The Transformer EV Nozzle System is designed to help you effectively cool and mitigate a battery compartment fire on the underside of an electric vehicle.
We want to make sure you know exactly what to expect with this kit: Here are answers to some standard questions about the Transformer EV Nozzle System:
Isn’t it the Same as the Transformer Piercing Nozzle Kit?
Not quite. The EV kit includes extra extension tubes for added distance between your crew and the fire. It also does not include a pistol grip, piercing nozzle, or the adapter that allows the cellar nozzle to be used separately.
We built this kit to help your crew be as safe and effective as possible at an EV fire. While researching, we found that there is one consistency in the published Emergency Response Guides for EV's: in case of fire, use large amounts of water to cool and mitigate the fire.
We also found that piercing the battery compartment will cause further mechanical damage and may encourage thermal runaway, which would worsen the problem. Any EV fire is to be considered IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) because of the electric charge in the vehicle and the toxic fumes from the battery fire. With this in mind, we chose not to include the piercing nozzle, but to include extra extension tubes and a distributor nozzle with a full fill pattern.
What’s Included in the EV Kit?
How Does This Help During an Electric Vehicle Fire?
This kit allows your crew to easily slide a cellar nozzle under the vehicle and control the flow of water to cool the battery storage compartment. The extra extension tubes provide distance between you and the fire for added safety.
How Much Water can it Deliver?
You can deliver up to 150 GPM (570 LPM) with the Transformer EV Nozzle System. A twist valve allows you to control the flow of water and deliver less as needed.
Is it Safe?
You and your crew should take precautions and follow all best practices published for an EV fire. The Transformer EV Nozzle System is intended to help you fight the fire and cool the battery storage compartment when a vehicle is still on all four wheels.
Is there Risk of Electric Shock?
There is risk of electric shock with any fire involving batteries, even a common gasoline engine. Full PPE, SCBA, and proper precautions should be taken with all fires involving a charged voltage supply.
Each EV manufacturer has its own emergency response guide that details the best practices for disabling the power of an EV safely. These should be consulted to minimize the risk to you and your crew.
How Much Does It Weigh? Is it Heavy?
The whole unit when assembled weighs right around 15 pounds. Since it is designed to rest on the ground underneath the vehicle, it will not feel heavy to your crew.
Can the Transformer EV Nozzle System be Used for Other Fires?
Yes! The cellar nozzle can be used to attack fires in void spaces such as behind a knee wall or in an attic after an access hole has been created. The kit is easy to assemble in different configurations and can be adapted. Remember, this kit does not include the piercing nozzle, adapter, or pistol grip. You would need to purchase these items separately if needed.
Can I Turn my Piercing Nozzle Kit into an EV Kit?
You can order the following parts to convert your existing kit into an EV Kit!
Does TFT Have Other Tools for Fighting EV Fires?
Current best practices for EV fires recommend putting copious amounts of water on the fire. For vehicles still on all four wheels, we recommend the Transformer EV Nozzle System for accessing the underbody of the vehicle and dispersing water across the battery storage compartment.
If the vehicle has turned on its side, or you don’t have a kit allowing you to easily access the underside of the vehicle, we recommend using a Blitzfire. You can set the portable monitor up, set oscillation, and let it flow at a low, unassisted 10-degree angle or whatever angle is necessary to cool the underside of the vehicle.
You can also use common handlines to effectively cool and mitigate the fire if resources allow you and your crew to use them safely.