Sea-Fire FM200 User Manual

FM200®

MODEL FT

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

OWNER’S MANUAL

THIS MANUAL IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE SYSTEM AND AS SUCH, THE EXTINGUISHER MUST BE INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED ACCORDINGLY.

READ AND COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS, WARNINGS

AND LIMITATIONS BEFORE INSTALLING.

SUITABLE FOR USE

FT MODELS: 32°F – 130°F ( 0°C – 54°C)

ALWAYS MAINTAIN THIS OWNER’S MANUAL NEARBY

FOR OPERATOR REFERENCE.

APPROVALS

FACTORY MUTUAL - FM # 3022058

U.S. COAST GUARD - U.S.C.G. # 162.029/241

REV. A

PRINTED IN USA

PART NO. 123-186

WARNING

CONCENTRATED AGENT AND BY-PRODUCT OF APPLICATION TO FIRE ARE TOXIC. AVOID BREATHING OF FUMES OR PROLONGED EXPOSURE. ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE MAY OCCUR DURING HANDLING OR INSTALLATION OF THIS DEVICE, READ AND COMPLY WITH INSTRUCTIONS, WARNINGS, AND LIMITATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL. DO NOT LIFT, CARRY, OR HANDLE BY VALVE. DO NOT DROP. KEEP AWAY FROM HEAT. KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN.

APPLICATION

FM-200® (CF3CHFCF3), the extinguishing agent, used in all Sea-Fire “FT’’ series fire extinguishers, is a suitable EPA accepted alternate replacement for Halon. FM-200® is electrically nonconductive and residue free extinguishing agent that requires no cleanup.

These features and the versatility of design make the “FT’’ series fire extinguisher ideal for a broad range of applications. The systems are ideal for small volumes, 150 cubic feet or less, that are difficult to access. These applications would include marine, recreational vehicles, commercial and industrial use where flammable liquids are likely source of fire.

Application Examples:

•Engine Compartments (maximum 150 cubic feet)

•Bow Thrusters

•Small Generator Set Enclosures

•Consoles

•Electrical Enclosures

•Flammable Liquid Storage Areas

•Pump Enclosures

•Alternative Fuel Storage Areas

Sea-Fire “FT” extinguishers are designed to induce a minimum atmospheric concentration of 10.0% within the protected compartment.* The specification table in this manual lists the minimum and maximum approved compartment volume (size) allowable for each model. Volume can be determined by multiplying the compartment’s length x width x height which equals the volume in cubic feet or meters (LxWxH=V).

Exception: If the boat manufacturer has placed a permanently affixed label in the compartment specifying the gross volume less the volume of permanently installed tankage, then this volume may be used to determine the proper size extinguisher. Check specification table for proper application before making installation.

*Reference: NFPA-2001 National Fire Protection Assoc. Boston, MA and UL 2166 Underwriters laboratories

SEA-FIRE “FT” SERIES AUTOMATIC FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS FT — STINGER SPECIFICATION TABLE

	AREA OF		FM-200 @			DIAMETER X
MODEL	PROTECTION		240 PSI			HEIGHT		TUBE PART # / LENGTH
	CU.FT.	CU.M.
AUTO	AREA	AREA	LBS.	KG		INCH	MM	PART#		FT.	MM
FT-25	25	0.7	1.25	0.56		3.0 X 11.2	76 X 285	130-121		10	3000
FT-50	50	1.4	2.50	1.13		3.1 X 13.5	78 X 342	130-121		10	3000
FT-75	75	2.1	3.75	1.70		3.1 X 16.5	78 X 419	130-121		10	3000
FT-100	100	2.8	5.00	2.26		3.5 X 17.5	89 X 444	130-122		15	4500
FT-125	125	3.5	6.25	2.83		4.1 X 17.0	104 X 432	130-122		15	4500
FT-150	150	4.2	7.50	3.40		5.2 X 19.0	132 X 482	130-122		15	4500
CU. FT. = Cubic Feet					FT. = Feet				KG = Kilograms
CU.M. = Cubic Meters					LBS. = Pounds				MM = Millimeters

CAUTION: NEVER INSTALL A UNIT WITH A VOLUME RATING LESS THAN THE GROSS VOLUME OF THE COMPARTMENT TO BE PROTECTED. DO NOT DEDUCT FOR ENGINES, REMOVABLE TANKS OR OTHER EQUIPMENT.

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REMINDER: Sea-Fire systems shall be considered as supplementary to the number of portable fire extinguishers required on-board and are designed and intended for enclosed unoccupied compartment installations that are not subject to direct weather or water.

SYSTEM OPERATIONS

Sea-Fire units described in this manual are automatically actuated by a heat actuated tube. Discharge will occur as a result of direct flame impingement. The Sea-Fire FT system uses the supplied length of temperature sensitive tubing as both detection and delivery system. The tubing should be routed close to the hazard, where fire is likely to occur, but away from heat sources that could accidentally cause it to operate. Upon flame impingement, the tubing will rupture, and the extinguishing agent will discharge through the rupture point. No separate discharge nozzle is needed.

CAUTION: IN CASE OF EXTINGUISHER DISCHARGE, DO NOT RUSH TO OPEN THE PROTECTED COMPARTMENT. LET THE EXTINGUISHING AGENT WORK FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. HAVE A PORTABLE EXTINGUISHER AVAILABLE AND USE CARE WHEN OPENING THE COMPARTMENT.

AVOID BREATHING FIRE RELATED FUMES OR VAPOR.

NOTE: It is important to retain the designed vapor concentration within the compartment to insure complete fire outage. Upon discharge, all powered ventilation (blowers) must be shut down.

PRESSURE SWITCH

Sea-Fire “FT” series extinguishers are equipped with a factory installed pressure switch which is intended for cylinder pressure supervision and may also be used to control other electrical functions (engine shutdown, air exchange equipment, electric supply, etc.)

When using the pressure switch as an electrical disconnect for any equipment shutdown function, a means of overriding (bypassing, shunting) the pressure switch must be provided in order to return the affected equipment to an operational mode after extinguisher discharge has occurred. The pressure switch is a single pole single throw (SPST) type that is normally closed (NC) with the system in the charged condition. Discharge or loss of system pressure will release the contacts to an open state thereby cutting off any electrical current flow.

NEVER USE PRESSURE SWITCH FOR ELECTRICAL LOADS OVER RATED CAPACITY.

SWITCH SPECIFICATIONS

4.0 AMPS AT 12 VDC

2.0 AMPS AT 28 VDC

For applications requiring larger load capacities, see OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT section IN THIS manual or contact factory.

DIESEL ENGINES

Continued operation of diesel engine(s) and or powered ventilation units will deplete the extinguishing agent and may cause a fire re-flash. Diesel engine(s) must be automatically shutdown upon extinguisher discharge.

Note: Power ventilation (blowers) that exceeds one air change per minute within the protected compartment must be automatically shutdown upon extinguisher discharge.*

*ABYC requirement - Standard A-4

GASOLINE ENGINES

WARNING: GASOLINE ENGINES AND FANS SHOULD BE AUTOMATICALLY OR MANUALLY SHUT DOWN AT TIME OF DISCHARGE.

Shutdown may be accomplished by interruption of the electrical circuit between the ignition switch and the engine coils.

NOTE: Sea-Fire optional engine interrupt systems will automatically shut down engines and powered ventilation upon discharge of the fire SUPPRESSION system. They are available in 12 and 24-volt models with 3, 5 or 8 control circuits, refer to OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT section in this manual.

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OTHER APPLICATIONS

•Engine Compartments (maximum 150 cubic feet)

•Bow Thrusters

•Small Generator Set Enclosures

•Consoles

•Electrical Enclosures

•Flammable Liquid Storage Areas

•Pump Enclosures

•Alternative Fuel Storage Areas

In case of a fire and system discharged, the electrical supply to the motor must be disconnected. Failure to do so may result in re-ignition after the FM-200® concentration depletes.

Disconnect may be accomplished by using a shutdown system. See OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT.

INSTALLATION

READ ENTIRE INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND CYLINDER NAMEPLATE PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.

These installation instructions are intended to cover most normal installations. Additional technical or application information can be obtained by contacting

Sea-Fire Marine		Sea-Fire Europe LTD
Baltimore, Maryland, USA	or	Southampton, England
Tel: [phone]		Tel: [phone]
	Website: www.sea-fire.com

CAUTION:

1.DO NOT INSTALL IN AN AREA DESIGNATED FOR OCCUPANCY.

2.ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY.

3.HANDLE THE CYLINDER WITH EXTREME CARE.

4.WEAR EYE PROTECTION.

5.DO NOT LIFT OR CARRY CYLINDER BY THE MANIFOLD OR ACTUATOR COMPONENTS.

6.DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LOOSEN OR REMOVE ANY EXTINGUISHER COMPONENT.

7.DO NOT ATTACH SEA-FIRE EXTINGUISHER ON UNDERSIDE OF COVER OR COMPARTMENT HATCH THAT COULD BE THROWN CLEAR DUE TO POSSIBLE EXPLOSION.

8.DO NOT MOUNT WHERE AN ACCUMULATION OF STANDING WATER COULD BLOCK SENSOR OR CAUSE CORROSION.

9.EXTINGUISHER TO BE MOUNTED IN THE VERTICAL POSITION ONLY.

10.DO NOT USE FOR PRIMARY ENGINE COMPARTMENT PROTECTION.

EXTINGUISHER INSTALLATION:

Step 1 Carefully remove extinguisher from carton and visually check for damage in shipment. Step 2 To ensure that the extinguisher is operational, both the weight and pressure indicator must conform with the extinguisher specification as shown on the nameplate. Weigh extinguisher (less bracket) on an accurate calibrated scale before installing. Record

date and weight on tag provided for this purpose.

Step 3 Choose a suitable location inside or outside the protected area where accidental damage is unlikely to occur.

Step 4 Ensure mounting surface is durable (Prefer no less than __ inch. Mounting on fiberglass surfaces: A backing washer (flat) or plate should be utilized if the thickness is less than inch.

Step 5 Using the bracket as a template, drill (4) ____” diameter holes. Mount the bracket using no less than Grade 5 corrosive resistant ____” fasteners. (See Figure 5)

Step 6 Install the extinguisher into the bracket and latch clamp.

Step 7 If required to route detection tube through a compartment wall, drill hole 25/64" diameter, and utilize supplied grommet to protect tube from wear. (See Figure 6)

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Figure 5

Step 8 Secure the detection tubing to the bulkhead by using the clips and screws supplied. Nylon wire ties may be used in lieu of the clips and screws. Note: Do not exceed a bend radius of 6 inches during the routing of the tube.

WARNING

WHEN INSTALLING THE DETECTION TUBING, DO NOT KINK THE TUBING AND DO NOT EXCEED THE MINIMUM BEND RADIUS. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS CAN RESULT IN A SYSTEM FAILURE. (See Figure 6)

Step 9 Ensure the spring nut fitting is on tube, and attach by carefully working the tube completely down on the nipple fitting on cylinder assembly/ (Note: Do not kink tubing, if kink occurs, remove effected area with razor.

Step 10 Tighten fitting and tube to cylinder using 1/2" (12mm) wrench. Preferred torque value is 3 - 4-1/2 inch pounds of force. Overtightening may cause tube to rupture.

Step 11 Activate system - Using a straight screwdriver, “open valve VERY SLOWLY” counter clockwise, 1/4 of a turn, to allow detection tube to fill with nitrogen.

Note: Label on valve indicates valve and system status. (ACTIVATE)

Step 12 After tubing is routed, and charged, verify there are no apparent damage, and that the fitting ends of tubing are leak free.

Note: If a leak is detected, close valve, and re-tighten fittings. If leak persists, remove affected zone and re-install. Ensure valve is open (Activate) at completion of installation.

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