MAINTENANCE
INFORMATION
DATE :
SUBJECT :

Revision: A

June 2018

MI18-27A
SECTION : 23 ACCESSORIES

DESCRIPTION OF THE AMEREX FIRE
DETECTION & SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
(AFSS)

Added: Image showing proper discharge nozzle blow off cap 06-29-2018
position

APPLICATION
Model
X3-45 Commuter

Writer: EL

VIN
CUSTOMER OPTION

INTRODUCTION

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LITERATURE

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AMEREX SYSTEM ON THE PREVOST COMMUTER COACHES

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ELECTRICAL DIAGRAM
SIMPLIFIED SCHEMATIC
PICTURES/IMAGES
« SAFETYNET » DRIVER PANEL
REPLACEMENT BATTERY FOR DRIVER PANEL
« SAFETYNET » OPERATOR’S DISPLAY PANEL
SPOT HEAT DETECTOR
CLASS B CABLE DETECTION INTERFACE
ACTUATION CABLE
LINEAR ACTUATOR
MANUAL ACTUATION SWITCH
AGENT CYLINDER PRESSURE SWITCH
END OF LINE DEVICE
EXTINGUISHER AGENT CONTAINER (A.K.A. AGENT CYLINDER)
SYSTEM ACTUATION - ELECTRIC CONTROL HEAD
DISCHARGE FITTING KIT
DISTRIBUTION HOSE BLOWOUT ADAPTER
DISCHARGE NOZZLE

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CONTROL PANEL (OPERATOR DISPLAY PANEL) PROGRAMMING AND OPERATION

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SELF CONFIGURATION

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SAFETYNET FUNCTION TESTING & INITIAL COMMISSIONING

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OPERATOR DISPLAY PANEL TESTING
MANUAL ACTUATION BUTTON TESTING
DETECTION SENSOR TESTING

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INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE

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DAILY INSPECTION: OPERATOR / OWNER
MONTHLY INSPECTION: OPERATOR/ OWNER
SEMIANNUAL MAINTENANCE: AUTHORIZED AMEREX TECHNICIAN

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TWO (2) YEAR MAINTENANCE
SIX (6) YEAR MAINTENANCE: AUTHORIZED AMEREX TECHNICIAN
TWELVE (12) YEAR MAINTENANCE

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SYSTEM ALARMS & TROUBLESHOOTING

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EVENT DEFINITIONS
SAFETYNET INTERFACE MODULE (AMEREX P/N 16609)

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OTHER INFORMATION

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PARTS / WASTE DISPOSAL

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INTRODUCTION
Amerex Modular Dry Chemical Fire Suppression Systems are pre-engineered FM Approved
systems that are designed specifically for protection of mobile equipment. Each system uses
stored pressure Agent Cylinder with predetermined nozzle flow rates, quantities (4x) and
discharge volumes. The Dry Chemical Agent is discharged into hazard areas via an Agent
Distribution Network consisting of flexible hydraulic hose or stainless steel tubing.
The release of the extinguishing agent is automatic once a fire is detected by the firesensing devices (3x Spot Heat Detector), however, a manual activation button is provided
on the operator’s display panel.
On Prevost Commuter vehicles, the release of the extinguishing agent cannot be delayed.
The engine shutdown is managed by the MUX system and will occur after 15 seconds.
The engine shutdown can be delayed using the Engine Stop Override switch located on
the dashboard.

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LITERATURE
Amerex manuals on the TechPubs site
AMEREX P/N 16601 Rev C

AMEREX P/N 13980 Rev C

AMEREX P/N 16602 Feb2007

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AMEREX SYSTEM ON THE PREVOST COMMUTER COACHES
ELECTRICAL DIAGRAM

Prevost system:
3x Spot Heat
Detector

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SIMPLIFIED SCHEMATIC

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PICTURES/IMAGES

THE NETWORK CABLE IS CONNECTED TO THE NETWORD R.H. CONNECTOR, IDENTIFIED WITH A RED ARROW

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NOZZLES

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SPOT HEAT DETECTORS (3X)

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« SAFETYNET » DRIVER PANEL
The Driver Panel is supplied with modular lead assemblies that provide connecting points for fire
suppression field wiring inputs and outputs. Connections are provided for:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

System Power
Fire Suppression Actuation
Class B Heat Detection Devices
Manual Actuation
Agent Cylinder Pressure Supervision
Relay Contacts (Fire, Trouble)
Network Output/Input Connectivity

The Driver Panel includes battery backup for up to 24 hours of fire suppression capability in the
event of system power failure. Sensor alarm warning is provided to the Operator Display Panel
via a network cable. In the event of network failure, the Driver Panel contains default operating
software, which allows the module to continue operation.

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REPLACEMENT BATTERY FOR DRIVER PANEL
The Replacement Battery is composed of 7 Nickel Metal Hydride cells in series. Nominal voltage
is 8.4 VDC for this product. It takes approximately 8 hours to fully charge this battery from a fully
discharged state.

The internal Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) backup battery installed in the SafetyNet Driver Panel
will require periodic replacement (2 years). Verify battery date shown on a label on the back side
of the Driver Panel. If the battery is out of date or will be out of date before the next six months
service, replace it and the Replacement Battery Label.

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« SAFETYNET » OPERATOR’S DISPLAY PANEL

The Amerex Vehicle SafetyNet Operator’s Display Panel indicates vehicle fire suppression
system status to the vehicle operator or maintenance personnel. Basic system status is
indicated via easy to read LEDs and audible alarm indications. Detailed “Event” text messages
are shown on the panel display.
Sensor alarm warning is provided to the Operator Display Panel via a network cable. In the
event of network failure, the Driver Panel contains default operating software, which allows the
module to continue operation.

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Connections are provided for:
• System Power

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•

Fire Suppression Actuation

•

Class B Heat Detection Devices

•

Manual Actuation

•

Agent Cylinder Pressure Supervision

•

Relay Contacts (Fire, Trouble)

•

Network Output/Input Connectivity

SPOT HEAT DETECTOR
A Spot Heat Detector is a normally open, self-resetting contact closure device. The device is
configured with four wires for allowing supervision of series connected circuitry. The internal
contacts of the device will close upon reaching designed temperature set point parameters.
Supplied with a 350°F set point rating

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CLASS B CABLE DETECTION INTERFACE
The Class B Detection Interface Cable allows the SafetyNet Driver Panel, Detection and
Release Module to connect to:
• Spot Heat Detectors (3x)

ACTUATION CABLE
The Linear Actuator Connector Lead Assembly must be used to connect the Linear Actuator to
the Driver Panel. The Actuator Connector Lead is a two-conductor wire equipped with yellow
color-coded Amerex connectors. These connectors mate with the associated connector at the
Control Panel and the Linear Actuator (for the releasing of the extinguisher agent).

LINEAR ACTUATOR
When electrically activated, the Linear Actuator is a device which extends a metal shaft which
mechanically opens the Agent Cylinder Valve when used in a control head. Once activated it
cannot be reused and must be replaced. Service life of the Linear Actuator is 6 years after
which it must be replaced. Shelf life of the Linear Actuator is 10 years after which it must
be replaced whether it has been placed in service or not. Each Linear Actuator is supplied
with a Mylar style label for identifying date of manufacture. An O-RING is provided with each
Linear Actuator, and must be used each time that a Linear Actuator is installed.

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ACTUATION CIRCUIT

MANUAL ACTUATION SWITCH
The Manual Actuation Button to manually actuate the fire suppression system. To use the
switch, the operator pulls out the safety ring pin breaking the tamper seal, and presses the red
“FIRE” button. This action provides electrical power to the Electric Actuator, which discharges
the fire extinguishing system.
Note: Plastic tamper seal included. Replacement tamper seals are available.

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AGENT CYLINDER PRESSURE SWITCH
The Agent Cylinder Pressure Switch utilizes 1/4” NPT threads for securing to the agent cylinder
valve. The switch is designed to monitor agent cylinder pressure. The switch is normally open
and closes when pressure in excess of 330 PSI is exerted on it. The internal contacts of the
switch will open when pressure exerted on it drops below 270 PSI.
The Pressure Switch located on a fire suppression agent cylinder is connected to the Driver
Panel through a pressure switch circuit. This normally closed circuit monitors the pressure within
an agent cylinder and indicates a fault if pressure is lost.

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END OF LINE DEVICE
The End of Line Device (EOL) is utilized to supervise circuitry on the Class B Detection Network.
The EOL is color coded green. The device provides a continuous electrical circuit allowing for
electronic display panel supervision of the normally open detection network.

EXTINGUISHER AGENT CONTAINER (A.K.A. AGENT CYLINDER)
The Agent Cylinders are shipped fully charged from the factory. Each Agent Cylinder includes a
brass Agent Cylinder Valve with a Pressure Gage and a safety Rupture Disc with Dust Cap
installed. Agent Cylinders are pressurized with nitrogen gas to a pressure of 350 psi (2413 kPa)
at 70°F (21°C). Agent Cylinders are equipped with a Shipping Plate on top of the Agent Cylinder
Valve and Anti-Recoil Plate installed on the Agent Cylinder Valve discharge outlet to prevent
accidental discharge and to minimize recoil in the unlikely event of an accidental discharge
during shipment. These safety components are removed only when the Agent Cylinder is
installed in the Cylinder Bracket and connected to Agent Distribution Network.
The Agent Cylinder requires a hydrostatic test every twelve years.

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The Agent Cylinder must be mounted on a vertical surface. Maximum allowable offset from the
vertical is +/-10°.

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SYSTEM ACTUATION - ELECTRIC CONTROL HEAD
The Electric Control Head is used in all electrically only actuated Amerex Dry Chemical System
installations. This device is constructed of machined brass and bolts directly to the top of the
Agent Cylinder Valve. The body of the Electric Control Head is threaded to accept a Linear
Actuator. The base retains the actuator piston and locking ring. The Linear Actuator, when
activated, will force the piston inside the Electric Control Head down to depress the Agent
Cylinder Valve stem, releasing the Dry Chemical Agent.

DISCHARGE FITTING KIT
The Discharge Fitting Kit is used to connect the Agent Cylinder Valve to the Agent Distribution
Network. It consists of a brass fitting with an o-ring seal on one end and 3/4” NPT male pipe
threads on the other, and a stainless steel flange for locking the fitting in place. The flange is
placed over the threaded end of the fitting before connection to the Agent Distribution Network.