Are automatic fire suppression systems with integral vehicle shutdown required for all off-road vehicles?
The A-101 vehicle fire suppression system is FM approved to suppress fires on off-road vehicles. As an option, a CHECKFIRE® SC-N detection and actuation system is available. Except for some underground coal mining operations, there is no requirement for automatic operation of the fire suppression system or vehicle shutdown. ANSUL, however strongly recommends automatic operation and vehicle shutdown. Automatic operation will not only actuate the system, but will also offer a warning to the operator that a fire may exist. Fires normally occur when a fuel or hydraulic line or connection breaks and sprays atomized fuel on a superheated turbo-charger or exhaust manifold. As long as the engine continues to operate, atomized fuel will continue to discharge. Therefore, engine shutdown is a must.
