FIA 8856-2018

FIA 8856-2018

In 2018 the FIA introduced a new homologation for fire-retardant apparel.
The FIA 8856-2018 was designed to replace their FIA 8856-2000 standard.
FIA 8856-2018 will have a gold hologram, FIA 8856-2000 is silver
The FIA 8856- standard applies to all fire retardant clothing. The list includes suits, underwear, gloves and shoes.
As of 2023 all manufacturers must built their apparel to meet this new standard. By 2029 the older FIA 8856-2000 standard will be obsolete.
FIA 8856-2018 now uses the HTI (heat transfer index) to measure how the suits perform.
FIA 8856-2018 has increased fire-retardancy by up to 20%.
FIA 8856-2018 now tests for flame resistance, heat transmission, mechanical resistance, structural tensile strength of all components including the thread, the seams, the zips.
The FIA 8856-2018 protective clothing standard is focused on having equipment that entirely protects the driver against flames and exposure to heat for around 18 seconds before suffering 2nd degree burns, (with the exception of hands.) 8856-2000 was 15 seconds.
The exception is the gloves - it is a 11% increase. A compromise had to be made between heat protection, driver comfort and dexterity. For safety & performance drivers need to feel the wheel and their controls. FIA 8856-2018 approved gloves protect the driver from 2nd degree burns for 9.5 seconds on the palm and 13 seconds on the rest of the gloves.
WHY DID THEY DO THIS?
The FIA has a policy of changing and/or introducing a new standard when they recognize the need. In this case they knew their testing criteria was not adequate to affectively test the manufacturers latest innovations in fabric creation, apparel technology & new features.
They recognized the intensity of the racing demanded an increase in driver protection.
They became aware that their recent experience, data and knowledge gained gave them the opportunity to increase driver safety in numerous arenas of driver safety apparel.

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHANGES?

The suits continue to sport a top, back collar homologation tag, BUT NOW, the tag will display a ‘NOT VALED AFTER…’ with a year display. The year states the end of the products validity. Basically this is10 years from the manufacture/permission of the suits series.
The FIA actually believes 10 years is too long. They know suits deteriorate, safety technology has significantly improved, and many drivers do not look after, or maintain their suits health.
All tags, with its hologram, are now placed in easily accessible and visible locations.
UNDERGARMENTS, SOCKS AND BALACLAVA: now protects the drivers against a 2nd degree burn for up to 5 seconds, formally it was 3 seconds. Items approved in accordance with FIA Standard 8856-2018 will provide a longer period of heat protection
FIA 8856- 2018 approved shoes must protect the driver from 2nd degree burns for a minimum of 11 seconds
From 1.1.2023 FIA-approved gloves protects the driver from 2nd degree burns for 9.5 seconds on the palm and 13 seconds on the rest of the gloves.
In addition - the gloves lining is bonded to the gloves outer layer. All features, such as the elastic, must be completely covered with the fire-retardant fabric. The homologation has tightened the wrist standard, which has basically eliminated Velcro closures. The gauntlet has been lengthened.
The underwear has new testing requirements, and will be tested under maximum duress (stretched.)
Sock have a minimum length 250mm (9.5”) - so no crew length socks.
Balaclavas have a new design and performance requirement, which reduces the neck loads during helmet removal.
Shoes now have a 11 second HTI and the ankle support has to be higher.

PLEASE NOTE - A dirty, faded, well-worn suit may offer you a sense of pride and reflect your racing prowess. However, these suits are often a safety hazard, allowing heat and flames to penetrate. And, why not upgrade and benefit from the advances in all FIA & SFI suit improvements in comfort, designs, features, fabrics and technology.

Learn more FIA guideline

Learn more 8856-2018 FIA

In 2018 the FIA introduced a new homologation for fire-retardant apparel.

The FIA 8856-2018 is designed to replace their FIA 8856-2000 standard.

The FIA 8856- standard applies to all fire retardant clothing. The list includes suits, underwear, gloves and shoes.

As with all FIA’s major changes there is a gradual introduction and enforcement of any new homologation. It started with the top-level, pro-international racing series.

(F1 racer, Roman Grosjean was wearing Alpinestars FIA 8856-2018 tagged clothing)

In 2021 most FIA manufacturers started manufacturing their apparel to this standard, since it was stipulated that by Jan 1 2022 all FIA tagged apparel had to meet the new safety standards. By 2029 the older FIA 8856-2000 standard will be obsolete.

A QUICK SUMMARY OF THE CHANGES

It is a 50 page FIA document that apparel manufacturers have to follow in order to achieve the 8856-2018 homologation. However, we have summarized the significant changes:

Suits - an increase in the drivers’ heat transmission index (HTI) protection by roughly 20%.
The overall HTI will increase from an average of 11 seconds to a minimum of 12 seconds. It should be noted that the major brands have always surpassed this minimum standard.
Introducing a minimum of 5 seconds HTI for underwear, socks and balaclavas. It was previously 3 seconds.
Underwear will not be tested while stretched.
Balaclavas have a new design and performance requirement, which reduces the neck loads during helmet removal.
Designed to further protect the driver at all potential and critical coverage gaps.
The Socks must be knee length
The Gloves are required to have a longer sleeve, with a tighter, elasticated wrist so they can no longer rely on a Velcro strap for fitment. In addition every interior material must be covered with Nomex. The lining is bonded to the outer fabric.
Shoes now have a 11 second HTI and the ankle support has to be higher.
New marking and placement system for the tags.
Basically, the new FIA tags placement is for quick and easy viewing by the sanctioning officials. There is also now a gold hologram tag to accompany the 8856-2018 tag (socks are exempt.) Previously the hologram was silver.
New, the 10 year expiration date. Previously the apparel was marked with the date of manufacture. Now, the manufacturer has to show an expiration date, which is 10 years after the year of manufacturer. FIA always had an expiration date for the suits, but now they are enforcing it by clearly stating it on the item.
NOTE - A dirty, faded, well-worn suit may offer you a sense of pride and reflect your racing prowess. However, these suits are often a safety hazard, allowing heat and flames to penetrate. And, why not upgrade and benefit from the advances in all FIA & SFI suit improvements in comfort, designs, features, fabrics and technology.