What does Kidde have to offer the marine consumer?

Since 1917, Walter Kidde and his brand Kidde have provided fire safety equipment. They are one of the best-known brands in the fire protection industry. Consumers can purchase their standard ABC fire extinguishers in big box stores, such as Walmart or Home Depot. Kidde products are also carried by licensed fire equipment dealers across the United States. Despite Kidde's success, not everyone knows that they manufacture marine fire suppression systems.

Much like their competitors, Kidde-Fenwal (as the marine brand is known) offers a wide variety of vessel fire suppression systems and accessories to keep boaters safe. Walter Kidde created the first integrated marine fire detection and suppression system with CO2 in 1918. Since then, Kidde has continued to provide quality fire safety products for vessels. Let's take a look at their product lines.

Marine Portable Fire Extinguishers

• Mariner 110 Fire Extinguisher
• 5 lbs. of extinguishing agent
• Stored-pressure, dry chemical
• USCG approved bracket
• Extinguishes Class A, B, and C fires
• NFPA 10 approved
• Disposable
• Marine 5 Fire Extinguisher
• 5 lbs. of extinguishing agent
• Stored-pressure, dry chemical
• USCG approved bracket
• Extinguishes Class B:C fires
• NFPA 10 approved
• Disposable

All vessels are required to have a 5-B fire extinguisher on board. The Mariner 110 provides protection for small fires of ordinary materials, flammable liquids, and electrical machines. The Marine 5 is a bit larger and rated for larger fires of flammable liquids and electrical equipment only. Both come with the USCG bracket for installation.

Marine Fire Suppression Systems

Marine ADS Clean Agent Fire Suppression System

Like most marine fire suppression systems, this system uses a cylinder or cylinders filled with a clean extinguishing agent. The cylinder has a system of tubing, nozzles, and heat sensors that automatically activate to suppress a fire when the temperature surpasses 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlike most vessel fire suppression systems, Marine ADS is fancy.

The Kidde Marine ADS fire suppression system is designed for larger vessels with multiple engine compartments and occupied spaces. The cylinders are capable of holding up to 900 pounds of extinguishing agent. In addition, this system is able to transport the extinguishing agent toward the fire quickly. It has the capability of outperforming industry standards. The industry standard is for output of all extinguishing agents in 10 seconds. Due to the larger nature of this system, the output rate is 2-3 times faster. This vessel fire suppression system also uses smaller piping. This helps it fit and be configured to larger vessels, where space is limited. Kidde also boasts that this system can be used as a 'drop-in' replacement system for older Halon marine fire suppression systems.

Marine ECS Clean Agent

This system is more standard fare for recreational boaters and smaller yachts. It uses a cylinder or cylinders containing a clean agent, with standard tubing, heat activated sensors and automatic discharge. Kidde also offers accessories to connect manual activation, warning sensors, engine shut off kids, and additional cable to connect all of the bells and whistles. This system uses FM-200 or Novec 3M 1230 clean agents to operate. If the system does discharge to extinguish a fire, there will be no messy residue to clean up.

Marine HP CO2 System

This system uses carbon dioxide to lower the oxygen content and lower the heat of the flame for suppression purposes. Using C02 can be dangerous. But when used and maintained properly it is a great suppression agent. It is also inexpensive to refill or recharge after using the system. Kidde makes this system in three different ways:

• total flooding
• local application
• hand-hose line

This allows the user to decide which type of system to use and where to install it. Total flooding systems are best when used in an unoccupied compartment. Alternatives include delayed release alarms, alarm warning systems, and manual release systems. Local application would most likely look like a portable CO2 extinguisher. A hand-hose would be for much smaller fires in a particularly high hazard area. Other manufacturers, such as Sea-Fire and Fireboy-Xintex do not offer CO2 marine fire suppression systems.

Galley Systems

Kidde WHDR Wet Chemical System

Unlike many competitors, Kidde offers a marine galley system. This protects vessel kitchens from fire as well, while keeping users safe. Many marine fire suppression systems are designed to operate in unoccupied areas of the vessel. This system is safe for the occupied galley. It comes in a range of cylinder sizes for smaller to larger kitchens. It also provides total extinguishment and prevents a reflash from occurring. You can even buy a back up extinguishing agent to recharge the system while at sea.

Additional Information

If you are interested in their products, you can see a more extensive marine system listing on the Kidde-Fenwal website. If you already have Kidde products and need them serviced, call your local, licensed fire equipment dealer. They should be able to inspect, maintain, recharge, repair, and certify your marine fire suppression products. Fire suppression systems should be serviced and certified every 6 months. Fire extinguishers (if not disposable) should be serviced and certified annually. If you live in the Tampa Bay area, give us a call at All Florida Fire. We've been keeping folks safe on the water since 1999. Our knowledgeable administrative assistant can answer your questions or refer you to one of our trained fire extinguisher and suppression system technicians for a free consultation.