9 replies to this topic

[Tom Hampton]

I like the ess system for the usual reasons. I just don't want to spend that much money and have it rejected when I go to get a log book.

I've read before an opinion that since a fire system is not required, the sfi/fia rule doesn't apply (9. 3.23 a). Is this true?

[Kyle Burkhardt]

Ever see a racecar burn to the ground on the track? Spend the money. I've always liked the SPA system (4L). Very easy to install and reasonably priced.

[Tom Hampton]

It's not about the price. It's about self recharge.

[Tom Hampton]

Ps: id never heard anyone suggest that the ess system was inadequate.

[dstevens]

I've read before an opinion that since a fire system is not required, the sfi/fia rule doesn't apply (9. 3.23 a). Is this true?

Call the tech inspector and see but I recall a rule (that I can't find in the CCR right now) that stated if you chose to run a piece of gear that wasn't required in class but otherwise had a particular spec, the called spec must be used. IIRC it was for fuel cells but I can't seem to find it now. In any event, your tech inspector or Wheel, Dave W, Meat or Drago should be able to say for sure. The bottle is not so much to save the car (though it can) as is is to save that squishy bit between the seat and steering wheel.

On edit: Just looked at the ESS again, it's SFI 17.1, you're golden.

[JayF]

Ever see a racecar burn to the ground on the track? Spend the money. I've always liked the SPA system (4L). Very easy to install and reasonably priced.

Hands down Spa 4L multiflow is the way to go.

[MPR22]

Tom,

I own both systems, one in each of my cars. The much prefer the SPA system. I bought the ESS with the same thought in mind about refilling. The SPA is easier to install and visually inspect. The ESS systems have small orings that fail, it has a CO2 cartridge thats seal can easily be punctured, and it has a rupture disk that can fail. Ask me how I know!! I am probably going to replace ESS with an SPA in the off season.

[Richard Pressman]

We've got the ESS. Easy to install. Not too bad to check. It has been in the car for about five years. No leaks, failures, problems.
YMMV

[FTodaro]

I never did see a resolution to this question. I have both a fire system and a hand held extinguisher in my car. The fire system (10lb) is still full but is coming up on its two year anniversary and they recommend a refill. my question is since its not required safety equipment and in addition to this system I do also have a hand held system, will I be able to pass inspection if I choose not to fill it. I would argue how can they fail you if all you had to do to pass is remove it, since I have the hand held.

I looked up the rules.
9.3.23. FIRE SYSTEM
All cars shall be equipped with an On-Board Fire System except
Showroom Stock, Touring, Spec Miata, and Improved Touring.

A. On-Board Fire System Requirements
Cars registered after 1/1/09 shall comply with the following onboard
fire system requirements:
• Systems certified to SFI specification 17.1, or
• Those listed by the FIA on Technical List No. 16
The following information must be visible of the unit:
• Certification label
• Capacity
• Type of extinguishing agent
• Weight, or volume, of the extinguishing agent
B. Hand-Held Fire Extinguisher Requirements
The following are acceptable for Showroom Stock, Touring, Spec Miata
and Improved Touring cars:
1. Halon 1301 or 1211, two (2) pound minimum capacity by
weight.
2. Dry chemical, two (2) pound minimum with a positive indicator
showing charge. Chemical: 10 BC Underwriters Laboratory
rating, potassium bicarbonate (Purple K) recommended,
1A10BC Underwriters Laboratory rating multipurpose, ammonium
phosphate and barium sulfate or Monnex.
3. The fire extinguisher shall be securely mounted in the cockpit.
All mounting brackets shall be metal and of the quick release
type.

[wheel]

Your car would be compliant if it has a good hand held that is legal, whether the on-board is charged, or not. That is not to say that some scrutineer might note, in your log book, that the on-board should be charged.

wheel