Opinions of fire extinguishers

[gliding_serpent]

Part of my build includes fire extinguishers. I have been looking at the H3R options (our host has them). Maxout is lighter, cheaper, but will leave behind corrosive residue. HaGuard is heavier, more expensive, but leaves no residue.

1- 1.4Lbs (Mini) will give maybe one spray, the larger 2.5lbs will give maybe just over two.

Finally, the smaller options come with a single securing strap, and the 2.5lbs with a double strap on the mount. Any experiences with the two in terms of staying secure? I like the idea of lightness, but I am worried a single strap may not tolerate lateral forces and vibration as well.

Just wondering what others do? I suppose a universal quick release mount would also work.

I have a rennline mount. Thanks for any thoughts/experiences. I am leaning to a H3R Mini Halguard.

[RichardNew]

Why not just do a full system? A little fire extinguisher is only to meet the sanctioning body rules. It's not much help if you're on fire.

Here's an article I wrote on all of this.

Richard Newton

[gliding_serpent]

Richard, that is a great article. Thank you.

You certinally have me thinking about my DE car... Even beyond fire suppression.

[gliding_serpent]

So i opted for the 2.5lb h3r halguard extinguisher with a h3r aluminum 250 series quick release mount. I wanted something with more heaft than the standard mount and straps. The smaller capacity extinguisher seemed near pointless, and had only one support strap, and no aftermarket quick release bracket options that satisfied me.

This setup adds just over 6lbs for those counting. A pound or two more for the rennline mount. So maybe 8lbs total.

[Quinlan]

In my opinion a portable fire extinguisher is likely only to be handy putting out a fire in someone else's car. If my car is on fire, I am getting the heck out!
On the other hand, a properly plumbed permanent system is something you would actually use. In my race car I have one nozzle pointed at the top of the engine, one at the fuse panel and one at my junk. I have one handle inside the cockpit, that I can get at easily, and one on the outside that a marshall can get at easily.

[gliding_serpent]

The reality is that i should get a closed face helmet and race suit first. Same goes for proper gloves, shoes. Until then my car is one step up from prior. A fire extinguisher is better than no fire extinguisher. And this is a Primarily street car. The closed helmet is key. Without the prior gear, a supression system aimed at me might actually delay exit. As i see it, flame proof gear buys you a split second, a suppression system more. But if the suppression system blasts you in your eyes/lungs and you do not have proper gear, it might slow you down. Better than a blast of flames, but I think you need the full gear AND system for optimum performance. If I am stuck in a fireball, you take what you can get... But in DE, if you get to that point...

Imho another good fire suppression system for our cars would be an airtight, fire retardant blanket to throw over the engine grill.

[RichardNew]

I raced in one series where we had to prove how quickly we could exit the car. At the end of the tech line they would strap the driver in place and then yell Fire. You were on the watch.

Because the car had a full cage I had to get out the window. That was maybe the only time I saw a benefit to those Yoga classes.

If you have a car with a cage you might want to try this sometime. It might prove interesting.

Richard Newton

[gliding_serpent]

No cage, but it is a great teaching point. As is instructing any passanger on the location of safety equipment. Need to make sure a passanger is comfortable with a harness removal, using rs door pulls, etc.

[KTL]

Fire retardant underwear isn't expensive and provides that extra margin of safety for you. If you're already required to wear a long sleeve shirt and pants, having a nomex shirt and long john underwear isn't going to make you feel that much hotter (in terms of weather, not when you're on fire.........)

Having a good suit is a very good idea and you can get them cheap if you buy at the right time. OG Racing always has a clearance sale and also a Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale. I got a high end Sparco suit that retails for $1600 for $599. You can also check out racing forums and find used suits for sale in good condition.

As you get to harnesses and seat and HANS and........ the list goes on, Richard makes a very good point that practicing exit is a good idea. It only takes a few attempts for you to see what's in your way or what you want to change to help you get out quick. If you get into the complete racing thing, the exit practice should be something you check yourself on every so often. Plus you never know when you might get tested at impound after a race. With harnesses, the HANS, window net, right side net (sometimes required even if you also have a halo seat), the cage bars, a cool suit/shirt hose connection, a helmet air cooling hose connection, radio mic wiring......... Its a lot of crap. Practice it with your eyes closed and holding your breath.

[gliding_serpent]

Another more generic safety tip on the track that pertains to arriving at a new track... Looking for safe(er) runoff points. Not key for modern tracks with proper design, but I know ours is tight, and there are some turns with no clear runoff. It is good to scope things out, including the marshal stands.

[wayner]

I always wonder how effective any on board system is when I see professional race cars on TV burn to the ground, or at least require the fire truck to save it?

[gliding_serpent]

Lets face it... What we fear is a fuel fire. No system will put one of those out if serious enough. Thing is, it might buy you enough time to get out and run clear.

[KTL]

Yep the fire system isn't intended to save the car. it's intended to suppress the fire for a short period of time to allow the driver to get out.

[stownsen914]

Personally my car has a fire system AND and a handheld unit. Why? The fire system gets me out in case of a fire. But what happens if there's a small fire under the car (e.g.oil on the headers)? Your fire system probably won't put that out, and track marshals aren't always nearby when you need them. In such a case, you'll get out of you car safely (priority #1)... and then potentially watch your car get damaged or destroyed. You may be able to keep a small fire from becoming a big one with a handheld unit to supplement your fire system.

Scott

[KTL]

Good point by Scott. I too have a small handheld dry ABC extinguisher for exactly what he describes. A few well placed shots from the small extinguisher may just keep the fire at bay until the trucks with the bigger extinguishers arrive