Fire Extinguishers
Discussion
Rather than clutter up the Spa/Ring thread, thought I'd start another one on this.
Apparently we need a fire extinguisher if travelling in Belgium, and also on certain track days etc - recommended at Spa (securely mounted handheld acceptable)..
Whilst buying a cheap and cheerful mini 600g item would undoubtably be the cheapest option, if I'm going to carry a fire extinguisher, I'd like to think it may be of at least some practical use if the worst happened - either to my own car or someone else's.
What do/have people done re:
make/model,
capacity
type - gas, powder, AFFF (foam),
and mounting securely to the car (where/how).
From what I've read so far, it seems that powder ones are the cheapest option, but if actually used make a right mess of the interior/engine bay.
All the motorsport approved ones appear to be gas or AFFF (aqueous film forming foam). But they are more expensive. The gas ones seem to be the best, as they leave no mess behind, but are far and away the most expensive....
Capacity - seems to recommend minimum of 1.75 to 2 litre?
In terms of mounting, just behind the driver's seat upright, horizontal on the floor infront of the driver's seat, or where? and how to securely fasten it?
The one thing I am certain of is the budget would not stretch to a fully plumbed in automatic system.
Thoughts and opinions gratefully received....
Apparently we need a fire extinguisher if travelling in Belgium, and also on certain track days etc - recommended at Spa (securely mounted handheld acceptable)..
Whilst buying a cheap and cheerful mini 600g item would undoubtably be the cheapest option, if I'm going to carry a fire extinguisher, I'd like to think it may be of at least some practical use if the worst happened - either to my own car or someone else's.
What do/have people done re:
make/model,
capacity
type - gas, powder, AFFF (foam),
and mounting securely to the car (where/how).
From what I've read so far, it seems that powder ones are the cheapest option, but if actually used make a right mess of the interior/engine bay.
All the motorsport approved ones appear to be gas or AFFF (aqueous film forming foam). But they are more expensive. The gas ones seem to be the best, as they leave no mess behind, but are far and away the most expensive....
Capacity - seems to recommend minimum of 1.75 to 2 litre?
In terms of mounting, just behind the driver's seat upright, horizontal on the floor infront of the driver's seat, or where? and how to securely fasten it?
The one thing I am certain of is the budget would not stretch to a fully plumbed in automatic system.
Thoughts and opinions gratefully received....
AFFF are rubbish ...they quite often dont go off when they should and you may as well wee on it ! ...it is , after all , aqueous foam ...the old BCF were brilliant , but sadly now banned . The best and lightest is a du pont one using Viro 3 , but i gather you have to send it back each year for a re charge and they are horendously dear ..... loads of info , but not much use I'm afraid .....(sorry)
I ended up with a 2.5 lb Halon extinguisher as my hand held. And installed it in front of the passenger seat:
The mounting bracket came from HMS Motorsports here in the US which actually is intended to aid the mounting of 2 sub straps for the 6 point harnesses. We simply welded and bolted the fire extinguisher mount to the bracket.
This still allows seat movement and reasonable passenger comfort.
I would not get a smaller or larger hand held, and have had to use them twice in the past so I would always recommend them. I had them in my Exige, and I know a lot of the Lotus guys use the Halon type. H3R / Halon is the most common, something like this:
http://www.4wheelparts.com/2-5-lb-chrome-clean-age...
I also installed an full OMP fire suppression system which sits behind the drivers seat. Another must in my opinion for heavy track use here in California.
Hope this helps.
The mounting bracket came from HMS Motorsports here in the US which actually is intended to aid the mounting of 2 sub straps for the 6 point harnesses. We simply welded and bolted the fire extinguisher mount to the bracket.
This still allows seat movement and reasonable passenger comfort.
I would not get a smaller or larger hand held, and have had to use them twice in the past so I would always recommend them. I had them in my Exige, and I know a lot of the Lotus guys use the Halon type. H3R / Halon is the most common, something like this:
http://www.4wheelparts.com/2-5-lb-chrome-clean-age...
I also installed an full OMP fire suppression system which sits behind the drivers seat. Another must in my opinion for heavy track use here in California.
Hope this helps.
nigelw said:
Halon (Bcf ) is the best stuff in every area ...it works , it puts fires out and makes no mess at all , but its banned in the uk and you cant buy them in the Uk .... but if anyone can see a way around it ....
Halon (1301 or 1211) is very good, but like any gas, it's really intended for use in enclosed spaces because any wind will dissipate it. So, it's very good for things like built in fire systems, but less effective for hand-held extinguishers. There are also health risks due to Halon exposure.There are alternatives, like Dupont FE36, or even CO2. They offer just about all of the features of Halon, with less toxicity and are less harmful to the environment. Only problem is that they aren't quite as effective as Halon...
hoyin said:
If I am not driving on the SPA track do I still need one if I am just ont he Ring and on the road in Europe?
According to the AA website, they recommend you carry one in Belgium (as Belgium registered cars have to carry one), although not compulsory. They are apparently not compulsory in France or Germany.[quote]powder ones are the cheapest option, but if actually used make a right mess of the interior/engine bay.
[/quote]
Powder are designed electrical fires as the medium reduces the risk of electrical shorting, reigniting the fire. Very poor for solid fuel, as they have little cooling effect.
[quote]All the motorsport approved ones appear to be gas or AFFF (aqueous film forming foam).
[/quote]
These are primarily designed for fuel spillage as it starves the fire of oxygen, predominantly plumbed in systems. Hand held AFFF are very short lived and inefficient in engine bay fires.
[quote]Capacity - seems to recommend minimum of 1.75 to 2 litre?
[/quote]
CO2 is probably the best option, as it has immediate cooling (its primary intention) is not damaging to the remaining structure and relatively cheap and can be refilled very cheaply. a 2.5 to 5Kg bottle would suffice.
BCF (Bromochlorodiflouromethane)is a very effective extinguisher, but due to its effects on the environment has been limited, it also will kill you in confined spaces and eat away at any electrical components that it touches. All our vehicles are fitted with CO2, as it is an extinguisher that can be used on any fire with the exception of magnesium or titanium (self oxygenating fires)
EDIT: The quote's gone tits up sorry.
[/quote]
Powder are designed electrical fires as the medium reduces the risk of electrical shorting, reigniting the fire. Very poor for solid fuel, as they have little cooling effect.
[quote]All the motorsport approved ones appear to be gas or AFFF (aqueous film forming foam).
[/quote]
These are primarily designed for fuel spillage as it starves the fire of oxygen, predominantly plumbed in systems. Hand held AFFF are very short lived and inefficient in engine bay fires.
[quote]Capacity - seems to recommend minimum of 1.75 to 2 litre?
[/quote]
CO2 is probably the best option, as it has immediate cooling (its primary intention) is not damaging to the remaining structure and relatively cheap and can be refilled very cheaply. a 2.5 to 5Kg bottle would suffice.
BCF (Bromochlorodiflouromethane)is a very effective extinguisher, but due to its effects on the environment has been limited, it also will kill you in confined spaces and eat away at any electrical components that it touches. All our vehicles are fitted with CO2, as it is an extinguisher that can be used on any fire with the exception of magnesium or titanium (self oxygenating fires)
EDIT: The quote's gone tits up sorry.
Edited by Stella Artois on Saturday 17th April 12:54
http://shop.theaa.com/content/driving-in-europe
Buy the single kit - nice and easy.
Any cheaper places?
Err how do I sticker up my 3R headlights???
Buy the single kit - nice and easy.
Any cheaper places?
Err how do I sticker up my 3R headlights???
sundance02 said:
just read the link to AA and it said for cars reg in that country ie Belg it is compulsory to carry but not for uk reg cars just recomended, so i take it that for the track it is comp to carry on?SimonJW said:
sundance02 said:
just read the link to AA and it said for cars reg in that country ie Belg it is compulsory to carry but not for uk reg cars just recomended, so i take it that for the track it is comp to carry on?Clothing: Please make sure you bring your crash helmet and suitable clothing for the day - we strongly recommend racing overalls.
Short sleeves and shorts are not acceptable for safety reasons – this includes your passengers.
Fire extinguisher: We recommend you have a fire extinguisher in your car. A hand held extinguisher securely located within the car is acceptable.
Towing eye: Your car must have its towing eye fitted before you go on track. Please make sure you know where it is.
Headlights: You will need to tape your headlights before going on track. Please make sure you bring tape with you.
Car preparation: A pre event vehicle safety checklist is available from Gold Track before the event and on the day.
Gassing Station | Noble | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff