Fire suppression system

[EmpirE231]

Looking to add a system to my sandcar... what do you guys recommend?

car is a rear engine 4 seater w/ fuel cell behind the rear seat. Thinking it would be best to have 2 nozzles aimed back towards the headers and another 2 nozzles (on the C-pillar cross tube) aimed down and back towards the fuel cell, pretty much spraying down behind the rear seat. Does this sound like a good way to set the system up?

when I search there are systems all over the price range, w/ different size bottles etc.... looking for something in the value range of being effective / functional without being the most expensive option.

 

[Rockwood]

One thing about fire systems: they're not there to save your car, they're there to save your ass from dying in a car-B-que after a wreck. As such, plan to place nozzles in place where flammable liquids/items can kill you, not necessarily where they are. Since the fuel tank is basically in the same space as passengers, probably better to bias the system there instead of the headers. If you're running an SFI/FIA rated fuel cell, the fuel system components would be the next most likely car-b-que source. If it's pointed backwards, it will probably keep flames away from passengers better than straight down. Most systems specify the nozzles to be mounted in a specific manner/orientation. I would only recommend foam type for open cars like buggies, but gas is an option. Just keep in mind that gas will only put the flames out while it's operating. Once out, any heat source still hot enough to flash oil/fuel will start back up. Foam will most likely damage electronics, and is a mess to clean up.

From various CCRs. Note that none of these racing body allow you to run fuel in the same space as passengers, so the bias is more towards the engine on nozzle locations.





In my racing days, I had an engine failure that sent oil in a spray under the car. The fire that started was not put out put the fire system as I didn't have any nozzles under the car. Luckily, I kept an extinguisher as ballast, and was able to put it out.

 

[EmpirE231]

One thing about fire systems: they're not there to save your car, they're there to save your ass from dying in a car-B-que after a wreck. As such, plan to place nozzles in place where flammable liquids/items can kill you, not necessarily where they are. Since the fuel tank is basically in the same space as passengers, probably better to bias the system there instead of the headers. If you're running an SFI/FIA rated fuel cell, the fuel system components would be the next most likely car-b-que source. If it's pointed backwards, it will probably keep flames away from passengers better than straight down. Most systems specify the nozzles to be mounted in a specific manner/orientation. I would only recommend foam type for open cars like buggies, but gas is an option. Just keep in mind that gas will only put the flames out while it's operating. Once out, any heat source still hot enough to flash oil/fuel will start back up. Foam will most likely damage electronics, and is a mess to clean up.

From various CCRs. Note that none of these racing body allow you to run fuel in the same space as passengers, so the bias is more towards the engine on nozzle locations.

View attachment 153248

View attachment 153249

In my racing days, I had an engine failure that sent oil in a spray under the car. The fire that started was not put out put the fire system as I didn't have any nozzles under the car. Luckily, I kept an extinguisher as ballast, and was able to put it out.

Thanks for the feedback. Yesmain point of the system would be to give passengers and I a little more time to get out safely.

Anyone have any kits they recommend that are DIY friendly?

 

[EmpirE231]

Thinking maybe something like this? Is 5lb a good size for my application?

Safecraft LT5 Clean Agent Double Pull Cable Fire Suppression System Complete Kit With 2 Pull Cables - Kartek Off-Road

Safecraft LT5 Clean Agent Double Pull Cable Fire Suppression System Complete Kit With 2 Pull Cables for offroad racing in the King of the Hammers, New Zealand Taupo 1000, Dakar Rally, Tatts Finke Desert Race, Score International Baja 500 or Baja 1000, NORRA 500, NORRA Mexican 1000, Mint 400...

www.kartek.com

 

[EastMT]

I made this decision recently and
went with ESS due to the ability to recharge the system at the dunes. Below is a picture of ESS and Fox fire nozzles. 5 Fox fire nozzles will make it hurt to sit down for a couple days. Fox fire left and ESS right. Appreciate the recommendation. Hope you will chime in and provide additional info.