I think is would be a great supplement to the current legal extinguishers . I have worked with some race teams over the past few years, pre- running etc. I can see the shortcomings of our existing systems. I ordered some Element units and will present them the tec officials at KOH , but I until they are UL approved there will probably be a liability issue .
Ultra 4 rules
2.2.12 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS 1) Each vehicle must carry a portable UL approved 2.5 lb. or greater ABC-class dry chemical or equivalent Halon, AFFF or Novec fire extinguisher, easily accessible by all occupants inside the vehicle. 2) An additional 5 lb. equivalent (1x 5 lb. or 2x 2.5 lb.) or greater ABC-class, dry chemical or equivalent Halon, AFFF or Novec fire extinguisher(s) must be mounted in a position that is easily located and accessed from the exterior of the vehicle by persons not familiar with the vehicle. 3) Integrated on-board fire extinguishing/suppression systems are highly recommended in addition to the portable fire extinguishers. In the event a vehicle is equipped with an on-board fire extinguishing/suppression system, vehicle must still meet all other requirements of 2.2.11. 4) Fire extinguishers must have a gauge and be fully charged. All extinguishers must be mounted in a manner that permits their removal and use without the use of tools. All fire extinguishers over one year old must have a current (less than one year old) fire marshal’s seal and attached label. Fire suppression systems must be current per manufacturer's specifications.
From Elements web site:
IS ELEMENT CERTIFIED?
Originating in Italy, Element has been certified for sale in Europe by CE and TUV. Institutionally it has been tested and certified for use by multiple international military and police groups who have adopted it for active use.
In North America, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is responsible for the certification of fire extinguishers. UL does their testing to a standard that contains a form (physical shape) component followed by a performance component. Because Element's form does not fit inside of UL's guidelines of what a traditional fire extinguisher looks like (i.e. compressed gas cylinder with a hose and measurement gauge) it is immediately passed over for performance testing. At present UL is being campaigned to update its standards to recognize the different form offered by Element and allow it an opportunity to be tested and certified.
Until the standards are updated Element cannot be used to substitute extinguishers in regulated environments that require a UL (or UL endorsed) certification. Element can however be freely used as an supplement to the extinguishers used where regulation exists.
There are no restrictions in non-regulated environments (car, home, personal garage, etc.) allowing Element to be used freely.
elementfire.com
