Automatic engine fire extinguishers

[Benyon]

...these are quite common in the marine marketplace and typically are designed for an engine room as opposed to an engine bay: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310095546695&cguid=1ae7a16511d0a0e203a4a584fff27d55" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

...but would these work well enough in an engine bay? Obviously the activation temperature is only 79degrees, were the Firetec group buy extinguishers 110degree activation? What temp does the engine bay reach during normal operation?

Any comments as usual greatly appreciated!

 

[Guest]

looks like a good value extinguisher, but 79 degrees C? thats fairly low i think?, but i doubt an engine bay would get that high? still i wouldnt take the chance as once the powder get on its a bollox to get off again.

 

[Tofufi]

I bought one of the firetec ones (Thanks Aaron )

I'm not sure the one on eBay would give a directional enough spray to put out a fire on an engine?

Good outside-the-box thinking though, it would be interesting to see if it would work 8)

 

[Guest]

if you could buy the flex separately it might fit the nozzle on the fleabay one?

 

[Araon]

The firetec one for the T1/T2 is actually activated at 80 degs C they do another which is 110 but generally used on larger engine houses/ computer rooms etc.....

thats a nice cheap extinguisher and the only disadvantage is the lack of direction, but should still save the van especially with a handheld as standby.

Unfortunately firetec wont sell the hose seperately, and even if he did it would actually workout more expensive than the firetec as its the hose and valve coupling where he retains the value and the patent.

 

[mjknight71]

just down the road.....for £32 must be worth it!

 

[Araon]

What I will say is find out how it needs to be orientated, if its nozzle down then your in trouble with where you can fit it, if its horizontal then ideally you want to fit it in a position where it will splash back off something and as high as possible....

 

[mjknight71]

good point....so something like


.......centre rear roof of the engine bay pointing to the front/fuel tank/cooler :?

 

[Benyon]

I asked if it can be installed in different orientations and whether they are available with different activation temperatures. The seller has asked the manufacturer and is awaiting a response.

 

[Araon]

79 will be fine as your interested in the cool area of the engine, where yor really hoping to catch the split fuel line or the popped pump/carb coupling.

conventional bottles tend to have a pick up tube however this may be different as they display it with the nozzle lower most

 

[Benyon]

This is the response from the seller:

Sorry for the delayed response. Unfortunately these extinguishers are not suitable for engine bays. After speaking to the manufacturer they recommend keeping a 2kg powder in the cab.

There aren't many in this price range that can be installed upright. Would a Halon extinguisher be any good in an engine bay or would the gas dissipate too quickly? Firetec also sent me a quote:

FIRETEC CT AXIAL system for VW T1 /T2 Campers

Fire Monitoring Systems manufacture an automatic fire suppression system for use in VW campers.
These are basically especially configured Firetec CT Axial systems.
The Firetec CT equipment is described in http://www.FiretecUK.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Specifications for use in VW T1 / T2 campers.

Cylinder: model B1. 340mm x 85mm diameter. 1.2 litres aluminium.
Tube: 3.50 metres 6.2 x 4.0 heat sensitive REACTON 80.
Valve: Stainless steel Firetec Axial valve with easy top-up external
Schrader, safety pressure gauge, and tube connections.
Bracket: Special flat-bar-bracket for auto systems, with countersunk bolt kit.
Extinguishant (default): special mix, 9% AFFF, non corrosive foam.

Installation options:
Upright on LH chassis leg, horizontally on LH chassis leg or horizontally under engine compartment roof.
Buyer must state if under-roof configuration is required.

Instructions:
Standard CT instructions with extra page specifically for VW T2 campers included.
Requires good general DIY skills, but no special tools.

PRICES:
As above: .. .. .. .. .. .. 140.00 *
As above but with dry powder instead of AFFF foam: .. 148.00 * As above but with gasses: all gasses available. Price depends on gas specified.

OPTIONS:
Full length stainless steel Chafegard spiral protection to tube: add 18.00

Built-in switch for dash LED system status display Green permanently-on, or red-on when discharged:
Choose green or red. Does not include wires. add 20.00

INSTALLATION:
Straight forward for reasonably competent DIY person, or, by arrangement with Firetec engineer. n.b. this saves carriage cost.

Invoice sent on request stating your equipment and serial number.
Carriage. (under hazardous goods regulations) add 15.00

 

[Tofufi]

I know the firetec kit is expensive, but I consider it worthwhile.

I value my bus, family + friends and possessions at more than the £100 or so I spent on the extinguisher. That's why I bought it for my bus. Hopefully it will never ever be needed, however.

 

[Araon]

Hello,

first of all Halon no longer exists as its a carcenagenic but its replacement (and CO2 for that matter) dissipates far too quickly afterall in that big hunk of tin is a big fan plus the high level vents wont help. if you go for a gas discharge then before opening your lid you'll want a handheld extinguisher ready.

ideally AFFF as it lays down a good thick crust or powder as it gets everywhere (just remember the powder compacts so will need to be shook up at the least annually which means more thought into how you secure the hose).

If you buy bulk the basic powder will cost you £99 per unit minimum 15 units and a single delivery charge of £15 to a single address, the problem arises in trying to get them delivered as they are dangerous goods....believe me done it twice