The standout driver safety product at the recently-held Autosport International Show at the NEC was undoubtedly Lifeline Fire and Safety Systems' new Zero 3620 fire suppression system, which will have an extremely wide appeal across all forms of off-road motorsport, from WRC to extreme rally raid events.

 

FIA regulations for the current type of product have been in force since 1998 and the new framework, with which Zero 3620 complies, will be introduced with effect from 2016.

 

As background to development of Zero 3620, Jim Morris, managing director of Lifeline, explains the FIA's new testing protocol: "The FIA have deemed there should be the ability for any system to deal with a bigger and more severe engine bay and cockpit fire, more quickly and more effectively, over a greater area.

 

"In considering the technical parameters involved, it was obvious to us that we would need to develop a system that would act quicker than anything we have produced before. What our engineers have come up with is a system so advanced that we already have two patent applications pending on it."

 

The net result of months of research and development testing is a unique, two-stage deployment, which knocks the fire out in milliseconds and, moreover, immediately prevents re-ignition. Because of its short reaction time, Zero 3620 uses less 3M™ Novec™ 1230 extinguishant, resulting in a lighter system, which reduces the vehicle's overall weight.

 

"We are well ahead with production scheduling in our new factory with this product," continues Morris, "and we expect to be able to supply orders as soon as the homologation is in place, well in advance of the mandatory deadline."

 

Interested teams and constructors wishing to know more should contact Lifeline's technical sales team on +44 (0)24 7671 2999.

 

Lifeline Fire and Safety Systems are based in new premises in Falkland Close, Coventry, UK and have a worldwide network of distributors, whose contact details can be found on the Lifeline website at www.lifeline-fire.co.uk.

 

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Zero 3620

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTACT DETAILS AND NOTES FOR EDITORS

For further information on Lifeline Fire and Safety Equipment, please contact:

Jim Morris

Lifeline Fire & Safety Systems

Tel: +44 (0)24 7671 2999

Email: jim@lifeline-fire.co.uk

 

NOTES FOR EDITORS

 

LIFELINE FIRE & SAFETY SYSTEMS

Since the company was formed in 1984, Lifeline has become the leading manufacturer of fire safety equipment and fire safety systems to the motorsport industry.

 

The first generation of systems produced by Lifeline were manufactured using Halon 1211 as the extinguishing agent. Following the Montreal Protocol, Halon was decommissioned as an extinguishing agent. Lifeline then took the pioneering route of introducing a lightweight, environmentally-friendly, foam-based extinguishing, Zero 2000.

 

Current Lifeline motorsport systems use either Zero 2000 foam-based extinguishant or the advanced Zero 360 gaseous extinguishant (3M™ Novec™ 1230). Both products are fully FIA-approved for international motorsport. A range of SFI-approved Zero 360 has also been created for the North American market.

 

Lifeline also offers a comprehensive range of fire suppression systems using gas, foam or powder extinguishing agents for all other kinds of transportation, such as trains, buses, armoured vehicles and boats. Systems can also be supplied for the protection of machinery and any other enclosed space which requires fire protection.

 

As well as Lifeline's range of fire safety equipment and fire safety systems, they also produce quick-release steering bosses for all types of competition vehicle, high-intensity, FIA-approved rear LED rain lights, FIA-homologated rollcage padding and high-quality digital tyre pressure gauges.

 

Lifeline's continuous commitment to research and development ensures that its customers have the most innovative and cutting edge products available - the same products as used by the majority of world and national championship-winning drivers and constructors.

 

Winner of the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) "Small Business of the Year" award in 2007 and "New Markets" award in 2011 and winner of the "Most Innovative Product of the Year" award at the 2008 World Motorsport Symposium, Lifeline is ISO:9001 accredited and is an Investor in People employer.