Keraflo’s ‘innovative’ Fire Valves have become the first ever to receive ‘important accreditation’ from the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB), a division of the Building Research Establishment (BRE), the company says.
It added: “This significant endorsement highlights the exceptional standards and build quality of Keraflo’s products, setting a new benchmark for the performance of fire safety in commercial buildings. The path to LPCB accreditation requires products to undergo stringent and rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest safety and performance standards. Keraflo’s Fire Valves have been subjected to these exacting tests, demonstrating their robust design, reliability, and efficiency, in critical fire safety applications.
Designed ‘with advanced features to provide reliable performance in emergency situations’, the valves are built to withstand harsh conditions and maintain functionality over extended periods, ensuring they operate effectively during a fire to manage water flow and pressure. Compatible with a wide range of fire protection systems, the valves can be seamlessly integrated into new installations, or retrofitted into existing systems.
Keraflo said: Highlighting our commitment to unrivalled quality and assurance, the rigorous BRE testing process has enabled the Fire Valve range to boast an unprecedented 10-year warranty – 10 times the industry standard.
“The accreditation for Keraflo comes at an important time in the industry,” explains Richard Braid, MD of Keraflo. “The LPS 1276 standard, issued in December 2018, mandates that contractors must use valves conforming to LPS 2083. However, until recently, LPS 2083 only existed in draft form, leading to varying interpretations and the use of alternative products. This ambiguity ended on May 23 2024, when LPS 2083 became an integral part of the LPS 1276 standard, prohibiting the use of non-compliant alternatives.”
Keraflo says the integration of LPS 2083 into the LPS 1276 standard is ‘a critical step forward for fire safety’. It explained: “This standard outlines the requirements for the design, installation, and maintenance, of fire protection systems, ensuring that all components work together seamlessly to provide optimal protection. The inclusion of LPS 2083 means that fire valves used in commercial buildings should now meet these rigorous standards, eliminating the risk posed by alternatives. This change is expected to save lives by ensuring that all fire protection systems are capable of performing their intended functions under real-world conditions.
“Contractors will need to ensure that all new installations are compliant, and that existing systems are updated to meet the new standards,” Richard Braid added. “For building owners and managers, it offers an opportunity to reassess their fire protection strategies and install appropriate systems that provide the highest level of protection. The use of LPCB-accredited products like Keraflo’s Fire Valves will not only ensure compliance, but also enhance the overall safety profile of their buildings.”