Fire Suppression systems suggestions?

[911SCcdn]

Hello All,

I am looking a installing a 2 or 3 nozzle system in my track/VARAC car. Decided to go with a more robust system instead of a handheld 2.5lb system.

It looks like most people are going with an AFFF type (foam system) instead of halon (may be difficult to get refills in the future). It also looks like some of these new systems can be recharged (firecharger) with a refill kit instead of sending them out.

I am looking at ESS and Firecharger as two possible systems.

Anyone have any other recommendations or suggestions? Size of system 2.3 or 5.0?

Thanks your input is appreciated.

Andy
71 911T 2.4 twin plug track/VARAC
91 C4
Ontario, Canada

[ninesixfour]

I went with a 3 nozzle Safecraft system with Dupont FE-36 as the extinguishant. It doesn't make a mess like foam or dry chem, doesn't have all the toxic properties of halon, and can be refilled locally for less than $20.

I bought it from Lindsey Racing.

[cstreit]

I like the AFFF system a lot more than Halon because Halon can be dispersed in a car with open windows if you're still moving. AFFF isn't as caustic to wiring and other components as dry chemical extinguishers.

The Firecharger and Spa systems are the most popular with my customers. I installed the FireCharger system in my car. The refill costs of the FC are much lower than Spa by about 4:1 and install is super-simple.

[J Richard]

+1 on the spa system, the only thing I would look into is the required head locations for the organizations you will be running. A typical setup is one in the engine bay and two in the cockpit, I had to get extra tubing to get them where they were required.

[ninesixfour]

Originally Posted by J Richard

+1 on the spa system, the only thing I would look into is the required head locations for the organizations you will be running. A typical setup is one in the engine bay and two in the cockpit, I had to get extra tubing to get them where they were required.

I've heard so many variations on this. 1 in the cockpit, 1 in the engine bay, 1 with the fuel tank. 2 in the engine, 1 in the cockpit. 2 in the cockpit, 1 in the engine...

[chrisp]

A firefighter once told me that it would take a fire truck to dowse several gallons of fuel.

I have an ESS system and one quick call to them and they echoed that sentiment. With this in mind I have one nozzle on me and two on the engine for my 5 liter system.

[North Coast Cab]

I had a Firecharger and it froze and split the canister. So, either take it out in the winter, store heated, or use another type system.

[J Richard]

Originally Posted by ninesixfour

I've heard so many variations on this. 1 in the cockpit, 1 in the engine bay, 1 with the fuel tank. 2 in the engine, 1 in the cockpit. 2 in the cockpit, 1 in the engine...

...exactly, there are so many different configurations that if you install a system per the mgfr that meets the original design specs, for a FIA system for instance, you are not guaranteed that it will meet the requirements of your organization or the series you run in. So I would check with a local scrut first and then order a system. Recharing is an issue, the self recharging kits look interesting but I wanted the assurance of a factory charged setup, I didn't look into how they are viewed by NASA or SCCA...

+1 on chirsp's comments about the fuel, the point of the system is to delay the fire getting to you so you can get the hell out, it may not put out every fire, and it might miss a fire in another area. I had an old starter cable crack on my spec car and shorted the battery directly to the chassis, got lots of smoke before the cutoff was pulled, almost started a fire, but that would have been and area not covered by a fire system, a handheld would have been the only option. If you run in tracks with plenty of safety equipment probably not a big problem.

[Astroman]

Originally Posted by chrisp

I have an ESS system... With this in mind I have one nozzle on me and two on the engine for my 5 liter system.

Me too.