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Thumbnail Filmstrip of Turnout Gear PPE Drying Cabinet, Holds 6 Sets of Gear, Fire & Rescue Series by ALPINE DRYERS Images
Description
Stop Destroying $5,000 Turnout Gear with Tumble Drying. NFPA 1851-Compliant Drying Cabinet. Made in the USA.
Your turnout gear costs $3,000 to $5,000 per set. And right now, there is a good chance it is being dried using methods that break down protective fibers, compromise thermal barriers, void manufacturer warranties, and leave cancer-causing contaminants sitting in the fabric.
The Alpine Dryers 6-Gear Drying Cabinet puts an end to all of that. This is a purpose-built, heavy-duty drying cabinet designed specifically to dry a wide range of PPE gear that can't be dried using conventional tumble drying methods. Controlled airflow at safe temperatures. No tumbling. No guesswork. No damage. It dries six complete sets of PPE, plus boots, gloves, and hoses, while meeting NFPA 1851 standards for gear care and maintenance.
The cabinet uses a dual-system approach. Blowers push heated air across the exterior of each garment while a separate internal system channels air through specially designed hangers to reach the inside of coats, pants, and liners. The result is thorough drying that reaches vapor barriers and hard-to-access areas where moisture, bacteria, and carcinogens hide.
Why Proper Gear Drying Matters
Wet turnout gear is not just uncomfortable. It is dangerous. Moisture trapped in gear during a fire turns to steam and causes scald burns. Gear that gets stored while still damp becomes a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria, all of which degrade the protective materials your firefighters depend on.
On top of the safety issues, improper drying shortens gear life dramatically. Departments that tumble-dry or use improper drying methods end up replacing sets years ahead of schedule. At $3,000 to $5,000 per set across an entire station, those premature replacements add up fast.
This cabinet addresses both problems. It dries gear completely, reaching the areas that conventional drying cannot, and it does it at temperatures that preserve fabric integrity instead of destroying it.
Key Benefits
Extends Equipment Life & Saves Money
Controlled drying at safe temperatures preserves the structural integrity of turnout gear. Departments using proper drying systems routinely get additional years of service from their PPE instead of replacing sets early. At $3,000 to $5,000 per set, that adds up to real budget savings.
Ensures NFPA 1851 Compliance
Every drying program meets NFPA 1851 guidelines for PPE care and maintenance. That matters for your compliance records, your manufacturer warranties, and your department's liability exposure.
Protects Firefighter Health
Thorough drying removes the moisture that harbors bacteria and traps carcinogens against fabric. Your crew spends less time wearing contaminated gear, and your department takes a measurable step toward reducing occupational cancer risk.
Built for Heavy-Duty Fire Station Use
Powder-coated steel with a corrosion-resistant finish. This cabinet is built for a firehouse environment where equipment gets used hard, every day. It is not a residential appliance with a fire department label slapped on it.
Simple, Foolproof Operation
Five factory-preset temperature settings, including a fan-only option with no heat. Set the timer in 15-minute increments up to 10 hours, or use continuous mode. No training manual required.
Versatile Capacity
Standard configuration holds 6 complete sets of turnout gear. The cabinet can also be set up with as many as 10 drying shelves (sold separately) for heavier equipment loads and additional hoses, so it adapts as your station's needs change.
Details
What's Included
Your cabinet ships ready to use with:
- (4) Coat hangers for turnout jackets and pants
- (1) Glove rack holding up to 26 gloves
- (2) Boot hangers holding up to 12 boots
- Built-in floor drain for automatic water removal
- Lockable slam latch doors for security
Premium Features
- Dual-system drying: Blowers push heated air across exterior while a separate internal system channels air through specially designed hangers to dry the inside of garments
- 5 selectable temperature settings including air-only option (factory preset temperatures)
- Programmable timer up to 10 hours (15-minute increments) or continuous mode
- No mechanical tumbling, extending the life of zippers, reflective tape, and moisture barriers
- Energy-efficient 6 kW heating element provides powerful, consistent drying
- 63 cubic feet of interior space accommodates full gear sets plus accessories
- Built-in floor drain automatically removes water drip-off
- Flush-mounted lockable slam latch secures swing-out doors
- Expandable configuration - the ALP-FRC6 can accommodate up to 10 drying shelves
- Corrosion-resistant powder-coated steel construction throughout
- Limited 2-Year Warranty for long-term peace of mind
Technical Specifications
- Capacity: 6 complete sets of turnout gear (expandable to 10 shelves, sold separately)
- Interior Space: 63 cubic feet
- Heating Power: 6 kW electric
- Electrical Requirements: 208-220/240V, 60 Hz, 1 Phase, 40 amp breaker
- Exhaust Diameter: 6 inches
- Drainage: External floor drain included
- Dimensions: 55"W x 31"D x 80"H
- Net Weight: 460 lbs
- Shipping Weight: 630 lbs
- Construction: Powder-coated steel throughout
- Made in the USA
- Warranty: Limited 2-Year
Optional Accessories
Customize your cabinet for your station's specific needs:
- Additional coat hangers
- Extra boot hangers
- Additional glove hangers
- Hose drying shelves (support up to 100 lbs each)
Alpine Dryers vs. Improper Drying Methods
| Drying Method | Result |
|---|---|
| Tumble drying | Mechanical damage to zippers, reflective tape, and moisture barriers; excessive heat voids warranties |
| Hot pavement/sunlight | UV damage, uneven drying, degraded protective fibers |
| Radiators/forced heat | Excessive temperatures void warranties, melt components |
| Air drying in quarters | Slow drying promotes bacteria, mold, and odors; doesn't reach interior layers |
| Alpine Dryers Cabinet | ? NFPA compliant ? No tumbling ? Controlled temperatures ? Complete drying ? Extended gear life |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sets of turnout gear does this cabinet hold?
Six complete sets in the standard configuration. If your station needs more room, the cabinet supports up to 10 drying shelves for heavier equipment and additional hoses.
How does it dry gear without damaging it?
The cabinet uses a no-tumble, dual-system approach. Heated air circulates over the outside of each garment while a separate system pushes air through specially designed hangers to dry the inside, including the vapor barriers and seams that air drying can never reach. Factory-preset temperature settings keep heat within safe limits, so reflective tape, zippers, and thermal liners stay intact.
Does it meet NFPA 1851 standards?
Yes. All drying programs are designed to meet NFPA 1851 guidelines. That covers your compliance requirements, keeps manufacturer warranties valid, and helps protect your department from liability.
How long does a full drying cycle take?
Drying time varies based on how saturated the gear is and which temperature setting you select. The timer can be set up to 10 hours in 15-minute increments, or you can run it in continuous mode. Most standard loads dry well within a few hours.
What voltage does the cabinet require?
The cabinet requires 208-220/240V, 60 Hz, 1 Phase with a 40 amp breaker. Confirm with your station's facilities manager before ordering to make sure you have the right electrical setup.
Can we dry other items besides turnout coats and pants?
Yes. Boots, gloves, hoods, hoses, and station wear all fit. The temperature controls include settings for different garment types, so you can select the right temperature for whatever you are drying.
What are the temperature settings?
Five factory-preset settings ranging from fan-only (no heat) through higher temperatures for fully soaked turnout gear. The fan-only option is useful for gear that just needs airflow, while the higher settings handle heavy operations.
How difficult is assembly?
The cabinet ships fully assembled.
Is this made in the USA?
Yes. Alpine Dryers products are manufactured in the United States.
Can we use grant funding to purchase this?
Many departments purchase PPE maintenance equipment like drying cabinets through AFG (Assistance to Firefighters Grant) programs and similar funding sources. The direct connection to firefighter health, NFPA compliance, and cancer prevention makes this a strong item for grant applications.
How does this compare to tumble drying?
Tumble drying uses mechanical action that damages zippers, reflective tape, and moisture barriers. The Alpine Dryers cabinet uses no tumbling - just controlled airflow that thoroughly dries gear without the wear and tear. This extends the life of your PPE significantly and maintains manufacturer warranties.