KO
- Samsung C&T is introducing advanced fire safety technologies to strengthen fire prevention and emergency response in apartment residential complexes
- New solutions include a smart charging cabinet for lithium-ion batteries, a reversible heat-resistant fan for underground parking facilities, and a leak-detecting sprinkler as part of an integrated fire safety system
As fire safety becomes an increasingly important priority in apartment communities, Samsung C&T Engineering & Construction (E&C) Group is strengthening its approach to prevention, response, and residential safety.
With recent apartment fires drawing greater social attention, the need for advanced fire prevention technologies has continued to grow. In response, the Group is introducing and further developing a range of fire safety technologies designed specifically for apartment construction sites and residential complexes.
The company is building an integrated fire safety system that extends from the construction phase to the daily lives of residents after move-in. Through this approach, Samsung C&T E&C aims to create safer Raemian residential complexes supported by technologies that help prevent fires, detect risks earlier, and improve emergency response.
Smart Charging Cabinets for Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
Samsung C&T E&C has introduced a smart charging cabinet equipped with a self-extinguishing function at construction sites including Raemian Ellavine, the redevelopment project for Banghwa District 6. The technology was developed to help prevent fires associated with the increasing use of secondary batteries, including lithium-ion batteries used in power tools.
At apartment construction sites, secondary batteries for tools are typically charged inside dedicated storage cabinets made with non-combustible materials. These cabinets are equipped with automatic fire extinguishers installed on the ceiling to support early response in the event of a fire. However, fully suppressing fires caused by secondary batteries has remained challenging.
To address this issue, the Group jointly developed a smart charging cabinet with Korea Fire Equipment Manufacturing. The cabinet contains 8 liters of dedicated extinguishing fluid that has demonstrated fire suppression performance for lithium-ion batteries. It is also equipped with three temperature sensors and two extinguishing agent spray nozzles, allowing the system to automatically detect fire during battery charging and release extinguishing agent. A cooling fan has also been added to help prevent overheating.
Fire risks related to secondary batteries are not limited to construction sites. They are also expanding into everyday residential spaces, including electric bicycle batteries used within apartment communities. Samsung C&T E&C plans to install smart charging cabinets in the common areas of future new Raemian complexes, allowing residents to store and charge secondary batteries with various fire risks more safely.
The smart charging cabinet has also been available for purchase since May through Homeniq, Samsung C&T’s apartment residential life care platform.
Reversible Heat-Resistant Fans for Underground Parking Facilities
Samsung C&T E&C is also developing a high-performance smoke exhaust system called the Reversible Heat-Resistant Fan in collaboration with Donghae Air Tech, an air-conditioning specialist.
Conventional ventilation fans in underground parking facilities are mainly designed for everyday air circulation. In the event of a fire, fire response has typically relied on sprinkler systems. The Reversible Heat-Resistant Fan is designed to function differently depending on the situation. During normal operation, it runs in a low-airflow ventilation mode. When a fire occurs, it adjusts the airflow volume and direction in real time to exhaust smoke outside.
The system is especially designed to support response in the event of an electric vehicle fire. By operating at maximum airflow, the fan forcibly removes toxic gases and helps secure additional time for residents to evacuate and rescue personnel to safely enter the affected area.
Leak-Detecting Sprinklers for Earlier Risk Identification
The Group has also jointly developed a leak-detecting sprinkler with Paratech, a specialist in fire protection systems, after proposing the idea to the company.
The sprinkler features a cover surrounding the sprinkler head with a built-in drainage outlet. If leakage occurs, the structure allows residents or facility managers to visually confirm the issue more quickly. By making minor leakage easier to detect, the system can help identify possible sprinkler malfunctions at an early stage and support fire prevention.
The technology can also help prevent water damage caused by equipment malfunction, contributing to both safety and residential quality. Samsung C&T E&C plans to gradually apply the leak-detecting sprinkler to future new Raemian complexes.
Building a Prevention-Focused Fire Safety System
In addition to developing new technologies, Samsung C&T has established a dedicated Fire Safety Technology Group within its Housing Development Division to strengthen fire prevention at apartment construction sites.
Composed mainly of employees with fire safety-related certifications, the group is responsible for establishing fire safety standards tailored to apartment construction sites and developing related fire safety technologies. It also conducts fire safety manager training and on-site inspections.
Through these activities, the Group is moving beyond legal compliance to build a prevention-centered safety management system that is better suited to actual construction site conditions.
“Samsung C&T is continuing to expand its organization and technology development efforts to prevent fires at apartment construction sites and create residential facilities that remain safe from fire after move-in,” a Samsung C&T official said. “Based on an integrated fire safety system that covers both site safety and everyday residential safety, we will continue to create living environments where customers can feel secure.”
