[roboh20]

Greetings, On my 1996 Tiara 29 Open in the engine compartment, mounted on the forward bulkhead is a Fireboy fire suppression system. The unit uses Clean Agent FE-241 as the extinguishant. Since I have owned the boat (14 years), it has never been serviced. When the ignition key is turned on the green light at the helm lights and the gauge on the unit itself is in the green zone. My question is has anyone ever had their unit serviced and does it require regular service. Thanks in advance.

[jclark003]

There is no maintenance required that I am aware of on most Fireboy systems and if the green light is on it is most likely charged.  However it is a good idea to have a fire protection company regularly check and tag the system. My insurance company requires that my automatic fire suppression system be "in good working order" so each spring I have a company check and tag the fixed and handheld devices. if you can get several boat owners to do it at the same time the price should be reasonable. For me the $75.00 is well spent knowing all my extinguishers are ready to go and if the worse should happen I have documentation that the fixed system was inspected. 

Hope that helps

[Uhehner]

My '88 Tiara has a HALON system that is no longer serviced. The insurance company (Boat U.S.) was happy with the Federal required number of portable fire extinguishers I carry. The HALON system still shows green lights. Fortunately I have never needed it.  There is one in the bunk room, one in the galley and a big one at the sliding door. Thinking of adding another on the bridge.   Capt.  George

[roboh20]

There is no maintenance required that I am aware of on most Fireboy systems and if the green light is on it is most likely charged.  However it is a good idea to have a fire protection company regularly check and tag the system. My insurance company requires that my automatic fire suppression system be "in good working order" so each spring I have a company check and tag the fixed and handheld devices. if you can get several boat owners to do it at the same time the price should be reasonable. For me the $75.00 is well spent knowing all my extinguishers are ready to go and if the worse should happen I have documentation that the fixed system was inspected. 

Hope that helps

Thanks for the responses, question for Capt. George. Wouldn't you rather let an automatic fire suppression system fight a fire in the engine compartment? Chances are the system would know there is a problem before the crew. Plus opening the hatch would add more oxygen to the fire. As noted, the gauge on the unit and the green light is on but I would rather be sure its ready to go if needed. Also does the Coast Guard require it be inspected? Thanks

[bwoods94]

My insurance co requires a once a year inspection of my fireboy auto system. I just did it last week. $150. System is supposed to last a lifetime but good to have it checked.


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[Uhehner]

Checking around, HALON is no longer serviced. My choice was remove it or leave it in place and in either case  install portable extinguishers. I chose the later. The green light is still on.

One more bit of information. I purchased a large Kidde extinguisher and less than one year later the pressure gauge read zero. I contacted Kidde about their warranty and was told it does NOT cover lose of pressure. What else happens to fire extinguishers?  So the warranty is useless.  Capt. George

[roboh20]

As stated in my original post, the Fireboy system installed usesd Clean Agent FE-241, not Halon. It should be able to be serviced, Am I correct?

[jclark003]

Per their website fire-boy fe-241 systems can be recharged as long as the system did not discharge as a result of a fire. I'm sure they will not recharge any cylinder that shows damage either.