Your server room electrical cabinet is packed tighter than a rush-hour subway car. MCB, RCCB, pelindung lonjakan, terminal blocks—every millimeter of that 35mm DIN rail is occupied. Then the fire safety auditor walks in, points at your panel, and asks the question you’ve been avoiding: “Where’s the fire suppression?”
You glance at the cramped enclosure. There’s no room for a traditional extinguisher cylinder. The budget doesn’t cover piped gas systems. And the thought of water anywhere near live 480V circuits makes your stomach drop.
Here’s the solution you didn’t know existed: an 18mm-wide fire suppression device that mounts directly on your DIN rail, activates automatically when temperature hits 170°C, and floods the cabinet with fire-killing aerosol in under 6 seconds. No external power required. No piping. No compromise on space.
Welcome to the 1P DIN rail solid aerosol generator—the fire suppressor that fits where nothing else can.
What Is a 1P DIN Rail Solid Aerosol Generator?
A 1P DIN rail solid aerosol generator is a compact, self-contained fire suppression unit designed to protect small enclosed electrical spaces up to 0.1 m³—roughly the volume of a standard 600mm × 400mm × 400mm breaker panel.
The “1P” designation tells you everything about its form factor: one pole position. That’s approximately 18mm wide, the exact same footprint as a standard single-pole miniature circuit breaker. You can literally mount it on the DIN rail right next to your MCBs and contactors.
How It Works: Solid Chemistry, No Pressure
Unlike traditional fire extinguishers that rely on pressurized cylinders or piped delivery networks, solid aerosol generators stay non-pressurized until the moment of activation.
Inside the sealed housing sits a solid propellant compound—typically potassium-based. Think of it like a controlled chemical flare. When a thermal sensor detects cabinet temperatures around 170°C (the typical activation threshold), it triggers an exothermic reaction. The solid compound burns in a controlled manner, generating:
- Ultra-fine aerosol particles (1-2 microns)—primarily potassium salts and carbonates
- Inert gases (nitrogen, CO₂)—which pressurize the discharge and slightly dilute oxygen
The reaction completes in under 6 seconds. The aerosol cloud floods the protected volume, attacking the fire at a molecular level.
Key specs at a glance:
| Parameter | Typical Value |
| Lebar | 18mm (1P modular) |
| Melekap | 35mm DIN rail (EN 60715) |
| Pengaktifan | Thermal (no power needed) |
| Trigger temp | 170°C |
| Discharge time | ≤ 6 seconds |
| Agent mass | 10g (protects ~0.1 m³) |
| Service life | Up to 10 years |
| Operating range | -50°C to +90°C |
Pro-Tip: The 170°C activation temperature is critical. It’s high enough to avoid false triggers in poorly ventilated panels (even in 50°C ambient conditions), but low enough to catch electrical fires before plastics fully ignite and release toxic fumes.
Why Aerosol for Electrical Cabinets? “The No-Pipe Advantage”
Electrical cabinets present a fire suppression problem that traditional methods can’t solve elegantly. They’re enclosed, densely packed with energized components, and often located where access is limited.
The Problem: Traditional Suppression Doesn’t Fit
Water and foam? Conductive, corrosive, catastrophic. A sprinkler activation might put out the fire, but it’ll also destroy every piece of electronics in the panel—and probably the panels next to it.
Gas systems (CO₂, FM-200, Novec)? Effective, but they require:
- Pressurized storage cylinders (taking up valuable floor space)
- Distribution piping (expensive to install, requires panel penetrations)
- Pressure monitoring (maintenance overhead)
- Significant upfront cost
For a single 0.5 m³ electrical cabinet, specifying a piped gas system is like hiring a bulldozer to dig a flowerpot hole. Technically capable? Sure. Economically sensible? Absolutely not.
Portable extinguishers nearby? Only useful if:
- Someone is present when the fire starts
- They’re trained to use it
- They’re willing to approach a burning electrical panel
- They can open the cabinet door without getting hit by flames
Good luck with all four at 2 AM on a Sunday.
The Aerosol Solution: Compact, Autonomous, Electrically Safe
Solid aerosol generators solve these problems with a fundamentally different approach:
1. Electrically non-conductive suppression
The aerosol agent is explicitly designed to be electrically non-conductive (per ISO 15779). It won’t short circuits or damage sensitive electronics. Once the fire is out and the aerosol settles, equipment can often resume operation after inspection and cleanup—no wholesale replacement.
2. No infrastructure required
Each generator is completely self-contained. Installation procedure:
- Snap it onto the DIN rail (tool-free clip mount)
- Route the thermal probe cables to strategic locations
- Done
No pipe runs. No pressure vessels. No dedicated suppression room. Installation time measured in minutes, not days.
3. Total flooding for enclosed spaces
Aerosol particles stay suspended for several minutes, creating a fire-suppressing atmosphere throughout the entire cabinet volume. Even if flames are hidden behind cable bundles or terminal blocks, the aerosol reaches them.
Traditional extinguishers require line-of-sight. Aerosol doesn’t care where the fire is.
4. Autonomous operation—no power, no problem
The thermal activation system works whether the building has power or not. The generator doesn’t care if it’s 3 PM on a Tuesday or 3 AM on Christmas. When the cabinet interior hits 170°C, suppression activates. No batteries. No control circuits. No dependencies.
Pro-Tip: For critical applications, you can integrate an auxiliary dry contact alarm output to your BMS. The generator still operates independently, but remote notification lets you dispatch maintenance before equipment damage becomes extensive.
How Solid Aerosol Fire Suppression Actually Works
If you’ve never encountered solid aerosol technology, the mechanism sounds almost sci-fi: a solid compound transforms into a fire-killing cloud in seconds, with zero pressurized storage. Here’s the chemistry, minus the marketing fluff.
The Chemical Reaction: From Solid to Aerosol
Inside the generator sits a hermetically sealed cartridge filled with solid propellant—typically a potassium-based compound like potassium nitrate mixed with organic fuel and binders. When the thermal sensor trips at 170°C, it initiates a controlled exothermic reaction.
The propellant doesn’t explode. It burns, much like a slow-burning flare or a smoke grenade. This combustion generates two critical outputs:
- Ultra-fine aerosol particles (1-2 microns in diameter)—primarily potassium salts and carbonates
- Inert gases (nitrogen and CO₂)—which provide internal pressure to rupture the discharge membrane and disperse the aerosol
The entire reaction completes in under 6 seconds. The discharge membrane ruptures, and a dense white cloud floods the protected volume.
The Suppression Mechanism: Chemical Chain Interruption
Aerosol suppression attacks fire on two levels—but the primary mechanism is pure chemistry.
Primary: Free-radical scavenging (chemical inhibition)
Fire isn’t just “fuel + oxygen + heat.” It’s a self-sustaining chain reaction involving free radicals—highly reactive molecular fragments like H·, OH·, and O·. These radicals propagate combustion by breaking down fuel molecules and generating more radicals in a continuous loop.
Potassium particles from the aerosol intercept and bind with these combustion-essential radicals, forming stable, non-reactive compounds:
- K· + OH· → KOH (potassium hydroxide)
- K· + O· → KO (potassium oxide)
With the radical chain severed, combustion can’t sustain itself. The fire dies—even if fuel and oxygen are still present.
This is fundamentally different from:
- Smothering (which excludes oxygen)
- Menyejukkan (which removes heat)
Aerosol attacks the chemistry of fire at the molecular level. That’s why it requires far less agent mass than CO₂ or inert gas systems.
Secondary: Heat absorption and oxygen dilution
The aerosol cloud also absorbs radiant heat from flames, reducing combustion energy. The inert gases (N₂, CO₂) generated during the reaction dilute oxygen concentration by roughly 2-3%—not enough to be unsafe for people, but enough to make re-ignition harder.
Suspension and Re-Ignition Prevention: “The Suppression Atmosphere”
Unlike CO₂ (which dissipates quickly) or water (which drains away), aerosol particles remain suspended in the air for several minutes. This creates what I call “The Suppression Atmosphere”—a lingering protective cloud that prevents re-ignition while the cabinet cools down.
Even if a smoldering component tries to reignite 60 seconds after initial suppression, the aerosol is still there, ready to attack any new free radicals.
Pro-Tip: After discharge, ventilate the area before re-entry. While the aerosol is non-toxic (approved for normally occupied spaces per EPA SNAP), the post-discharge environment will have reduced visibility and fine particulate in the air. Wear a dust mask during cleanup and inspection—your lungs will thank you.
Where 1P Aerosol Generators Actually Get Used
These devices are purpose-built for small, enclosed electrical spaces where fires can escalate in seconds but traditional suppression is impractical or impossible.
1. Electrical distribution cabinets and switchgear
MCCB panels, low-voltage switchboards, motor control centers. Anywhere you have energized components in a confined metal box.
2. Server racks and telecom equipment
Data centers, cell tower base stations, edge computing nodes. High-density electronics where water is a non-starter and space is at a premium.
3. Solar inverter and battery storage enclosures
Photovoltaic inverters, BESS cabinets, EV charging stations. High-energy equipment in outdoor or semi-outdoor installations where access is limited and ambient temperatures swing wildly.
4. Industrial control panels
PLC cabinets, VFD enclosures, SCADA equipment in factories, refineries, and processing plants. Mission-critical controls that can’t afford downtime.
5. Small transformer stations and cable ducts
Step-down transformer compartments, cable junction boxes, underground vault equipment. Confined spaces where manual fire response is delayed or dangerous.
The common thread? Enclosed volumes under 1 m³, critical equipment, and zero tolerance for water damage. If your fire suppression budget is tight and your cabinet is small, aerosol generators are often the only cost-effective solution that actually works.
Sizing Your Aerosol Generator: The 3-Step Method
Choosing the right aerosol generator comes down to three calculations and one installation decision. Here’s the method.
Step 1: Calculate Cabinet Internal Volume
Measure the internal dimensions of your enclosure—not the external label dimensions. Subtract wall thickness (typically 1.5-2mm for standard sheet metal cabinets).
Formula: Volume (m³) = Width (m) × Height (m) × Depth (m)
Contoh: A 600mm × 400mm × 250mm cabinet (external dimensions):
Internal: ~596mm × 396mm × 246mm
0.596 × 0.396 × 0.246 = 0.058 m³
Round up to 0.06 m³ for safety margin.
Step 2: Apply Design Density
Aerosol generators are sized by agent mass per protected volume. The industry standard for total flooding protection in electrical cabinets is approximately 100 g/m³.
Formula: Required agent mass (g) = Volume (m³) × Design density (100 g/m³)
For our 0.06 m³ example: 0.06 × 100 = 6 g
So a 10g generator (like the VIOX QRR0.01G/S) provides adequate coverage with a healthy safety margin (~67% over minimum).
Step 3: Account for Obstructions and Airflow
If your cabinet has dense cable bundles, solid partitions, or poor internal air circulation, you need to compensate:
- Option A: Multiple smaller generators. Position units to cover different zones. For example, two 10g generators for a 0.15 m³ cabinet with a solid center partition.
- Option B: Increase agent mass by 20-30%. Use a larger single unit to overcome distribution challenges.
- Option C: Strategic probe placement. Position thermal probes near known fire-prone areas: bus bars, transformers, high-current terminals, cable entry points.
Step 4: Position Thermal Probes Like a Pro
Most 1P generators come with dual thermal probes (top and bottom). Here’s where to put them:
- Top probe: Mount near the highest point where hot gases accumulate—typically the cabinet roof, directly above bus bars or high-power components.
- Bottom probe: Position near potential ignition sources at the base—transformers, high-load terminal blocks, cable entry glands.
Hot air rises, but electrical faults can originate anywhere. Dual probes ensure coverage regardless of fire location.
Pro-Tip: If your cabinet has a known “hot spot”—say, a transformer that runs at 80°C under normal load—position a probe within 10cm of it. Don’t rely on convection alone to carry heat to a distant sensor. Direct detection is always faster.
Quick Reference Sizing Table
| Cabinet Volume | Minimum Agent Mass | Recommended Product |
| Up to 0.1 m³ | 10g | VIOX QRR0.01G/S (1P) |
| 0.1 – 0.3 m³ | 30g | Larger rail unit or 3× 10g units |
| 0.3 – 1.0 m³ | 100g | Industrial aerosol (non-DIN rail) |
| Over 1.0 m³ | Custom | Engineered system or gas suppression |
For cabinets over 1.0 m³: Consider engineered aerosol systems or conventional clean agent suppression. DIN rail generators are optimized for small enclosures where traditional methods don’t make economic sense.
Installation: Easier Than Installing an MCB
Installing a 1P aerosol generator is simpler than you’d expect. If you can install a circuit breaker, you can install one of these.
Hardware Installation (5 minutes)
- Mount the generator on 35mm TS35 DIN rail
The integrated spring-loaded clip snaps directly onto the rail. No tools required. No fasteners. Just press and click. - Route thermal probe cables
Standard probe cables are 10cm long. Custom lengths up to 50cm are available if you need to reach specific hot spots. Route one probe to the top of the cabinet, one to the bottom (or near known high-risk components). - Alternative mounting (if DIN rail space is limited)
3M adhesive backing is available as a custom option. Clean the mounting surface, peel, stick. Done.
Commissioning (0 minutes)
There is no commissioning. No programming. No electrical connections.
Once mounted, the generator transitions immediately to operational standby. It monitors temperature continuously through passive thermal elements—no batteries, no power supply, no dependencies.
Activation and Replacement
Activation is automatic and irreversible. When cabinet temperature reaches 170°C, the unit discharges. Post-discharge, the unit must be replaced—it’s a single-use device designed for one activation event.
Think of it like a car airbag: you hope you never need it, but if you do, it works exactly once and then gets replaced.
Operational Considerations:
- Designed for enclosed, normally unoccupied spaces
- Aerosol is non-toxic and environmentally safe (zero ODP/GWP)
- Discharge creates dense particulate cloud that temporarily reduces visibility
- Enclosures should be reasonably sealed to maintain suppression concentration
- After discharge, ventilate for a few minutes before re-entry
- Equipment can typically be inspected and returned to service following standard post-fire protocols
Pro-Tip: Mark the installation date on the generator housing with a permanent marker. While the service life is rated up to 10 years, you’ll want to track age for replacement planning. Set a calendar reminder at year 9.
Standards & Certifications: What to Look For
Aerosol fire suppression is regulated technology. When specifying a 1P DIN rail generator, confirm it meets these standards—don’t just take the manufacturer’s word for it.
Piawaian Amerika Utara
NFPA 2010 (Fixed Aerosol Fire-Extinguishing Systems)
The primary installation standard in North America. Defines design, installation, testing, and maintenance requirements. If you’re working with US-based AHJs (fire marshals, insurance underwriters, building inspectors), NFPA 2010 compliance is often non-negotiable.
UL 2775 / ULC-S508
Underwriters Laboratories’ product safety standard for condensed aerosol extinguishing system units. UL-listed products have undergone independent testing for:
- Fire suppression performance
- Keselamatan elektrik
- Environmental impact
- Reliability under stated conditions
UL listing isn’t legally required, but good luck getting insurance approval without it.
Piawaian Antarabangsa
ISO 15779:2011 (Condensed Aerosol Fire Extinguishing Systems)
International standard covering requirements, test methods, and safety recommendations. The updated ISO/DIS 15779.2 revision is in progress as of 2025, with expected publication in 2026.
EN 15276-1 (Fixed Fire-Fighting Systems – Condensed Aerosol Extinguishing Systems)
European standard for aerosol system components and installation. Required for CE marking in EU markets.
Environmental Approval
EPA SNAP Approval
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Significant New Alternatives Policy program. Certifies aerosol agents as safe for use in occupied spaces with:
- Zero ozone depletion potential (ODP = 0)
- Negligible global warming potential (GWP < 1)
- No long-term atmospheric persistence
SNAP approval means the agent won’t contribute to ozone layer depletion or climate change—important if your company has environmental goals.
What This Means for Procurement
If you’re specifying for a project with regulatory oversight:
- North America: Require UL 2775 listing + NFPA 2010 compliance
- Eropah: Require EN 15276-1 compliance + penandaan CE
- International projects: carilah ISO 15779 compliance
Pro-Tip: Always request certification documents and installation manuals before purchase order. If the manufacturer can’t provide third-party test reports from recognized labs (UL, FM Approvals, VdS, LPCB), walk away. “Meets ISO 15779” and “Tested to ISO 15779” are very different claims.
Conclusion: The Fire Suppressor That Fits Where Others Can’t
Here’s the reality about electrical cabinet fires: they’re rare, but when they happen, you measure response time in seconds, not minutes. A bus bar arc, an overloaded terminal, a failed transformer winding—any of these can ignite insulation and spiral into a cabinet-consuming fire before you even get the alarm notification.
Traditional suppression methods face a harsh truth:
- Water destroys what the fire doesn’t
- Piped gas systems cost more than the equipment they protect (for small cabinets)
- Portable extinguishers require human presence and intervention
The 1P DIN rail solid aerosol generator solves this with elegant simplicity:
- 18mm of rail space
- 10 grams of solid propellant
- Zero external dependencies
- 170°C thermal trigger
- 6 saat to full discharge
- 10 years of silent vigilance
No piping. No cylinders. No annual refills. No power supply. No commissioning. Just clip it on the rail, position the thermal probes, and forget about it until the manufacture date says it’s time to replace.
If you’re specifying electrical cabinets for critical applications—server rooms, solar farms, telecom stations, industrial controls—ask yourself: can you afford tidak to protect them?
A 10g aerosol generator costs less than a single emergency service call. Cabinet replacement after a fire? That’s weeks of downtime and five figures in replacement costs, minimum. Plus the investigation, the insurance claim, the explanation to management about why critical equipment wasn’t protected.
The math isn’t complicated. The decision shouldn’t be either.
Ready to protect your electrical cabinets? Explore VIOX’s QRR0.01G/S Series 1P DIN Rail Solid Aerosol Generators—engineered specifically for space-constrained applications where reliability isn’t optional. Contact our technical team for sizing guidance, installation support, and certification documentation.
Need help with a specific installation? Our application engineers can review your cabinet layouts and recommend optimal generator placement and probe positioning. Reach out through the contact form or call our technical hotline.
