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Motorola Solutions announced today that the APX NEXT™ XN P25 smart radio and XVN500 remote speaker microphone (RSM) meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1802 standard, the most stringent in the fire industry for use in hazard zones and conditions. The NFPA 1802 standard was developed to define a more durable portable radio and RSM to support resilient and reliable communications, even in the most extreme fireground situations.
“Portable radios are an indispensable tool for firefighters, and our industry was in need of universal benchmarks to make sure these endure and perform in the most extreme of circumstances,” said Jeanine Nicholson, chief, San Francisco Fire Department. “Our agency was pleased to be a driving force in establishing the rigorous standards and testing criteria for the NFPA certification, and we appreciate the commitment of Motorola Solutions in designing a radio that will improve industry safety.”
The NFPA certification body, the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI), oversees rigorous testing related to the standard, including exposing devices to a direct flame for 10 seconds, 500ºF (260ºC) temperatures for five minutes and 9.8ft (3m) drop tests. In addition, they validate that software safety requirements are met for hazard zone mode, self-checks, data logging, audible and visual alerts and visible event indications. The APX NEXT XN radio and XVN500 RSM meet all NFPA operating environment parameters, as well as requirements for design, performance, testing and certification, without compromising reliability and compatibility with communications networks.
“Reliable portable radio communications are a vital backstop for firefighters when conditions become untenable, and a mayday becomes a reality," said Ken Rehbehn, principal analyst, CritComm Insights. “The arrival of NFPA 1802-compliant devices marks a significant advance that helps ensure a crew member's handset works when conditions are the worst. Advances in materials technology coupled with a rigorous testing process make this a major milestone in the journey to improve firefighter safety."
APX NEXT XN combines trusted mission-critical radio communications with broadband capabilities for applications that provide essential information to help firefighters respond to emergencies. These include interactive maps with firefighter locations, multimedia messaging and GPS location information that updates every few seconds to enhance safety for every firefighter. The radio supports seamless connectivity by automatically switching voice communications to broadband when users travel outside of radio coverage areas. It also features ViQi™ Voice Control, which enables firefighters to control their radio through simple and intuitive voice commands.
“Firefighters today face increasingly intense and prevalent wildfires, as well as a growing list of challenges related to building structures, including more flammable furnishings and risks of material failures,” said Scott Mottonen, senior vice president of Products, Motorola Solutions. “This certification underscores Motorola Solutions’ long-standing commitment to the fire market and continued innovation to meet the demands of these challenging environments. APX NEXT XN and XVN500, our most rugged devices to date, are purpose-built to provide reliable mission-critical communications when firefighters need it most.”
The XVN500’s housing and audio functions are designed to deliver communications from all directions. The RSM features four high-dynamic range microphones, automatic audio leveling and noise reduction and a built-in ViQi button. When combined with the APX NEXT XN, it delivers loud, clear communications amidst intense background noise.
About Motorola Solutions
Motorola Solutions (motorolasolutions.com) is a global leader in public safety and enterprise security. Our solutions in land mobile radio communications, video security & access control and command center software, bolstered by managed & support services, create an integrated technology ecosystem to help make communities safer and businesses stay productive and secure. At Motorola Solutions, we’re ushering in a new era in public safety and security. Learn more at motorolasolutions.com.
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michelle.quivey[.]motorolasolutions.com 
