Freeze Protection Tips:

The following are tips in response to questions we have received about protecting your CAFS unit from possible freezing. Please note: The following are only suggestions and Fire Solutions, LLC does not warrant any damage of unit due to freezing.

When a water tank is completely drained, there is normally water left in the pump and pipes; do not use air to blow water out of pipes and pump. It is best if pump and pipes are kept hydrated.

To winterize a unit, there are several measures which can be taken to prevent freezing.

1.  To keep the CAFS unit available for immediate use in cold weather, keep the foam unit in a heated storage area.

2.  Cover the foam unit with a canvas or a tarp and provide a heat source under the cover such as a light bulb, or a small heating device that can be purchased at a variety of commercial outlet stores. *See Below For Wolverine Heaters available for purchase through Fire Solutions, LLC.

3.  Put heat tape around pump,pipes and water tank; then cover.

4.  Use outside heat devices such as oil or radiator magnetic devices then cover the unit. 

 Do not put anti freeze in the water tank to freeze protect the water.  Some anti freezes have low flash points. Antifreeze may keep unit from developing foam; anti freeze may void any chance for foam to suppress fire. Anti freeze used to protect the water in the tank, may void warranties. Use anti freeze only to freeze proof the pump and pipes; use heat pad or other heat source to protect the water tank.

Limited Use Of Antifreeze

To keep the foam unit available for longer response times or seasonal storage; limited use of anti freeze may be necessary. Suggestions for antifreeze use:

a) Empty the water tank

b) Disconnect the water hose

c) Pour one gallon of antifreeze in the water tank

d) Close the valves on the tank

e) Add low air pressure to tank; let antifreeze be forced through the pump. The pump will click and foam and antifreeze will escape from the pump

f) Reconnect the fire hose

When the unit is needed for use, add water to the tank ad use as in normal operating procedures.  The small amount of antifreeze in the pump and pipes will not adversely effect the unit operations.  

Model 16 250 WATTS: Volts:120/240 Dimensions: 3.75 in. x 4.25 in. Oil Pan Capacity: 5-13 U.S. Qts.(4.7 - 12.3 Liters)  

Model 40 500 WATTS: Volts:120/240 Dimensions: 5 in. x 7 in. Oil Pan Capacity: 13 - 27 U.S. Qts.(12.3 - 25.5 Liters) 

Model 80 1000 WATTS: Volts:120/240 Dimensions: 6 in. x 11.75 in. Oil Pan Capacity: 26 -48 U.S. Qts.(24.6 - 45.4 Liters) 

 

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