All drivers and motorsport competitors should be up to date with the latest fire safety rules when taking part in a motorsport event or circuit race. Generally, you should ensure that your vehicle is fitted with an FIA fire extinguisher which complies with both FIA fire regulations and your specific event’s requirements. There are also Motorsport UK regulations to consider.
How to comply with 2022 FIA regulations
In January 2022 there will be new rules which require all competition cars to be fitted with a plumbed-in FIA homologated fire suppression system that meets the requirements of technical list 16 or 52. To address any confusion, FEV have put together a guide on how to choose the right plumbed-in fire extinguisher for your event.
It’s important to note that there are two different FIA standards, Technical List 16 and Technical List 52. The standard that your fire extinguisher will need to adhere to is dependent on the type of event or race that you will be taking part in.
Technical List 16 for Circuit/Competition Cars
FIA Technical List 16 contains the regulations for most forms of racing including circuit and competition cars. Products homologated to Technical List 16 do not meet FIA Technical List 52 Standard 8865-2015 so be sure to check what is required for your specific race/event. The regulations for Technical List 16 for circuit and competition cars state:
- All competition and circuit cars must be fitted with a plumbed-in FIA fire extinguisher that meets the requirements of Technical List 16.
- Your fire extinguisher must be no older than 10 years old and must have been serviced in the past 2 years, by a service agent approved by your system’s manufacturer.
- There is no minimum size required if homologated to Technical List 16 or 52.
- The driver (and co-driver where applicable) must be able to trigger the extinguishing system manually when seated normally with his safety harnesses fastened and the steering wheel in place.
Read the full list of Technical List 16 regulations for competition cars.
Technical List 16 for Rally Events
Ensure you research the specific requirements for your race/event as products listed in FIA Technical List 16 do not apply to all forms of rally racing and do not meet FIA Technical List 52 Standard 8865-2015. The Technical List 16 regulations for rallying events include:
- All cars taking part in rally events are required to be fitted with a plumbed-in FIA fire extinguisher as well as a handheld fire extinguisher, due to higher speeds.
- The minimum volume of suppressant required for plumbed-in rally extinguishers is 3kg for gas whilst there is no minimum for foam.
- The minimum for handheld extinguishers at rally events is 2.4L for AFFF and 2kg for gas.
Read the full list of Technical List 16 regulations for rallying.
Technical List 52 for Race Categories WRC, R5, R3, R2, WRX, GT3, T1, RG-T and TCR
FIA Technical List 52 Standard 8865-2015 is the latest set of higher regulations that have been implemented in some of the harsher and higher-level forms of motorsport such as World Rally (WRC). These mandatory systems exceed the levels needed for Technical List 16 and are more expensive.
- Any cars competing in race categories WRC, R5, R3, R2, WRX, GT3, T1, RG-T and TCR are subject to the mandatory requirement that they must be fitted with a plumbed-in FIA 8865-2015 fire extinguisher which complies with FIA Technical List 52.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find FIA Technical List 16 and Technical List 52?
You can find the full list of Technical List 16 and 52 requirements on the FIA website.
Is there a minimum amount of extinguishant for an FIA homologated System?
There is no minimum amount of extinguishant needed if the system is homologated to FIA Technical List 16 or Standard 8865 Technical List 52 requirements. However, if you are participating in rallying, the minimum amount in a gas plumbed-in system being used needs to be 3kg.
Is there a minimum number of nozzles that need to be on an FIA homologated system?
No, there is no minimum number of nozzles if the system is homologated to FIA Technical List 16 or Standard 886 Technical List 52. The system should be used with the number of nozzles it was homologated with.
What is the maximum age permitted for a fire extinguisher?
Fire extinguishers should be no more than ten years old.
How often should I service a fire extinguisher?
The recommended service period for a motorsport fire extinguisher is every two years.
Which fire extinguisher is best: gas or foam?
There are pros and cons for each form of extinguisher, so we’ve compared these for you.
Looking For An FIA-Homologated Fire Suppression System?
If you’re looking for a plumbed-in FIA fire extinguisher, FEV have a range of cutting-edge fire suppression systems. Whether you need something that complies with technical list 16 or you’re looking for an extinguisher homologated to FIA 8865-2015 standard, FEV can supply both AFFF foam and the latest N-TEC gas models.
We also have a range of gas and foam handheld extinguishers and have a special range of circuit and rally packages too.
Whatever you need to safely go racing, we’re happy to help and discuss what is needed for your requirements.