Vehicle Fire Protection

An Owner’s Manual for Ansul

Fire Suppression/Detection Systems

002792
Off-road vehicles do have fires
Statistics show that on-road vehicles burn.......with
alarming frequency. These vehicles are susceptible to
fire for several reasons. They often operate steady for
several hours at a time (sometimes around the clock).
They use flammable liquids – lubricating oil, gasoline,
diesel oil, greases and hydraulic fluids – in their nor-
mal operation. They also generate heat – from engine
blocks, manifolds, turbochargers and brake systems –
which can ignite these flammable liquids and debris.
Since the passage of the federal and state clean air
acts, many vehicles, including most busses operated
by mass transit authorities and state agencies, have
been converting to cleaner burning fuels such as
LPG, LNG, and CNG instead of gasoline or diesel
fuel. Use of these fuels is an essential component of
improving our environment, but their use raises the
possibility of dangerous gas leaks.
When fire breaks out, it can result in expensive repair
or replacement of valuable equipment, costly down-
time or loss of business continuity. Worse yet, it can
mean serious personal injury to vehicle operators or
passengers.
Transmission &
Turbocharger Disc Brake
Exhaust
Manifold
Engine
Block
Typical Vehicle
Fire Hazard Areas
Insurance companies are well aware of these facts.
That's why insurance rates are skyrocketing.
As the owner of a vehicle equipped with an Ansul Fire
Detection/Suppression System, you've taken an
important step in facing the fire problem. You are dra-
matically reducing your potential fire loss and helping
to ensure personnel safety.
This owner's guide has been provided to help
you understand how your Ansul Fire
Detection/Suppression System works, your
responsibilities for fire prevention and mainte-
nance, and what to do in case of fire. In no way is
this guide intended to provide detailed installation
instructions. A copy of the complete Installation,
Recharge, Inspection, and Maintenance Manual
for the Ansul Fire Detection and Suppression
System is available upon request from Ansul.
Should you have any questions, contact Ansul or
your nearest authorized Ansul products
distributor.
Battery Box
Hydraulic
Pump Hose
Area
002776
 SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
The fire system described in these materials is a sup-
pression system only and is not designed or intended
to extinguish all fires, particularly when unusual
amounts of combustible materials and an ample oxy-
gen supply are present. It is extremely important that
alternative firefighting equipment be available in case
the system does not totally extinguish a fire.
Use extreme care to prevent the accumulation of
debris, combustible materials and fluids which could
intensify the fire or cause it to spread to areas where
there was no previous potential for fire.
If modifications are made to the equipment being pro-
tected or if the fire detection and/or suppression sys-
tem is disconnected for any reason, make certain the
fire equipment is immediately inspected and tested by
an Ansul-authorized vehicle systems distributor.
If an automatic fire detection and actuation system
has not been supplied or has been disconnected,
system actuation and discharge will not occur unless
the fire suppression system is manually actuated.
Reliance on a manual release system usually results
in a slower reaction to fire.
Your role in
protecting your
vehicle from fire
Your Ansul Fire Suppression System is custom-
designed to protect specific hazard areas on your
vehicle. It’s been carefully engineered for reliability
and built to the highest quality standards. Every com-
ponent has been tested to ensure long life and
dependable performance.
With proper maintenance, your Ansul Fire
Suppression System should give you years of fire
protection.
The main purpose of the manual, however, is to
explain the most basic form of fire protection – fire
prevention. It outlines steps you can take to prevent a
disastrous fire. Precautions which can greatly reduce
the risk of serious fire damage.
Fire prevention on vehicles relies upon two basic
factors:
1. Inspection and preventative maintenance at
points where fires are most likely to start –
engine blocks, electrical systems, turbo-
chargers, exhaust manifolds and brake
systems.
2. Regular cleaning of all areas where flam-
mable materials such as fuel, oil, grease,
hydraulic fluid and combustible debris may
collect.
Vehicle Fire Prevention Maintenance
The following is a suggested daily maintenance outline which can help reduce the risk of fire on your vehicle.

CAUTION: Take care during vehicle maintenance, cleaning, or welding. To avoid unintentionally setting off the system
and the discharge of agent, do not cut, pinch, or apply heat exceeding 200 °F (93 °C) to the detection lines of
the system.

1. Check all oil, hydraulic fluid and gas lines for cuts,
abrasions or undue wear. Replace as needed.

000620

2. Inspect all oil, hydraulic and gas line fittings for

tightness. Clean off all residue and tighten.

000621

3. Inspect and clean engine area. Depending upon the

operation of the vehicle, use water or steam to clean it.
Schedule cleaning for the end of the work shift
when heat buildup may occur after the engine is shut
down.

000622

4. Check braking system for proper adjustment –

especially if brakes overheat when not engaged.

000623

5. Check all possible ignition points (engine block,

exhaust manifolds, turbochargers, etc.). Make sure
oil, hydraulic fluid and gas lines are not in contact
with these ignition points.

000624

6. Clean vehicle of all combustible debris – dry

vegetation, grain particles, coal dust, etc. Also,
remove any oil and fuel drippings.

000625

7. Check all electrical lines and connections for tight fit,

wear or abrasion. Replace any defective electrical
equipment or wiring.

000626
How your Ansul Fire Suppression System
works . . . manually

1. A fire starts in the protected area.

002777

2. Equipment operator pulls the ring pin

and strikes the plunger on the manual
actuators. Pressure from the actuator
causes the Ansul Fire Suppression
System to actuate.

002778

3. Expellant gas pressure ‘‘fluidizes’’ the

dry chemical extinguishing agent and
propels it through distribution hose.

002779

4. Dry chemical extinguishing agent is

discharged through fixed nozzles into
protected areas, suppressing the fire.

002780

And you can have automatic 24 hour protection with

Ansul CHECKFIRE Detection and Actuation Systems . . .
How the system works with optional
CHECKFIRE Electric Detection and Actuation

1. A fire starts in the protected area.

002781

2. Linear or spot detectors signal the

system control module indicating that a
fire has started in the protected area.

002782

3. The Control Module actuates the fire

suppression system. The module will
also provide time delay, shut down
functions and activation of auxiliary
vehicle components in accordance with
your installation.

002783
4. Expellant gas pressure ‘‘fluidizes’’ the
dry chemical extinguishing agent and
propels it through the distribution hose.

002784

5. Dry chemical extinguishing agent is

discharged through fixed nozzles into
protected areas, to suppress the fire.

002785

Optional LVS (Twin Agent) Fire Suppression System

Along with dry chemical fire suppression system protection, some vehicles, because of their size, require an additional type of system.
This type of system is called a twin agent system. An Ansul LVS, Liquid Agent System, is designed to discharge wet chemical into
the protected hazard areas after the dry chemical discharge has ended. The addition of the wet chemical produces a cooling effect
onto the flammable fuel and the surrounding surface areas. The wet chemical can flow into hard to reach areas where fuels may
have flowed into.
Make sure your Ansul Fire Suppression System is
The Ansul Fire Suppression System is your second line of fire defense in case your fire prevention efforts are not enough.
However, in order to perform properly, your Ansul System requires periodic inspection and maintenance.

Nozzles System Hydraulic Hose

NO CUTS
BLOW-0FF CAPS IN NOZZLES NOT CLOGGED NOZZLES TIGHT
PLACE (IF SUPPLIED) OR COVERED WITH DEBRIS IN BRACKETS

ALL FITTINGS
TIGHT NO KINKS
IN HOSE
NO ABRASIONS

ALL HOSE MOUNTS SECURELY

WELDED OR BOLTED
002797 002798 002799 002786

Agent Tank AUTHORIZED ANSUL Agent Tank LVS Hand Portable Fire
DISTRIBUTOR VISUAL SEAL
A-101 CERTIFICATION TAG or LT-A-101-125/250 Extinguisher IN PLACE
ATTACHED FIRMLY
MOUNTED

DISTRIBUTOR
CERTIFICATION
TAG ATTACHED
NO
EXCESSIVE
NO
WEAR
ABRASIONS

NO EXCESSIVE FIRMLY
WEAR MOUNTED NO
EXCESSIVE
NO WEAR
NO CORROSION FIRMLY
CORROSION MOUNTED
NO
CORROSION
NO
CORROSION
002794 002788
FIRMLY MOUNTED 004320
kept in good working order.
CHECKFIRE Electric Series I Inspection Detection Wire, Power Wire
ALL NYLON
TIES SECURE
RING PIN IN LIGHT MUST
PLACE AND SEALED NO CUTS
GO ON WHEN
TEST BUTTON IS BATTERY NO KINKS
BRACKET CONNECTIONS
PUSHED
SECURELY SECURE
WELDED OR NO ABRASIONS
BOLTED
ALL RUBBER SLEEVES IN PLACE

002790

FUSE IN
FUSEHOLDER

CONNECTION
SECURE CONNECTION
CARTRIDGE SECURE
INSTALLED

002789

DETECTION LINE AND/OR DETECTOR

SECURE AND NOT DAMAGED

CHECKFIRE MP Inspection CHECKFIRE SC-N Inspection

RING PIN IN
BRACKET PLACE AND
SECURELY SEALED
WELDED OR
BOLTED
CHECK THE SYSTEM
BRACKET
DAILY BY VISUALLY
RING PIN IN SECURELY
SEALED VERIFYING THAT THE
PLACE AND WELDED OR CHECK THE SYSTEM
CARTRIDGE GREEN POWER LED
SEALED BOLTED DAILY BY VISUALLY
INSTALLED IS FLASHING ONCE
VERIFYING THAT THE EVERY THREE
GREEN BATTERY LED SECONDS AND NO
IS FLASHING ONCE OTHER LED IS FLASH-
EVERY THREE SEC- ING
ONDS AND NO
OTHER LED IS
FLASHING

BRACKET
CARTRIDGE
SECURELY
INSTALLED
WELDED OR
BOLTED

CARTRIDGE
INSTALLED

DETECTION LINE
AND/OR DETECTION LINE
DETECTORS AND/OR
SECURE AND NOT DETECTORS
DAMAGED SECURE AND NOT
DAMAGED

002791 002775
Provide for vehicle modification

Your Ansul Fire Suppression System was custom
designed and installed on your vehicle to protect spe-
cific hazard areas from fire. Should you add accesso-
ry equipment to your vehicle at a later date, or make
major mechanical modifications, you may be reducing
the capabilities of the Ansul Fire Suppression System.
When such modifications are made, contact your
Ansul distributor. He can reevaluate your Ansul
System to ensure it protects all hazard areas from
fire.

Provide for periodic maintenance

Periodic maintenance is essential to ensure that your
Ansul Fire Suppression System is operational.
Contact your Ansul distributor for periodic follow-up,
in-depth inspection and maintenance.

Protect against fires outside of

the hazard area
Hand portable fire extinguishers are an effective way
to suppress fires which may occur away from the
vehicle, or in areas not protected by the Ansul Fire
1. Shut off the vehicle’s engine and set
brakes.
Suppression System. Your Ansul distributor can rec-
ommend the proper size, type and placement of hand
portable extinguishers and train your personnel in
2. Evacuate the vehicle and secure a hand
portable fire extinguisher.
their operation, inspection and maintenance.

Should fire occur in an area not protected by the

3. Approach the fire from the upwind side.

Ansul Fire Suppression System, a hand portable fire 4. Actuate the hand portable fire extinguisher per
instructions printed on the extinguisher’s name-
extinguisher should be employed as follows:
plate.

5. Once the fire is extinguished, stand by in case

the fire reflashes.
In the event of a fire on your vehicle

To manually operate system:

1. Shut off the vehicle

2. Set the brakes

3. Pull the ring pin on

manual actuator and
strike the red button

000627

4. Evacuate the vehicle

5. Stand by with a fire extinguisher

Inspection and Maintenance Record
Date Authorized Ansul Distributor Recharge Inspection Action Taken

ANSUL and CHECKFIRE are registered trademarks.

Your Authorized Ansul Distributor

Litho in U.S.A.
©1999 Ansul Incorporated
Part No. 53081-08

ANSUL INCORPORATED, ONE STANTON STREET, MARINETTE, WI 54143-2542

 WARNING

INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE AND RECHARGE MUST

ALWAYS BE DONE by an Authorized ANSUL Distributor.

In order to get your local Authorized ANSUL Distributor,

you must contact your ANSUL area office (see next
pages).
 ANSUL STANDARD PRODUCTS SALES OFFICES
• Hand Portable Extinguishers • Wheeled Extinguishers • Restaurant Systems • Vehicle Systems • Industrial Systems • Hazardous Spill Agents/Applicators • Fire School • Fire Simulator
#01481000
CHIP MILLS (33442)
#00053000 1528 Woodland Road
KEVIN SILER (33418) #18478000 #00050000
JEFF WYATT (33432) Salisbury, MD 21801
5035 Vista Del Sol Point JAMES JENSEN (33431) (410) 548-1792
Colorado Springs, CO 80919 1399 Geneva Avenue N. 11606 Yellowstone Trail
Harlan, IN 46743 FAX (410) 548-1793
(719) 528-2530 Oakdale, MN 55128-5709
(651) 731-6185 (219) 657-1617 #18430000 email: cmills@tycoint.com
FAX (719) 528-2529 STU DICKSON (33441)
email: ksiler@tycoint.com FAX (651) 731-6189 FAX (219) 657-1618
email: jijensen@tycoint.com email: jewyatt@tycoint.com 5621 Market Street
Youngstown, OH 44512-2623
(330) 782-6685
FAX (330) 782-7746
email: sdickson@tycoint.com

#01190000
ALEXANDRA MACARTHUR (33416)
1240 Iroquois Drive, Suite 102 #01167000
Naperville, IL 60563-8537 JEFF WESSON (33439)
Cell Phone: (206) 619-9988 1109 Truss Ferry Road
FAX (425) 347-4002 Pell City, AL 35125
email: amacarthur@tycoint.com (205) 814-1349
FAX (205) 814-9470
email: jwesson@tycoint.com

#00053000 #10378000
KEVIN SILER (33418) BILL NIPPER (33443)
5035 Vista Del Sol Point P.O. Box 1257
Colorado Springs, CO 80919 Huntersville, NC 28078-1257
(719) 528-2530 (704) 875-2446
FAX (719) 528-2529 FAX (704) 875-2281
email: ksiler@tycoint.com email: bnipper@tycoint.com

#01190000 #01168000
ALEXANDRA MACARTHUR (33416) ED SMITH (33444)
1240 Iroquois Drive, Suite 102 207 Jefferson St. (33853) 002533
Naperville, IL 60563-8537 P.O. Box 3641
Cell Phone: (206) 619-9988 #01160000 Lake Wales, FL 33859
FAX (425) 347-4002 BRITT JOHNSON (33421) (863) 638-3809
email: amacarthur@tycoint.com 1312 Choctaw Drive FAX (863) 638-1580
Mesquite, TX 75149-1852 email: esmith@tycoint.com
(972) 329-7669 8-2000
FAX (972) 329-7670
email: brjohnson@tycoint.com #01480000 #01480000
DAVE PELTON BILL FREEMAN
Market Development Manager National Sales Manager,
email: dpelton@tycoint.com Standard Products
email: bfreeman@tycoint.com
Ansul Incorporated
1240 Iroquois Drive, Suite 102, Naperville, IL 60563-8537
Phone: (630) 305-5700 FAX: (630) 305-3360

Form No. F-9874-6 2000 Ansul Incorporated Litho in U.S.A.

ANSUL® INTERNATIONAL AREA MANAGERS
NORTH ASIA/NORTH CHINA SOUTH CHINA
Harry Cole, Regional Manager, Asia Pacific – Region 06 Tony Tang, Area Manager, South China
William Lu, Area Manager, North China Circle Chen, Marketing Coordinator
Marilyn Liu, Office Manager Ansul Incorporated
Room 2203, Xinmin Hotel
Ansul Incorporated
701 Hutai Road
Beijing Representative Office
Shanghai 200072 P.R.C.
Suite 308, Scitech Tower
Telephone: 86-21-5653-0726 OR 86-21-5652-5635
22 Jianguomenwai Avenue
Fax: 86-21-5652-5482
Beijing 100004
P.R.C. E-mail: ansul@public4.sta.net.cn@internet#
Telephone: 86-10-6515-0005 AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND
Fax: 86-10-6515-9996 Kevin Parry – Region 08
E-mail: hcole@tycoint.com Ansul Incorporated
wlu@tycoint.com 37 Churchill Drive
ansul@public.bta.net.cn (Jim Liang) Mooroolbark
SOUTH ASIA Melbourne, Victoria 3138
Kevin White – Region 05 AUSTRALIA
Ansul Incorporated Telephone: 61-3-9727-2622
Jl. Letjen TB Simatupang No. 150B Fax: 61-3-9727-4320
Tanjung Barat, Jagakarsa E-mail: kparry@tycoint.com
Jakarta 12530, INDONESIA MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA
Telephone: 62-21-789-1090 Andy Hall – Area Manager, Regions 02, 09
Fax: 62-21-789-1089 P.O. Box 53679
E-mail: kewhite@tycoint.com Dubai, U.A.E.
MALAYSIA Telephone: 971-4-343-8895
P.L. Tam – Technical Support – Asia Pacific Fax: 971-4-343-8753
E-mail: anhall@tycoint.com
21 Jalan USJ 5/1G
Subang Jaya, 47610 UEP TECHNICAL SUPPORT - EUROPE
Selangor, Malaysia Monika Sauer,Technical Services Manager, Europe
Tel.: 60-3-7322-758 Ansul Germany
Fax: 60-3-7323-964 Industriestrasse 11
E-mail: pltam@tycoint.com D68526 Ladenburg
EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA P O Box 1127 (For Mail)
D-68520 Ladenburg
Ronald W. Verkroost – General Sales Manager, Region 01 & 03
GERMANY
Ansul Incorporated
Telephone: 49-6203-934-160
Berberisweg 498
Fax: 49-6203-934-159
3053 PL
E-mail: msauer@tycoint.com
Rotterdam
THE NETHERLANDS CANADA
Telephone: 31-10-4-182-549 Region 16
Fax: 31-10-4-182-657 Doug Bailey, Portables & Pre-Engineered Systems
E-mail: rverkroost@tycoint.com Paul Swirla, Engineered Systems
AFRICA Michelle Wright, Marketing Assistant/Foam Sales
Derek George – Region 14 Ansul Canada Limited
871 Equestrian Court
Claudia Zagato, Office Manager
Unit #1A - 2nd Floor
Ansul South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
Oakville, Ontario
Unit B18
CANADA L6L 6L7
Linbro Business Park
Telephone: 905-847-0217 OR 877-99-ANSUL
Marlboro Drive
Fax: 905-847-0586
Linbro Park
E-mail: pswirla@tycoint.com miwright@tycoint.com
Johannesburg
dbailey@tycoint.com
P.O. Box 650662
Benmore 2010
Republic of South Africa
Country Code: 27
Telephone: 11-608-1381 OR 1387 OR 1388
Fax: 11-608-1389
E-mail: dgeorge@tycoint.com
czagato@tycoint.com
ANSUL® INTERNATIONAL AREA MANAGERS (Continued)
MEXICO CARIBBEAN, CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
Bill Smith – Region 15 Larry Rimel – Region 04 (South America)
Alexandra Tejero, Secretary Christian Groff – Region 07 (Central Am. & Caribbean)
Ansul Mexico S.A. Ansul Incorporated
Carretera Tlalnepantla - Cuautitlan #1100 Victoria Rivera, Administrative Assistant/Office Manager
Tultitlan Edo De Mexico 222 Pennbright, Suite #104
54900 MEXICO Houston, TX 77090
Switchboard: 52-5-899-0899 Phone: 281-876-1731/1732/1734/1737
Alexandra Tejero: 52-5-899-0865 800-248-0240
B Smith Direct Ph: 52-5-899-0801 Fax: 281-876-1727
B Smith Fax: 52-5-899-0898 E-mail: cgroff@tycoint.com
Sales Fax: 52-5-899-0880 lrimel@tycoint.com
E-mail: bismith@tycoint.com anslatinamer@tycoint.com
(Alt Phone Line when lines are down: 52-5-872-8541
OR 52-5-872-1144 direct to Bill Smith’s office
Alternate Fax: 52-5-899-0888)
Power Failure Voice: 5-872-1451 Fax: 5-872-1144
U.S. MAILING ADDRESS FOR MEXICO OFFICE:
Ansul Mexico S.A.
APDO 130
P.O. Box 60326
Houston, TX 77205-0326
(This mail is received in Texas and then forwarded
via Fed-X to the Mexico office.)