DISTRIBUTION HOSE BLOWOUT ADAPTER
When commissioning the Amerex Modular Dry Chemical System, upon initial installation, and at
each (6) six month service, the Agent Distribution Network must be purged with dry air at a
minimum of 90 psi (620 kPa) by using the Distribution Hose Blowout Adapter.

DISCHARGE NOZZLE
The Discharge Nozzle is used for dispersing Dry Chemical Agent in a cone-shaped pattern into
the hazard area. It is constructed of brass and is machined with a 1/2” NPT male thread. It is
shipped with a heat and weather-resistant rubber Protective Nozzle Blow-Off Cap that prevents
debris from lodging in the Nozzle outlet. The blow off cap is molded with a retaining loop that
assembles over the 1/2” NPT threads before the nozzle is installed.

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WRONG LOOP POSITION

PROPER LOOP POSITION

The loop must be located below the nozzle,
otherwise the blow off cap may interrupt the
flow of extinguishing agent

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CONTROL PANEL (OPERATOR DISPLAY PANEL) PROGRAMMING AND
OPERATION
SELF CONFIGURATION
Once the SafetyNet system is installed, module connections are made and 24 Volts DC is
applied, the Operator Interface panel will display the following information as it self-configures.

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After the System OK message is displayed, SafetyNet is operational and will display no
message until the system normal status changes. Any change in status is recorded as an event
which is logged. A change in system status is accompanied by a Display Message, an audible
alarm and an indicating LED warning.
As described earlier, SafetyNet will self-configure by recognizing the number and type of
Modules, Sensors and where each component is located in the installation. SafetyNet also
recognizes when Sensor inputs and Releasing Circuit outputs are not populated. Safe-tyNet
requires installer confirmation of intentionally unpopulated Detection and Releasing Zones. If an

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input or releasing zone is “missing,” the SafetyNet System installer must choose to leave the
zone unpopulated and “confirm” the choice on the Operator Display.
If input or output zone zones are not used, a separate Operator Display menu selection is
displayed. The following Operator Display screens illustrate the confirmation process:

The figure above shows a screen display of a missing sensor on module #1. SafetyNet asks you
to confirm whether this sensor should really be missing. Use either of the two outside buttons to
scroll up or down to choose Yes or No.

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The figure above shows the screen display after you have scrolled to select YES. Press the
Amerex Logo Button to confirm your choice.

The figure above shows the screen display after the technician has pressed the Amerex Logo
Button to confirm the sensor should be missing. If other sensors or actuators are found to be
missing, SafetyNet will move to the next missing device and ask to confirm that the device
should be missing. Once all of the missing devices have been confirmed, SafetyNet saves the
configuration. As long as the configuration is not changed, sensors of the same type may be

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changed or the system may be powered down. SafetyNet will keep the configuration in memory
and will not require another reconfiguration.
Note: The SafetyNet electronic control system is now self-configured according to the
components as installed at the time of the self-configuration function just completed. The system
may also be custom configured in an almost infinite number of possible ways. Custom
programming is done via a laptop or tablet computer interfaced with the SafetyNet software
using the AMEREX P/N 16609 SafetyNet Interface Module. Complete Interface Module and
programming instructions are found in the AMEREX P/N 16602 SafetyNet Programming Manual
available separately or on-line at: www.amerex-fire.com

SAFETYNET FUNCTION TESTING & INITIAL COMMISSIONING
After the configuration has been confirmed or uploaded from a PC, the SafetyNet system and
components must be functionally tested as part of the initial commissioning. These tests include
Operator Display Panel, Manual Release, actuation circuit, detection sensors, and circuit fault
testing as shown in the following sections. Ensure that power is supplied to the system and that
all circuits are connected before proceeding. The green ‘POWER’ LED on the Operator Display
Panel face should only be illuminated. A “SYSTEM OK” message may also temporarily be
displayed on the screen. If not, recheck all connections until only the ‘’POWER” LED is
illuminated.

OPERATOR DISPLAY PANEL TESTING
Operator Display LED and audible alarm testing is performed using the ‘Push to Test’ button
(Amerex Logo) located on the front of the panel. Press and hold the button for 3 seconds. All
Operator Display Panel LEDs will illuminate, the audible alarm will sound, and the relay
countdown will start indicating that the Display Panel is functioning properly.

MANUAL ACTUATION BUTTON TESTING
This test verifies the Manual Actuation Button is connected and functions properly. Before
performing Manual Actuation testing, disconnect the Linear Actuators from the system and
replace with a Fire Alarm Module. A fault condition will occur on the Operator Display Panel until
the Alarm Modules are connected. Caution: A fire suppression system discharge may occur if
the Linear Actuator is not disconnected before proceeding! A Manual Actuation Button is located
in the driver's area. Break the lock wire seal, pull out the safety ring pin and press the red FIRE
button. Verify the Operator Display goes into the fire alarm mode as described in Table 4.7.3.
Press the alarm silence button on the Operator Display.

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PREVOST P/N 19507954

The alarm will silence and the “Alarm Silenced” LED will remain on. Press the ‘Push to Reset’
button located on the Alarm Module. Remaining illuminated LEDs will go OFF, and the green
‘Power’ LED will illuminate. Replace the safety pin and lock wire seal on the button. Repeat test
for all addition Manual Actuation Buttons on the system (not applicable on Prevost Commuters).

DETECTION SENSOR TESTING
Spot Heat Detectors: SHD sensors must be subjected to their pre-programed set point
temperature. Use an electric heat gun to heat the sensor tip only to this set point. Set point
temperatures are:
Bracket Mount SHD: 350ºF (177ºC) +/- 17ºF (167 to 186ºC)
Do not overheat any SHD by more than 100ºF over the set point. Overheating the unit beyond
these limitations may cause the unit’s set point to change from factory settings. Immediately
remove the heat gun once the set point is reached. Verify that the results (from Table 4.7.3)
have occurred on the Display Panel and Alarm Modules.
Reset: After the sensor has cooled below set point temperature, press the ‘Alarm Silence’ button
located on the face of the Display Panel. The audible alarm will silence and the red ‘Alarm

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Silence’ LED will illuminate. The system can now be reset by pressing the “Push to Reset”
button located on the face of the Alarm Module. The green ‘SYSTEM NORMAL’ LED will
illuminate. Repeat this test procedure for each Spot Heat Detector in the SafetyNet system.

INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE
Amerex SafetyNet System requires periodic care to provide maximum assurance that the
system will operate effectively and safely. Inspection frequency should be based on the
requirements of the equipment on which the fire suppression system will operate. Inspection and
maintenance schedules are shown in this manual and must be followed to ensure reliable
system performance. Equipment operating continually and/or in harsh environments will require
more frequent inspection and maintenance. The latest revisions of any Amerex Installation,
Operation, and Maintenance Manuals referenced in this chapter can be found at www.amerexfire.com. Note: All NFPA guidelines that are applicable to the system must be followed for
service and maintenance. The following inspections and maintenance requirements are
additional Amerex requirements.

DAILY INSPECTION: OPERATOR / OWNER
•

Verify that a green “OK” status LED is illuminated on the Operator Display Panel.

MONTHLY INSPECTION: OPERATOR/ OWNER
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Verify that all components are present and in their original location and securely
fastened.
All Protective Caps must be in place on Nozzle tips. Nozzle outlets must be unobstructed
and properly aimed at the hazard(s) which are intended to be protected.
Verify that ring pins are in place and secured with proper break away tamper indicator
seals.
Verify that all manual actuation devices are unobstructed by vehicle modifications or
clutter.
Verify that the maintenance tag or certificate is in place and up to date. Record the date
of inspection and initials of inspector.
Verify the physical condition of all components. Inspect for damage or conditions that
may prevent operation.
Inspect the Agent Cylinder Pressure Gage. The yellow pointer on the Agent Cylinder
Pressure Gage must be in the green pie area.

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• Verify that Dust Cap is installed on safety Rupture Disc on Agent Cylinder
If any service is required as a result of monthly inspections, it should be done only by an
Amerex Certified and Authorized Servicing Technician.

SEMIANNUAL MAINTENANCE: AUTHORIZED AMEREX TECHNICIAN
The Amerex SafetyNet System must be serviced by an Authorized Amerex Technician who is
trained and certified on the Amerex SafetyNet System and in accordance with NFPA and any
federal, state, and/or local code requirements. Service and maintenance shall be done at
intervals of six (6) months or more frequent if deemed necessary.
•
•

•

•
•
•

•
•
•

Perform the monthly inspection procedure.
Verify that hazards have not changed. Look for changes in vehicle operation or cleaning
procedures that may have increased the hazard. Compare with the original vehicle
hazard analysis.
Examine and test all detection devices. Warning: Do not perform these tests on the
system until all Linear Actuators are replaced with Fire Alarm Modules. Otherwise, a
system discharge will result! Perform a visual inspection of each detector, detection
network and discharge (release) network. During the visual inspection, verify no dents,
dings, cracks, scorch marks from flames, or any other physical damage has occurred to
any detector, component, or cable. Replace any suspect components. If a build-up of
grease, dust, or any other foreign matter has accumulated on the detector or circuitry,
clean with a vacuum or soft dry cloth.
Examine the Agent Distribution Network. Look for signs of wear or chafing on network
hoses. Replace any damaged hose sections.
Purge the Agent Distribution Network with air or nitrogen only
Inspect the Agent Cylinder. If Pressure Gage is bent or damaged, depressurize Cylinder
and replace. Clean Cylinder to remove dirt, grease and foreign material. Make sure that
instruction nameplates are securely fastened and legible. Inspect the Cylinder for
corrosion, abrasion, and dents or damage.
Remove and inspect control heads for damaged, missing, or substituted parts.
Inspect and clean the top of the Agent Cylinder Valve.
Document all work completed during service for record retention. Disclose any
anomalies, deficiencies to the property owner for corrective action requirements.

TWO (2) YEAR MAINTENANCE
The internal Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) backup battery installed in the SafetyNet Driver
Panel will require periodic replacement. 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. Before replacing the backup battery or
performing system maintenance, it is a safe practice to disconnect the main power and the
actuation circuits. When should the battery be replaced?
•

2 years from the label date or date of the original installation.

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• Battery Replacement Label is missing from front of panel area.
• A Backup Battery trouble event occurs.
• Low battery indicator on front of panel is illuminated.
• Label information is not legible.
The backup battery may be accessed by loosening 4 cover screws and removing the back
cover. Take care not to damage the electronic components when maintaining the battery.
Loosen the two screws holding the battery. Unplug the out-of-date battery from the pc board and
dispose of properly. Plug in a new battery and secure with the original two screws. Replace back
cover and secure with the four original screws. Place new label on back cover so that the four
screws are covered. Write next battery replacement date on the label.

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SIX (6) YEAR MAINTENANCE: AUTHORIZED AMEREX TECHNICIAN
•
•
•
•

Perform semiannual inspection.
Replace Linear Actuators if in service for 6 years.
Inspect the inside of adapters and hose end fittings of the Agent Distribution Network(s).
Replace any corroded adapters and hose end fittings.
Per NFPA 17 guidelines, stored pressure Dry Chemical Agent Cylinders must be
depressurized for inspecting the inside of the Agent Cylinder, and the Agent. Agent must
be free flowing. Inspect Agent Cylinders for damage, dents, abrasions or corrosion. If any
of these conditions are found, replace the Agent Cylinder (see chapter 6 of manual
AMEREX P/N 13980 Rev C for recharging instructions).

TWELVE (12) YEAR MAINTENANCE
The Agent Cylinder requires a hydrostatic test every twelve years. The Agent Cylinder
and all hose assemblies must be hydrostatically tested at a minimum of every 12 years in
accordance with CGA Pamphlet C-6, NFPA 17, and DOT requirements. Test pressure
can be found either in the latest version of manual AMEREX P/N 13980 Installation
Operation, and Maintenance Manual (See Section 2.1), or on the Agent Cylinder
nameplate. Date of Agent Cylinder manufacture is stamped on the Agent Cylinder dome.
Hydrostatic testing may only be done by individuals certified to perform hydrostatic
testing by those having jurisdiction in the particular area.
• Perform (6) six-year maintenance.
When hydrostatically testing Agent Cylinders, replace Agent Cylinder Valve with the Hydro test
Adapter (AMEREX P/N 05152 or 23450). Connect a pressurization hose or network rated at or
above the test pressure to the Hydro test Adapter. After hydrostatic testing is complete, a new
Rupture Disc (AMEREX P/N 21793) MUST be reinstalled in its original location. Seal threads
with a 24-hour epoxy. Reinstall a Dust Cap (AMEREX P/N 22973) over Rupture Disc.
•

SYSTEM ALARMS & TROUBLESHOOTING
Under normal working conditions, the green ‘Power’ LED on the Operator Panel will be
illuminated. If an alarm or trouble condition exists within the system the “Trouble” LED will
be illuminated and the text screen will display an alarm code or a fault code. In the event of a
fire the red “FIRE” LED will be illuminated, the audible alarm will sound, and the fire relay
will engage. These events are time stamped and recorded in the SafetyNet memory. The event
log can be viewed or downloaded to a PC as Word documents for storage, trouble shooting. The
event log can be accessed using the AMEREX P/N 16609 SafetyNet Interface Module and your
personal computer using simple Windows pull down menus. For detailed explanations and user
programming refer to SafetyNet Programming and Troubleshooting Manual AMEREX P/N
16602.

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Note: Gas detection feature is not available.

35

EVENT DEFINITIONS
•

•

•

•

•
•
•
•

Module Communications Error – These errors consist of network errors. An error in data
transmission or interruption in the data network will cause a Comm Error. Check all data
cables and verify proper system configuration.
Sensor Trouble – This could indicate one of several problems:
 A system sensor in the SafetyNet configuration is missing
 A system sensor is different than the SafetyNet configuration
 A system sensor is damaged or disabled
 Sensor wiring is broken or disconnected
Over-temperature level 1 – Variable Overheat Sensor warning level 1 is exceeded. The
Programmable Heat Detector sensor temperature level is set at the module level. If this
level is exceeded, the event will be recorded and will be indicated by a yellow Trouble
LED and pulsed audible alarm.
Over-temperature level 2 – Variable Overheat Sensor warning level 2 is exceeded. The
sensor temperature level is set at the module level. If this level is exceeded, the event
will be recorded.
Actuator Fault - This could indicate a disconnected actuator cable, open wire in the
actuator cable, open or activated actuator.
Pressure Low – Open circuit at the agent cylinder pressure switch. This could indicate a
disconnected pressure switch cable, or open wire in the pressure switch circuit.
Fire – A sensor has recorded a Fire event.
System – There are a number of things that are recorded as System Events. Any user
interaction with the Operator Display or Configuration adjustments is recorded as a
System Event.

SAFETYNET INTERFACE MODULE (AMEREX P/N 16609)
The SafetyNet Interface Module includes both Male and Female connectors and is supplied with
a Gas Sensor Cable (AMEREX P/N 14925) which can be installed to fit either Male or Female
SafetyNet output ports. Each SafetyNet installation will end up with two unused communication
ports – either Male or Female - at the first and last modules in the system.

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OTHER INFORMATION
You will find detailed information on other topics in Amerex Vehicle Fire Suppression
System_Installation Operation Maintenance Manual_13980 such as:
•
•
•

Electric Control Head installation
Cylinder recharge instruction
Hydro test Adapter

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PARTS / WASTE DISPOSAL
Discard according to applicable environmental regulations (Municipal/State[Prov.]/ Federal)

Access all our Service Bulletins on http://techpub.prevostcar.com/en/
Or scan the QR-Code with your smart phone
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E-mail us at technicalpublications_prev@volvo.com and type “ADD” in the subject to
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