View Full Version : Element Fire Extinguisher
Shoeless
10-17-2021, 09:32 AM
I came across an interesting product this morning and wanted to see if anyone else has seen this, Element fire extinguisher. Short of having a full fire suppression system, I wonder if this would be the next best thing to fit a small size and high capacity fire extinguisher in a GTM. Maybe grab the role bar mount and put it within arms reach of the drivers seat while strapped in.
https://elementfire.com
Bob Cowan
10-17-2021, 09:51 AM
I carry one in the Cobra, and one in the truck. Fortunately, I have not used either one.
The disadvantage to this type is that once it's on, it's on.
IMO, the fire extinguisher should be readily available from outside the car. If there's a fire (been there, done that), you first goal is to bail out. You don't try and fight a fire while sitting in the middle of it.
Shoeless, why not install an onboard system? To Bob's point, you don't want to be sitting in the burning cockpit fighting a fire -- pull the handle and bail out. There are several good systems out there. I use a 5lb Stroud Safety system with Dupont FE36 clean agent. The system cost less than $500 and is a proven design installed in many race cars. Some folks spend more than that on an audio system.
Shoeless
10-17-2021, 11:30 AM
Shoeless, why not install an onboard system? To Bob's point, you don't want to be sitting in the burning cockpit fighting a fire -- pull the handle and bail out. There are several good systems out there. I use a 5lb Stroud Safety system with Dupont FE36 clean agent. The system cost less than $500 and is a proven design installed in many race cars. Some folks spend more than that on an audio system.
I totally agree with you. Especially since I’m the guy who will spend way more than that on the stereo HAHA. I won’t share what I spent on all my boat electronics :cool:
Just thought I throw this out there and get some thoughts.
first time builder
10-17-2021, 11:48 AM
I saw the demo on J Leno's show but they dont use it to put out a fire ?
Shoeless
10-17-2021, 01:15 PM
I saw the demo on J Leno's show but they dont use it to put out a fire ?
There is a demo video on the website putting out a fire multiple times.
doug_porsche
10-17-2021, 10:44 PM
If there's a fire (been there, done that), you first goal is to bail out. You don't try and fight a fire while sitting in the middle of it.
They are nice in that they dont damage electrical/aluminum.
Bob, Your saying is 100% correct, and reminds me of a quote I read in an aviation thread once.
Paraphrasing
When something goes wrong in an airplane, your first priority is your life, not (what is now) the insurance company's airplane.
Here is an alternative that interest me
https://www.amazon.com/BlazeCut-Automatic-Suppression-Automotive-Extinguisher/dp/B019ZZMXAA
Plus: It does not require action by you.
Minises: I need to research. I worry about false triggers.
VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC
10-18-2021, 08:29 AM
Looks like a very cool product and yes...great that it doesn't damage a bunch of stuff in the process of putting out the fire. And the "output" time compared to a standard fire extinguisher is amazing!
J R Jones
10-18-2021, 09:55 AM
doug,
Halon requires 7% concentration to extinguish by chemical reaction. CO2 requires much more smothering volume.
I do not see much agent volume, and with speed and/or engine function, there is a lot of air exchange.
The twin engine boat bilge is a lot of volume and has a bilge exhaust fan.
A demonstration would be reassuring for skeptics like me.
jim
FLPBFoot
10-18-2021, 10:04 AM
This was posted a while back. As a former UL engineer, I've seen extinguisher testing first hand. Element tried to get UL Listing of their product and it would not extinguish the pan fires required to pass all the testing. As I stated in prior posts, this is better than nothing but for my $ I'll buy one from Summit that is UL listed or get a system as NAZ suggested.
Steve
J R Jones
10-18-2021, 10:27 AM
This was posted a while back. As a former UL engineer, I've seen extinguisher testing first hand. Element tried to get UL Listing of their product and it would not extinguish the pan fires required to pass all the testing. As I stated in prior posts, this is better than nothing but for my $ I'll buy one from Summit that is UL listed or get a system as NAZ suggested.
Steve
I worked in fire protection including industrial hazards and conducted "extinguishing" classes for commercial customers with portables. Skill required.
Our special hazard systems always had engineered nozzles and I do not see that in the Element. It appears to be a plastic tube that melts to release agent.
Part of extinguisher engineering was to supercharge the Halon reservoir to extreme pressure with nitrogen and release through a detonated burst disc to achieve agent concentration instantly.
Melted tube????
jim
MTSCustoms
10-20-2021, 04:51 PM
I have an actual fire extinguisher mounted between the seats just under the rear window, on the top of the waterfall, lol
If you are going to mount a small hand-held extinguisher in your car, don't use one of those cheap toggle style clamp mounts. They're not very sturdy and if they come loose you may be very sorry you didn't purchase one made for mounting an extinguisher in race car. In a crash or rollover these things can be deadly missiles or very distracting at minimum. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMWgoAnN9Cc
Here's what I use in my desert racer. Expensive yes, but very sturdy while being quick to access and the mount can be purchased without the extinguisher. I have one mounted inside the cockpit within easy reach of the driver and one on the roll cage where a track worker can access it even if I'm on my top. I can also quickly bail out and grab the one mounted on the exterior of the roll cage. https://axiaalloys.com/product/quick-release-fire-extinguisher-mount-w-2-5lb-halotron-extinguisher/
(https://axiaalloys.com/product/quick-release-fire-extinguisher-mount-w-2-5lb-halotron-extinguisher/)