Hi folks,
I'm probably 6 months away from installing a fire suppression system in my SLC; however, I realize that several members of this forum are at or nearing that stage of their build. Therefore in an effort to contribute to this forum, I would do my research little early.
After doing some research and speaking with some well informed experts in the fire protection industry, I have decided on a fire suppression system manufacture and selected a fire extinguishing agent that I feel is best suited for
MY SLC application and comfort level. The following is not intended as a recommendation; this is simply a report on what I decided and why!
I will be installing a Fire-Trak Fire Suppression-Race System.
Fire-Trak is a division of Metalcraft, Inc. which is a well established firm that is a leading producer of marine systems and large special hazard fire suppression systems and a verity of other quality products.
http://automatedfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Fire-Trak-brochure-page-11.jpg
Fire Extinguishing Agent: FM-200
- Fire-Trak Fire Suppression-Race Systems are also available with Novec 1230 extinguishing agent.
- DuPont FM-200 and 3M Novec 1230 are fairly comparable fire suppression agents.
I choose FM-200 for the following reasons:
- FM-200 is a “Clean Agent” (so is Novec) 1230!
- Altho booth agents discharge as a liquified gas vapor; FM-200 tends to discharge less droplets than Novec 1230. FM-200 and is closer to being a pure gas vapor. FM-200 has been around for several decades and has a very impressive track record of protecting some of the most valuable special applications in the world!
- FM-200 is slightly more available and my local fire extinguisher distributor is capable of recharging FM-200 but not Novec 1230. Note: that situation may be reversed in your area and either cylinder can be sent back to Fire-Trak for recharge.
- Booth Fire-Trak models can be mounted either vertically or horizontally.
Model: RHFC 100MC-SV-Part# 130-528 10.0 Lbs. Pull Kit-Refillable $1,280
10 Lbs. Pull Kit Consists of: 10 Lbs. Charged Cylinder, Mounting Bracket, 2- Port Control Head, Remote Pull Station w/cable, 4-Discharge Nozzles, Stainless Steel Flex Discharge Line (specify lengths)
Approvals: Cylinder is DOT Approved
Meets NHRA Rules
SFI Approved
Weight of Charged 10 Lbs. Capacity Cylinder: 14 Lbs.
Conclusion: A number of factors entered into my decision; there are several excellent fire suppression agents. Just as this is not a perfect world, there is not (IMO) a perfect vehicle fire suppression agent. Each have there advantages and disadvantages. You have to keep in mind that none of these extinguishing agents currently used in race car protection were specifiably designed and developed for a vehicle application. Originally AFFF, Dry Chemical, FE36, FM-200, Halatron, Norvec 1230 or Water Mist were all developed for other specific applications. Putting these existing agents into a mobile application was just a simple/inexpensive way of developing a new market.
Each of these extinguishing agents have their advantages and disadvantages; therefore, each owner has to decide for themselves what fire suppression system manufacture and extinguishing agent is best suited for their application and comfort level.
Unfortunately, I have to conclude by saying that there is a lot of after market crap on the out there and some unscrupulous venders; so suffice it to say...”buyer beware”!
This thread has been a good discussion and hopefully beneficial.
Best of luck,
Jim