Fire suppression technology continues to evolve, with both single and dual agent systems offering effective solutions for heavy equipment protection. While single-agent liquid systems have seen advancements, dual agent systems remain a critical option for comprehensive fire protection. This article aims to provide a clear understanding of how dual agent systems function and why they remain a vital choice for fire suppression.
Note: AFEX provides both dual and single-agent systems. Our interest is not in promoting one option over the other but in delivering the most effective fire suppression system tailored to safeguard operators and address specific fire hazards—whether the system utilizes a single or dual agent.
Dual agent systems are designed to strategically deploy dry and liquid agents to target different hazards on the same piece of equipment:
By combining the strengths of both agents, dual agent systems offer comprehensive coverage tailored to the specific fire risks identified during a Fire Risk Assessment. Depending on the fire hazards present, this combined approach may provide superior protection compared to relying solely on a single agent.
A common misconception is that dry chemical agent is antiquated or less effective. However, real-world applications demonstrate otherwise. ABC powder agent has well-documented advantages, including:
While liquid agent has excellent cooling properties, different tests highlight that dry chemical agent can be more effective in certain scenarios. A well-rounded fire suppression strategy should consider multiple test conditions and application-specific needs.
Some concerns exist around the complexity of dual agent systems in terms of installation, actuation, and cleanup. Let’s examine these points:
Mounting dry and liquid agent tanks side-by-side is no more difficult than installing multiple tanks of the same agent type. Achieving equivalent coverage with liquid agent alone may require additional tanks, reinforcing the importance of a balanced approach.
Dual agent systems function as a single integrated solution. Modern designs ensure simultaneous actuation, making operation comparable to single-agent systems.
Both dry chemical and liquid agents leave some residue after discharge. However, when weighed against the potential loss of equipment or operational downtime due to a fire, cleanup is a minor consideration.
A robust Fire Risk Assessment considers all potential hazards on a machine. While hot surfaces like turbochargers and manifolds are significant ignition points, other key risks include:
A well-conducted Fire Risk Assessment ensures the most effective suppression strategy is selected, which often includes a dual agent system to provide complete protection.
Both FM Approvals and NFPA standards recognize and validate the effectiveness of both single and dual agent systems. Dry chemical agent has passed stringent FM testing, demonstrating its capability to suppress fires in complex scenarios.
Additionally, NFPA standards require dual agent systems for equipment with hydraulic lines exceeding 150 gallons. This applies to large machines such as 250-ton haul trucks, 20-cubic-yard excavators, and 30-cubic-yard bucket wheel loaders. These regulations highlight the necessity of dual agent systems in specific applications where fire hazards demand comprehensive suppression strategies.
Advancements in single-agent liquid fire suppression systems are valuable, but they do not eliminate the need for dry powder or dual agent systems. Selecting the right fire suppression solution should be based on a thorough Fire Risk Assessment rather than generalizations about agent effectiveness.
AFEX is committed to protecting what matters most by offering a full range of fire suppression solutions - whether single or dual agent - ensuring each system is tailored to the needs of the equipment and environment. When used as intended, dual agent systems continue to provide an essential layer of fire protection for industries that rely on heavy-duty equipment.