Coach and Bus Fire Suppression Systems

Coach and bus fire suppression systems

Public transport vehicles are relied upon by many people across the UK and the world, so fires in buses and coaches can have serious implications that go beyond damage to the vehicle. If a fire is not detected and controlled rapidly, it can put passengers and the driver at risk. These fires can also go unnoticed until the fire is already out of control, and it’s not easy bringing a vehicle to a stop and evacuating passengers.

Bus and coach fires are high profile, affecting the reputation of the bus operator. An increase in zero-emission buses and coaches on the roads has also raised awareness of the need for fire protection on these vehicles too, since electric vehicle fires cause significant damage and potential injury if the fire is not contained before passengers and drivers are evacuated.

We keep buses and coaches fire-safe, so transport businesses can run on schedule.

Ardent’s coach and bus fire suppression system is proven to successfully protect all types of public transport vehicles, including those running on diesel, electric, hybrid, and hydrogen, offering flexible protection for all fuel sources. 

With more than 30 years of experience, our specialists can retrofit bus fire suppression systems to older vehicles, as well installing into new vehicles in collaboration with the OEM - all part of the production process. With scalable systems to fit all requirements and vehicles, from minibuses to coaches, we can provide tailored solutions to transport industry needs.

The Ardent R107-approved bus fire suppression system meets all UNECE R107 requirements for automatic engine bay fire suppression. This system has passed strict fire testing protocols from the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE) which have been adopted from the SP Method 4912 tests.

Our coach and bus fire suppression system can also be linked to our driver message unit (VMMS). This allows audible warnings to be delivered to the bus driver through a speaker installed in their cab, alerting the driver if a fire or high temperature condition is detected.

How our bus fire suppression system works

1. Detects the fire

Depending on the application and customer requirements, the Ardent coach and bus fire suppression system uses either a Linear Heat Detection (LHD) cable or pneumatic detection tubing. Each system can be configured to pre-warn the driver when high temperatures are detected, allowing them to pull over safely before the fire ignites. 

2. Activates the system

Once a fire is detected, the system will initiate the discharge of the suppression agent within a matter of seconds. There are a range of optional extras that can be fitted to provide voice messages to the driver (to alert them that a fire has been detected) or to provide system status updates, reassuring the driver that a system is fully operational.

3. Distributes the agent 

Ardent offers direct and indirect fire suppression for flexible solutions for buses and coaches of all sizes:

• Direct systems. In this coach and bus fire suppression system, the detection tubing doubles as the distribution network. The suppression agent is discharged directly from the point of rupture, which is the closest point to the fire. This allows for rapid fire suppression, minimising damage and disruption.
• Indirect systems. These target all identified fire hazards in the vehicle to ensure reliable fire suppression. When the system detects a fire, the suppression agent is released through the distribution network of carefully placed nozzles to flood the protected area.

Note: the UNECE R107 fire suppression system stipulates indirect distribution be installed in buses and coaches.

Fire suppression agents

Our coach and bus fire suppression system uses a dry chemical suppression agent, also known as dry powder, which is highly effective on most types of fire, including Class A, Class B, Class C, and electrical fires. This makes the system flexible for use with internal combustion engines and electric, hydrogen, and hybrid vehicles. The dry chemical powder is proven to offer rapid fire knock-down and suppression, with excellent coverage.

How we deliver

At Ardent, we take care of every step of the process to ensure vehicles and people are protected against the risk of fire 24/7. From understanding the fire hazards specific to each vehicle and environment to our rapid response to emergencies, our systems deliver the highest level of protection a transport business requires.