Fire Supression
Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2018 3:51 pm
World Time Attack Challenge in the 2018 rules state: "It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to fit an on-board and plumbed in fire extinguisher system (fire bomb) of a minimum of 2.4litre capacity and recommended to comply with the FIA requirements"
After seeing 2 fires during WTAC 2017 and 1 in 2016 I decided to visit Racer Industries and pick up a Zero 2000 4.0ltr Steel Mechanical Extinguisher System. Whilst this will add about 7kg of extra weight to the car, I personally consider that a life is worth more than a car.
When you consider the time it takes to get out of your harness/seat, grab the extinguisher and try and put out the fire a 1kg hand held may almost be useless. Even if the emergency response crews are only a few mins away by that time the damage could already be extensive.
Again if money was no object, an electronic friendly system could be purchased, however AFFF is just as good (but not ECU friendly).
There are other choices out there, Elide Fire extinguisher ball or BlazeCut these are not FIA or CAMS approved and personally that is a shame as these look to be effective. However, the included 5m hose is not sufficient if it will be located in the boot.
System was purchased from Racer Industries. It was a fun day fitting and making/bending brackets.
Lots of 'stuff'
1 of 4 engine bay nozzles
2 of 4 driver's side nozzles (passenger seat gets none)
Drivers side and part of the engine bay plumbing
Just in case the question is asked "why so many nozzles" - The Lifeline web site it says the current kit for Zero 2000 FIA 4.0ltr Fire Marshal Mechanical - Steel Cylinder includes "8 nozzles (4 nozzles in the engine and 4 in the cockpit) with reduced delivery tube diameter (8mm)". Note the hose is 8mm OD (Eaton synflex 1300). The Zero 2000 nozzles produce a 90° fine mist, Zero 360 nozzles a 120° flat fan (blue nozzle) and 160° flat fan (gold nozzle).
After seeing 2 fires during WTAC 2017 and 1 in 2016 I decided to visit Racer Industries and pick up a Zero 2000 4.0ltr Steel Mechanical Extinguisher System. Whilst this will add about 7kg of extra weight to the car, I personally consider that a life is worth more than a car.
When you consider the time it takes to get out of your harness/seat, grab the extinguisher and try and put out the fire a 1kg hand held may almost be useless. Even if the emergency response crews are only a few mins away by that time the damage could already be extensive.
Again if money was no object, an electronic friendly system could be purchased, however AFFF is just as good (but not ECU friendly).
There are other choices out there, Elide Fire extinguisher ball or BlazeCut these are not FIA or CAMS approved and personally that is a shame as these look to be effective. However, the included 5m hose is not sufficient if it will be located in the boot.
System was purchased from Racer Industries. It was a fun day fitting and making/bending brackets.
Lots of 'stuff'
1 of 4 engine bay nozzles
2 of 4 driver's side nozzles (passenger seat gets none)
Drivers side and part of the engine bay plumbing
Just in case the question is asked "why so many nozzles" - The Lifeline web site it says the current kit for Zero 2000 FIA 4.0ltr Fire Marshal Mechanical - Steel Cylinder includes "8 nozzles (4 nozzles in the engine and 4 in the cockpit) with reduced delivery tube diameter (8mm)". Note the hose is 8mm OD (Eaton synflex 1300). The Zero 2000 nozzles produce a 90° fine mist, Zero 360 nozzles a 120° flat fan (blue nozzle) and 160° flat fan (gold nozzle).