Fire Supression... what to get...

[Spooky03]

I plan to get a fire suppression system somewhere in the near future, I've been looking around and so far the 2 that I like are:

-Safecraft RS5 5lb. halon (seems to have it all)
-Pack Racing Products Firecharger 2.3ltr. (wasnt able to get information from the
site on this one. But saw it in GRM June 06 issue)

What I'm looking for is something not too pricy but high quality.
Has 2 or 3 nozzles.
Preferably home/track rechargable
Pull handle
Comes as complete kit: pull cable, plumbing, mounting hardware, etc.

So my questions are:
-What have you used or recomend if other than the 2 listed.
-Halon or AFFF(foam)

Safety and simplicity are my major concerns for my car build.

All input is greatly appreciated! Thanks!!

[JimmySolo2]

I don't think Halon is allowed any longer. I could be wrong about that though.

[BUR_ZX3]

Halon is banned federally. Has been since 2003.

[Spooky03]

OK I ran across one more that seems pretty good its the:

-SPA 2.25L Mechanical AFFF System

No halon huh. And I really liked the Safecraft kit. Oh well...

Still looking for any recomendations.

[Ted7rns]

Here's a some.

http://www.pitstopusa.com/SearchResu...ategoryID=1985

[Knestis]

It's not accurate that Halons have been "banned." There are tons of recycled halon 1211 and 1301 in storage and, while marginally more expensive than it used to be, it's still available and arguably still the best reagent for racing applications.

[Spooky03]

Yeah i didn't think so either. I took a look at the NASA CCR and it states:

15.2 Fire System
It is highly recommended that a fire system be installed (required on some cars, as
specified in class rules). An on-board system uses lines routed through the car with a
single actuator to engage in case of emergency. An on-board system shall use Halon
1301 or 1211, five (5) pound minimum, with a minimum of two (2) nozzles (one (1) in
cockpit and one (1) in engine bay) with manual or auto release. Systems may also use
AFFF material (i.e. SPA Lite, ZERO 2000, Coldfire 302) 2.25 liter minimum. If such a
system is used, the appropriate atomizing nozzles shall be used. All AFFF internally
pressurized system bottles shall use a working pressure gauge. All AFFF bottles shall
be marked with the recommended “filled weight.” All system cylinders should be
securely mounted. On-board systems may also use CEA614 provided that the lines and
nozzles are replaced as per the manufacturer’s (3M) instructions.

[Ted7rns]

You should be able to find Halon systems. I just don't know where to find them.

[BUR_ZX3]

Originally Posted by Knestis

It's not accurate that Halons have been "banned."

Well OK ... then the manufacture of Halon is banned. Anything existing can be used.

There how about that?

[Spooky03]

Originally Posted by Ted7rns

You should be able to find Halon systems. I just don't know where to find them.

Ted do you mean to buy systems or refill stations??? Beyond the hand helds, im new to fire suppression systems esp. halon.

[Ted7rns]

Well if you find a system, you might have to find an use one. I don't know of any current systems out there. But, that doesn't mean there's not any out there.

As far as refueling them, I believe there's still a few companies out there that do it. Halon is still used in aircraft today and is not part of the EPA banned.

But, to be honest, I would get AFFF anyways. Halon stops the fire by removing the O2 (so does AFFF but covers the area).... but in a moving car there's a lot of air to still get to the fire I know AFFF can be messy, but I rather the car be messy, then have a flair up which can happen with Halon.

I know there's arguments for both Halon and AFFF... It's just so much easier to get AFFF. Halon is going to get harder and harder to find. The German's came up with a great fire fighting gas in Halon (Of course it was by mistake), but AFFF is easy to get.

[MSpeedRacing]

Go with halon, just read the literature carefully, isn't something you want to inhale. Walking away is key, refilling is a bonus.

[rheacer]

http://www.racerwholesale.com/index.php?cPath=93_97
Halon is still out there.
I have a Phoenix 10lb halon system in my racecar. Also have an extra system from my car we totaled. (No I'm keeping it. I paid like $200 for it 6-7 years ago )
2 nozzles is about all you can expect to work with a 5lb halon system, otherwise not enough ummph to suppress anything.
The AFFF systems are messy as hell. Working F&C we use dry chemical on the corners, but I've put out carfires with the EV staff at Daytona and Road Atlanta. The foam stinks, is messy, leaves residue and makes a mess of painted surfaces.
Not sure a wet driving suit wouldn't scald, either. The foam systems are water with a surfactant/ foaming agent. The surfactant lets the water drench surfaces rather than just bounce or boil over them. Think water dancing on a hot plate. Put a little soap in it and it coats...stinks but coats.
http://www.h3r.com/halon/faq.htm#q2
http://www.firefight1.com/
http://www.firefight1.com/faq.html