Engine room fire extinguishers

[ayjay]

I currently have two Halon extinguishers (one for each diesel engine) but am aware that this is illegal. My engine room is quite large (c.300 sq ft) and I would welcome suggestions for suitable replacements. It seems that the new extinguishing agents are very expensive and and I have read articles that suggest you shoud only use only one extinguisher rather than two.

If anyone has replaced their halon systems please advise product and cost.

This motor boating lark is b****y expensive. I used to be quite well off bibab (before I bought a boat)!

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[PaulF]

Oh Boy you left this a touch late!!

I replaced two Halons in an engine compartment that is about 3 cu metres with one Unit obtained from local Chandlery at £198. You said your eng compartment 300 sq ft, I assume you meant 300 cu ft? If so it is around 12cu m. As you say the manufacturers make a point of saying you must not use more than one. Maybe a piped system will be more appropriate. See what turns up here on the Forum, but before spending hard earned get some serious professional advice from at least two sources.

Check your insurance PDQ, as have heard, but not had confirmed personally. that some Insurance Co's taking very dim view of 'illegal extinguishers'. Odd really as the Halon ones are every bit as good at putting fires out. Maybe the ozone layer is insured by the same Co?

Good luck. P

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[gosh]

Why not use Carbon Dioxide which is clean,effective and much cheaper. Some insurance companies(mine, fortunately) make no recommendations re type and size of extinguisher. Mine simply recommends 'that we have an extingisher'

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[ayjay]

Thanks - my mistake. 300 cubic feet is what I meant.

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[ayjay]

Co2 sounds interesting - can you provide details of supplier please.

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[gosh]

Best price so far is from www.firesafetyshop.com

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[Greg2]

I am waiting for some to be fitted by Brooms - FM 200 I think it is called (gas replacement for Halon). I have seen a company advertising, go under the name of Sea-fire. I am having 2 fitted to cover the size of engine room - had heard only one should be fitted but Brooms usually know what they are doing (will check though).

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[PaulF]

Hi Greg, Had chat with friend who is a senior fire officer for Hampshire. They have a technical dept on 02380-644000 who will answer all kinds of questions, also a web site where questions can be put <www.hantsfire.gov.uk>.

He also said the reason for having only one trigger rather than two individual ones is:If an engine room requires , say 4 kg of a gas to flood it with gas to put out a fire and you fit two 2kg ones, one unit will go off before the other due to fire location. This may reduce the fire to an extent that stops the second extinguisher going off, but may NOT extinguish it completely, the fire picks up after a few more minutes then the second extinguisher may go off but still not extinguish the fire. Then you are in real trouble. Both HAVE to go off at the same time to correctly flood the engine compartment with whatever gas is chosen. Any clarity required, get on to Hants fire. Good luck, hope you never need them.

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[stefan]

Check: www.pyrogen.com I installed those this winter to
replace the two 4kg halons previously in the engine room.
Needed two of the new ones as well, but as the are lighted by a fuse, they should both go off when needed.

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[Pendana]

Sea-Fire FM200 from MFS fire extinguishers suitable for engine bay upto 5 cubic metres cost me £378. Delivery of the single unit took 3 weeks. Comes complete with an led for mounting at the helm to let you know it is ok and still up to pressure.

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[Nick2]

I used a guy called Richard from a company called Blue Marble to supply and fit. Excellent service and ok price especially for the fitting bit.

His number is 07786 547587

Nick

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