Halon system- when to charge?

[lakejumper]

I have about 276 hours on a 2003 boat. How do I know when/if the halon fire extinguishing system needs to be charged?

Lakejumper

 

[STIHLBOLTS]

http://www.dbcmarine.com/article1.html

Read this article. It shows annual inspection, 6 year and 12 year requirements. It also mentions that Halon is being banned in Canada and the US has agreed to it as well. There are companies that are recovering Halon. But they don't have a replacement for it as yet. :smt024

 

[Divedaddy]

For marine use there are two replacements widely available - FM-200 for spaces occupied by people and FE-241 for spaces that are not normally occupied.

The two main suppression manufacturers for boats are Sea-Fire and Fireboy. Both have exchange programs for updating old systems. I just ordered a new one for my '97 330 DA yesterday - 50% discount, but I must send the old unit back.

Generally the tanks are certified for 12 years. and at that time either need to be replaced or if possible need to be by tested hydrostatically and refilled. Many of the smaller tanks out there are not certified for refil. It is probably cheaper and easier to just replace the whole cylinder anyway.

In your case, annual visual inspection is all that is needed for some time.

 

[lakejumper]

Thanks, that is exactly the information I needed.

 

[Bottom Line]

You might want to check your insurance policy. Mine says I have to have an annual inspection on the halon system. While having it inspected, they told me after 6 years, it has to be emptied and refilled and after 12 years, a new canister is required.

 

[bob]

Believe me, the automatic Halon system works--very well. See my recent post in the 220 DA section.

After reading the posts here, I wasn't aware of a recurring inspection, other than checking to see if the monitor light on the helm works, and (on mine, at least), there's a small, circular gauge on the Halon bottle's neck--just like a hand-held extinguisher.

In spite of my ignorance, the Halon system worked after being installed as part of the original equipment 16 years ago :wow:

That being said, I would follow the advice others have posted in this column as far as regular inspections/replacement schedules.

I just bought a used 240 DA and before launching in a couple of weeks, will have a Fireboy system installed--I've learned the value of them.

 

[rondds]

the little green light thingy next to "charged" is still on. does that mean i'm OK after 18 years?? :lol:

 

[bob]

According to my owner's manual, all the green light indicates is the halon bottle has not been discharged.

That being said, you may want to look at the actual bottle to see if there's a pressure indicator. Mine was still in the "green" at the start of last year's season (just before the fire). Just like any portable fire extingusiher, the bottles can gradually lose pressure over time.

 

[boatmailster]

For marine use there are two replacements widely available - FM-200 for spaces occupied by people and FE-241 for spaces that are not normally occupied.

The two main suppression manufacturers for boats are Sea-Fire and Fireboy. Both have exchange programs for updating old systems. I just ordered a new one for my '97 330 DA yesterday - 50% discount, but I ....................

In your case, annual visual inspection is all that is needed for some time.

To be safe, remove halon bottle and weight it. Label on bottle should shows correct weight.

 

[rondds]

I had pulled my halon bottle while trying to remove the exhaust hoses on the stbd engine and it seemed really light (in weight). Came to CSR and searched on the topic and found this thread. Here's what I have now...

Here's what the gauge reads...

I contacted Sea-Fire and they were very helpful. A comparable replacement bottle for 350 cubic feet costs $854. BUT they give you 1/2 off the price if you return your old bottle. BUT shipping is $40 and to ship back your bottle will run an additional $55. Bottom line - to replace my halon system would cost $522. The new bottle would be about 1.5" greater in diameter and about 3" taller.