Fire system wisdom

[Ducman]

I don’t race in any series but do lots of track days in my RS clone with MFI 2.8ss. I dodged a bullet this year when my engine bay pressure regulator gauge burst on track....and nothing burst into flames. None-the-less I believe I should upgrade from cockpit extinguisher to full fire system to be safe. I’m comfortable getting a good system and installing but what’s your advice? And peculiarities with generic systems that are primarily designed for front engine vehicles - when installing in our ac 911s?

Btw I do already wear complete fire suit, clothing, etc, but with harness and Hans by the time I could do anything with that bottle or get out I figure I’d be getting a bit toasty.

[Tom '74 911]

Here's the unit I put in my race car:

https://www.spatechnique.com/store/itemDetail.cfm?prodID=1033&catID=31

I did the install myself & it wasn't too bad...

Best,
Tom

[Ducman]

Originally Posted by Tom '74 911

Here's the unit I put in my race car:

https://www.spatechnique.com/store/itemDetail.cfm?prodID=1033&catID=31

I did the install myself & it wasn't too bad...

Best,
Tom

What made you decide to go with AFFF? BTW I was in the fire suppression industry for quite some time so roughly familiar with both the primary agents....but not in a vehicle application.

[Tom '74 911]

Originally Posted by Ducman

What made you decide to go with AFFF? BTW I was in the fire suppression industry for quite some time so roughly familiar with both the primary agents....but not in a vehicle application.

It was the system recommended by my "local" race shop... it's what they put in all their cars. I bought the system from them, they are familiar with all the components and they can service it...

[winders]

I bought and will soon be installing a Safecraft LT 10 lbs Novec 1230 system with dual manual pulls in my race car.

https://safecraft.com/product/model-lt/

I looked at AFFF as well and decided that Novec was best for me and my application. If you go with AFFF, make sure you never let it freeze.

[group911@aol.co]

I've never seen anything put out actual fire like AFFF will. It also has the advantage of coating fuels to prevent reignition and not damaging metals. Freezing is an issue and it's of no use in anelectrical fire.

[winders]

Originally Posted by ian c2

...Newest cup cars are using f-e-v gas systems . Nice bit of kit .

Those are Novec 1230 like the SafeCraft unit I am installing.

[winders]

Well, I made an assumption that you were correct in saying that the Cup Cars used an F-E-V gas system. I read this on their web site:

GAS CAR FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

We have taken all the benefits from our previous gas product range technology and are now using 3m Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid as our fire suppressant.

Now, if the Cup Cars are not using one of their gas systems, then I am very likely wrong.

[winders]

Originally Posted by ian c2

I don’t know Scott .
Maybe a recent change ?
Latest fia specs should give an indication maybe ?

Their FIA approved system is Novec 1230 as well:

https://www.f-e-v.co.uk/fxg-tec3300r/

[Ducman]

Originally Posted by group911@aol.co

I've never seen anything put out actual fire like AFFF will. It also has the advantage of coating fuels to prevent reignition and not damaging metals. Freezing is an issue and it's of no use in anelectrical fire.

That’s my sense as well...but then it appears that more high end systems are gas agent...to me indicating the gas might be considered better ??

[winders]

Electronically activated systems are fine....but it's another battery system to maintain and another failure point. I was all set to go with electronic activation but realized I didn't want that aggravation or expense.

I only need 1 pull cable and that is for me. I am adding a second pull cable externally but I am not required by rule to do so. The pull cable runs will be quite short as the system will be installed in the front passenger footwell area next to the car's battery. My pull cable will be in reach of my right hand and the external pull cable will be on the passenger side cowl near the A pillar.

I will be using 3 nozzles. One on the driver, one on the fuel cell and one on the engine.

[winders]

Originally Posted by ian c2

I think they run off the car battery Scott ...
But yes . Nothing simpler than a cable .

Not the electrically activated systems from LifeLine or Safecraft. They both have battery systems separate from the car’s systems. Think about it, the connection the car battery could be broken in a crash which would make the system useless.

[winders]

Standalone.

[Ducman]

I haven’t found any tech recommendation on the size. We have AFFF, Novec and FE36. Don’t don’t know how much extinguishing each can do per pound. Is 10 lbs of Novec same as 10 lbs of FE36? Obviously more is better but is 5 lbs the norm and 10 lbs for unusual applications or large vehicles?

[Ducman]

Actually finding it a bit maddening to understand the options and why. Even if I try limit search to just Novec - why do SFI 5lb systems seem to have such different features (# of nozzles, head unit, etc) as 2.25kg FIA systems?? Why? What does it mean to me? The one that really gets me is that I see non-certified units listed for more $ than seemingly same unit that is certified - what?

I think I want to use Novec
I want dual cable pulls (kiss)
I would like a light but large system (aluminum bottle at least 5 lbs of agent)
And don’t laugh but I would also prefer that it have an nice appearance befitting a really nice vintage track car...some of the systems don’t look as appropriate they’re too high tech. Is it too much to wish for a nice red or natural aluminum bottle with a machined head unit of some type?

Maybe above is out there but I’m not seeing it.

[winders]

You want the system I am getting. The Safecraft LT:

https://safecraft.com/product/model-lt/

Mine is the 10 lbs system with brushed aluminum and dual pull head. It does not look "too high tech".

[Ducman]

Originally Posted by winders

You want the system I am getting. The Safecraft LT:

https://safecraft.com/product/model-lt/

Mine is the 10 lbs system with brushed aluminum and dual pull head. It does not look "too high tech".

Yes I saw that but what agent is it? I couldn’t find the info on their website.

[winders]

It's Novec 1230.....

https://safecraft.com/wp-content/documents/Safecraft-Brochure-Single-Sheet-Spread-2019-opt.pdf

[Ducman]

Originally Posted by winders

You want the system I am getting. The Safecraft LT:

https://safecraft.com/product/model-lt/

Mine is the 10 lbs system with brushed aluminum and dual pull head. It does not look "too high tech".

Ok I found info on their site. It is Novec. That is the system I want. Where are you mounting yours?

[winders]

I will be mounting the system in the front passenger foot well area next to the Antigravity battery.

I will have a nozzle aimed at the driver's seat and the engine. I am not sure if I will have a nozzle aimed at the fuel cell.