Technical questions about passive fire protection
FIREQUELL products use a thermally activated mechanism. When ambient temperature reaches the rated activation threshold (80°C, 140°C, or 180°C depending on model), the agent container automatically opens and releases perfluorohexanone clean agent. There are no electronics, sensors, batteries, or moving parts that require power. Activation is purely physical, driven by thermal expansion and engineered release mechanisms.
Perfluorohexanone is a clean-agent fire extinguishant used in data centers, aircraft, and critical infrastructure. It extinguishes fire primarily through heat absorption and chemical interruption of the combustion chain reaction. It has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP=0), global warming potential of 1 (GWP=1), and atmospheric lifetime of just 5 days. It leaves no residue and is safe for electronics.
In a 0.2m³ enclosed test volume, activation typically occurs within 10 seconds of reaching rated temperature. Actual activation time in field installations depends on enclosure size, airflow, and fire size. The agent disperses rapidly throughout the enclosed volume once released.
All FIREQUELL products have a rated service life of 5 years from installation date. There is no maintenance required during this period. The visual thermal indicator should be inspected during normal facility walkthroughs. After 5 years, units should be replaced.
The built-in thermal indicator contains a proprietary material that permanently changes color (typically from white/clear to black) when exposed to temperatures of 60-70°C or higher. This provides a visual record that an overheating event has occurred, even if no fire was extinguished. Maintenance teams can identify panels that have experienced thermal stress and investigate the root cause. The color change is irreversible.
Yes. Perfluorohexanone is non-conductive, non-corrosive, and leaves zero residue. It is the same agent used to protect server rooms, MRI machines, and aircraft electronics. It will not damage copper, aluminum, circuit boards, or any electrical components. Unlike dry chemical or water-based systems, there is no cleanup required after discharge.
Three factors determine the correct SKU: (1) enclosure volume - larger spaces need more agent, (2) application type - precision electronics need lower activation temperatures, while high-temperature industrial settings need higher ratings, (3) ambient conditions - normal ambient should be at least 20°C below activation temperature. Use our product selector tool or contact our engineering team for a recommendation.
Absolutely. FIREQUELL products are designed for retrofit installation. QuellPatch units have self-adhesive backing. QuellArmor units offer magnetic, adhesive, or snap-on mounting. No modification to existing equipment is required. Installation typically takes 2-5 minutes per panel.
Please see our Certifications page for the current status. SDS (Safety Data Sheets) are available now. UL listing and CE marking are in progress. We are fully transparent about certification status and do not claim certifications we have not received.
FIREQUELL products can suppress the initial flame from a lithium-ion thermal runaway event and help prevent propagation to adjacent cells. However, lithium-ion fires are uniquely challenging due to self-sustaining exothermic reactions. For battery energy storage systems, we recommend QuellArmor High-Capacity (QPA-0210-HCH) as part of a comprehensive fire safety strategy that includes detection, ventilation, and compartmentation.
QuellPatch is a flexible, self-adhesive patch for standard electrical panels and general use. QuellArmor is an aluminum-housed unit with magnetic mounting, replaceable core, and temperature history indicator, designed for industrial environments, energy storage, and applications where durability and reusability are important. QuellTag is the ultra-compact consumer version for plugs and outlets.
Yes. Our QuellWorks division provides custom-engineered solutions for unique form factors, OEM integration, and special applications. Contact our engineering team with your requirements.
After activation, the unit is spent and should be replaced. QuellArmor units have a replaceable core - the aluminum housing can be reused with a new agent cartridge. The area should be ventilated per normal procedures. No residue cleanup is required. We recommend investigating the root cause of the overheating/fire event.
Perfluorohexanone has a NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) of 10% and LOAEL of 15%. In typical electrical panel concentrations, it is well below harmful levels. However, like any fire suppression agent, the area should be ventilated after discharge. It has a higher NOAEL than CO2 at typical design concentrations (see SDS), reducing asphyxiation risk.
FIREQUELL products carry a 5-year warranty against manufacturing defects. If a unit fails to activate at rated temperature under normal conditions, we will replace it. Warranty does not cover physical damage, improper installation, or use outside specified temperature ranges.
