Renault Group introduces Fireman Access: what exactly is it?

Fireman Access explained

Fireman Access is an innovation that saves firefighters precious minutes if any fire spreads to the battery. Group Renault’s Human First program was developed in collaboration with researchers, experts and the fire department.

Renault’s high-voltage batteries are designed to prevent fires from breaking out during normal operation or in the event of an accident. A fire with an external cause can always spread to the battery. With Fireman Access, the fire can be extinguished in seconds, allowing firefighters to quickly move on to their next job.

Safety system

Fireman Access is thus a safety system that submerges the battery of an electric or plug-in hybrid car in the event of a fire. A metal rupture disk seals the battery and prevents moisture or water from entering it during normal use. If the battery is on fire, the rupture disc collapses under the pressure of the fire department’s water jet, allowing water to reach it. This allows the fire department to come to the rescue significantly faster, extinguishing the fire in up to ten minutes. This saves water and time.

Special SD switch

A Renault Group product with Fireman Access has a special SD switch. This is a mechanical switch that disconnects the battery from the electrical circuit. Even though high-voltage batteries are designed to enter electrical safety mode in the event of an accident, firefighters are recommended to use the SD switch in the event of significant damage to be fully protected from electrical shock.

The SD switch acts like a fuse and is connected to a voltage of between 400 and 600 volts. By comparison, the power grid in your own home often gives 220 volts. The switch immediately disconnects the battery from the high-voltage circuit when you pull it out.