Fireboy Model 35cg Halon 1301 Automatic Extinguishing System Nos on 2040-parts.com

Up for bid is an automatic extinguishing system intended for installation in the engine compartment of a boat. The overall length of the device is 15 in., and the cylinder is 3-1/2 in. in diameter. Manufactured by Convenience Marine Products, Inc. of Grand Rapids, MI, the FireBoy 35CG is charged with 4 lb. of Halon 1301 (chemical name is monobromotrifluoromethane or bromotrifluoromethane), long considered the most effective "clean" agent available for fighting fires within a closed space. Unfortunately, the halons, (there are several) damage the earth's ozone layer, so the US Environmental Protection Agency banned the manufacture of Halon 1301 on January 1, 1994, so only recovered existing Halon is available for use. This system is designed to protect a volume of 200 cubic feet (5.7 cubic meters), which should be adequate for most single engine small inboards or inboard/outboard powered boats. The valve employs a bronze, pendant style, center strut sprinkler head with a temperature rating of 165F, which is the temperature at which the system automatically discharges. The original paperwork, a dashboard safety light, and the stainless steel mounting straps, screws, and hex nuts are included. The system was "tested and certified by the (MTI) Marine Testing Institute", approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, and approved by (FM) Factory Mutual.  Examine the close-ups of the cylinder label side panel, and you will see that this device was manufactured in December of 1991, The back of the Installation Instructions states that the device has a 5-year limited warranty starting on the date of sale to the ORIGINAL CONSUMER PURCHASER. So, 25 years later, this system has  never been installed nor actuated. The manufacturer did a pretty good job of sealing the valve and cylinder, because when I weighed the unit (not including the electrical connector or the mounting straps), the weight was 5 lb., 10.8 oz. As you can see, the full weight stated on the label is 5 lb., 10 oz., so the unit has not leaked down after a quarter century. I do not know whether the expiration of the warranty has voided the U.S. Coast Guard, MTI, or FM approval's validity.  As discussed in the owner' manual, this extinguishing system is usable for more than just boat engine compartments; paint/chemical storage lockers or other applications can be protected from fire damage.  Because the system is pressurized, it must be shipped by ground transportation only.