Fire Extinguisher in Dino

maybe i am the only one, but i have a small fire extinguisher behing the passenger seat. it isn't mounted, but handy

 

I was just getting together the parts to do the same thing in my Dino. Having read the story of the 512BB owner on Ferrarichat who got burned in his car, I decided that I didn't want to put this off any longer. I actually know quite a bit about fire systems as I'm in the process of restoring a single seat race car (Lotus 69) and did lots of research on fire systems in the process. My thoughts are as follows.

I've used lightweight 5lb Halon 1211 bottles in other single seat race cars for a number of years and have an extra one which will be the foundation of my Dino's fire system. I like Halon because it leaves no residue when it fires and it is very effective. I also prefer electronically activated systems over mechanically activated systems because you can locate the fire button with much greater flexibility given that you aren't relying on a bowden cable to fire the system. In fact, I would recommend you source a military spec switch with screw terminals and a switch guard from Allied Electronics (www.alliedelec.com) because if you ever do need to fire the bottle, you want to make sure the switch works! I will put the firing switch near me in the cockpit but keep it somewhat hidden so that the car still shows well (although apparently they won't deduct points for incremental safety equipment at FNA events).

Lightweight Halon bottles are tough to buy new these days. The Department of Homeland Security has cracked down on shipping them because they could apparently be used for other purposes. Perhaps you can find a used one on eBay but they typically can't be shipped across state lines if they are filled. If you buy one that is empty, you can quite possibly get it filled locally because even though Halon 1211 is no longer being manufactured, many fire protection places still have a supply Halon on hand. That being said, filling Halon bottles may require special tools specific to the bottle and so it is not a slam dunk. If you really want Halon, new, stout bottles are available from www.firebottleracing.com and because they meet the new DOHS regulations, these folks can ship them to you filled.

LifeLine fire systems manufacture great FIA approved fire systems which are now the standard in Europe where Halon has long since been outlawed given its known effects on the ozone layer. F1 cars haven't used Halon for a number of years. These new LifeLine systems come in a variety of sizes and are complete with everything you need including bottle, mounting bracket, wires, power pack, tubing, nozzles and connectors. LifeLine systems are distributed in the US by Essex Parts Services (www.essexparts.com). Even if you buy a Halon bottle from one source you can also buy the parts and accessories to hook it up from Essex. You may need an adapter on the bottle to convert from one thread type to the next but Essex can answer those questions and you can source those adapters from www.mcmaster.com.

Spa Design Fire Systems are also very good and are available in AFFF - a popular Halon replacement. While AFFF isn't residue-free like Halon, it is apparently easy to clean up and complete kits can be purchased from www.pegasusautoracing.com. Finally, if you go with my recommendation and install an electronically fired system, you need a power pack. These systems run off of a 9V battery to ensure they will still fire in the event of an electrical fire. I prefer the power pack which comes with the SPA Design systems over the LifeLine systems because they are more stout and the battery check lights are easier to see. The good news is that the SPA Design Fire System Power Packs are available for purchase separately at www.pegasusautoracing.com. Be sure to order the DIN connector model.

I'll be sure to take pictures of my installation along the way to describe where I locate the switches, run the hose, mount the bottle and aim the nozzle. That being said, these systems are tried and true and have saved many lives. The folks at Pegasus and Essex have lots of experience with these systems and can recommend the right parts and practices to ensure they will work well for this application.

Best of luck...Keith

 

1. I have an FIA homologated AFFF fire extinguisher made my Lifeline, the 2.4 litre version fits exactly into the space between driver seat and left foot well. http://www.lifeline-fire.co.uk/handheld/fireextinguishers.htm

2. Believe that Halon based products are banned in the EU, so none are offered here anymore. AFFF is foam based and does not react with the aluminium parts of your car, as the standard powder "ABC" type extinguisher does.
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Mine is mounted in the passenger side, under the glove box. It doesn't get in the way there.

 

I did the same when I had mine. Didn't want to drill more holes.

 

For those people with handheld extinguishers in your cars, consider what happens if a fire starts quickly (eg. Cavis fuel line cracks, drips and ignites). You most likely won't have the time or presence of mind to grab your extinguisher, pull the engine lid lever, lift the engine lid (dangerous) and put out the fire. You'll probably just jump out of the car and be happy that you aren't inside it while it burns.

A 5lb Halon system mounted in the trunk, wired into the cockpit and plumbed into the engine compartment will allow you to fire the system with the flick of a switch and get the heck away from the car. Depending on the nozzle, it takes somewhere between 10 and 30 seconds to discharge all of that Halon while you are out of harm's way. If you want added protection, you can go with a 10lb bottle and plumb a cockpit nozzle in as well (probably overkill in a street car application) but worthwhile in a bad accident which results in a fire. Please note the nozzels for the engine and the cockpit are different if you got that route.

Don't get me wrong, a handheld extinguisher might just do the trick in certain circumstances but I think there are better options. Check out the following thread which describes one scenario where a handheld extinguisher would not have helped. http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=163496. For that matter, go to www.youtube.com and do a search of Ferrari fire - very sobering.

...Keith

 

I had intende to fit an extinguisher soon ; try this link, maybe usefull......

http://www.tradetutor.com/raceprep/

 

When I acquired my Tipo L, the previous owner placed it next to the driver's seat. At the time, my first impression was a little awkward but took me only few weeks to get used to it. It is left as it is after four years. w/ smiles Jimmy
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Jimmy, do my eyes deceive me or do you have different coloured doortrims ???

 

I beleive this shot was taken in summer w/ strong sunlight causing the light effect that you mentioned. Interior was redone and my choice was red w/ black piping along seats' rims. The door panels are the same red even tho somespots appear different in this shot. w/ smiles Jimmy

 

I've heard good things about Dupont FE-36 as a Halon replacement. See if that is available locally. Seriously think about the electronically fired systems over mechanical - whatever extra you spend for an electrical system, you'll save in time on the installation.

I hope you enjoyed your 23b - great cars. I had the single seat brother to the 23, a Lotus 22.

 

Stunning!

 

No need to apologize; this was a pleasant surprise, Andy.

'an exquisite little jewel, your Lotus.

Thanks for not knowing "how to send them otherwise."
Coop

 

Check out the following:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=209583

 

SPA systems makes the system the F1 cars use and I use in my cars. It has no stored chemicals or PSI and when fired generates suppressant.

It's not listed on their web site but if you contact them they will give you information:

http://www.spatechnique.com/product_pages/motorsportfiresystems.asp

 

Hi Andy:

My plan is to use the 5lb aluminum bottle with Halon 1211 I removed from the Lotus 22 and install it in the trunk of the Dino. I'll plumb a single line into the engine compartment and install a single nozzle which points at the left side of the engine (the side with the cavis fuel line). I purchased a military spec switch with screw terminals and a switch guard from Allied Electronics (www.alliedelec.com) and will wire that into the cockpit.

That's the plan.

...Keith