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FIRE SUPPRESION SYSTEM IN DIESEL ENGINE AND REFRIGERATOR COMPARTMENTS

May 08, 2010, 01:40:54 pm

Ever since we began to investigate full-time motorhome living I have seen a lot of news stories and forum blogs related to the Dometic/Norcold recalls.  True, fires are not an everyday occurence with gas absorption refrigerators, but they do happen.

Likewise, fires in the diesel engine compartment are rare, but they happen.  So we decided to be pro-active and I installed Cold Fire Suppression Systems in the engine bay and just inside the exterior service panel for the fridge.  I ordered the products from Mac the Fire Guy.  He maintains a website which can be found on Google. 

Both installation were really easy.  In the case of the reefer, I used some Isopropyl alcohol to clean part of the surface where I would place the unit,  applied a strip of industrial Velco to the extinguisher and the compartment surface and then merely pressed it into place.

For the engine compartment, I had to drill four holes in the bed platform and then bolt the extinguisher in place.

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Re: FIRE SUPPRESION SYSTEM IN DIESEL ENGINE AND REFRIGERATOR COMPARTMENTS

Reply #1 – May 08, 2010, 10:10:54 pm

George,
Care to share a ballpark price for these suppression units?  I used similar devices in the engine room of our sail boat but that was totally enclosed and many years ago....
Bill Brown
"03 U-320 in Houston

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Re: FIRE SUPPRESION SYSTEM IN DIESEL ENGINE AND REFRIGERATOR COMPARTMENTS

Reply #2 – May 08, 2010, 10:14:19 pm

From my Upgrades File:

3/18/10   Fire suppression in fridge access panel   $150
3/19/10   Fire suppression in engine compartment   $395

Not bad for peace of mind.

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Re: FIRE SUPPRESION SYSTEM IN DIESEL ENGINE AND REFRIGERATOR COMPARTMENTS

Reply #3 – May 08, 2010, 10:31:52 pm

George,

Any specs on the duration of the suppression for the fridge unit?  Long enough for all the ammonia to be dissipated below flammable concentration if a fridge were to leak and catch fire?

We've seen first hand the aftermath of a fridge fire (a coach at the facility where we used to store ours).  Even with very quick response, the coach was a total loss. 

Michelle

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Re: FIRE SUPPRESION SYSTEM IN DIESEL ENGINE AND REFRIGERATOR COMPARTMENTS

Reply #4 – May 08, 2010, 10:56:11 pm

Those are the kinds of questions that Mac the Fire Guy loves to answer.  He has 33 years in fire safety and is a terrific speaker. 

One of the better features of his products is that they do not dispense any toxic substances.  Many of the older types of fire extinguishers will put out the fire, but will also put stuff into the air that
if you breathe it, you become very, very impaired -- for life.

Mac's website is http://www.macthefireguy.com/

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Re: FIRE SUPPRESION SYSTEM IN DIESEL ENGINE AND REFRIGERATOR COMPARTMENTS

Reply #5 – May 09, 2010, 09:38:38 am

Very neat installation George - does this activate automatic in case of fire? Thanks Clarence

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Re: FIRE SUPPRESION SYSTEM IN DIESEL ENGINE AND REFRIGERATOR COMPARTMENTS

Reply #6 – May 09, 2010, 03:48:52 pm

George,
 I also got Fire Suppression from Mac the Fire guy.
In addition to the refrigerator and engine I got one for the Generator and one for over the Aqua-hot.
Size was the same size as refrigerator extinguisher. May have been different temperature rating. I figured they could also start a fire, although perhaps less likely than refrigerator or main engine
Eric
1999 320

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Re: FIRE SUPPRESION SYSTEM IN DIESEL ENGINE AND REFRIGERATOR COMPARTMENTS

Reply #7 – May 10, 2010, 10:09:30 pm

Clarence,

These extinguishers are triggered by heat.  I guess technically flames would not have to be present, but from my layman's understanding there would most likely be a fire to get the temp needed to set the extinguisher off. 

Hope this helps.

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