In today’s global market place, there is an ever-increasing movement for greater fire protection safety and security in industrial sites.

This movement is manifesting itself in the installation of Electronic Remote Controlled Monitor Systems (ERCM’s), replacing manual fire suppression systems especially in the Petrochemical Market Segment. 
One’s response in the first few moments after an industrial event makes the difference between containment and escalation. 
Can one rely on or does one want personnel to place themselves in a highly explosive situation to operate a manual water monitor?  This reflection is prompting a worldwide trend to installation of ERCM’s that can be safely and quickly operated and directed at the fire event.
Although Remote Controlled Monitors Systems have been used for the last 20 years, these systems had been mainly based on hydraulic pressure or water power to affect the directional movement of the water monitors. 
Overall, these systems were quite costly to purchase, to install and to maintain while at the same time providing limited control features. 
However, with the advancement of reliable and flexible electronic controls, ERCM’s are finding their way to the mainstream method to protect valuable industrial facilities and their products offering customised designs for each unique industrial site.
Probably the most important factor when considering a choice for an ERCM System is the choice of the manufacturer and distributor of such equipment. 
Since the equipment is truly a system, it is imperative that the reputation, integrity and reliability of the supplier be considered. 
Does the supplier offer complete system accountability that includes design, manufacturing, programming, certification, commissioning and after-sales support? 
Does the supplier have enough depth in their offering and expertise to assist in the system layout and is their system proposal clear in defining the scope of work that will be performed by them and other contractors that would involved in the successful installation of the system?
Pan Gulf Fire & Security offers complete system design, including the incorporation of CCTV and other associated electronic control systems.
Since ERCM’s are systems and not just standard water monitors, it is imperative that the entire electronic system configuration be rated and certified for hazardous condition environments. 
Overall, the traditional, standardised FM and UL designations for the monitors and nozzles themselves do not necessarily apply to the complete, customised system that is used for each installation. 
Thus, it is necessary that NFPA Class I Division II and CE ATEX non-incendive electronic design and build specifications are well understood and built into the electrical component configuration of the entire system to allow operation in hazardous areas even if the electronic enclosure is compromised. 
One should insist that these monitor systems are labeled with these internationally recognised codes.
Other system important features that must be considered when selecting a supplier are as follows. 
Are the electric monitor and nozzle motors AC Brushless and sealed to IP-67 dust and moisture environmental ratings? 
Are they TENV (Totally Enclosed Non Ventilated) and rated for continuous oscillation? 
Do they carry at least a two-year warranty? 
Are there provisions made in the Electronic Control Enclosures, such as Vortex Cooling units, to maintain correct environmental conditions for the electronic components of the system that are subject to harsh environments?
Another consideration for supplier selection is their range of monitor control schemes. As an example, are they expandable for future monitor system installations? 
One of the latest control technologies to be employed is the use of Touch Screen intuitive operator interfaces. 
These programmable control systems offer improved operator response in catastrophic situations with unlimited flexibility and expandability.
Overall, making a decision to install an Electronic Remote Controlled Monitor System may appear to be complex. 
However, the process is quite simple if one aligns oneself with an internationally recognised supplier with the experience and proven integrity to assist the facility in the step by step process of a successful ERCM installation.