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Inside-the-box protection that needs no power

Automatic Tube Suppression for Cabinets, CNC Machines and Panels

Firetrace · Rotarex Firetec · Stat-X Canada & United States $$$ · Quote-only; no public price

A pressurised polymer tube runs through the protected enclosure; heat from a fire bursts the tube and releases agent right at the source. It needs no electrical power to detect or discharge.

Why we like it

  • Detects and discharges inside the enclosure, at the source of the fire
  • No power needed for activation
  • Choice of agents to suit the hazard, from clean agent to CO2 to Class D powder

Watch out for

  • Protects only the enclosure; open-front machines need sealing to hold agent
  • Tube can be damaged by abrasion or chemicals
  • Quote-only pricing; ask for the specific UL/FM listing
Best for

CNC machines, electrical panels, fume hoods, battery cabinets and wind turbine nacelles.

Read the full market guide — costs, install effort and alternatives ↓
Market guide

The whole commitment, end to end

What this actually is, what the market looks like, what it really costs, and how much of your time it wants — before you spend anything.

Buying it Moderate
Installing it Hard
Living with it Easy
Up front

No reliable public figure — get quotes. Firetrace prices on request.

Lead time

Quote and design by a distributor; varies

Time to install

Hours per enclosure for simple systems

How it works

A pressurised polymer detection tube is routed through the enclosure. When fire heats the tube, it softens and bursts at the hottest point. In a direct system, agent discharges straight out of that burst point. In an indirect system, the pressure drop opens a valve that sends agent to fixed nozzles. Agents include FK-5-1-12, CO2, dry chemical, Class D powder and nitrogen, chosen for the hazard. A pressure switch can signal an alarm panel or shut down the machine.

Who needs it

An owner or insurer choice for CNC machines, electrical panels, fume hoods, wind turbine nacelles and battery cabinets.

Codes, standards and listings

Canada
Pre-engineered systems under the NFPA standard for the agent used (NFPA 2001 clean agent, NFPA 12 CO2, NFPA 17 dry chemical). Ask for the ULC listing.
United States
Pre-engineered systems under the NFPA standard for the agent used (NFPA 2001, NFPA 12, NFPA 17). Firetrace says its systems are tested and approved by third parties; ask for the specific UL/FM listing.

What the market looks like

Sold through manufacturer distributor networks — Firetrace offers a distributor portal and quote requests — with installation by trained distributors recommended; some units are also sold through industrial suppliers. Makers include Firetrace and Rotarex Firetec; Stat-X sells thermal aerosol units for cabinets. We found no public pricing.

Features that actually matter

Direct discharge
Agent comes out of the burst point in the tube. Simple and suited to small enclosures.
Indirect discharge
The tube acts as a detector and opens a valve feeding fixed nozzles. Better for larger volumes.
Agent choice
FK-5-1-12, CO2, dry chemical, Class D powder or nitrogen, depending on the hazard.
Machine shutdown
A pressure switch can signal an alarm panel or cut power to the machine.

What it really costs

Up front
No reliable public figure — get quotes. Firetrace prices on request.
Consumables
Agent and tube replacement after a discharge. No reliable public figure — get quotes.
What else you'll need
Alarm and shutdown wiring, and sealing work on open enclosures. No reliable public figure — get quotes.
Over five years
Typically semiannual inspections. No reliable public figure — get quotes.

No public price was found; Firetrace and similar makers price on request.

How it differs from the alternatives

Versus room-level sprinklers
A sprinkler responds once the room ceiling is hot. A tube system acts inside the cabinet, earlier, and can use an agent that does not harm electronics.
Versus a portable extinguisher
Works unattended, including in machines running overnight.
Versus aerosol units
Stat-X thermal units are self-contained aerosol generators for cabinets — a different technology for a similar job.
01

Buying it

Effort Moderate

Where: Through manufacturer distributor networks (Firetrace distributor portal and quote requests; Stat-X distributors). Some units are sold through industrial suppliers, but installation by a trained distributor is recommended.

Lead time: Quote and design by a distributor; varies

Ask which third-party listings or approvals apply to the specific model and agent you are buying.

02

Installing it

Effort Hard

Time: Hours per enclosure for simple systems

You'll need: Trained distributor install recommended

Route the tube away from moving parts, abrasion and chemicals.

03

Living with it

Effort Easy

Typically semiannual inspection of pressure gauges and tube condition.

If not this, then what

  • Stat-X thermal aerosol unitsSelf-contained units for cabinets and panels.
  • Wet-pipe sprinkler system (NFPA 13)Room-level protection, but slower to react to a fire inside an enclosure and uses water.

Caveats

  • Protects only the enclosure; open-front machines need enclosures sealed enough to hold the agent.
  • The tube can be damaged by mechanical abrasion or chemicals.
  • Ask for the UL, ULC or FM listing that applies to each model and use.
Our verdict

For a costly machine or panel where a fire would start inside a box, a tube system puts detection and agent exactly where it is needed. Get the listing details in writing, and seal the enclosure well enough to hold the agent.

We don't take payment for placement and we don't sell these products. If you think we've got something wrong here, tell us — we'll correct it.

Sources

  1. Firetrace

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