What are the differences between extinguishing agents?

Halon 1211 and Halon 1301: These were the best two products on the market for many racing situations. They seem to be no longer available from any source. Firebottle and Safecraft used to supply both Halon 1211 and Halon 1301. Firebottle now uses FE-36 while Safecraft has switched to using only Novec 1230.

Novec 1230: This is a Clean Agent non-HFC Halon substitute. Advantages are that it leaves no residue, it is less toxic than Halon, it is not thermal shocking, can spread out over a large area, and it is Ozone safe. Atmospheric Lifetime is about 5 days and the Global Warming Potential is <1. Disadvantages are that it does not quench the fire (as well as AFFF), costs a lot to recharge, manufacturer recharge only, and it takes up to 1½ as much material to do the same job as Halon. (Extinguishing concentration of Novec 1230 is 4-6% while Halon 1211 is 4.1%.) Due to the increasing cost of Halon, Novec 1230 is now less expensive. Safecraft offers their SFI-rated systems with this material only.

Novec 1230 fluid stops the combustion process by absorbing heat. As part of an advanced fire suppression system, it quickly extinguishes the fire.

Here is a video about Novec 1230 material:

FE-36: This is a Clean Agent HFC-type of Halon substitute. Advantages are that it leaves no residue, can spread out over a large area, and it is not thermal shocking. Atmospheric Lifetime is 220 years and the Global Warming Potential is 9,810. Disadvantages are that it does not quench the fire (as well as AFFF), costs a lot to recharge, manufacturer recharge only, and it takes up to 1½ as much material to do the same job as Halon. (Extinguishing concentration of FE-36 is 6.5% while Halon 1211 is 4.1%.)

AFFF or ColdFire: These are examples of foaming water-based systems. Advantages are that it quenches the fire. Disadvantages are that systems will not spread out like Halon, Novec 1230 or FE-36 and it leaves a mess both in the car and on the track. Also, you cannot allow AFFF systems to freeze. We provide ESS brand systems using AFFF and these systems have several other advantages. They are user refillable at the track (with refill kit). They can also be refilled or SFI-recertified right here at I/O Port Racing Supplies or at the manufacturer. The AFFF solution is not subject to pressurization until the system is activated by the driver. This keeps the solution from degradating over time as rapidly as AFFF systems from other manufacturers. Systems by other manufacturers require that they be recharged every 2 years.

What is AFFF and why does I/O Port Racing Supplies recommend ESS Fire Systems?

AFFF is a water based synthetic animal protein solution that is lighter than oil, alcohol and petroleum products. When properly mixed and aerated into a foam, it will create a floating film on flammable materials that prevents fumes and vapors from igniting or re-igniting after a fire. It is a biodegradable solution that leaves virtually no residue and can safely be cleaned off with water.

Why use AFFF? AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) is a non-toxic, odorless, environmentally safe, fire suppression agent. It is one of the very few approved agents in Europe for both racing and commercial use. It gives off no toxic fumes and, in a properly mixed solution, is harmless to the skin and eyes. Fuel fires and flash-back occur not when the liquid is hot but when the vapor is released and comes in contact with an ignition source. AFFF is not only a suppressant on an active fire, but can be used as a preventative measure in stopping one from occurring. A broken fuel line may not have ignited when first detected but as soon as it finds an ignition source is will. AFFF can be administered as soon as it is detected, the car brought under control, stopped and the foam barrier will have prevented the fire.

How does it work? In the past, foam was created at the nozzle by aerating with available oxygen. All other systems in use today follow this method. These systems are pre-pressurized with nitrogen, oxygen, or other gas mixtures to force the liquid from the cylinder to the nozzle. ESS is using a patented non-pressurized system that creates the foam in the cylinder before it is sent to the nozzle. The propellant that we use is liquid CO2, a firefighting agent on its own, in a cartridge on the outside of the cylinder. The propellant is injected into the liquid creating a foam that is the consistency of shaving cream.

An advantage of this method over the others is that the pressure remains constant as the CO2 is metered into the liquid solution as the system is activated. Pre-pressurized systems are losing pressure as they begin to work and the foam retracts from the target area and becomes less foam and more liquid as this pressure drops.

What about maintenance and recharging? The shelf life for the concentrate in a recharge kit is 25 years. When mixed with water, the solution will remain potent for 10 years, but it should be replaced every 5-7 years. Needless to say, the system will remain effective longer than most sanctioning bodies require. At a cost of under $70 the system can be recharged compared to $200 to $300 for pre-pressurized systems and with no down time. Other systems will also need the seals and gaskets replaced since they are subjected to consent pressure and corrosive liquids, and will have to be re-pressure tested.

Notice: AFFF is a water based agent and will freeze. If freezing occurs, the the rupture disc will rupture and the contents will leak out. Irreparable damage may occur to the cylinder. To prevent damage, remove the cylinder to the indoors where it can be protected. The ESS systems are designed for easy removal and re-installation.

What areas should be covered by the system?

Read your rule book as to which areas are required to be covered. Always cover the driver area first. The other two areas are the fuel cell and the engine compartment. With a 5# system, I would only go to 2 areas. With a 10# system, there should be plenty of chemical to go to all three areas. Understand that most of the chemical will go to the shortest distance (path of least resistance). Design your system so that the driver's compartment will get the most chemical.

I've heard that Halon has been banned. Is that true?

The manufacture of this chemical has been banned by international treaty but the use of it has not. Safecraft has stopped the use of Halon in new systems and now uses Novec 1230 exclusively. The last I heard they still have Halon available for system recharge. Halon systems cannot be SFI-certified.

What should I do if my car catches on fire while I am racing?

Your first consideration is to get your car stopped quickly and safely. As you are looking for a good place to pull over, shut off your engine and battery master switch. This will keep the fuel pump and electrical system from adding to the excitement. Using your best judgment as to how fast you need to get out of the car, try to find track personnel such as a flag person to park close to. (Flaggers will not come to your aid, but they do have fire extinguishers that you can use. Also, if they see you are on fire, they will call the safety crew to help you.) Park the car in an area that is safe from other cars on the track and away from other items that may catch on fire such as gasoline storage or dry grass. After the car is stopped, hold your breath, release the fire extinguisher system and then get out and away from the car. Remember the track is still "hot" and it would be really sad to get out of a burning car just to get hit by another racer passing by. Keep your head by practicing an emergency bail out.

If the fire is out of control, all of the above may "go out the window". Just remember three main things: Stop the car, hold your breath and get out!

Why should you hold your breath? Well, two reasons. One, smoke and fumes can be very hot and/or caustic and they can burn your lungs. Smoke inhalation can choke you and make you pass out. Two, high concentrations of Halon, Novec or FE-36 can be toxic.

Remember, your helmet and gloves will be very critical in a fire. The shield needs to be down to keep your face from burning and to keep the temperature of the air you breath lower. The gloves will help protect your hands from hot metal and melted roll bar padding. Two-layer SFI-rated or FIA-rated gloves are highly recommended.