IKU Firetech
IKU Firetech is an external fire suppression system for high-rise buildings. It suppresses a cladding fire at source, on whichever floor it starts, so the fire cannot race up and across the façade.
Why are cladding fires so dangerous?
An external fire climbs the outside of a building faster than firefighters can reach it. The fire at The Address in Dubai spread from one floor to the whole building in under four minutes.
Above 25 storeys, firefighters cannot effectively fight a fire on the outside of a building. Burning debris falling from height slows evacuation and keeps crews away from the base of the building. The fires at The Address and The Torch in Dubai, and at Grenfell Tower in London, showed the cost.
- < 4 min Time for the fire at The Address, Dubai, to spread from one floor to the whole building
- 25 storeys Height above which firefighters cannot effectively fight an external fire
How does IKU Firetech work?
The system is built into the façade and acts on the floor where a fire starts, at any height.
- Suppresses an external fire at source, on any floor of a building of any height.
- Stops burning debris falling from height, so people can evacuate faster and more safely.
- Lets fire crews get close to the base of the building to deploy ladders and equipment.
- Suppresses the breakdown of ACP cladding panels, which drives rapid fire spread.
- Built into new façades or retrofitted to existing buildings, without scaffolding or closing the building.
- 25+ min Cladding fire held back during the NFPA 285 test
- ¼ Cost of fitting Firetech compared with removing and replacing the cladding
Tested to NFPA 285
IKU Firetech was tested at the Thomas Bell-Wright facility in Dubai to NFPA 285, the US standard for fire spread on external walls. It suppressed fire spread on highly flammable ACP cladding for over 25 minutes.
Full test results are available on request.
“On completion of the test, I closely examined the external cladding and was delighted to see only minor heat damage to the combustible external cladding. IKU external fire suppression system managed to do the unthinkable, prevent external fire spread on highly combustible cladding.”
Is it cheaper than replacing cladding?
Yes. Fitting IKU Firetech costs roughly a quarter of removing and replacing ACP cladding.
For buildings with dangerous ACP panels, that makes it a cost-effective way to make them safe again, and it is fitted while the building stays in use.
Full technical details
Specifications, the system design and project enquiries for IKU Firetech are on the brand's own website.
Questions and answers
How does IKU Firetech stop cladding fires?
IKU Firetech is built into the façade and suppresses an external fire at source, on whichever floor it starts. That stops fire spreading up and across the cladding and stops burning debris falling from height.
Has IKU Firetech been tested?
Yes. It was tested to NFPA 285 at the Thomas Bell-Wright facility in Dubai, where it suppressed fire spread on highly flammable ACP cladding for over 25 minutes.
Can IKU Firetech be fitted to an existing, occupied building?
Yes. The system is designed to retrofit to existing buildings without scaffolding or closing the building, as well as to be built into new façades.
How does the cost compare with replacing dangerous cladding?
Fitting IKU Firetech costs roughly a quarter of removing and replacing ACP cladding, which makes it a cost-effective way to make those buildings safe.
Licensing and investment in IKU Firetech
We are talking to investors, licensees and distribution partners for IKU Firetech. Tell us about your interest and region.
Or write to wayneg@iku-firetech.com directly.