FireBag® Provides Fire Safety Layer of Protection for Natural Gas Heated Homes

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May 16, 2017, 08:35 ET

CLARK, N.J., May 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The FireBag® provides an important layer of protection for residential houses serviced with natural gas. When installed at the gas meter, the FireBag automatically stops the flow of gas to the home in fire situations. When the ambient temperature reaches 203-212° F, the FireBag's internal metal alloy melts and releases a spring-operated plug to completely close and stop the gas flow. The FireBag is a passive gas safety device that does not impede gas flow unless a fire occurs.

Once installed, the FireBag is virtually maintenance free. It does not require regular inspections like active safety devices. It is not affected by external factors and continues to work during servicing operations.

Originally designed in 1992 to meet stringent international fire safety standards, the FireBag conforms with the temperature and leakage requirements of ANSI/API 607 for natural gas, propane and butane. The FireBag also meets and exceeds strict state requirements, such as the Massachusetts G.L.c. Section 75A of Chapter 164, Ruling #14899: Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the Installation and Design of Automatic Shut Off Devices. Five million FireBags are currently in use worldwide. Massachusetts requires Thermal Gas Shutoffs at the gas meter and has since 1974.

According to the American Gas Association (AGA), gas utilities invest more than $7 Billion every year in safety enhancements, upgrades, and expanded service. Safety enhancements include installation of:

Seismic or earthquake gas shutoffs to stop gas flow in the event of earthquakes
Excess Flow Valves shutoffs to stop gas flow when excavation work punctures the gas line
FireBag thermal shutoffs to stop gas flow when a fire occurs

Utility employees pride themselves on their record of safe and reliable natural gas service, keeping customers warm and safe with affordable natural gas. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, natural gas has a long history of being the preferred choice for residential heating fuel. And natural gas has fewer emissions of nearly all types of air pollutants and carbon dioxide per unit of heat produced than oil or electricity generated from coal plants.

FireBag Features

Working Pressure: 72.5 PSIG NPT, 232 PSIG Flanged
Working Temperature: -4° F to +140° F (-20° to +60° C)
FireBag® Set-Off Temperature: 203° – 212° F (95° – 100° C)
FireBag® Heat Resistance: 1,697° F (925° C) for 60 minutes
Material and Finishing: Zinc-plated steel

More information on the FireBag® Thermal Activated Gas Shutoff can be found at:

About Teco Americas
Teco Americas is a privately held company that sells innovative fire safety products. Teco Americas products are designed specifically for the American market, meeting U.S. threading standards. The company's thermal shutoff FireBag and excess flow valves are used throughout the world, meeting international fire safety standards for natural gas, propane, and butane shutoff. For more information, contact Teco Americas at (716) 830-3715, by e-mail at [email protected] or visit www.tecoamericas.com .

Contact:
Jean Steckler
Teco Americas
Cell: (917) 748-7450
[email protected]
http://www.tecoamericas.com

SOURCE Teco Americas