A Guide to the Best FIA Electrical Fire Extinguishers
A high-quality FIA-approved fire extinguisher system is a must-have for all motorsport vehicles, providing essential fire protection in case of an accident. Fire extinguishers are required in most motorsport events, and choosing the right system depends on your racing discipline and personal preference. One of the most advanced and widely used systems in professional motorsport is the electrical fire extinguisher system.
In this guide, we’ll explain what an FIA electrical fire extinguisher is, how it works, and why it might be the best choice for your race car. We’ll also break down our range of FIA-approved electrical fire extinguishers from OMP, Sparco, Lifeline, and FEV, helping you select the perfect system for your setup.
What Is an Electrical Fire Extinguisher?
An electrical fire extinguisher is an advanced push-button activated fire suppression system that does not rely on mechanical pull cables. Instead, it uses an electrically powered activation system to deploy the fire suppressant quickly and efficiently.
How Do Electrical Fire Extinguishers Work?
- The extinguisher is connected to a control box and activation buttons, typically mounted inside the cockpit and externally on the vehicle.
- When the driver or a marshal presses the activation button, the system automatically discharges the fire suppressant through strategically placed nozzles.
- The extinguishing agent is distributed to key areas, such as the engine bay and cockpit, to suppress flames as quickly as possible.
Why Choose an Electrical Fire Extinguisher?
- Instant Activation – Requires just a single button press for rapid deployment.
- More Even Distribution – Electric activation ensures the suppressant is evenly discharged throughout the system.
- Ideal for High-Performance Motorsport – Trusted in GT, endurance, rally, and touring car racing.
At GSM Performance, we stock a wide range of FIA-approved electrical fire extinguishers, ensuring motorsport safety compliance and top-tier fire protection for every type of competition.
Our FIA-Approved Electrical Fire Extinguishers
We stock four leading brands of FIA-approved electrical fire extinguishers:
- OMP – Italian-engineered fire suppression technology.
- Lifeline – Trusted by professional motorsport teams worldwide.
- Sparco – High-performance and FIA-compliant systems.
- FEV – Precision-designed for top-level motorsport safety.
Each brand offers different activation methods, suppression agents, and sizes, making it essential to choose the right extinguisher for your motorsport discipline.
Top Electrical Fire Extinguishers from Our Leading Brands
If you’re looking for the best FIA-approved electrical fire extinguisher system, we’ve handpicked three of our top models from OMP, Lifeline, and Sparco. These extinguishers offer exceptional safety, quick-response activation, and FIA compliance, making them ideal for competitive motorsport use.
OMP White Collection 4.25L Electrical Fire Extinguisher – FIA 8865-2015 approved, AFFF foam-based for efficient fire control, lightweight aluminium canister, complete installation kit included.
Lifeline Zero 360 Remote Discharge 2.0kg Electrical Fire Extinguisher – FIA 2000 approved, gas-based suppression for instant extinguishing with no residue, ideal for GT and endurance racing, full fitting kit included.
Sparco 8865 2.5L Electronic Fire Extinguisher – FIA 8865-2015 approved, electronic activation for quick deployment, compact and lightweight design, protects both the cockpit and engine bay.
These high-performance fire extinguishers provide top-tier motorsport safety and ensure compliance with FIA regulations for competitive racing.
Lifeline Electrical Fire Extinguishers
Lifeline is a world-renowned manufacturer of fire suppression systems, used by professional racing teams in GT, endurance, rally, and touring car championships. Their electrical fire extinguishers feature advanced suppression technology, ensuring fast and effective activation in high-pressure situations. Designed with lightweight materials, Lifeline’s systems offer minimal weight gain without compromising safety. The brand’s Zero 360 gas-based fire extinguishers provide instant suppression with no residue, making them a top choice for race teams looking for rapid deployment and easy clean-up.
Key Features:
- FIA 8865-2015 & FIA 2000 Homologated – Compliant with the highest motorsport safety standards.
- Gas & Foam Agents Available – Offers both clean suppression and fuel fire protection.
- Lightweight Design – Developed for performance-focused racing vehicles.
- Easy Installation with Full Kit – Includes wiring, remote activation buttons, and discharge nozzles
OMP Electrical Fire Extinguishers
OMP is a leading manufacturer of motorsport safety equipment, supplying high-performance fire suppression systems for rally, touring cars, endurance racing, and single-seaters. Their electrical fire extinguishers are designed to meet the strictest FIA regulations while ensuring a lightweight and efficient fire suppression system for all types of race cars. OMP’s systems offer quick electronic activation, ensuring instant suppression to protect both the cockpit and engine bay in the event of a fire. With a focus on ease of installation and long-term reliability, OMP extinguishers are trusted by both amateur and professional racing teams worldwide.
Key Features:
- FIA 8865-2015 & FIA 2000 Homologation – Suitable for professional motorsport events.
- AFFF Foam & Gas-Based Suppression Options – Quick flame suppression with minimal clean-up.
- Lightweight Aluminium or Steel Canisters – Durable and performance-focused.
- Complete Installation Kit – Includes activation buttons, tubing, nozzles, and mounting brackets.
Sparco Electrical Fire Extinguishers
Sparco is one of the most recognised names in motorsport, offering a range of FIA-approved electrical fire extinguishers designed for race cars of all types. Known for their durability and reliability, Sparco fire extinguishers are used in circuit racing, rallying, and endurance events. Their electronic activation systems allow for quick and effective fire suppression, ensuring flames are contained before they can cause serious damage. With various capacity options, Sparco offers solutions for both lightweight track cars and high-performance endurance vehicles.
Key Features:
- FIA Homologated for Motorsport Use – Suitable for circuit racing, rally, and endurance events.
- AFFF Foam Suppression – Effectively tackles fuel and oil fires.
- Quick-Response Activation – Ensures rapid suppression with minimal effort.
- Durable Canisters – Designed for long-term use in extreme racing conditions.
FEV Electrical Fire Extinguishers
FEV is a specialist in fire suppression systems, offering some of the most advanced electrical fire extinguishers on the market. Their CF Tec 8865 series is one of the lightest FIA-approved fire extinguishers available, making it a top choice for professional race teams that prioritise weight savings without compromising safety. The gas-based suppression system ensures rapid extinguishing with no residue, making it ideal for high-performance race cars that require minimal post-activation clean-up.
Key Features:
- FIA 8865-2015 Approved – Fully compliant with high-level motorsport requirements.
- Carbon Fibre Canister – Extremely lightweight and strong.
- Gas-Based Suppression – Provides instant flame control without leaving residue.
- Complete Installation Kit – Includes wiring, activation buttons, and all necessary components.
Where to Position Your Fire Extinguisher and Activation Switch in the Car
Recommended Fire Extinguisher Locations
Correct placement of your FIA-approved fire extinguisher is crucial both for safety and compliance. Here are our key recommendations:
- Passenger Compartment (Cockpit): Mount the plumbed-in bottle securely behind the driver or co-driver, typically under or beside the seat. This ensures it’s in reach during an emergency without obstructing movement or causing injury in a crash.
- Engine Bay: Most FIA systems require at least one nozzle in the engine bay. This placement helps suppress fires at their source. The bottle isn’t usually located there, just the nozzles, so make sure the bottle is accessible yet safely tucked away from heat.
- Avoid Hazardous Locations: Do not position the bottle or nozzles directly in front of the driver’s helmet area or in places where escaping gas could harm you. The nozzles should be directed away from the helmet and clothing, following FIA’s guidance to minimize exposure risks
Placement of the Activation Button or Pull Knob
Equally important is the location of the fire suppression activation control:
- It should be instantly reachable by the driver while seated, even with harnesses on and the steering wheel in place.
- Position it in a visible, intuitive location, common spots include the centre console, A-pillar, or under the dash on the driver’s side.
- Ensure the button or pull mechanism is protected from accidental activation. FIA requires it to be safeguarded but still operate smoothly in an emergency.
- External accessibility is also essential so marshals can activate the extinguisher if needed once the car has stopped.
Why These Placements Matter
Strategic placement of both the extinguisher bottle and activation control ensures that you can react swiftly and safely in an emergency without fumbling under pressure. This setup not only meets FIA and Motorsport UK regulations but also offers the best protection for both you and your vehicle during a fire event.
If you’d like, we can also include labeled diagrams showing ideal locations for extinguisher components inside the cockpit. Let me know if you’d like those added!
Final Thoughts – Choosing the Right FIA-Approved Electrical Fire Extinguisher
When selecting an FIA-approved electrical fire extinguisher, consider:
- Motorsport event requirements – Make sure it meets FIA 8865-2015 or FIA 2000 regulations.
- Suppression agent type – AFFF foam for fuel fires, gas-based for clean suppression.
- Weight and size – Choosing a compact extinguisher for tight cockpit spaces.
- Ease of installation – Electrical systems require proper wiring and setup.
At GSM Performance, we offer a full range of FIA-approved electrical fire extinguishers to meet all motorsport safety standards. Explore our collection today and ensure your race car is equipped with the best fire suppression technology available!