The motor sport industry has specific fire safety requirements.
Whilst fire extinguishers have been compulsory equipment for decades, the nature of the products used is evolving. FK-5-1-12, a clean agent fire suppressant, has now established itself as the benchmark solution. It’s use addresses specific issues relating to regulations, technical performance and adaptation to new engine technologies.
A choice dictated by strict regulations
The introduction of this product in racing cars is a direct consequence of the requirements set by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). Two key criteria are essential for the homologation of a fire-extinguishing system. Firstly, effectiveness: the product must be capable of extinguishing a violent fire within a few seconds to allow the driver to evacuate. Secondly, environmental considerations.
As a result, older gases (such as halons) and certain foams are gradually being banned under international standards. FK-5-1-12 has been chosen by the regulators because it offers an ideal compromise: it is extremely effective against fire whilst having zero impact on the ozone layer and virtually zero impact on global warming. To be approved, a manufacturer must submit its system to destructive tests supervised by the FIA. If the test is passed, the product is included on the official ‘Technical List’ and becomes authorised for competition.
Performance and technical benefits
The success of FK-5-1-12 lies in its unique physical properties. It is a ‘clean agent’ because, unlike powder or foam, it leaves no residue after use. This helps to protect the car’s expensive components, such as the engine and electronics, which are not damaged by the fire itself.
FK-5-1-12 also offers high-performance cooling capabilities. When released, it absorbs a large amount of heat from the flames, thereby stopping combustion. Furthermore, it is a dielectric fluid, meaning it does not conduct electricity. This property is essential today: it allows emergency crews to work on a car without risking short circuits or electrocution.
How the on-board system works
In a racing car, the equipment takes the form of an aluminium or carbon fibre cylinder, securely attached to the chassis. The FK-5-1-12 is stored there in liquid form under pressure.
The system is connected to a network of pipes running throughout the car. Spray nozzles are positioned at strategic points: around the engine (a high-risk area) and directly towards the driver in the cockpit. In the event of a fire, the system can be triggered manually (activated by the driver or a marshal via a button) or automatically (via heat sensors).
Once activated, the liquid is propelled through the pipes. As it exits the nozzles, it instantly vaporises into a gas on contact with the air. It then spreads throughout the engine compartment and the cockpit to smother the fire and drastically reduce the temperature.
Manufacturers, users and relevant categories
This market is served by manufacturers specialising in automotive safety, who develop the systems, have them type-approved by the FIA, and then offer them to racing teams.
Users include all stakeholders in professional and amateur motorsport. Whenever a race is included on the calendar of the FIA or a national federation applying these rules, the use of these systems is mandatory. This applies to Formula 1, the World Endurance Championship (WEC), the World Rally Championship (WRC), as well as GT and touring car championships.
The challenge of electric vehicles
Fire suppression systems are also relevant in another market: that of consumer electric vehicles and public transport.
Lithium-ion batteries present a specific risk known as ‘thermal runaway’, a fire that is very difficult to extinguish with water. Thanks to its non-conductivity and cooling capacity, FK-5-1-12 is attracting increasing interest from manufacturers of production electric cars.
Motor racing is thus fulfilling its traditional role as a technological testing ground: solutions validated on the racetrack for managing high-performance battery fires could soon be fitted to the vehicles of the future to ensure passenger safety on the road.
Discover Climalife’s fire suppression solutions.