I'm thinking about replacing my fire system and was considering one of these "do it yourself" refillable bottles. (examples: http://www.sracing.com/Store/Safety/firebottles.htm & http://www.firecharger.com/ & http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/produc ... RecID=3431)
Are these legal for all cars("certified to SFI specification 17.1")? Pegasus says "approved by SCCA"...
I noticed none of them have any kind of pressure guage... so are these "nonpressurized" because they use CO2 as a propellant?
And are they really worth it? And are they safe?! I haven't had to get my bottle refilled, so I don't know how expensive it is or how long it takes, but it seems like it would be pretty convenient to be able to refill at the track.
Here are some of the rules for reference:
"9.3.22. FIRE SYSTEM
All cars shall be equipped with an On-Board Fire System except Showroom
Stock, Touring, Spec Miata, and Improved Touring.
A. On-Board Fire System Requirements
Cars registered after 1/1/09 shall comply with the following on-
board fire system requirements:
• Systems certified to SFI specification 17.1
• Those listed by the FIA on Technical List No. 16
The following information must be visible of the unit:
• Certification label
• Capacity
• Type of extinguishing agent
• Weight, or volume, of the extinguishing agent
The following is acceptable for cars registered before 1/1/09:
On-board fire systems shall use Halon 1301 or 1211, with
a five pound minimum capacity (by weight). Alternatively,
on-board fire systems may use AFFF or equivalent surfactant
foam material, 2.25 liter minimum capacity (by volume). All
AFFF fire system bottles shall incorporate a functional pressure
gauge and shall be marked with the manufacturer’s recommended
“filled weight.” CO2 cartridge propellant fire extinguishing
systems are permitted provided that the seal of the
manufacturer specified CO2 cartridge is not punctured and the
fire bottle is equal to the weight specified by the system manufacturer.
Cars shall meet the following regardless of registration date:
....
5. All AFFF fire system bottles shall incorporate a functional
pressure gauge. This does not apply to non-pressurized
AFFF systems with CO2 propellant."
Fire System
Fire System
HendricksRacing Site:
www.HendricksRacing.net
www.HendricksRacing.net
Re: Fire System
The ESS SFI systems are completely legal. We have sold dozens of them and all have passed tech. (SCCA and NASA).
The nice thing about them is the CO2 cannister and ease (and cost) of refilling. They make a bigger mess than a Halon system when they are used, but that is the least of your worries in a fire. Note that a refill is under $50 and you can carry a spare at the track. (Better than going home for the weekend if you blow one accidently). The FV type ESS system is also 3 lbs less than a comparable Halon compact.
The nice thing about them is the CO2 cannister and ease (and cost) of refilling. They make a bigger mess than a Halon system when they are used, but that is the least of your worries in a fire. Note that a refill is under $50 and you can carry a spare at the track. (Better than going home for the weekend if you blow one accidently). The FV type ESS system is also 3 lbs less than a comparable Halon compact.
Last edited by SR Racing on July 19th, 2009, 5:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Fire System
I noticed that Pegasus has a system listed for $299, but they are out of stock. Ours are $339, but when we are out of stock ours are only $289. 
Mention the Pegasus ad and we will match their price.
Mention the Pegasus ad and we will match their price.
Re: Fire System
I recently purchased this system for my new car and apparently ESS has changed the production of the bottles . The one that I received was longer than the specified length . The company that I purchased from had another one in stock and it was the correct length . In my case the larger one would not fit between the frame rails .