Historic transport infrastructure plays a vital role in connecting communities and supporting tourism. Constructed in 1912, Southend Cliff Lift is a unique and well-used attraction, providing essential access between the seafront and the clifftop.
Electrical systems are at the heart of the lift’s operation and as with all electrically powered assets, they present a potential fire risk. To alleviate this risk a Firetrace automatic fire suppression system has recently been installed to protect the electrical control panel operating the lift.
The Problem
Electrical panels are a common source of fire ignition due to overheating, insulation failure, loose connections, or component faults. When a fire starts inside an enclosed electrical cabinet, it can develop rapidly, often before external smoke detection systems can respond.
At Southend Cliff Lift, a fire within the electrical control panel could lead to:
- Loss of lift operation and extended downtime
- Safety risks to passengers and maintenance staff
- Damage to critical electrical components
- Costly repairs and disruption to local services
Given the confined nature of the panel and its importance to the lift’s operation, a fast-acting, automatic fire suppression solution was required; one capable of detecting and suppressing a fire at source without causing unnecessary damage or disruption.
Which Fire Suppression System?
Traditional building fire systems are not always suitable for protecting enclosed electrical panels. For applications such as lift control panels, switchgear, and electrical enclosures, a localised automatic fire suppression system is the most effective solution. These systems are designed to detect and suppress fires within the enclosure before they escalate, minimising damage and downtime while operating independently of site power.
Firetrace Solution
Firetrace provided an ideal solution for the Southend Cliff Lift installation. The Firetrace electrical fire suppression system was installed directly within the lift’s electrical control panel to provide continuous protection.
The system uses Firetrace’s patented linear heat detection tubing, which is routed throughout the enclosure. In the event of a fire, the tubing detects the heat and ruptures at the point of highest temperature, releasing the extinguishing agent directly onto the source of the fire.
Key benefits of the Firetrace system include:
- Rapid fire detection and suppression at source
- No need for external power, control panels, or electronic detectors
- Reduced downtime and repair costs
- Use of clean agent, providing effective fire suppression without damaging sensitive electrical components
- Pressure switch linked to an alarm sounder to give an immediate audible alert on system discharge or fault
The system operates pneumatically, ensuring reliable performance even during power loss—an essential requirement for lift infrastructure.
By installing a Firetrace automatic fire suppression system, Southend Cliff Lift now benefits from enhanced fire protection for its critical electrical infrastructure helping to safeguard passengers, preserve a valued local asset, and ensure continued reliable operation.