fire extinguisher choice - Saxperience

sexy_gt · 20th October 2013, 21:31

I would like to purchase a decent and correct fire ext for my car.

Im aware it needs to be aff.

I would like it to be msa approved.

I am looking at hand held and also plumbed in types.

I think i will choose a handheld 2.2L but before i do can anyone offer any advice? Or is there anything i should consider?

Thanks

adamskiTNR · 20th October 2013, 21:42

The electric systems are much nicer to install and operate. I find the pull handle versions are a pain to mount into the dash and out to the scuttle panel. And you really have to yank them, and if the mounting pulls through, or the panel etc you are toast. Simple push of a button is far easier and more flexible in it's mounting. Also be sure to mount the nozzles very securely. The pressure they release will move them very easily if not secured correctly.

sexy_gt · 20th October 2013, 21:50

Good point on securing nozzles.

I am really thinking of handheld as it can be pointed anywhere on the car (brakes engine or other)...

Thoughts on that?

106maxi · 20th October 2013, 22:03

Mechanical, not electric- no question.
Why handheld?? You'd need to find it, release it and point it!
Plumbed in, as per MSA regs is the best way to go.

sexy_gt · 20th October 2013, 23:12

I thought handheld as said above ability to point at anything other than where nozzles are located. Is msa reg must be plumbed in?

AlexFocusST · 21st October 2013, 09:17

Sounds like you haven't decided what you want it for,
The plumbed in is supposed to be used in case of an accident to ensure you dont get burnt personally ...
A handheld one as you say is more or less to save the car in case of mechanical failure , fuel drip , oil fumes etc which in my mind is a track officials job with a 5 lt extinguisher not the driver's

I am going for a plumbed in version that will be FIA approved as per regulations for hillclmb or rallys

106maxi · 21st October 2013, 10:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by sexy_gt

I thought handheld as said above ability to point at anything other than where nozzles are located. Is msa reg must be plumbed in?

Yes. None of the clubman extinguishers will put out a fire. All you are doing is buying time to get out, and pray that a marshall arrives with something decent.
A handheld would also have to use a quick release mechanism which isn't ideal. Most plumbed in ones now use nut and bolt fixings as scrutineers don't like the overcentre latches.

sexy_gt · 21st October 2013, 18:56

Basically i must have a aff min 1.75L extinguisher in car for the events i wish to do next year. So only really buying this to meet regs. Plumbed in are accepted also.

Sounds like having both could be best option...

AlexFocusST · 21st October 2013, 21:38

That would be extra weight thought , just get a plumbed in one ...
touch wood something serious happens whoever arrives first pulls and extinguisher deploys!
Better safe than ... well too late!

sexy_gt · 21st October 2013, 21:51

One thing that im not clear on.... might be obvious or not but this is obviously for driver safety but are nozzles supposed to be in car or engine bay... i understand that if a engine fire broke out spraying interior will help me if im trapped but again should it be spraying the engine bay?

Regarding extra weight i am not bothered about a few kilo extra. Not right now anyway.

adamskiTNR · 21st October 2013, 21:56

They spray into both. All the information you need is on the MSA website

sexy_gt · 21st October 2013, 21:59

Thanks im collecting my book sunday

106maxi · 21st October 2013, 22:18

Two nozzles (2.25l), one in the engine bay and one in cabin.

A handheld is a complete waste of time.
Scenario 1, internal fire- just get the feck out ASAP.
Scenario 2, engine fire- grab handheld, get out of car....and then what? Are you seriously going to open the bonnet? No!

Just don't bother with one at all. Get a 2.25l plumbed in set-up, or 4litre if you feel the need for more nozzles.

sexy_gt · 21st October 2013, 22:20

Thanks a lot guys.

scottie_436 · 22nd October 2013, 20:40

Rally cars usually have nozzles under the bonnet pointing at the most likely source of fire eg air filter, exhaust manifold, and also a nozzle at drivers feet

A decent plumbed in will have a dual tank system

SGregg · 22nd October 2013, 21:29

From what I've picked up on the Rally forums, AFF is only good to buy you time to escape, if you want something that will have a chance of actually putting the fire out, then go for a LIFELINE extinguisher. Also, the move to fixed bracket from the quick release is a new MSA requirement (possibly just for rallying) to stop any extra missiles in the event of a big off.

I think that's how I've understood it anyway.

sexy_gt · 22nd October 2013, 23:23

Thx again guys. Ash you have facebook message re, your car and spec... if for sale still...

axsaxoman · 23rd October 2013, 16:31

def plumbed in + mechanical --if its onfire you won,t mind giving it a big pull and less chance of an acidental operation
if no other reason that with an engine bay fire it will save all the expensive bits + all the hard effort to make your car how it is
thats the most probable place to have a fire and if you have ever seen an engine bay fire it usually makes the car a scrapper
and yes a nozzle under dash for inside

axsaxoman · 23rd October 2013, 16:42

the next thing you want and really should be at same time is a proper electric isolator system
just make sure when fitted it will stop a high revving engine
If you have not done it correctly - which is easy to do ,the engine will keep running due to alternator still making power even with switch off
so hold rpm at 4k and activate the system --it should stop the car dead