Automation firm vows to improve UK rail safety after Irish success

A Nottingham firm is set to transform fire safety on the UK rail network after a deal in Ireland to install innovative fire suppression devices.

Aerocom (UK) is in talks with Network Rail following a partnership with Irish Rail, where its partner company, Dynamic Electrical, is supplying hundreds of MAUS Stixx Pro fire suppression devices to tackle electrical fires in train stations and junction boxes.

The small, high-tech devices are installed in electrical panels and can extinguish fires in seconds. They release harmless potassium-based smoke when temperatures exceed 170°C, preventing fires before they spread.

The move by Irish Rail is expected to save costs in fire damage and prevent injuries to staff and passengers.

Aerocom (UK) has exclusive distribution rights for the Stixx Pro in the UK and is in early talks with Network Rail to bring the same solution to the UK rail network.

Tom Hughes, managing director of Nottingham-based Aerocom (UK), 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 the 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.”