Homologation: the 38mm vs new 45mm tubing rule Back to results
MSA/FIA homologated roll cages: do they all have to be made from 45mm tubing now?
The short answer is no.
Let's use one of our most popular roll cages as an example: the Rover/Austin/British Leyland Classic Mini roll cage N000 (or just N as it was originally called) was made with 38mm tubing and was homologated with such. When you order a N000 roll cage from a Safety Devices Approved Dealer today, the cage will be made at our factory from 38mm tubing, and it will still be a homologated design. You will be able to compete in MSA/FIA events, despite the new rules stating that homologated cages must be made of 45mm tubing.
However, if Safety Devices designed a completely new roll cage for the Classic Mini today, the tubing would need to be made from 45mm tubing.
Notes on homologation
Don't forget that you'll need to produce a genuine homologation certificate to race scrutineers, who will not accept photocopies. Only the MSA can issue genuine homologation certificates. Order directly from the MSA, phone 01753 765000. Certificates cost about £25 and might take up to 2 weeks to reach you by post. The certificate number will generally be listed on our website on your roll cage's page - use the Roll Cage Selector to find your cage.
Homologated roll cages should also display their own, unique homologation sticker. These stickers should never be painted over and will self-destruct if removed to prevent fraudulent use. If you need to replace your Safety Devices homologation sticker, we will need to see photographs of your roll cage. If your cage does not have a homologation sticker, it may have been removed, or the cage might not be homologated.
Look for the unique serial numbers on the footplates of the main hoop behind the driver's or passenger's side and email clear photos to us for verification together with general photos of the roll cage so that we can see its current structure. If the roll cage has been painted over the years, you may need to scrub the paint off the footplates with a wire brush to reveal the serial numbers. You may also need to use a torch to see the serial numbers. Be aware - a cage with a Safety Devices sticker on it does not necessarily mean it’s a Safety Devices cage.
About modifications
Although every Safety Devices roll cage is designed to look good and fit smoothly, buyers should never forget that the roll cage's sole function is to save the lives of the vehicle's occupants in the event of a roll over.
Safety Devices roll cages are highly engineered design structures which undergoe rigorous testing by MIRA (Motor Industry Research Association) to verify that the designs will perform as they are meant to in a crash. Therefore, any alteration to the original Safety Devices roll cage assembly by welding, repositioning, removal or addition of fittings, drilling or enlarging of holes etc, incorrect fitment to vehicle, or use of assembly other than its design purpose, releases Safety Devices from any and all responsibility in the event of performance failure of these goods.
More importantly though, modifications to a roll cage may render it faulty in the event of a crash and the consequences can be fatal. The quality and strength of your product is our primary concern.
Frequently Asked Question
Q. I've had my Safety Devices roll cage modified - will you provide me with a new homologation sticker now that I want to repaint the cage and compete?
Answer: Safety Devices' homologated roll cages are homologated by the MSA based on the specific design submitted by us. The homologation process is thorough and expensive. Altering our designs essentially voids the homologation because it is no longer our design.
Although there are some modifications the MSA will allow in theory, you should always check that these will not invalidate the homologation of your particular roll cage. Email photos of your modified cage to us for validation. If we are satisfied that the work carrier out has not compromised the homologation, we can make a new homologation sticker for you for a small fee.
If you want to modify an existing Safety Devices roll cage, talk to us before any work is undertaken. If you want to add extra parts to a new roll cage made to order, this may be possible during manufacture. Sorry, we cannot modify an existing Safety Devices roll cage.
Be safe and have fun!
For more Motorsport FAQs, click on the links below:
General Motorsport FAQs
Motorsport roll cage FAQs
For further information, contact Aeron Lloyd.
tel: +44 (0)1638 560524, or email motorsport@safetydevices.com
Safety Devices Motorsport division has four decades experience and expertise servicing the Motorsport arena with roll over protection. Our founders designed the world's first automotive roll cage. Working with some of the biggest names in the industry, Safety Devices is Europe's largest roll cage manufacturer and boasts the world's most extensive product catalogue comprising over 2000 cages. In addition to cages we offer complimentary safety products of harnesses and impact padding.
