this video will not constitute the training require, it will give you an idea of what needs to be trained.  If you are needing someone to come in and offer a training class to your employees we can provide that service for your company.

Not only will your employees get classroom training, they will get hands on training.  Remember it is your assets that will be protected when the employees learn how to use fire extinguishers.