With today’s smart and intelligent super-high-rise buildings and the increase in the number of data centres, a fire-detection system needs to be precise and accurate to perform its role efficiently. This has increased market demand for highly sensitive smoke detectors, including aspirating smoke detectors or air-sampling smoke detectors. For a reliable smoke-detection system it is important to have a network of speciality piping that can carry air samples reliably from protected zones to these detectors.
Kunkook E & I, Inc. has been researching its Easy Lock products since 2016 and has developed a unique range of pipes and fittings for aspirating smoke detection, which were introduced at the 2017 NFPA in Boston, USA, and then at the 2018 Intersec in Dubai, UAE. At the 2018 NFPA conference in Las Vegas, Kunkook E & I products attracted much interest from delegates.
Cost-effective new technology
Easy Lock pipes and fittings are designed with a metal lock claw device (similar to a plate spring) by which the pipe is locked tightly onto the fitting, i.e. the claw spring acts as a latching device. The fitting has a tapered design inside so that once the pipe is inserted into the fitting, it cannot come out. Removal requires simply pushing the edge of the fitting to allow the pipe to be extracted easily.

Safety first – no more chemical adhesives
Pipes are traditionally connected to fittings using chemical adhesive, but this can have flammable properties. Moreover, it has a characteristic odour and can be toxic if used improperly. Easy Lock pipes and fittings do not require any chemical adhesive, so avoiding these hazards.
Easy installation – low labour costs
When a chemical glue is applied to a pipe a drying time is required, but with the Easy Lock system a pipe can be connected in one simple movement, and it can be disconnected easily, saving time and labour costs.
Cost-effective – a reusable solution
Re-routing a pipe can become a complex operation with traditional pipes and fittings connected with chemical adhesive. The Easy Lock system provides an innovative solution –using just two fingers, the pipe can be taken out easily and reconnected. So, the pipe can be reused, making it a cost-effective and easy solution.
An improvement on existing pipe connections
The ceiling space of a building or facility can reach high temperatures, especially in a hot climate. Over time some existing pipe connections can separate from their fittings, as the adhesive is weakened by the heat. Easy Lock pipes and fittings overcome this disadvantage with their innovative double-lock (tapered and claw spring) system.
In addition, our sliding supporter can be installed with half the quantity of screws needed for an existing supporter, which may also need an extra device fitted at the bottom in order to adjust the height.
Selecting Easy Lock pipes and fittings for aspirating smoke detection ensures a faster, more reliable and reusable solution, which saves materials, time and labour costs.
Test and approval
Easy Lock products have been subjected to a vertical burn test by FILK (Fire Insurers Laboratories of Korea) based on UL94 V-0. FILK also carried out an air-leak test under 0.5 bar pressure, which showed no leakage where the pipe was connected to the detector. Easy Lock pipes and fittings are certified by UL.
For more information, go to www.kunkook.com