AFEX Fire Suppression Systems has announced that AFEX dry chemical, liquid agent, and dual agent fire suppression systems were awarded FM 5970 Approval on September 21, 2017. FM Approval Standard 5970 – Heavy-Duty Mobile Equipment Protection Systems, was developed over the course of four years, and represents a collaborative effort amongst FM Approvals and industry experts. AFEX says that this new standard represents the industry’s most comprehensive and rigorous testing program for vehicle fire suppression systems.

To achieve FM 5970 approval, systems must pass numerous fire suppression, electrical immunity, environmental, and shock and vibration tests. These tests are designed to simulate real-world scenarios and long-term exposure in the field. FM 5970 is the first standard to test all systems in the same manner regardless of the suppression agent used. Even systems that were previously approved under prior FM Approvals must be reexamined to FM Approval Standard 5970.

“AFEX believes strongly in the value of third-party testing and approvals. AFEX fire suppression systems were listed under UL Standard 1254 for over 30 years, and have carried FM Approval since the introduction of FM Approval Standard 5320 in 2009. AFEX fire suppression systems are also ActivFire approved to Australian Standard 5062, CE marked, and certified for use in Russia.”

For AFEX, achieving FM 5970 certification “represents a culmination of 50 years of experience in the heavy equipment industry and countless hours of research and development.”