Product Spotlight: Actuator Assurance
TLX Fire & Security’s actuators meet EN 15004-1 with integrated supervision, ensuring safe installation and discharge in both standard and hazardous fixed gas suppression systems. One of the most crucial components of a fixed gas fire suppression system is the discharge valve actuator. An improperly installed actuator could prevent the system from discharging, endangering people and property. The recent revision to EN 15004-1, the standard followed by countries across Europe and beyond, deals with this very scenario. It now requires
Product Spotlight: Actuator Assurance
TLX Fire & Security’s actuators meet EN 15004-1 with integrated supervision, ensuring safe installation and discharge in both standard and hazardous fixed gas suppression systems. One of the most crucial components of a fixed gas fire suppression system is the discharge valve actuator. An improperly installed actuator could prevent the system from discharging, endangering people and property. The recent revision to EN 15004-1, the standard followed by countries across Europe and beyond, deals with this very scenario. It now requires an audible and visual alarm at the fire control panel if an electric actuator is removed from a cylinder’s discharge valve. These dual alarms are intended to reduce the likelihood that improper actuator installation can go unnoticed. The danger of a fire suppression system being unable to discharge due to improper actuator installation isn’t a new concern for the industry. In 2016, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) implemented a revision to the NFPA 2001 standard with the same requirements for systems in the United States. The alarms are triggered using a supervisory circuit that can detect whether or not the actuator is properly installed, usually in the form of an add-on component. TLX Fire & Security responded to the revision to NFPA 2001 by developing a line of patented linear electric actuators with an integrated supervisory feature. This eliminated the need for a secondary component to provide the necessary supervision. If the actuator is removed from the discharge valve, the audible and visual alarms are triggered and will be cancelled only when the actuator is correctly installed. TLX calls this feature “fully engaged installation detection,” and it’s found on all of TLX’s actuators and valves for fire suppression systems. These UL-864 Recognized Components are designed for systems in non-hazardous environments and come in three sizes to accommodate the operating pressure of any system up to 300 bar. These solutions soon proved themselves in the market, and TLX began receiving inquiries about an actuator for hazardous locations. Because there may be flammable substances in the atmosphere, the actuator is typically enclosed in a protective enclosure. This prevents a spark, which might be caused by an electrical input to the actuator, from igniting these substances. TLX’s engineers decided to design an actuator that acted as its own enclosure. The result was the Explosion Proof Actuator with Supervision, which earned UL HazLoc, ATEX, and IECEx certifications. Uniquely designed as a top-mounted linear electric actuator, it does not act as a pressure vessel on the discharge valve, which helps to reduce the number of potential leak points in the system. All potential flame paths are designed to prevent flame egress, and the enclosure components and flame paths are made from passivated 304 stainless steel, with no brass, bronze, or copper used for any exterior components. The actuator’s internal components can also be configured during production to accommodate any fire suppression system’s operating pressure up to 300 bar, and it features TLX’s integrated fully engaged installation detection. All of TLX’s electric actuators for fire suppression satisfy both NFPA and EN standards for supervision, offering system manufacturers proven solutions that are immediately available for EN 15004-1 compliance. To read more news and articles see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: LinkedIn: International Fire Buyer Twitter (X): @Firebuyer YouTube: @FireBuyerTV Media Contact Rebecca Spayne, Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920
Messe Frankfurt Middle East appoint new Director
Messe Frankfurt Middle East, organisers of Intersec, the event for safety, security and fire protection, and Light + Intelligent Building Middle East, the regional market leader within the light and building technology sector, has appointed Nathan Waugh as Portfolio Director, with a remit for driving growth across both events. Waugh brings a wealth of experience, with a career spanning over 20 years in events and exhibitions in the UAE and the UK, most recently as Portfolio Director for Capital Events, part of the ADNEC Group, where he oversaw 12 exhibitions covering several industry verticals, including the security sector. Following the success of the 2025 editions of Intersec, which welcomed a record 1,209 exhibitors as well as 47,300 visitors, and the co-located Light + Intelligent Building Middle East, which attracted a 10% increase in attendance to 15,948 visitors, Waugh’s appointment will be fundamental in driving continued growth for the flagship events, which have secured a position as the must-attend global showcase for the safety, security and fire protection industries and the lighting and building technology sectors. Ted Bloom, CEO, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “We are delighted to welcome Nathan to Messe Frankfurt Middle East as our new Portfolio Director. With over two decades of experience in the events and exhibitions industry, Nathan brings invaluable expertise and a deep understanding of the security, safety, and technology sectors. “His proven track record in driving strategic growth and delivering world-class exhibitions will be instrumental as we continue to elevate Intersec and Light + Intelligent Building Middle East to new heights. Nathan’s leadership will be pivotal in strengthening our position as a global leader and shaping the future of these flagship events.” Nathan Waugh, Portfolio Director: Security, Technology, and Production, said: “I am excited to have joined Messe Frankfurt Middle East to head up Intersec and Light + Intelligent Building Middle East. These events are both world-class platforms renowned for innovation, collaboration, and business growth, and the opportunity to lead the team to further build on these credentials is one I relish. “I’ve been lucky to join a fantastic, passionate team, and I look forward to working alongside them to further grow and develop these events. My goal is to create new opportunities, drive industry progress, and deliver exceptionally curated experiences that cater to the needs of our exhibitors, visitors, and stakeholders.” The 27th edition of Intersec takes place from 12-14 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, under the patronage of His Highness Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, where it will provide a platform for leaders, policymakers, investment incubators, corporate partners and world-class start-ups to work towards a safer tomorrow. The 27th edition of the event will once again provide the strategy and solutions for those charged with maintaining national and international security, safety, and state-of-the-art fire protection. The 2026 edition of the Light + Intelligent Building event will once again be co-located with Intersec, bringing together global innovators and government bodies, offering cutting-edge products, innovative solutions, and insights into the evolution of lighting and intelligent building technologies through various conferences and workshops. To read more news and articles see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: LinkedIn: International Fire Buyer Twitter (X): @Firebuyer YouTube: @FireBuyerTV Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com
