Fire Extinguisher

[rubberduck]

Is there a need for engine cut out to be fitted on an automatic engine room fire system with modern fm200 systems, as they apparently do not harm engines if running. Personally I would still like control & propulsion if the fire extinguisher activated. Plan to just connect to alarm etc.

 

[essexboy]

Of there is a fire when it's running the extinguisher should stop the engine ! ( unless it gets it's air supply from outside the engine compartment)

 

[Sdpaddler50]

I just pulled out the OEM supplied dry chem extinguishers that came with the boat. These are a bad idea, and they went in the trash can. I installed an auto, fusible link actuated clean agent, Fireboy. The cylinder is large, and designed for the ER volume. The system I have exceeds USCG criteria, but theoretically, per ABYC, I should have an interlock to shut down the engines. I chose not do this for a few reasons:
-Diesel, not gas, so the chance of a fire and/or explosion, is MUCH lower.
-I did not want a system sitting in my engine room, that can kill my fuel supply in error. Main concern being in a tight channel, or coming down the fairway, and the system is inoperative, I lose power, and now risk physical damage to the boat, and the occupants. Low chance, but I did not want to take it.
I am sure others will say you have to interlock it, and that is fine, but I am comfortable with my set up. If there is a fire in the ER while I am out, I will notice it rapidly, shut the engines down/pull the manual fuel kills, and hope that Fireboy does its job.

 

[rubberduck]

Done a bit more digging, would appear that engine shut off is advisable due to engine sucking in & hence diluting agent, making it less effective. We are installing a system with the rubber type tube around engine bay, that activates when melted at the point of combustion, concentrating agent at that point, but still works on cubic meters apparently. I used to think engine shut off was to prevent engine damage.