Noise from automatic fire extinguisher

[Sea Gull]

OK, here is a really strange problem.

We are at anchor and the generator is running. The Fireboy engine room fire suppression system is powered up because the genset is running. At the helm station there is the standard override switch with a couple of status lights and an annunciator horn. All seems fine.

Here is the weird part: When the domestic water pump kicks on the speaker on the Fireboy makes a sound like a cat in heat. Not a full alarm sound, but like some power is going to the alarm circuit so that the little speaker starts to make noise. The pump is variable speed, but I don't think the sound coming from the speaker is tied to the speed of the pump. Maybe some RF interference? How could the pump in the forward cabin have anything to do with the fire suppression system?

Any thoughts and ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[fwebster]

Me thinks this is a dealer item............

I believe the fire supression system is supposed to be completely independant. Hopefully you have either remaining warranty or an extended plan of some sort.

 

[boatmailster]

check ground wire to the pump
looks like may draw some power trough halon system

 

[Four Suns]

Oh boy... that's just creepy to have stray current going to that. I'd be concerned about turning the radio up too loud as it would fire off the extingusher! I can see a call to the dealer with the sympton: "Everytime I turn up my Bon Jovi CD, it activates the fire extingusher"

 

[osd9]

... I can see a call to the dealer with the sympton: "Everytime I turn up my Bon Jovi CD, it activates the fire extingusher"

And a few kittens come out from the ER... :grin:

Good luck Sea Gull...let us know what you find out.....

 

[Sea Gull]

Plenty of warranty time left. I just thought I'd run it by the panel of experts first.

 

[boatmailster]

Oh boy... that's just creepy to have stray current going to that. I'd be concerned about turning the radio up too loud as it would fire off the extingusher! I can see a call to the dealer with the sympton: "Everytime I turn up my Bon Jovi CD, it activates the fire extingusher"

system is mechanically activated (it will work if you disconnect all wires)
wires only connecting pressure switch to buzzers, indicator lights, kill switches etc