Fire Extinguisher FAQs
The Motorsport Australia Manual; Technical Appendix: Schedule H – Fire Extinguishers which details the requirements for each discipline and competition level can be found at the following link; here.
Further requirements may be applied by specific Championship/Series Sporting and Technical regulations, Category Regulations or Supplementary Regulations.
A fire extinguisher installed in a competition vehicle is primarily designed to delay the development of a fire, giving the occupant more time to exit the vehicle.
In Rally/Road and Off Road disciplines it also serves as a first response aid in case of an incident.
In exceptional circumstances, extinguishers in competition vehicles may reduce the severity of a fire at an incident, allowing a competitor to assist with a vehicle fire.
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Please refer to Motorsport Australia Manual; Historic Appendix for specific requirements for Historic logbooked vehicles which can be found at the following link; here.
- Faster activation.
- Extinguishant is discharged in multiple locations around the vehicle simultaneously.
- The system can be triggered from inside or outside the vehicle in a single action.
- Once triggered, it will continue to discharge extinguishant.
- Increased flexibility with mounting location.
A 1 kg ABE Dry Powder fire extinguisher with a suitable bracket can be purchased for approximately $50-$60.
FIA Technical List 16 compliant mechanically triggered extinguisher systems are currently available from around $650 for the system itself.
Plumbed-In Fire Extinguisher FAQs
Motorsport Australia applies the FIA requirements for plumbed-in extinguisher systems and permits the use of FIA standard extinguisher systems detailed in Technical List No 16 and Technical List No 52.
- Technical List No.16: Extinguisher systems homologated by the FIA according to the FIA standard for plumbed-in fire extinguisher systems in competition cars.
- Technical List No. 52: Plumbed-in fire extinguisher systems homologated according to FIA standard 8865-2015.
All FIA technical lists can be found here.
Click here to view FIA Technical List 16, and click here to view FIA Technical List 52.
The homologation end date for each extinguisher system detailed in the FIA Technical List represents the final date which the product may be manufactured. These extinguishers can continue to be used subject to meeting manufacturer servicing requirements.
Most manufacturers of approved plumbed-in fire extinguisher systems have authorised sales and service agents within Australia. Please refer to each manufacturer’s website for further information regarding agents within Australia.
The installation requirements are detailed in Motorsport Australia Manual; Technical Appendix – Schedule H, which references the requirements of FIA Sporting Code; Appendix J – Article 253: Safety Equipment for Cars of Group N, A (and Extensions) and R-GT which can be found at the following link: here.
The FIA requirements also refer to the manufacturer’s instructions which should be supplied at the time of purchase or can be found by following the link at the top of each FIA Technical List. The manufacturers and their agents are the experts in regard to the fitment of the systems they supply. When fitting a system, it is best to seek their advice further regarding any issues.
All plumbed-in extinguisher systems must be serviced every 2 years to remain in compliance with the FIA standard.
A service must be carried out by the manufacturer or a manufacturer’s approved service agent who will install a service label indicating that the system has been serviced to the manufacturer’s specifications and remains in compliance with the FIA standard.
It is the competitor’s responsibility to ensure extinguisher systems are serviced by approved agents. Please refer to each manufacturer’s website for further information regarding approved service agents within Australia.
A service carried out by anyone other than the manufacturer or their approved service agent will not meet the requirements of the relevant FIA standard and will not be permitted for use in a Motorsport Australia event.
Hand-Held Fire Extinguisher FAQs
FIA approved hand-held extinguishers are available from motorsport equipment suppliers across the country who can provide service and aftersales support.
Suitable AS 1841 ABE Dry Powder extinguishers are available from most hardware or automotive retail stores.
These devices do not meet the minimum requirements for Motorsport Australia events, although they are permitted to be installed in addition to the minimum requirements detailed in Motorsport Australia Manual; Technical Appendix – Schedule H.
An FIA approved extinguisher should be supplied with a mounting bracket and must be installed according to manufacturer instructions and FIA sporting code; Appendix J – Article 253 which can be found at the following link: here.
AS 1841 ABE Dry Powder extinguishers must be installed according to Motorsport Australia Manual; Technical Appendix -Schedule H – Fire Extinguishers Article 1.1.
Each FIA standard fire extinguisher compliant with FIA Sporting Code; Appendix J – Article 253 must be serviced every 2 years in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
AS 1841 ABE Dry Powder extinguishers must be serviced every 3 years from the date of manufacture in accordance with AS 1851, alternatively it is often more cost effective to replace the extinguisher.
No, a service report completed by the service agent must be provided to scrutineers when requested as evidence of a completed service.
In many cases, a hand-held fire extinguisher over 3 years old which requires a service for motorsport use can be suitable for use around the home.
Alternatively, please contact your local recycling center for further information on how to recycle.
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