2022 Rule Change FAQs (Clone)

2022 Rule Change Clarification

As the upcoming MSUK fire suppression regulation changes loom large on the horizon a significant number of competitors will be taking a second 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 from 01/01/22.

Up until the start of 2018 Motorsport UK (MSUK) were unique amongst 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?

Looking at the main serial label of your bottles if it includes an FIA homologation number which will read EX.XXX.XXX eg. EX.041.017 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 that the system has a total capacity of at least 3.0 kg. It is worth noting that total weight is different to total capacity. In extinguisher terms the total capacity refers to the total amount of extinguishant within the system, while the total weight refers to the extinguisher as a whole. These are clearly listed separately on every Lifeline serial label. Capacity is sometimes listed as contents cockpit and contents engine adding these together gives the total capacity.

Mid left, Example of FIA Homologation Number Ex. 002.98 on Zero 2000 Cylinder

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 onwards. There is no need for competitors to replace currently eligible FIA systems with new FIA systems for the 2022 season.

How many nozzles do I need?

There is no mandatory nozzle count required by the FIA, it is dependent on what the individual product you have was homologated with at the time of approval.

Let us take the example of a saloon car competing in closed circuit events. If the competitor is using a 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.

Zero 2000 layout (left) and Zero 360 layout (right)

If you chose to install anymore or less nozzles than originally specified then it would take the system out of its originally homologated configuration making it non compliant. 

What if I am rallying?

As you are potentially further away from the extra safety of a 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 3.0kg . Lifeline offer either the 3.0ltr Zero 2020 systems or the 3.0kg Zero 360 systems to ensure compliance with these requirements.

Hand Held:

1. 2.0kg FIA Compliant 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, 2.0 kg of an approved Gas or 2.0kg of powder. Lifeline offers a range of hand helds ensuring compliance for these requirements.

How big does the system need to be?

Outside of rallying (described above) there are more options available to competitors. Lifeline manufactures systems as small as 1.5 kg up to its largest at 3.0 ltrs so which one is most suitable for your vehicles?

Zero 360 3.0kg Electric

There are several different factors that competitors may consider when choosing a system. This 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 Zero 2020 series is likely the best option. If packaging or weight is the primary concern of the vehicle then the compact range of Zero 360 systems is the perfect choice the smallest of which contains 2.25 kg of Novec™1230 Gas. 

A limited number of the products Lifeline manufactures are specific to a category of vehicle for example it's 1.5 kg systems are limited to single seater/prototypes only. 

If you are interested in purchasing an FIA compliant system to ensure compliance with upcoming regulation changes you can find Lifeline's global network of dealers here

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