Vanagon EuroVan
Previous messageNext messagePrevious in topicNext in topicPrevious by same authorNext by same authorPrevious page (September 1998, week 4)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
Date:         Mon, 28 Sep 1998 17:49:18 -0700
Reply-To:     Björn <bratjen@DIRECT.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Björn <bratjen@DIRECT.CA>
Subject:      Re: Automatic Fire Extinguishers
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

At 03:37 PM 28/09/98 -0400, Erik wrote: >This is easy. Marine stores sell automatic fire extinguishing systems. >They cost about $250 and up. I would think you would need something to >remove the Oxygen in the engine compartment and something to cool off >the hot engine components. Any firefighter out there want to recommend >what size containers a van would need? >-- > As a firefighter I cannot really see much justification of the effort and expense for an automatic system. Remember that you have to carry the extra weight and maintain the system. Marine applications are a different territory since you might not be able to get out safely and you have an enclosed space.

If you would use something which replaces oxygen and cools, then you would consider CO2. However, to be efficient you would have to enclose the whole engine and create a container for the released CO2. Water alone would not be very effective. Gasoline can float and burn on water. So you would have to add foam, which has a limited storage time and you need to mix it with air upon application. In addition you might have freezing problems during winter. This leaves powder. Fire extinguishing powder is very corrosive and you really should only use it in emergencies. An accidental release can cause a lot of damage.

There are more questions: Are you considering the engine only? What about the stove fire in the camper? Do you want to put a system throughout your car? Where would you place the appropriate heat sensors? What temperature rating? (The initial phases of the fire will be detected visually or by smell before any system would kick in and you would not want your system to go off just because it is a hot summer day. Westy owners tend to wander about and go through different climate zones with considerable temperature differences.)

Maintenance and check-ups plus a removable fire extinguisher are definitely the best option.

I could come up with other solutions like the big scoop which would enclose the whole car upon activation, but it is not Friday yet. Enough said for my part.

Björn Ratjen

Mill Bay, B.C.

1987 Syncro Est Alia (self camperized) 1995 Passat TD (1982 Vanagon Diesel) 1979 VW Bus (self- camperized)


Back to: Top of message | Previous page | Main VANAGON page

Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!


Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com


The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.

Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.