NTL Record

Title Evaluation and Testing of Rail Transit Undercar Fire Detection and Suppression Systems
Record ID 49910
Personal Name
Creator
Ketola, H. N.
Source 154p. in various pagings
Corporate Creator Ketron, Inc.
Corporate
Contributor
United States. Urban Mass Transportation Administration; John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)
Publisher United States. Urban Mass Transportation Administration
Publication Date 19890801
Language English
Abstract This document presents the results of a comprehensive review and evaluation of transit undercar fire detection and suppression methods. The evaluation of fire detection method resulted in a recommendation that continuous wire type linear thermal detectors be applied to critical components in the undercar area. Halon 1301 extinguishing systems were identified as the best choice for control of fires occurring in enclosed equipment compartments, e.g., the motor control group. A laboratory test program using an instrumented motor control group box from a NYCTA transit car was conducted at the Budd Company Technical Center under subcontract to KETRON. The laboratory program included tests on flow and thermal characteristics of the box; power arc-induced electrical cable fires; linear and spot thermal detector performance; Halon 1301 extinguishing system performance; and testing of a novel suppression concept involving the use of a portable nitrogen gas generator to provide an inerting atmosphere in the motor control group box for continuous protection. A field test program of selected methods at a transit property is recommended.
Rosap ID dot:11320
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/11320
TRT Terms Evaluation; Fire detection systems; Fire fighting; Gases; Laboratory tests; Light rail vehicles; Rapid transit cars; Testing
Classification AGR - SAFETY AND SECURITY - SAFETY AND SECURITY;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - SAFETY AND SECURITY;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Vehicle Design;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Transit Safety and Security;
NTL - PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - Rail Transit;
NTL - PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - Transit Safety and Security
Geographical
Coverage
United States
Report Number UMTA-MA-06-0120-89-1; DOT-TSC-UMTA-89-2
Resource type Tech Report
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/49000/49900/49910/DOT-TSC-UMTA-89-02.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository