P50 AVD fire extinguishers and fire blankets launched by Britannia Fire

The development of these products responds to a sharp increase in fire episodes involving lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, e-bikes and e-scooters, as well as consumer electronics and communication systems.

The new AVD fire extinguisher is the latest addition to Britannia Fire’s popular P50 range. All P50 extinguishers are manufactured from innovative and lightweight composite materials that resist corrosion and require minimal servicing.

The P50 AVD contains a water-based extinguishing fluid mixed with vermiculite particles, specifically formulated for combating lithium-ion battery fires. Vermiculite is a natural mineral which is safe for the user and the environment. When sprayed on a fire, the water acts as a cooling agent, while the vermiculite forms an insulating layer, in turn smothering the flames and preventing reignition.

The ideal complement to the P50 AVD, Britannia Fire’s AVD fire blankets have been designed as the first barrier to help contain and control lithium-ion battery fires. Made from specialist high-silica glass fibres, with flame and heat-deflecting surface coatings and an oxidised base fabric, the blankets can be placed over a burning battery-powered device to help contain flames, block heat radiation and prevent the fire from spreading. The P50 AVD can then be discharged under the blanket edge to cool and extinguish the fire.

Preventing escalation 

Andy Spence, joint managing director of Britannia Fire, commented: “It’s concerning that fires involving lithium-ion batteries are on the rise. These fires are more explosive and intense than typical fires and can be particularly difficult to manage.”

Spence added: “Our new P50 AVD fire extinguisher and AVD fire blankets provide a powerful solution for tackling these fires. The blanket isolates and contains the incident, helping to prevent escalation, while the P50 AVD rapidly cools and suppresses the flames with precision and safety.”

Lithium-ion battery devices are now prevalent in many professional spaces and industries, as well as consumer households, meaning that demand for specific lithium-ion fire protection is growing.

On that note, Spence observed: “Many of us rely on lithium-ion powered devices every day, both at home and at work, which is why having the right fire protection in the right places is essential. The AVD products are particularly suitable for areas with charging stations or clusters of e-battery devices, whether that’s car parks, warehouses, workspaces, bike storage areas or IT equipment rooms.”

Simple checks

As is the case with all P50 extinguishers, the P50 AVD is environmentally-friendly and fully recyclable with a 20-year service life and a ten-year guarantee. Unlike traditional metal fire extinguishers, P50s don’t require costly annual servicing. Instead, simple checks can be carried out by the ‘Responsible Person’ and record-keeping logged through the Britannia Fire App.

The AVD fire blankets are supplied with handling loops for easy application and tethering and are available in three sizes: small for electronics such as laptops, mobile phones or two-way radios, medium (for e-bikes or e-scooters) and large for electric vehicle applications.