This is a question that we get asked daily, and there's very little information to help the consumer with this question.

Choosing a fire extinguisher shouldn't be so daunting or difficult.

Deciding between different suppressant types, mechanical or electrical, different extinguisher standards or the most suitable for my vehicle size, the information below will hopefully make your next purchase a straightforward experience. 

 

Let's start with regulations

There are two main fire extinguisher standards in operation within Motorsport. 

FIA Standard for Plumbed-in Fire Extinguisher Systems in Competition Cars (Technical List 16) & FIA Standard 8865-2015 Plumbed-in and Hand-held Fire Extinguisher Systems (Technical List 52) 

Depending on the exact requirements set out by your championship coordinator, they will fall into the two categories, but bear in mind, only one may be allowed. 

In the UK, most championships run to the Motorsport Yearbook (Blue Book) and will specify an extinguisher under section K. Both standards will be suitable. 

The list of approved extinguishers for Technical list 16 can be found on the hyperlink below. 

Technical List 16

 

The list of approved extinguishers for Technical list 52 can be found on the hyperlink below. 

Technical List 52

The Technical list 52 extinguishers are tested to more stringent testing parameters and far exceeds the Technical list 16 testing requirements. These are seen as the premier systems for saloon and rally applications

 

Suppressant Types

There are various types of suppressants used within the motorsport sector, ranging from water-based, Gas (Clean agents) & Powders

Each has its positives and negatives, but ultimately each has passed the same test. 

Water based Suppressants

Water-based suppressants, commonly known as AFFF, have evolved from the early types of AFFF and now come in various formulations. Usually an antifreeze additive is added to bring the freezing point down to -10.

Some fluids like 4Fire Universal can operate down to -30 and have double the performance of a traditional AFFF. 

Some countries have now started to ban traditional AFFF due to the damaging chemicals within them, so please check with your local authorities. 

We are the first manufacturers to move to Fluorine Free Water-based suppressants, which are 100% environmentally friendly and can be used in all markets. 

Water-based suppressants are traditionally the cheapest option for fire extinguishers within motorsport. The misconception is that due to their low cost, performance is sacrificed. In the right application, water-based extinguishers can perform equally well as gas-based suppressants.

Gas Based Suppressants 

Gas-based suppressants (FK-5-1-12 or its brand name Novec 1230) are a highly effective solution for fire suppression. 

Being introduced as a replacement for Halon, the suppressant is environmentally friendly and is excellent at putting out fires in highly congested areas, as well as being Non-conductive. 

Being a gas, the nozzles don't necessarily need to point directly at the fire either to extinguish it. 

The only downside to gas-based extinguishers is the cost, as these are usually more expensive, but the performance outlined above can somewhat mitigate this. 

Powder

Powder extinguishers like water-based options are usually very cost-effective. 

Due to the nature of the powder and its application, the driver should evacuate the car immediately, as any inhalation can cause difficulties with breathing. 

Powder can be a viable option when used in areas where the is no occupant, but keep in mind, most powders are corrosive and thorough clean up is required. 

 

Extinguisher Sizes

This is where a majority of the question asked are related.

Information provided by the governing bodies is very vague on this matter, only stipulating whether they can be used for rallies or not. 

When testing the fire extinguishers to technical list 16, we set out whether we are homologating a system for single-seater (open Cockpit) or Saloon, including rally if the minimum amount of suppressant is used. 

For single-seater, a minimum of 1.12 litres of suppressant must be used

For Saloon & Sports cars, a minimum of 2 litres of suppressant must be used. 

For Rally, a minimum of 3 litres must be used.

Bear in mind, that this is for water-based suppressants and not a clean agent suppressant like Novec 1230. 

It's always advisable to exceed the requirements with clean agents, especially for larger cockpits.

For single-seater, a minimum of 1.50 kg of suppressant should be used

For Saloon & Sports cars, a minimum of 2.25 kg of suppressant must be used. 

For Rally, a minimum of 3 kg must be used.

The Technical list 52 standards were designed with rally in mind and have now started moving down into the saloon / GT market

The only restriction is on the cockpit volume size, and selecting a system should be based on your requirements. 

Some systems cater for both sizes as stated in the standards. 

 

Activation Types

 

There are 3 main types of activation used, Mechanical, Electronic and Automatic. 

Automatic is only used as a secondary activation, with the switches being the main activation point of the system. 

This comes more down to the individual user's preference, but general maintenance will be needed, whether that's lubricating pull cables or changing batteries within the control box

 

Installation

Installation of the fire system should be considered before purchasing. 

Sizes and space restrictions may dictate which system you go with, as well as nozzle positions. Please check in our installation manuals on the best position for the nozzles as a gas extinguisher, maybe required. 

With the newer standards, all fire systems must be installed as per the manufacturer's instructions, this includes nozzle quantities, tubing, fittings etc. 

This means if you are upgrading or updating a fire system, there is a possibility that you will need to change most of the installation in your car and is not just plug and play. 

Other considerations to keep in mind, the bottles should be fitted with the appropriate straps and not quick-release straps. Additionally, Anti Torpedo brackets should be fitted. 

 

Additional Information

Once you have purchased and installed your extinguisher, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

To continue using the extinguisher in a motorsport setting, you will need to keep the bottle in service. It is an FIA requirement to service fire extinguishers every two years. 

This can only be carried out by Protrust Solutions or one of our service agents as found in the link below

Service Agents

If the bottle is not being used, it can still be serviced, even if it missed previous service date requirements. As long as the bottle is within 10 years from the date of manufacture, we are happy to service the bottle, but additional costs maybe occur. 

 

Our selection of products

System	FIA Approved for	SKU	Weight	Diameter	Overall Length	Suppressant
1.25L aluminium Mechanical system	Single Seater	FS-125	2.3KG	127MM	257.5MM	AR-AFFF
2.25L aluminium Mechanical	Single Seater/ Saloon	FS-225M	3.75KG	127MM	375.5MM	AR-AFFF
2.25L aluminium Electrical	Single Seater/ Saloon	FS-225E	3.5KG	127MM	326MM	AR-AFFF
4.0L Steel Mechanical Lever Valve FEX	Saloon / Rally	FS-4SM	6.75KG	150MM	435MM	ATF Respondol
4.0L Aluminium Electrical 360 Firing Head	Saloon / Rally	FS-4A360	5.7KG	154MM	361MM	AR-AFFF
3.0L Automatic Aluminium Fire System	Saloon / Rally	FS-3AA	4.40KG	152.40MM	264MM	ATF Respondol
3.0L Mechanical Aluminium Fire System	Saloon / Rally	FS-3AM	4.60KG	152.40MM	264MM	ATF Respondol
3.0L Automatic 4Fire Aluminium Fire System	Saloon / Rally	FSP-3A	5.01KG	152.40MM	264MM	4Fire Universal
3.0L Mechanical 4Fire Aluminium Fire System	Saloon / Rally	FSP-3M	5.21KG	152.40MM	264MM	4Fire Universal
2.25kg FK-5-1-12 Automatic Aluminium Fire System	Single Seater/ Saloon	FSEX2.25A	3.20KG	127MM	253MM	FK-5-1-12 Clean Agent Gas
2.25kg FK-5-1-12 Mechanical Aluminium Fire System	Single Seater/ Saloon	FSEX2.25M	3.40KG	127MM	282MM	FK-5-1-12 Clean Agent Gas
3kg FK-5-1-12 Automatic Aluminium Fire System	Single Seater / Saloon / Rally	FSEX3.0A	4.40KG	127MM	308MM	FK-5-1-12 Clean Agent Gas
3kg FK-5-1-12 Mechanical Aluminium Fire System	Single Seater / Saloon / Rally	FSEX3.0M	4.60KG	127MM	337MM	FK-5-1-12 Clean Agent Gas
4kg FK-5-1-12 Automatic Aluminium Fire System	Saloon / Rally	FSEX4.0A	5.23KG	152.40MM	292MM	FK-5-1-12 Clean Agent Gas
4kg FK-5-1-12 Mechanical Aluminium Fire System	Saloon / Rally	FSEX4.0M	5.43KG	152.40MM	321MM	FK-5-1-12 Clean Agent Gas