Fire Extinguisher/System Regulations Guide > GSM Performance

Fire Extinguisher/System Regulations Guide

According to the National Motorsports Safety Association, all circuit racing cars must be equipped with an On-Board Fire System, with specific requirements for cars registered after January 1, 2009. These requirements include systems certified to SFI specification 17.1 or 17.2, or those listed by the FIA on Technical List No. 16. Details such as the type of extinguishing agent, its capacity, and weight or volume must be visible on the unit. The fire system cylinder must be securely mounted and accessible for inspection and servicing as per manufacturer’s specifications, with a minimum of two nozzle locations for extinguishing agent release.

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For circuit racing, the fire safety system requirements vary depending on the car’s registration date and the specific motorsport category.

Handheld Extinguishers

These should be secured in an easily accessible place within the cockpit. They require a bracket fixed to the car and are discharged using a hand-operated trigger system. We have linked some of our popular handheld fire extinguishers below from multiple top brands.

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Fire Extinguishers, OMP Fire Extinguishers
OMP Hand Held Fire Extinguisher 2.4 Litre AFFF
From £126.00 Incl. VATFrom £105.00 Excl. VAT Select options
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Fire Extinguishers, OMP Fire Extinguishers
OMP 4kg Dry Powder Hand Held Fire Extinguisher
£99.60 Incl. VAT£83.00 Excl. VAT Add to basket
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Fire Extinguishers, Sparco Fire Extinguishers
Sparco 2.0 litre AFFF Hand Held Fire Extinguisher
£134.40 Incl. VAT£112.00 Excl. VAT Add to basket
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Fire Extinguishers, Sparco Fire Extinguishers
Sparco 2.4 litre AFFF Hand Held Fire Extinguisher
£174.00 Incl. VAT£145.00 Excl. VAT Add to basket
Klarna Finance
Fire Extinguishers, Sparco Fire Extinguishers
Sparco 2.0Kg Novec Gas Hand Held Fire Extinguisher
£332.40 Incl. VAT£277.00 Excl. VAT Add to basket
Delays expected
Klarna Finance
Fire Extinguishers, Lifeline Fire Extinguishers
Lifeline Zero 360 3Kg Hand Held Fire Extinguisher
£582.00 Incl. VAT£485.00 Excl. VAT Add to basket
Delays expected
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Fire Extinguishers, Lifeline Fire Extinguishers
Lifeline Hand Held Fire Extinguisher 2.4 Ltr
£96.00 Incl. VAT£80.00 Excl. VAT Add to basket
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Fire Extinguishers, OMP Fire Extinguishers
OMP 2kg Dry Powder Hand Held Fire Extinguisher
£82.80 Incl. VAT£69.00 Excl. VAT Add to basket

Mounting and Activation

Extinguishers must be securely mounted with anti-torpedo tabs to prevent detachment in an accident. Both mechanical and electrical activation systems are available, with Motorsport UK recommending electrical triggering systems. However, the best system depends on the specific application.

Servicing

It is crucial to maintain and service fire extinguishers properly. The manufacturer’s servicing schedule should be followed, with servicing required every 24 months at a minimum. For FIA homologated fire extinguishers, they must be serviced by the manufacturer or their agents to maintain their homologation.

Extinguishing Agents

For AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam), a minimum quantity of 2.4 liters is required, while clean agents/gases need to be at least 2.0 kg. It is recommended that the extinguishing agent be directed toward common areas for fire outbreaks, such as the induction, exhaust, ignition, and fuel systems. Adding more nozzles than provided can reduce the effectiveness of the extinguisher due to pressure drop.

Type of Extinguisher

Circuit Racing typically requires a medium plumbed-in extinguisher for discharge into both cockpit and engine bay, with a recommendation for a slimline bottle for single-seaters or sports prototypes.

On-Board Fire Systems

All cars must have an on-board fire system, with specific regulations for cars registered after January 1, 2009. These systems must comply with SFI specification 17.1 or 17.2, or be listed by the FIA on Technical List No. 16. The system should have visible certification labels and details about the extinguishing agent, including type, capacity, and weight or volume.

Safety Mechanisms

All plumbed-in extinguishers must feature a safety mechanism to prevent accidental activation, which must be removed before each track session.

The regulations are quite detailed and specific to ensure maximum safety for drivers during circuit racing events. It is always best to refer to the latest and most relevant guidelines from governing bodies like the FIA or national motorsport associations for the most current requirements.