Our Guide To The Best FIA Mechanical Fire Extinguishers
When it comes to motorsport safety, a high-quality FIA-approved fire extinguisher system is essential. Whether you’re competing in circuit racing, rallying, hill climbs, or endurance events, having the right fire suppression system can make all the difference in an emergency. FIA regulations mandate that all race cars must be equipped with an approved fire extinguisher system, and one of the most reliable options is a mechanical fire extinguisher.
In this guide, we’ll cover what a mechanical fire extinguisher is, how it works, and why it’s a crucial safety component for motorsport. We’ll also break down our range of FIA-approved mechanical fire extinguishers from top brands like OMP, Lifeline, Sparco, and FEV, helping you choose the best option for your race car.
What Is a Mechanical Fire Extinguisher?
A mechanical fire extinguisher is a pull-cable activated fire suppression system that does not rely on electrical power to operate. This makes it a highly reliable choice for motorsport, as it ensures consistent functionality even in the event of an electrical failure.
How Do Mechanical Fire Extinguishers Work?
- The extinguisher is connected to a pull-cable system with a handle mounted in the cockpit and/or externally on the vehicle.
- In an emergency, the driver or marshals pull the handle, which activates the extinguisher and releases fire suppressant through multiple nozzles.
- The system is designed to target key areas of the vehicle, including the engine bay and cockpit, effectively suppressing fires before they spread.
Why Choose a Mechanical Fire Extinguisher?
- Reliable & Simple – No risk of electrical failure.
- FIA-Approved – Required for most competitive motorsport events.
- Easy to Install & Maintain – No complex wiring, just a cable pull system.
At GSM Performance, we offer a wide range of FIA-homologated mechanical fire extinguishers, ensuring you meet motorsport safety requirements while getting top-tier fire protection.
Our FIA-Approved Mechanical Fire Extinguishers
We stock four leading brands of FIA-approved mechanical fire extinguishers:
- OMP – Italian-built, high-performance fire suppression systems.
- Lifeline – Trusted by professional motorsport teams worldwide.
- Sparco – Well-known for its reliability and FIA compliance.
- FEV – Precision-engineered for safety and performance.
Each brand offers different sizes, activation methods, and suppression agents, making it essential to choose the right extinguisher for your racing discipline.
Our Top Mechanical Fire Extinguishers
These four Mechanical fire extinguishers are our top picks at GSM Performance from three of our top brands. They use only the finest materials and feature a much more advanced nozzle design, which delivers a significantly more efficient distribution of fire suppressant, ensuring even faster discharge and higher levels of concentration, resulting in faster fire knock-down rates.
Lifeline mechanical Fire Extinguishers
Lifeline is one of the most respected brands in motorsport safety, with their fire extinguishers used by professional teams in touring cars, endurance racing, and rallying. Lifeline Fire and Safety Systems has applied over 25 years of Motorsport safety knowledge and unparalleled experience to develop a lightweight and compact SFI compliant 10lb fire suppression system. Two aluminum nozzles disperse the gaseous, clean agent 3M Novec 1230, which provides a high level of fire suppression capability with no residue and no electrical system damage.
Key Features:
- FIA 8865-2015 & FIA 2000 Homologated Models – Meeting the highest safety standards.
- Advanced Gas & Foam Agents – Offering quick flame suppression and minimal residue.
- Ultra-Lightweight Canisters – Designed for performance-focused race cars.
- Complete Fitting Kit Included – Ensuring an easy installation process.
OMP Mechanical Fire Extinguishers
OMP is a leading name in motorsport safety equipment, and their mechanical fire extinguishers are built for high-performance applications. The OMP Black Collection are mechanically operated, plumbed in fire extinguisher systems, and supplied complete with stainless steel mounting brackets, pipework, nozzles, and hardware for a high capacity, low-priced installation. Meets the mandatory minimum standards in Europe and is recommended to all Clubman saloon race and rally drivers. Filled with EcoLife environmentally friendly foam forming liquid, this steel bottled system features a compact 160mm diameter design, combined with an affordable price, perfect for the Clubman racer requiring a mechanically operated system.Â
Key Features:
- FIA 8865-2015 & FIA 2000 Homologation – Approved for use in most racing categories.
- Lightweight Aluminium or Steel Canisters – Reduces vehicle weight while maintaining durability.
- High-Performance AFFF Foam or Gas Agents – Designed to suppress fuel fires effectively.
- Complete Installation Kit – Includes tubing, nozzles, pull cables, and brackets.
Sparco Mechanical Fire Extinguishers
Sparco is a trusted motorsport brand, and their range of mechanical fire extinguishers provides excellent fire protection and FIA compliance. This Sparco 4.25 Litre Mechanically Activated Fire Extinguisher System is approved to MSA and FIA standards for use in closed cockpit saloon cars. The steel bottle is filled with a foam-based extinguishant (AFFF) which has excellent fire knockdown properties. It is also designed to be environmentally friendly.
Key Features:
- FIA Homologated for All Motorsport Use – Suitable for rally, circuit racing, and endurance events.
- AFFF Foam-Based Suppression – Effectively suppresses fuel and oil fires.
- Easy Installation with Full Kit Included – Comes with pull cables, tubing, and nozzles.
- Durable Steel Canisters – Providing long-term reliability.
FEV Mechanical Fire Extinguishers
FEV is a highly regarded manufacturer of fire suppression systems, offering advanced motorsport fire extinguishers with high-performance suppression agents.
Introducing the FEV Coldfire system—a state-of-the-art fire suppression solution that harnesses a highly effective, plant-based extinguishant. This environmentally friendly and sustainable wetting agent is engineered for use in both the cockpit and engine, offering a smart alternative to traditional powder-based systems. Its clean activation ensures no mess or electrical damage, while maintaining driver visibility even if the system is triggered.
Key Features:
- FIA Homologated for Competitive Use – Fully compliant for circuit, rally, and endurance racing.
- Advanced Gas & Foam Suppression Options – Providing efficient and effective fire control.
- Lightweight Aluminium Canisters – Minimising weight for performance-oriented builds.
- Complete Installation Kit Provided – Ensuring seamless fitment into any race car.
Final Thoughts – Choosing the Right FIA-Approved Mechanical Fire Extinguisher
When selecting an FIA-approved mechanical fire extinguisher, it’s essential to consider:
- Homologation requirements for your specific motorsport discipline.
- Size and weight – ensuring the extinguisher fits within your vehicle.
- Suppression agent type – AFFF foam vs. gas-based extinguishers.
- Ease of installation – All systems include a full fitting kit.
At GSM Performance, we stock a wide range of FIA-approved mechanical fire extinguishers to suit all motorsport applications. Explore our collection today to upgrade your race car’s fire safety system!
