FIREBOY-XINTEX - Clean-Agent Fire Suppression Systems
Inmatech is the authorised Norwegian distributor for Fireboy-Xintex — supplying clean agent fire suppression systems trusted by commercial, superyacht, and recreational vessel operators worldwide.
Fire at sea is one of the most serious hazards any vessel faces. The consequences can be catastrophic, and unlike on land, there is no external emergency service to rely on. Fast, effective, and reliable fire suppression is not optional — it is essential.
Fireboy-Xintex has been at the forefront of marine fire suppression for more than 35 years, developing clean agent systems used by world-class builders and operators across every vessel category. Inmatech is proud to bring this expertise to the Norwegian and Nordic market, supplying and supporting the full Fireboy-Xintex range from our base in Strømmen.
Why Clean Agent? Making the Case Against CO₂
Traditional CO₂ fire suppression systems have been a marine standard for decades — but they carry significant disadvantages that clean agent technology has now rendered unnecessary.
CO₂ systems require extensive pipework, large numbers of cylinders, and complex mechanical release mechanisms. They are heavy, expensive to install, and — critically — an accidental discharge can be fatal to anyone in the protected space. Replacing the agent alone is not sufficient; the entire system philosophy must change.
Clean agent systems from Fireboy-Xintex address each of these problems directly:
- Fewer cylinders — clean agents require a fraction of the storage volume compared to CO₂
- Less pipework — electrical activation replaces heavy pneumatic distribution systems
- Reduced weight — significant savings on overall vessel weight
- Safe for personnel — FK-5-1-12 and HFC-227ea (FM-200q) are approved for use in occupied spaces
- No residue — no equipment damage or costly cleanup after discharge
- Fast acting — extinguishing levels reached in under 10 seconds
Fireboy-Xintex were the first company to pioneer the marine Electrical Release Panel for clean agent systems, fully conforming to IMO MSC.Circ. 848/1267. 848/1267. 848/1267. This innovation makes clean agent systems genuinely cost-competitive with CO₂ — even on multi-cylinder installations.
Fireboy-Xintex Clean Agent vs CO₂ — by the numbers
For a typical 500 m³ protected space:
CO₂: 364 kg agent, 8 cylinders, footprint 0.6 m², 1,000 kg total weight
FK-5-1-12 (Novec 1230): 373 kg agent, 1 cylinder, footprint 0.4 m², 600 kg total weight
Result: 8:1 reduction in cylinder count, ~40% reduction in required space
FK-5-1-12 Fire Protection Fluid
The primary extinguishing agent used in Fireboy-Xintex pre-engineered systems is FK-5-1-12 fire protection fluid. It offers:
- <Very low Global Warming Potential (GWP <1) — an environmentally sustainable choice
- Low acute toxicity — designed to suppress fire long before reaching concentrations that could affect humans
- No damage to electronics, machinery, or sensitive equipment
- Not targeted for emission reduction or phase-out under current regulations
- FK-5-1-12 removes heat energy from the fire rather than oxygen from the environment. This physical and chemical action extinguishes Class A, B, and C fires rapidly, without the oxygen-displacement risks associated with inert gas systems.
CG Series — Automatic Clean Agent Systems
The CG Series is designed for engine compartments and machinery spaces up to 1,000 ft³ (28.3 m³). It operates on a fully automatic basis — requiring no manual intervention.
- Automatic discharge at 175°F (79°C) — optional 155°F (68°C)
- Total flooding of the engine compartment in under 10 seconds
- Coverage from 25 ft³ to 1,000 ft³ across a wide range of cylinder sizes
- Each system includes heavy-duty powder-coated steel bracket, helm display, and owner’s manual
- Easy-read colour-coded pressure gauge — identifies charged/discharged status at a glance
- Rugged industrial pressure gauge for trouble-free performance
- Approvals: FM, USCG, CE, RINA (ISO 9094:2015), BV
The CG Series is the straightforward choice for leisure craft and small commercial vessels requiring reliable, round-the-clock automatic engine compartment protection. Low-profile models (CG0600 to CG0750) are also available for installations with space constraints.
- Automatic discharge at 175°F (79°C) — optional 155°F (68°C)
- Manual discharge available when paired with Fireboy discharge cable
- Coverage from 25 ft³ to 1,800 ft³ — the widest range in the Fireboy portfolio
- Heavy-duty mounting bracket and helm display included
- Fire-resistant manual discharge cables available from 6 ft to 100 ft (1.8 m to 30 m)
- Low-profile models available (MA0600–MA0750)
- Approvals: FM, USCG, CE, RINA (ISO 9094:2015), BV
FES Engineered Systems — Commercial & Superyacht
For commercial vessels, superyachts, and larger installations requiring Class Society approval, Fireboy-Xintex offers the FES (Fixed Extinguishing System) range of fully engineered clean agent systems.
FES systems are designed and documented in full compliance with IMO SOLAS CH II-REG 7, MSC.Circ 848 & 1267, and the Marine Equipment Directive (MED) 96/98/EC. Fireboy-Xintex can produce all required documentation for Class Society approval using current CAD software in 2D and 3D.
FES system cylinders are factory-filled with either HFC-227ea (FM-200q) or FK-5-1-12 fire suppression fluid, super-pressurised to 360 psi (25 bar). Available in TPED or DOT certified versions.
The Fireboy FES Electrical Discharge Panel range offers:
- Compact 250 mm × 150 mm × 75 mm panel
- Dual 24V input supply and supply monitoring
- Cylinder low-pressure alarms
- Pre-discharge alarm (minimum 20-second evacuation warning per IMO MSC.Circ. 1267)
- Machinery shutdown control
- Volt-free monitoring outputs for ship-wide system integration
- Multiple discharge panel configurations for multi-space protection
Electrical discharge significantly reduces component count, pipework, and installation labour compared to CO₂ systems — making FES systems cost-competitive even on complex multi-cylinder installations.
Approvals & Compliance
All Fireboy-Xintex CG2/MA2 Series systems are approved by Factory Mutual (FM), the US Coast Guard (USCG), RINA (ISO 9094:2015), and are CE certified by Bureau Veritas (BV).
FES systems carry MED / Type Approval and USCG approval. Fireboy-Xintex systems are designed and supplied in accordance with ISO 9094, RCD, CE, MCA, and all IACS member regulations.
FK-5-1-12 is EPA SNAP listed and approved for marine use worldwide under European regulations.
Selecting the Right System
Choosing the correct Fireboy-Xintex system depends on your engine compartment volume, vessel type, and whether automatic-only or automatic plus manual discharge capability is required.
As a general guide:
- Up to 1,000 ft³ (28.3 m³) — CG Series (automatic only) or MA Series
- 1,000–1,800 ft³ (28.3–51 m³) — MA Series
- Larger or commercial/superyacht applications — FES Engineered System
For after-market installations, gross compartment volume must be used for system sizing unless the vessel manufacturer has attached a nameplate confirming fixed tank deductions. CE and ISO 9094 installations require net volume calculation.
Always select the model that covers a greater volume than measured to ensure adequate protection.
Contact the Inmatech Technical Sales Team
Our Technical Sales team can advise on system selection, sizing, and supply for the full Fireboy-Xintex range.
Inmatech AS | Strømmen, Norway
E: post@inmatech.no
T: +47 63 81 10 10
