With the 2022 MSUK rule changes having already taken place, a significant number of competitors would have had a look at the extinguisher system in their cars. Here is a guide on the systems that Lifeline have made in the past and what to look out for when inspecting your system to ensure future compliance.
Up until the start of 2018, Motorsport UK (MSUK) were unique amongst other ASNs in the fact that they had a bespoke set of regulations around fire suppression. Over the past few years, MSUK has been transitioning to adopt the internationally recognised standards of the FIA. This means that from the start of 2022 all vehicles competing under MSUK regulations must be fitted with a FIA homologated system.
What does this mean for competitors looking to race in 2022? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers that aim to clarify upcoming changes:
Is my current system eligible?
If your system includes an FIA homologation number which will read EX.XXX.XXX eg. EX.041.017 on the main serial label it is eligible for competition from 2022 under the following conditions:
- It is not over 10 years old.
- It has been serviced within the last two years by a manufacturer or their agent.
- It is installed in line with the manufacturers installation guide. All Lifeline systems are shipped with a copy of the relevant installation guide.
- If you are rallying and it has a total capacity of 3+ kg (note: total weight is different to total capacity. In extinguishers terms the total capacity refers to just the total amount of suppressant the system contains, while the total weight is the extinguisher cylinder as a whole. These are clearly listed separately on every Lifeline serial label).
If you do not have an FIA homologated system it is likely that you will need to install one to be compliant for the 2022 season and beyond.
How many nozzles do I need?
There is no mandatory nozzle count required by the FIA it is dependent on what the individual product was homologated with at the time of testing. Let us take the example of a saloon car competing in closed circuit events: if the competitor chose to use a new Zero 2000 system, then they would install a total of eight nozzles, four in the engine bay and four in the cockpit. If the same competitor chose to install a Zero 360 system, then they would only use five nozzles in total, three in the engine bay and two in the cockpit. Both installations would be compliant as they have been installed in line with the manufacture’s installation guide as homologated by the FIA.
The same applies to the diameter of the tubing which is defined during the homologation of the system. All current technical list 16 systems Lifeline manufactures use 8mm diameter tubing, but other manufacturers may vary. It is not permitted for a bottle that was homologated to use 8mm tubing to be retrofitted into an existing installation that uses a different diameter tubing, 10mm for example.
It should be noted that just because an extinguisher system may have run out of homologation as listed on the FIA’s website, it can still be used for ten years after the end date of that homologation if it is correctly serviced in line with the manufacturers requirements.
What if I am rallying?
As you are potentially further away from the extra safety of marshal’s posts when rallying there are further requirements.
Plumbed in:
To be compliant you must fit a system that has a minimum capacity of 3.0kgs. Lifeline offer either the 3.0ltr Zero 2020 systems or the 3.0kg Zero 360 systems to ensure compliance with the weight requirements.
Hand Held:
Unlike circuit racing, rally cars must also carry a separate hand held extinguisher to remain compliant. This must have a minimum capacity of 2.4 ltrs of AFFF, 2.0kgs of an approved Gas or 2.0kgs of powder. Lifeline offers a range of hand-held products ensuring compliance for these requirements.
How big does the system need to be?
Outside of rallying (described above) there are no minimum requirements for the amount of suppressant used in the system. Lifeline manufacture or have manufactured homologated systems as small as 1.5kgs up to 4.0ltrs so which one is most suitable for your vehicles?
There are several different factors that competitors may consider when choosing a system and it is often dependent on packaging, budget and the safety concerns of each competitor. If the vehicle is being run to a tight budget then the cost effective 3.0ltr Zero 2020 series is likely the best option. If packaging is the primary concern of the vehicle then the compact range of Zero 360 systems is the perfect choice the smallest of which contains 2.25kgs of Novec 1230 Gas. Both choices are valid from a regulatory standpoint, but the different products address the varying needs of a range of competitors.
If you're still unsure about whether or not your vehicle's fire suppression system meets the specifications, or not suited for your needs, please get in touch with us below:
