Adding SAM to your apparatus spec
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Who can build a SAM truck?
Now that you’re ready to add SAM to your spec, you’re probably wondering who can build an apparatus with SAM. The answer: All fire apparatus builders in North America can build a truck with SAM. Almost all of them already have produced at least one, and the number is growing every day. Whether you’re going out for a bid or buying through a builder on a state bid contract, all manufacturers can include SAM on your apparatus. If you’re being told otherwise, give us a call, and we’re happy to work through it with you!
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Discussing with your dealer
No matter what dealer you are working with, there are a few things to review with them. The SAM system requires specific equipment to be included in your spec. Because the SAM system has been precisely engineered and thoroughly tested, it is only supplied with IDEX Fire & Safety components to assure proper operation under all conditions. Here’s what you want to make sure is included in your spec
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SAM System
The SAM system comes standard with 2 Control Centers, 1 Pump controller, and a twister throttle control knob for manual mode. Also standard with SAM is a set of four speakers, MIV manual and electric override controls, Primer override control, remote MIV Activation buttons, buzzer, and an emergency idle button for the secondary control center location. All required control modules and harnessing are also standard with the SAM system.
Hale QMax or QMax-XS
QMax or QMax-XS are recommended, but some other pumps are available. Contact your dealer or IDEX Fire & Safety rep if you require something different than a QMax pump.
Akron Electric Valves with Pressure Transducers
Tank to pump, tank fill, Auxiliary intakes, and all discharge valves need to be Akron Electric valves. Available in 2″ – 4″ valve size. SAM can support a maximum of 12 discharges.
Hale Electric Master Intake Valve (MIV)
MIVs are required as a standard for master intakes to be controlled by SAM. SAM can support a maximum of four MIVs and two auxiliary intakes.
Hale Primer
SAM has been designed to work specifically with the Hale primer for optimal performance. So, nope, other primers can’t be specified with SAM.
Class 1 ITL Tank Level Gauges
SAM requires Class 1 tank level gauges for foam or water tanks to read the tank level and control the system accordingly.
Akron Electric Monitor (if equipped)
Integrated monitor control from the SAM system will be available shortly. We strongly recommend including it in your spec so you can take advantage of the integrated control features when it is ready.
There are also a few items to consider that are optional with the SAM system:
SAM Tablet
Instead of a complex fire engine pump panel, SAM provides optional multiple control centers or a wireless tablet – both allowing you to maintain visual contact with the crew.
SAM Nozzles
The innovative SAM Smart Nozzle, with patent-pending N₂P Technology™, is designed to give nozzle operators more information than they’ve ever had before.
Flowmeters
While flowmeters are not required with SAM some departments want to measure flow on some or all of their discharges. The Flowmeter is an option available with SAM and needs to be specified.
Manual Override Knobs
All Akron Electric valves come with an override shaft that can be operated with a standard wrench. Some departments like to have an override knob permanently installed on the valve for easy operation
SAM Tablet
A protective aluminum cover is available to cover the SAM control center screen that flips up during operation. Recommended if screens are installed directly below cross lays or otherwise in harm’s way.
SAM offers several significant advantages for you in the design of your apparatus.
Make sure to consider some of these things when working with your dealer on your spec:
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Pump panel location
Traditional fire apparatus have one pump panel. With SAM, you have two. While most departments install the SAM control center on either side of the pump house, this doesn’t have to be the case. Take a look at these builds to get your creative juices flowing.
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Pumphouse width
Most of the time, the pump house width is determined by the manual controls and linkages. SAM eliminates the manual controls and linkages and allows for much more flexibility in pump house design. Talk to your dealer or manufacturer of choice about options to shrink your pump house and create more compartment space and flexibility with your next apparatus. In the meantime, check out some of these pump houses.
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Valve location and pump house access
While it’s doubtful you’ll ever need to use the manual override on your valves; it’s always good to plan for the worst-case scenario. We recommend working with your manufacturer so that you have easy access to the pump house (fortunately, SAM controls can be mounted on a swing-out panel that opens easily). Make a plan so that if you need to get to a couple of valves to use the manual override, you’ll have easy access and a way to do this under pressure.
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Aerial build flexibility
SAM offers several potential advantages on an aerial build. Typically, aerial apparatus has limited space for a pump house. SAM is a great option to minimize pump panel space and pump house size. Since the SAM system can come with a second or third screen, the operator could pump from the bucket or platform. Additionally, since pumping with SAM is so much simpler, the operator can focus on aerial operations to maximize the safety of the aerial.