Have a Question, Take A Look At Our Frequently Asked Questions Below
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Bag is designed to be used as a precautionary measure. If a (PED) Personal Electronic Device or other device shows signs of catching on fire such as higher than normally experienced heat coming off of the device, an electrical burning smell, smoke, etc. The user of the EFCS would dawn the provided thermal-guard gloves and any other optional personal protective equipment place the item in question inside of the EFCS , seal it closed and arm the suppression system by removing the arming pin. If the item in question has already caught on fire it is the discretion of the user of the EFCS to determine the safest practice to get the device inside of the bag. It may be necessary to use other means to extinguish the fire prior to picking up the device depending on how far the fire has escalated. As always it is best practices to move all unnecessary personnel and possible ignition sources away from the device to avoid injuries.
The suppression system is charged with an FAA recommended aqueous agent referred to as Cold Fire A.S.
Each Bag is provided with one large pair of thermal -guard gloves. The gloves are provided to protect the user of the EFCS bag against possible burns when placing hot or possibly smoking device inside of the EFCS system.
The Bag contains and filters smoke by means of a special material incorporated into the bags construction
The EFCS is constructed utilizing several layers of high temperature material in its construction. One of the layers incorporated into the design has a maximum temperature rating of 2200 degrees Fahrenheit.
When the Suppression system is armed by removing the arming pin a sense and delivery line is charged with the suppression agent. When and if the temperature within the EFCS exceeds the set temperature of the sense and delivery line ruptures at the highest temperature area within the bag releasing the extinguishing agent to extinguish the fire.
SAFO 09013 (1) Utilize a Halon, Halon replacement or water extinguisher to extinguish the fire and prevent its spread to additional flammable materials. (2) After extinguishing the fire, douse the device with water or other non-alcoholic liquids to cool the device and prevent additional battery cells from reaching thermal runaway
If the set temperature of the sense and delivery line within the EFCS is not exceeded the suppression system will not deploy and the Device placed inside of the bag can be safely removed at the end of the flight by the designated personnel. If the suppression system does deploy the agent used with the suppression system most likely will damage the device in the same manner as water would.
The Emergency Fire Containment System includes a certified DOT 4B fire extinguisher Cylinder, and every bag is issued an 8110-3 burn certificate, the mounting box is constructed using Kydex Plastic utilized in most aircraft interiors and certified.
Fire Containment Concepts approached several FAA district offices about certification requirements, it was determined that because the EFCS is not replacing any existing fire extinguishers and not hard mounted to the aircraft structure at this time no certification is required. It is regarded as loose equipment in the same way as a defibrillator, first aid kit, wine bottle, etc. It must be stowed in a suitable location for taxi, take-off, turbulence and landings.
After the EFCS suppression system is armed the arming pin cannot be physically re-installed. If the Suppression system does not deploy the EFCS will need to be sent back to Fire Containment Concepts to be inspected and re-certified.
If an actual fire is experienced within the EFCS the bag must be replaced. By inspecting testing and recertifying the components which make up the suppression system the EFCS replacement cost can be significantly reduced.
The EFCS must be returned to Fire Containment Concepts every six years from the Date of manufacture to inspect and recertify. A hydrostatic test of the Fire suppression cylinder shall be accomplished every 12 years according to current DOT requirements.
It is estimated at this time that a 6 year recertification cost will not exceed three hundred and fifty dollars, all related shipping cost and repairs outside of recertification will be the sole responsibility of purchaser. The twelve year recertification cost including hydrostatic testing should not exceed five hundred and fifty dollars.
Only certified Fire Containment Concepts employees can make any repairs or adjustments to the EFCS or holding boxes. Any request may be made to Fcconcepts for field approved replacement items.
Although the EFCS was primarily designed for confined areas such as on board aircraft, the EFCS can be used anywhere the purchaser has a need to safely contain smoke and fire, reduce the possibility of collateral damage, and safely relocate the threat to a safer location.
The EFCS is currently installed utilizing the provided storage box with fire resistant double sided Velcro.
The Gloves are certified by the SFI standards to handle temperatures up to 2600° f. for over 90 seconds
Personal Devices usually refers to any Battery Powered Electronic Device including but not limited to Laptops, Tablets, Cellular phones, cameras, toys, organizers, video equipment, etc.
According to the FAA guide for Lithium Batteries- The temperature of the molten lithium is 475° to 500° F (246° to 260° C). The temperature of the batteries once thermal runaway begins can reach between 800° to 900° F (426° to 482° C).
The liquid that comes out of the pressure release ports is an electrolyte which is highly flammable, gives off white sparks (which is molten lithium being ejected), and explosions are common.
The suppression system usually dispenses for up to 22 seconds once deploys depending on the intensity of the fire.
