Fire Suppression Systems

FIREFOX INDUSTRIES

MANUFACTURER OF FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS AND A MAJOR SPONSOR IN ALL NHRA CLASSES


Firefox would like to address the following questions as they applyto the proper application and installation of vehicle extinguishing systems:

WHAT IS THE BEST FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM SOLUTION TO USE ON BOARD YOUR RACE CAR APPLICATION?
Firefox’s complete line of effective fire suppression systems is available for both professional and sportsmen racing categories as well as many other special vehicular applications. Firefox vends the extinguishing system kits in both foam (FIRE X Plus™/GEMFOAM™ and clean gas (DuPont FE-36) agents. System Kits are available in a variety of sizes and weights from 2.5 lb. Euro Sport to 20 lb. Funny Car. The entire product line is available in push or pull knob, push or pull remote cable and air or nitrogen assisted activation.

Several installation factors affect the performance and reliability of vehicle extinguishing systems. These factors consist of variables such as vehicle type and use, fuel type, body structure, fuel cell location and engine combination. These design factors, once known, determine proper system selection. Consideration should be given to the most effective location for system nozzles and the number of nozzles used to protect a given area of compartment space regardless of which agent type is being applied. Understanding these factors is important to effective and efficient (lightweight) system design.
FIREFOX® provides toll-free tech support at 1.800.930.3366 to any customer who has installation or system specification questions. We are prepared to assist you in the proper system selection for your application.

WHAT AGENT TYPES ARE MOST EFFECTIVE AND DRIVER FRIENDLY? HALON? CLEAN AGENT ALTERNATIVES?
The decision as to which type of fire suppression system to install on a race car should be made with consideration to several important facts related to the safety of both the driver and the environment. With respect to driver safety, the system must be capable of not only extinguishing a fire quickly, but doing so without the possibility of physical harm to the driver due to the inhalation of a toxic and potentially deadly substance. Although various motor sports sanctioning bodies still accept the use of Halon, this does not alter the fact that Halon 1301, Halon 1211, and some other gaseous agents are potentially harmful to humans, particularly when discharged in a confined occupied space such as a race car cockpit. In addition, the fact should not go unrecognized that Halon is both highly corrosive to metal surfaces, dissolves plastic components on contact and is an ozone-depleting substance.

DuPont FE-36 is a Halon replacement agent which is lower in toxicity (1/15 the toxicity) is non corrosive, electrically nonconductive, free of residue, and has a zero ozone–depletion potential. GEMFOAM™ is custom blended by Firefox in a winterized formula to prevent freezing for vehicles in winter storage. It is non-toxic, non corrosive, electrically nonconductive, has a zero ozone-depletion potential, biodegradable, and leaves little residue after extinguishment.

Both FE-36 and GEMFOAM™ are EPA/SNAP listed, SFI 17.1 approved in 5 and 10 lb. configurations and are accepted for use on the race car in NHRA, IHRA, SCCA, FFW, NMRA, AMRA, and ARCA. DuPont FE-36 has been accepted by NASCAR as well.


WHAT MAKES FIREFOX’S FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS DIFFERENT THAN OTHER MANUFACTURERS?
FIREFOX® Industries invented bladder system technology and continues to refine this unique and effective agent delivery system. The FIREFOX ODB System™ (Omnidirectional Discharge Bladder) provides three very important benefits. First, the FIREFOX ODB System™ is 20% more efficient because the extinguishing agent is separate from the cylinder’s discharge pressure (nitrogen) and as a result delivers 100% extinguishing agent to the fire, not a dilute mixture of agent and nitrogen. Second, the FIREFOX ODB System™ functions from any angle or orientation to provide failsafe agent discharge regardless of the vehicle’s orientation. Third, the FIREFOX ODB System™ can be positioned in any orientation upon installation in the vehicle, which insures maximum installation flexibility and the ability to position the system’s weight in the most strategic location.

The combination of these three important features creates a system which has an efficient, flexible and failsafe design.


CLOSING THOUGHTS
We urge all motor sports participants to closely examine the extent to which a fire suppression system manufacturer has distinguished itself by responding to the need for environmental and driver safety, while maintaining a continued commitment to innovative engineering and superior performance. Upon such careful evaluation, your decision to purchase a Firefox system will also distinguish you as an informed and environmentally conscientious consumer.