Suppressing the threat of fire in manufacturing plants

The threat of fire is a significant and omnipresent danger for any manufacturing operation. A fire can cause damage to facilities, equipment, products, and, most critically, can impact the lives of workers. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 36,784 fires occur annually ^[i] at industrial and manufacturing properties. The associated yearly losses from these fires include 22 civilian deaths, 211 civilian injuries, and a staggering $1.5 billion in direct property damage. ^[ii]

To minimize the threat, manufacturing facilities need a comprehensive, integrated early fire detection and response strategy designed to address the challenges particular to industrial spaces. For example, these spaces tend to be large and complex, with high ceilings and remote corners that make smoke, carbon, and other gas-detection devices difficult to install, access, and maintain. This often means facilities need to spend thousands of dollars a year to put up and take down scaffolding to reach devices so fire engineers can test them for building code compliance. These physical, manual devise inspections are often expensive and can potentially put workers at risk of injury, especially in facilities with very high ceilings.

Raising the fire safety bar

One answer to these challenges is Honeywell’s new fire and life safety product suite that combines Honeywell Connected Life Safety Services (CLSS), Honeywell XLS4000 fire alarm control panel, and Honeywell Self-Test Detectors. Together, these technologies offer a new all-in-one approach for safeguarding people, property, and assets.

Honeywell CLSS provides remote visibility and diagnostics into fire systems. Experts can monitor fire and safety systems, diagnose issues proactively, and streamline testing procedures – all from a mobile app or computer. This helps improve efficiency, speed up processes and simplify compliance. Importantly, CLSS enables a facility team to address system issues faster and to digitalize compliance reporting.

The XLS4000 fire panel is a scalable, networkable fire safety system that further enhances the CLSS capabilities. Technicians can remotely access panels and detectors, troubleshoot problems, and instantly generate reports, leading to faster response times and reduced on-site service visits. Additionally, the XLS4000 enables Honeywell Self-Test, the world’s first self-testing photo and heat detector solution that automates the test and inspection process. Together, these technologies form a powerful, end-to-end solution designed to minimize disruptions and maximize real-time protection.

Next-gen solutions, next-level convenience

With these integrated solutions, technicians no longer need full access to manufacturing facilities to conduct time-consuming smoke and heat tests and inspections. Instead, they can execute tests remotely and save both facility operators and workers the hassle of unwanted disruptions. Together, the solutions can also help reduce the time needed to inspect fire systems, turning a process that typically takes days and weeks into hours and minutes, with no devices overlooked.

With Honeywell’s integrated and holistic approach to fire safety, manufacturing organizations can operate with greater peace of mind, knowing their facilities and personnel are better protected.

Connect with a Honeywell expert today to learn more on how to upgrade your facility’s fire and life safety system.

^[i] NFPA, Fire in Industrial or Manufacturing Properties [Accessed June 19, 2024]

^[ii] NFPA, Fire in Industrial or Manufacturing Properties [Accessed June 19, 2024]