THIA by Proteng devices (tubes) are custom manufactured in the U.S.A. and are comprised of specialized materials and filled with clean agent gas (FM-200™). Brass fittings, protected by plastic covers, seal the contents in the devices. The system tubes are covered by a five-year warranty and should last up to 10 years, depending on where they are mounted. They are not user-serviceable.

Once the device is sized correctly, it’s ready for installation. The system is amazingly simple but packs a big punch when it comes to extinguishing flames. More than 20 devices have been uniquely developed for RV installations.

A key area to protect is the back of an absorption refrigerator. Once the device is sized for the specific installation, it’s routed from the bottom of the refrigerator, through the bottom access (vent) panel. Care must be taken to clear wires and other components. Since the device is custom manufactured for the exact refrigerator, it will fit nicely in the compartment and terminate in a logical place. From here the device is cable-tied to the back of the refrigerator; for higher heat areas the device is wrapped in a heat shield.

When designing its system for RVs, Proteng’s main impetus was to provide owners enough time to vacate the RV safely and to limit damage. While the proper fire extinguisher is still a necessary (and code required) safety device, the chemicals used to douse fires can also destroy electronics and other components. The THIA by Proteng (Tube+Heat = Instant Action) system is comprised of specialized materials and filled with clean agent gas (FM-200™). The heat-activated process starts when significant temperatures cause pressure in the tube to increase. When the pressure gets to a critical point, the tube wall ruptures in a directional manner at high pressure to the area generating the most heat.

When the device activates — which sounds like a gunshot and is loud enough to wake sound sleepers and give them time to vacate the RV — the contents will detect, suppress, and/or extinguish the thermal events instantly, leaving no residue. The formula and delivery system are a closely guarded secret, but after personally watching live demonstrations, there’s no doubt any fire (classifications A, B, C) will be extinguished immediately, which is a godsend when it comes to dousing component fires like those that start in the refrigerator compartment.

Proteng uses special heat-resistant cable ties for securing the devices. Each one is wrapped with a small length of rubber hose to isolate against hot components. This is a critical procedure that is taught to certified installers.

Rubberized clamps are used when it’s possible to secure the device to a solid surface. Installers are good at recognizing logical spots to secure the devices.

Since Proteng manufactures all its devices on a custom basis, it’s possible to protect all appliances and compartments. Here a device was sized specifically for a water heater, where it was easily clamped to the metal housing.

The devices are sized specifically for the compartment or area to be protected. When it comes to lithium batteries, there’s an element of the protection that must be considered. Lithium batteries present an additional risk when amperage discharge is too fast and deep, and when temperatures soar (thermal runaway). Normally these batteries are protected by a management system with shut-off circuits, but an electronic failure (which today is less common) can lead to a fire. In that case, the Proteng system may not completely douse the fire immediately, but it will provide the time needed to vacate the RV safely.

While the installation of this device seems simple, there are a few factors that require expert handling by certified service personnel. Technicians assess each area or compartment and determine the appropriate THIA by Proteng devices required for the volume and average ambient air temperature — more than 20 unique devices have been developed specifically for RVs. Once the proper devices are selected, installation protocols are further assessed to assure an optimal configuration and placement. It takes just a few hours to cover an RV completely and typically the cost can range, for example, from $2,500 to $7,000 for motorhomes. To protect a double-door refrigerator, plan on spending around $500. THIA by Proteng devices and all of the components are made in the U.S.A. and covered by a five-year warranty.

Lithium batteries, which are more popular than ever, pose an additional risk to owners. In the event of an abnormal amperage discharge, a thermal runaway could cause battery temperatures to soar to unsafe levels. Fortunately, these batteries are normally protected by a management system, but an electronic failure (which is not common these days) can lead to a fire. The THIA by Proteng system may not completely douse the fire immediately, but the sound of the tube rupturing is like that of a gunshot, so occupants will surely wake in time to vacate the RV safely.

THIA by Proteng devices are designed to protect any area where electronics and wiring are present. Custom devices are built to protect individual accessories and/or entire compartments. This is why it’s important to restrict installation to only certified technicians.

The heat-activated process starts when the pressure inside the tube increases as the temperature rises. When the pressure reaches a critical point, the tube wall ruptures in a directional manner at high pressure to the area generating the most heat. The gas/compound leaves no residue so there is no collateral damage — something common with traditional fire extinguishers.

Once the tubes are placed, there is no maintenance; the tubes have a lifespan of around seven years when mounted in the back of an absorption refrigerator and likely a shorter time in higher-heat areas. On the positive flip side, devices in electrical areas can last more than 10 years. National Indoor RV Centers (nirvc.com) has an exclusive to the RV industry in the U.S. for installation and distribution. Plus, there are certified factory installation teams continually roving North America for special events and rallies. If you are not sure when, where, or how to take the next step, call or text 561-776-8364 and a Proteng executive will gladly assist.

While the THIA by Proteng suppression system may seem like an added expense to RV ownership, it’s hard to place a value on saving lives in the event of a catastrophic fire and the protection from collateral damage that results.