Metro Magazine, January/February 2017

full scale engine compartment mock up with obstructions aiming to represent generally cluttered engine compartment interior This method includes 11 different suppression tests that differ from each other with respect to fire source type severity and location grade of obstruction and number of the fire sources used as well as air flow rate applied The report of the conducted tests rates the tested suppression system based on the number of passed extinguished tests and the ability to protect against hot surface re ignition This means that manufacturers can compete with each other by improving their systems to increase the number of passed tests It also allows e g purchasers to set stricter requirements such as passing certain types of tests for buses frequently utilized in special hazard areas including tunnels and underground car parks for example Since the method focuses on suppression performance SP started a project 38 mETRO mAGAZINE JANUARY FEBRUARY 2017 metro magazine com FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMSCONTINUED FROM PAGE 34 Vehicle fire suppression technology significantly increases the safety of passenger transportation and ideally will prevent any dangerous scenarios from occurring New technologies in the industry such as data logging capabilities and real time reporting systems are certainly beneficial but companies like Firetrace and Fogmaker still emphasize a focus on simplicity At its core the purpose of fire suppression is to protect equipment and save lives We offer hi tech solutions like data logging and telematics but I like to emphasize the effectiveness of the basic system said Fogmakers Managing Director North America Ray Melleady To evaluate companies on their reliability and quality of product a competency test was recently developed by SP which has been welcomed by the industry Its driving a lot of awareness in terms of functionality so we all make sure our systems are as ideal for the environment as possible said Firetraces Managing Director Scott Starr The SP test is creating awareness globally that there should be a standard Both Firetrace and Fogmaker fire suppression systems certified as effective by the SP test begin around 2500 though the price may increase or decrease depending on fleet size and additional options selected by the operator Nancy Kirk Fire suppression system technology