CO2 Fire Supression System

[Photolomy]

While moving the new fridge down to the galley, we triggered the CO2 system emergency pull. The panel was unscrewed and leaning so we could fit the fridge. I was on one end and my wife and son on the other. I told them to lift but it seems that when something is doing the lifting for them, it is not their nature to question why, but to let whatever is carrying the load to continue to carry the load. That would have been the CO2 emergency cable and wood face. I noticed and told them to LIFT! I also wondered how it could have been pressed so far and not trigger. A second later, CO2 was pouring out, and the fridge seemed very light now, as I yanked it down the stairs so that I could get out. In any event, 2 hours later and downstairs is still not livable. If you are standing in the galley, it's ok, but any further down than that and in a minute you are breathing like you just went up 10 flights of stairs. I checked my O2 and it is ok, just the heavy breathing.

How do you clear this stuff from the bottom of the boat? I tried the blowers, but I don't think I have one in the gen room. And because we are in the middle of the galley refit, we had the gen room hatch open.

Good news, even at 10 years, the system worked perfectly. Bad news, I will have to get it refilled and retested.

 

[Photolomy]

After 6 hours, the air was clear again, though I didn't venture into the bilge spaces. I would definitely give the boat some time after these things go off. It wasn't deadly, just breathing like you are on Pike's Peak. Standing height, you are fine. It becomes noticeable when you get towards the ground, and the hint is that you breath faster, as if you had been exerting yourself.

 

[oscarvan]

Ouch.....

 

[Photolomy]

Fortunately, the inspection is good for 12 years (was inspected 2011) and a local company will refill it for $75. The tanks weighs about 150 lbs, and the gas is another 100 lbs. So roughly 250 lbs. full.

 

[Boatsb]

Get it hydroed while its out. It needs it in a few years anyway.

 

[oscarvan]

Fortunately, the inspection is good for 12 years (was inspected 2011) and a local company will refill it for $75. The tanks weighs about 150 lbs, and the gas is another 100 lbs. So roughly 250 lbs. full.

I assume it has to come out? They do that and sign the tag when they put it back in?

 

[Photolomy]

Yeah, I will have to take it out, but they can pick it up at the boat and drop it back off. Since the inspection is still good, they will not be signing anything that I am aware of, maybe that it was filled. I guess I could have them inspect it again, for another 12 years, but as it stands, it can be filled without an inspection.

 

[Briankinley2004]

The hydro test is good for 12 years. I think it is still supposed to be visually inspected annually.

 

[ageless]

funny this very thing just happen to me. I asked my son to pull the shut down cable (annual maintenance test) and he pulled the handle in the salon rather than the bridge.

 

[Jammin']

funny this very thing just happen to me. I asked my son to pull the shut down cable (annual maintenance test) and he pulled the handle in the salon rather than the bridge.

And it shut down.

 

[ageless]

And it shut down.

Sure did

photolomy, What size is your tank? A company quoted me $1,500 to refill my 75 lb, I paid $1700 for this brand new system 2 years ago. I quoted this thread and they knocked $400 off immediately, I told them I would seek someone else to do it. What a crock of crap

 

[Photolomy]

100 lb. Is yours CO2? The prices I quoted was for CO2. Non CO2 systems are probably more expensive.

 

[Maurice]

My tank looks like it is still the original (1973 38' FBDC model). No evidence of any disturbance but I would like to know if there is any pressure in the tank without triggering it. Large tank ... about 2.5' long and maybe 8" in diameter. Suggestions?

 

[ageless]

100 lb. Is yours CO2? The prices I quoted was for CO2. Non CO2 systems are probably more expensive.

Yes,mine is co2. What company is filling yours?

 

[ageless]

My tank looks like it is still the original (1973 38' FBDC model). No evidence of any disturbance but I would like to know if there is any pressure in the tank without triggering it. Large tank ... about 2.5' long and maybe 8" in diameter. Suggestions?

When was it last Hydro tested?

 

[Photolomy]

Yes,mine is co2. What company is filling yours?

NexAir

https://www.nexair.com/locations/

The $75 price is me taking the tank to the local distributer, them sending it to the distribution center for refill, and me picking it back up at the local distributer a few days later. They also will pick it up at the boat for a little extra, which is probably what I will do.

 

[Photolomy]

My tank looks like it is still the original (1973 38' FBDC model). No evidence of any disturbance but I would like to know if there is any pressure in the tank without triggering it. Large tank ... about 2.5' long and maybe 8" in diameter. Suggestions?

You weigh them. First, via some googling you find out the kind of tank and capacity you have, the weight of the tank, plus the weight of the gas. Then you weight the tank and compare it to that.

My tank is 100 lb tank which means it holds 100 lb of CO2. The tank itself (steel) weighs 150 lb, so in my case a filled tank is 250 lb.

 

[ageless]

NexAir

https://www.nexair.com/locations/

The $75 price is me taking the tank to the local distributer, them sending it to the distribution center for refill, and me picking it back up at the local distributer a few days later. They also will pick it up at the boat for a little extra, which is probably what I will do.

I had another company come this morning, removed the tank, updated my inspection and will install the tank after filling for $480, $300 of which was the 10 minute inspection. There are two o-rings on the valve side of the discharge that need replaced, as well. He said its common for them to dry out and crumble from all the heat in the ER, just give yours a look if you haven't already.

 

[Maurice]

When was it last Hydro tested?

No idea. Just bought it about 3 weeks ago. Don't see any tag on the tank?

 

[Photolomy]

If you weigh your tank and it has the weight of a full tank, then it is full and I would leave it. If it is empty then you will probably have to have it hydro tested before they will fill it. My tank still has a valid hydro test, thus they will fill it. As ageless posted, you can shop around and get a decent price for a test, fill , installation and inspection. I may check around further for that option. I don't cherish moving a 250 lb tank to the engine room