An engine bay is an area inside motorised vehicles such as cars, trains and aeroplanes where the engine is located.
Engine bays can be prone to overheating or fire and, therefore, a fire detection system may be necessary in order for a vehicle to operate safely – particularly for vehicles such as cruise ships, coaches or trains which often carry a large number of passengers.
What are the Fire Risks Associated with Engine Bays?
There are many risks associated with engine bays, such as:
- Overheating
Engines can be prone to overheating, particularly if it is under heavy load, having to work hard or is travelling at high speeds for prolonged periods. Excessive temperatures can cause fire, especially if they are not detected quickly or are ignored. - Flammable liquids
Engine bays may contain flammable substances, such as oil, coolant and, of course, fuel that can easily ignite. - Ignition Sources
There are a number of potential ignition sources present in an engine bay. Coils, spark plugs and other components of an ignition system can become faulty and cause a fire. On top of this, other electrical components such as wiring looms, lighting and batteries could also become faulty.
What are the Challenges?
As every vehicle varies in shape and size, so does the engine bay. Engine bays contain high levels of atmospheric gases and often fluctuate in temperature.
Oils and hazardous or corrosive substances present in the engine bay may also affect how a fire detection system operates.
This means conventional fire detection systems may not be suited.
Nylon Coated Sensing Cable
A nylon coated cable can provide the perfect solution for engine bays as it is recommended for use where temperatures fluctuate and atmospheric gas is present. Nylon cables are coated in a black protective coating, making them much stronger than standard coatings.
FyreLine Linear Heat Detection
FyreLine is an innovative linear heat detection system from Eurofyre, and is available in two variations:
FyreLine Digital
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FyreLine Digital provides fixed heat detection at rated temperatures of 68°C, 88°C, 105°C, 185°C and 230°C. When the cable reaches its rated temperature, an alarm signal is sent straight to the fire alarm control panel in order to trigger the alarm.
FyreLine Analogue
FyreLine Analogue is capable of detecting heat anywhere along its length and has been designed for use in a variety of environments. Fyreline Analogue constantly monitors for changes in temperature and triggers an alarm once it reaches the temperature specified during the installation process. Due to its ability to monitor for changes in temperature, FyreLine Analogue can also provide a pre-alarm, this allows for potential fires to be investigated before action is taken, thus reducing the risk of false alarm.
For more information about the FyreLine Linear Heat Detection System, or to discuss any of the other products that Eurofyre have to offer, please feel free to get in touch either by phone on +44 (0) 1329 835 024, by email to [email protected] or via the online enquiry form situated on our contact page.
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