Sea-Fire Fixed Systems

Vessel Fire Suppression Systems

Sea-Fire Marine is a “world leader” in vessel fire suppression systems worldwide (Sea-Fire). They offer a large selection of hands-off, clean agent fire system options to protect your vessel from fires. Sea-Fire products are proudly made in the United States and used globally. This is especially impressive, as vessel guidelines tend to vary overseas, indicating stellar workmanship and engineering that surpasses just one industry. All Florida Fire has the capability to order parts, service, repair, maintenance, install and certify these fire suppression systems. What does Sea-Fire offer in terms of boat fire suppression systems?

Sea-Fire has a multitude of options for your vessel’s fire suppression system. Let’s look at the two most used options: pre-engineered systems and engineered systems.

Pre-engineered Systems

Pre-engineered systems are already designed for spaces of a certain volume. They use cylinders filled with the clean agent to guarantee effectiveness under specified conditions. A clean agent means that the extinguishing agent will not leave a residue or mess when the system is discharged to put out a fire.The two types of clean agent used by Sea-Fire vessel fire systems also called fixed fire systems, are FM-200 and Novec 1230.

Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems

The agent refers to the chemicals used in extinguishing or suppressing a fire. A clean agent will not leave residue or mess while suppressing the fire. It means that if there is a fire, your engine compartment(s) will not be covered in filth, nor will your electrical equipment be destroyed by the vessel fire suppression system. Sea-Fire Marine fixed fire suppression systems use the following clean agents:

FM-200 is a clean suppression agent, that is US Coast Guard (USCG)* approved. Sea-Fire offers four different types of pre-engineered fixed fire suppression systems that use this agent. The systems are designed for engine rooms from 25 cubic feet of space to 1,500 cubic feet. Sea-Fire offers guides and specification worksheets to help an owner or technician decide which system is best for their boat fire suppression needs.

Novec 1230 is new technology developed by 3M. It is a gas that is liquid at room temperature. It also protects the environment from ozone depletion. Sea-Fire also offers four types of pre-engineered vessel fire suppression systems that utilize this agent. They are designed for engine compartments ranging from 125 cubic feet to 1025 cubic feet of space. Much like the FM-200 series, these systems range from manual-only, automatic-only, and manual-automatic systems.

Engineered Systems

Engineered systems are a bit more complicated. They are generally designed as yacht fire suppression systems or for use on large vessels with multiple engine compartments. Engineered systems also use cylinders, complete with tubing and connections to engine shutoff devices. Engineered fire suppression systems range for use in 1,500 cubic feet to 17,500 cubic feet of space. Boats, such as large-scale pleasure yachts, workboats and off-shore/on-shore marine applications, need an engineered system. Sea-Fire utilizes H-Class suppression series and FM-200 clean agent for yacht fire suppression systems. Each engineered system is custom-built for a specific vessel in order to best meet the needs of these large yachts or work boats.

Sea-Fire Engineered Fire Suppression systems meet global industry standards. They are USCG approved, RINA approved, Lloyds/MCA approved, Transport Canada approved, as well as Australia & New Zealand Maritime approved. But wait, there’s more! Sea-Fire Marine offers a bevy of accessories to keep your vessel safe from a fire.

Necessary Accessories

Pre-engineered or engineered systems will work most effectively to extinguish vessel fires when they are properly equipped. If your boat needs a fixed fire suppression system, it may also need early warning heat sensors, cable assemblies, and an engine shutdown.

Early Warning Heat Sensors

Though self-explanatory, these do not come equipped on vessel fire suppression systems. Boat fire suppression systems are equipped with a heat sensor that activates the suppression system at 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Early warning heat sensors help sense an electrical or heat problem before a fire occurs. They are a great warning device to help boaters avoid having to use their fire suppression system. In a sense, fire suppression systems put out a fire, early warning heat sensors help avoid a fire. Notably, if you are interested in a carbon monoxide alarm – Sea-Fire sells these too.

Cable Assemblies

If your vessel fire suppression system has manual capabilities, you will need cable assemblies. Cable assemblies are sold by the foot and allow the system to be connected to the helm area. The purpose of this connection is that a captain or boaters can manually activate the suppression system.

Engine Shutdown

Sea-Fire’s ESRS engine shutdown automatically deactivates the engine and any powered blowers once the boat fire suppression system has activated. When a fire occurs in the engine room – it is greatly important that everything shuts down. The engine turns off, exhaust or blowers also turn off. Vessel suppression systems depend upon the volume of the engine compartment’s oxygen be consistent. If more oxygen is added via a blower, the fire continues to receive fuel. If the exhaust is left running, it draws out the air and the clean agent designed to smother the fire. Having an engine shutoff provides safety. It also keeps boaters from opening the engine room (which would only increase the fire due to more oxygen flowing in).

Do you have more questions about Sea-Fire products? Now that you know about Sea-Fire products, give us a call. Our skilled marine fire suppression technicians can order, inspect, maintenance, repair, or install a Sea-Fire Marine fire suppression system to fit any size boat, yacht, or vessel. If you are very handy, you may be able to install a Sea-Fire Marine pre-engineered system yourself. There are guides on Sea-Fire’s website. However, you will not be able to certify your fixed fire suppression system unless you have the proper credentials and are licensed by a fire equipment dealer. If you need service, or just have questions, about your boat – call or email us. We would be happy to speak with you regarding your needs and are confident that we offer industry-leading affordability.

Still wondering about our level of boat fire suppression expertise. Contact us for a free quote. Our skilled technicians will be able to answer your questions to determine if we can service your vessel.

*For the purposes of this article, we will refer to U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) as the authority have jurisdiction and enforces National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines. If you live outside of the United States, please consult with your authority having jurisdiction over fires in vessels.

 

Sources:

http://www.sea-fire.com/about-us/