Fire Suppression System
In the FWIW category:
My neighbor drives a Pro Nitrous dragster. A typical run is 1/8 mile (660 ft) with speeds over 194 mph. Numerous safety features as you'd expect for this sport.
He upgraded the fire suppression system to two 20 lb bottles for the 2011 season. Each bottle has its own firing cable. A manifold links both bottles to the stainless nozzle lines (two for the engine, one for the driver).
Some rules for these cars:
1. FIREWALL: Magnesium, aluminum or composite not allowed. All firewalls must be made of steel or titanium (.024 minimum thickness).
2. FLOORS: Replacing stock floors with .024″ steel or .032″ aluminum allowed. Driver?s side floor pan must be .024″ steel and must be welded in place extending from firewall to back of driver?s seat.
3. FIRE SYSTEM: SFI 17.1 system required. System must contain a minimum of 20 lbs of fluid or gas fire suppression agent. One nozzle required inside driver?s compartment must be directed at driver?s feet. Two or more nozzles must be directed at front of engine and fuel cell.
4. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING:A driver?s suit meeting SFI 3.2A/15, gloves meeting SFI 3.3/15, shoes meeting SFI 3.3/15 and a head sock meeting SFI 3.3 required. A head sock is not required when a helmet manufactured with a skirt meeting SFI 3.3 is used.
5. An external master electrical shut off clearly labeled ?PUSH OFF? is required.
His mental checklist for a fire:
1. Control the car (chute, brakes, etc.)
2. Kill the fuel.
3. Kill the electrical system.
4. Pull the suppression system handles (first #1; if fire continues, pull #2).
5. Get out