Protectowire Selected by N. Madison Fire Co. for Solar Panel Fire Detection

The North Madison Fire Company voted in favor of installing solar panels on the roof of their station as a way to stabilize future electric costs and assure operating funds. Recognizing that solar panel fires have been on the rise throughout the US the Company looked for suitable options for a fire detection system to monitor the solar panels. Ultimately they choose Protectowire CTI (Confirmed Temperature Initiation) Series Linear Heat Detector as a protective measure.

PEMBROKE, MA, and NORTH MADISON, CT, ISSUED AUGUST 29, 2016…Protectowire FireSystems (www.protectowire.com), a pioneer in the fire protection industry since 1938, was recently selected by the North Madison (Connecticut) Volunteer Fire Company to provide fire detection technology for its newly installed solar panels.


The North Madison Fire Company recently voted in favor of installing solar panels on the roof of their station as a way to stabilize future electric costs and assure that operating funds would be available for purchasing new fire equipment and investing in training. Recognizing that solar panel fires have been on the rise throughout the United States, the North Madison Fire Company looked for suitable options for a reliable fire detection system to monitor the solar panels as a protective measure.

After an exhaustive search, Protectowire CTI (Confirmed Temperature Initiation) Series Linear Heat Detector was selected to ensure fire detection. Unlike traditional spot heat detectors, the design of Protectowire CTI Series Linear Heat Detectors are ideal for solar panel installations, as the detector can be placed directly on the underside of solar panels, providing immediate proximity detection.

The Protectowire CTI Series Linear Heat Detector is able to withstand extreme environmental conditions, including hail, high winds, lightning, ice, birds nests, rodents and other natural forces. The detector only issues an alarm condition when its fixed temperature has been reached. Protectowire manufactures one of the only products that can withstand the outdoor elements and potentially save a structure from complete catastrophic damage.

A Massachusetts-based solar panel company simultaneously installed the panels and the CTI Series Linear Heat Detector. After the installation, the North Madison Fire Company was able to easily integrate the Protectowire CTM-530E control module into the fire alarm control panel already operating in the facility. Now completed, the station has a single zone of approximately 1,000 linear feet providing detection throughout the solar panel array on the roof. A zone map of the rooftop installation enables the fire company to quickly identify a failing panel, assuring quick response if ever needed.

"It is vital for us to ensure that this facility has the best protection so that we can continue to fulfill our mission and protect the lives and property of those that we serve," said Don Macmillan, North Madison Fire Chief.

John Whaling, Protectowires president, said, "We are proud to partner with the North Madison Fire Company - who obviously understand the importance of fire safety better than most - on their efforts to safeguard their solar panel installation. Its alarming how many people dont know about the potential fire hazard of solar panels, and at this point there arent any federal or local regulations mandating a fire detection system for this ever-advancing technology. We hope that the actions of the North Madison Fire Company help more people understand the potential fire risk associated with solar panels, and that this awareness will save structures that use solar panels from potential destruction."

About Protectowire FireSystems
Protectowire FireSystems is a leading manufacturer and distributor specializing in the design and manufacturing of linear heat detectors and special hazard linear heat detection systems for fire protection. Solutions include complete alarm systems suitable for a vast array of industrial and commercial applications. Protectowire systems are used by U.S. Steel, American Electric Power, Chevron Petroleum, Walmart, General Foods, Delta Airlines, and Amtrak, among others. For over 75 years, many of the worlds largest companies have chosen Protectowire to protect their valuable assets and business operations. Protectowire distributes through their vast network of domestic and global distributors. For additional information on Protectowire, please visit www.protectowire.com or call (781) 826-3878.

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