Installation of fire suppression detection options. Linear wire and spot sensors, installed on heavy duty equipment.

Linear Wire vs. Sensors: Which Should You Go with for Heavy Equipment Fire Detection?

Fire suppression systems are an organization’s first line of defense against mobile equipment fires so it’s vital that the onboard suppression system be able to detect a fire quickly and accurately. There are two common fire detection methods among fire suppression system manufacturers: linear wire and spot sensors. What’s the difference? Is one more effective than the other? What are the pros and cons of each method? Let’s explore the answers to these questions and more.

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A mining haul truck on fire that that needed a fire suppression system

Heavy Equipment Fires: 4 Steps for Operator Safety Using an Onboard Suppression System


You’ve invested in fire suppression systems for your fleet of heavy-duty mobile equipment, so it’s clear you prioritize the safety of your people. A key next step after the purchase and installation of a vehicle fire suppression system is operator training. Under a stressful situation, it’s easy for your operator to panic. But, with the proper training ahead of time, your operator can remain calm during a fire and execute the proper steps to actuate the system to safely exit the machine.

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Header image with an end user with hands to head as if they have a headache with title of "7 Ways to Fail When Choosing a Fire Suppression System for Heavy equipment"

7 Ways to Fail When Choosing a Fire Suppression System for Heavy Equipment 

Fire suppression systems for heavy-duty mobile equipment are investments worthy of close consideration and a thorough implementation plan. As a manufacturer of vehicle fire suppression systems with 50+ years of experience working in various industries across all seven continents, we’ve seen clients make mistakes that have threatened the success of their projects. We want to help alleviate any pain upfront and review some sure ways to fail when selecting and deploying fire suppression systems. We don’t believe you have to be the one making mistakes to learn from them. 

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How relevant is thrid-party testing for automatic fire suppression systems. A man and a woman inspecting a heavy duty equipment fire suppression system.

How Relevant is Third-Party Testing for Automatic Fire Suppression Systems?

When deciding on the best automatic fire suppression system for your heavy-duty mobile equipment, there are several factors to take into consideration. In addition to a manufacturer’s experience and the knowledge of their distributor network, system quality and reliability hold considerable weight when making a purchase. Sure, you can ask a manufacturer about the dependability of their fire suppression systems; however, third-party testing will give you peace of mind you’re making the safest choice for your organization.

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Ask These 5 Questions When Evaluating a Heavy Equipment Fire Suppression System Provider blog post header with image of excavator in the background

Ask These 5 Questions When Evaluating A Heavy Equipment Fire Suppression System Provider


You’re convinced of the importance of heavy equipment fire suppression systems for mitigating the risks associated with fires. Your next step is to select a system manufacturer you’d like to work with. With so many choices, how do you ensure you’re choosing the best partner with the most reliable product? 

Based on decades of experience interacting with end users, equipment dealers, and distributors, we’ve compiled a list of five questions to ask when evaluating a potential fire suppression system partner. 

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The ins and outs of vehicle fire suppression systems blog header with dozer and an AFEX Fire Suppression System installed

The Ins and Outs of Vehicle Fire Suppression Systems

Heavy-duty mobile equipment assets carry out essential duties across a variety of industries. Performing this work is not easy on the equipment. Hydraulic shovels, haul trucks, wheel loaders, and similar off-road equipment execute rigorous tasks under some of the harshest conditions – extremely hot temperatures, moving and pushing combustible debris, engines running constantly without breaks. In such dangerous environments, measures must be taken to protect these machines from risks capable of compromising or completely halting operations.

One significant risk to an operation is fire. What may start as a small fire can quickly grow to overtake an entire mobile equipment asset. To combat this risk, organizations across the globe are implementing vehicle fire suppression systems. Let’s explore the ins and outs of these unique systems.

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7 Tangible and Intangible impacts of a vehicle fire blog header banner

7 Tangible and Intangible Impacts of a Vehicle Fire


When it comes to a heavy-duty mobile equipment asset catching fire, there are a range of resulting impacts - and all are devastating to an operation. A small fire that goes unnoticed can rapidly engulf an entire machine and lead to a total loss. So, what are some of the tangible and intangible impacts of a vehicle fire?

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4 Fire Suppression System Inspection & Maintenance Recommendations

Fire suppression systems are the first line of defense against heavy-duty mobile equipment fires and the associated risks. And, to ensure these systems work as intended, regular maintenance is a requirement. Failure to properly maintain a fire suppression system can result in excessive wear and tear on components, which can ultimately render a system ineffective. So, what does fire suppression system maintenance involve? Let’s explore four key recommendations. These recommendations come directly from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and system manufacturers.

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is fire suppression system maintenace really important? Man looking down into mining heavy equipment performing maintenance

Is Fire Suppression System Maintenance Really Important?

The heavy-duty mobile equipment used in a variety of industrial applications, such as mining and forestry, operate for long hours under harsh conditions. And equipment owners are accustomed to performing routine maintenance to keep their investments working at maximum efficiency. However, when it comes to a tried-and-true safety accessory for heavy equipment, fire suppression systems, maintenance is often overlooked or underestimated.

Is maintenance on fire suppression systems really necessary? What could happen if routine inspections and maintenance are neglected?

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AFEX fire suppression system tanks with header Fire Suppression Systems: Side Cartridge vs Stored Pressure

Fire Suppression Systems: Side Cartridge vs. Stored Pressure Operation

You're in the market for a fire suppression system for your heavy-duty mobile equipment. So, what's the difference between a stored pressure and side cartridge operated system? This article will walk through some frequently asked questions to help you make the right decision for your application.

What's the Difference?

Stored pressure agent tanks have the compressed nitrogen gas that is used as the propellant for the dry chemical agent stored in the same canister as the dry chemical.

Side cartridge operated units store the dry chemical in a non-pressurized container and the compressed nitrogen gas in a separate cartridge. Only at the time of actuation is the tank under pressure and then, only briefly.

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