11-25-2021, 12:14 PM
Simon,
Without question, I would make a carefully designed fire suppression system based on the following criteria:
1. Automatic, via heat-fuse at proper temp rating for engine compartments.
2. Strategically placed discharge heads; either extinguisher mounted or remote nozzles, as opposed to the new and untried versions of plastic tubing.
3. Either dry chem or AFFF with enough capacity to blanket compartment.
4. AUTOMATIC FUEL SHUTOFF!!
5. Remote monitor at dash to indicate "ARMED" as well as "FIRE/SYS ACTIVATED!"
This type of system is not unlike a marine system; tried and proven. But, leave any one of these criteria out, and you have a less than effective system that I personally would not trust.
Also, this is a system that MUST BE MAINTAINED with routine checks on pressure as well as appropriate servicing. This is why I wouldn't suggest an integrated extinguisher with head stuffed deep in an engine bay where you can't see it, let alone take it out to service.
Forest mentions air movement while driving. Yes, this is a big factor with any vehicle's engine fire. That's why a monitor is critically important for an RV, in which it's hard to see your engine bay...although I guarantee you'll see the cloud from your dry-chem system discharging; hopefully before you see looms of black smoke!
HTH
Without question, I would make a carefully designed fire suppression system based on the following criteria:
1. Automatic, via heat-fuse at proper temp rating for engine compartments.
2. Strategically placed discharge heads; either extinguisher mounted or remote nozzles, as opposed to the new and untried versions of plastic tubing.
3. Either dry chem or AFFF with enough capacity to blanket compartment.
4. AUTOMATIC FUEL SHUTOFF!!
5. Remote monitor at dash to indicate "ARMED" as well as "FIRE/SYS ACTIVATED!"
This type of system is not unlike a marine system; tried and proven. But, leave any one of these criteria out, and you have a less than effective system that I personally would not trust.
Also, this is a system that MUST BE MAINTAINED with routine checks on pressure as well as appropriate servicing. This is why I wouldn't suggest an integrated extinguisher with head stuffed deep in an engine bay where you can't see it, let alone take it out to service.
Forest mentions air movement while driving. Yes, this is a big factor with any vehicle's engine fire. That's why a monitor is critically important for an RV, in which it's hard to see your engine bay...although I guarantee you'll see the cloud from your dry-chem system discharging; hopefully before you see looms of black smoke!
HTH
Steve & Janice Vance
2015 Newell #1524
Glendora, CA