Electrical Fires

Prevention, Detection & Protection

What is fire ?

Fire or combustion is an oxidation process, in which a combustible substance combines with oxygen to produce heat, smoke, light and flames.
Igniting and sustaining combustion requires 3 elements : 1.A combustible substance (solid / liquid / gas) 2.An oxidation agent (usually oxygen; 21% in air) 3.Energy (flame spark heat) Removal of any one element in the triangle will stop combustion. Fire extinguishing agents are based on this principle. Flash point A liquid as such doesnt burn. When heated, however, the liquid will evaporate and these fumes / gases can ignite when exposed to a source of ignition. The lowest temperature at which a liquid emits sufficient vapour to form a combustible mixture with air is the flash point. This flash point differs from liquid to liquid,e.g. petrol (-45 to -18) versus lubricant (+200 to 260). For solids, the flash point is not easy to determine,as it depends on different factors: such as humidity level, composition or form (e.g. wood shavings will have a lower flash point than a solid piece of wood). Auto-ignition temperature Solids, liquids and gases may ignite without any spark or flame. As a result of physical, chemical and biological circumstances, the temperature of the substance may rise, leading to spontaneous combustion. 2 The temperature at which spontaneous combustion occurs is called the auto-ignition temperature, or the ignition point (e.g. petrol: +260).

17.1 The electrical services shall conform to the following (see also IS 1646): (slide 1 - a to d)
a) The electric distribution cables/wiring shall be laid in a separate duct. The duct shall be sealed at every alternative floor with non-combustible materials having the same fire resistance as that of the duct. Low and medium voltage wiring running in shaft and above false ceiling shall run in separate conduits. b) Water mains, telephones lines, inter-com lines, gas pipes or any other service line shall not be laid in the duct for electric cables. Use of bus ducts/solid rising mains instead of cables is preferred. c) Separate circuits for fire fighting pumps, lifts, staircases and corridor lighting and blowers for pressurizing system shall be provided directly from the main switch gear panel and these circuits shall be laid in separate conduit pipes, so that fire in one circuit will not affect the others. Such circuits shall be protected at origin by an automatic circuit breaker with its no-volt coil removed. Master switches controlling essential service circuits shall be clearly labeled. d) The inspection panel doors and any other opening in the shaft shall be provided with fire doors having fire resistance of not less than 1 hour or half hour for sprinklered system. 4

17.1 The electrical services shall conform to the following (see also IS 1646): (slide 2 - e to h)
e) Medium and low voltage wiring running in shafts and within false ceiling shall run in metal conduit. Any 230 V wiring for lighting or other services above false ceiling shall have 660 V grade insulations. The false ceiling including all fixtures used for its suspension shall be of non-combustible material and shall provide adequate fire resistance to the ceding in order to prevent spread of fire across ceiling. f) An independent and well-ventilated service room shall be provided on the ground floor or first basement with direct access from outside or from the corridor for the purpose of termination of electric supply from the licensees service and alternative supply cables. The doors provided for the service room shall have fire resistance of not less than 2 hours. NOTE If service room is located at the first basement, it should have automatic fire extinguishing system. g) If the licensees agree to provide meters on upper floors, the licensees cables shall be segregated from consumers cables by providing a partition in the duct. Meter rooms on upper floors shall not open into stair case enclosures and shall be ventilated directly to open air outside; and h) Suitable circuit breakers shall be provided at the appropriate points.
5

Flammable / Inflammable
Flammable substances: Substances and preparations whose flash point is lower than or equal to 55C, but at least 21C. Highly flammable substances: Substances and preparations whose flash point is lower than 21C. Very highly flammable substances: Substances and preparations whose flash point is lower than 0C and whose boiling point is equal to or lower than 35C.
6

Fire classes

Fire classes

Different countries have slight differeces in classification; A, B, C & D are common. E for Electrical, F or K for cooking oil or kitchen fires are also used. Fire extinguishers are also classified in a corresponding manner.

Arrows point to important features

10

11

How to fight a fire ? General principles

Removal of one of the three essential elements for combustion (i.e. fuel, energy source, oxygen) is sufficient to stop a fire. 1.Removal of FUEL It is mostly sufficient to remove the combustible substance to stop a fire,for instance closing the valve of a burning gas cylinder. 2.Removal of OXYGEN If a fire is deprived of oxygen, it will go out. (At an oxygen level of 14%, most flames will go out.) For instance, a deep fryer can be covered with a fire blanket. 3.Removal of the ENERGY SOURCE (COOLING) This the most commonly used fire suppression method. When the combustible substance has cooled below its flash point, combustion stops. 12 For instance, a fire can be sprayed. with water
(Note that a water mist is more useful in extracting heat from a fire than a water jet)

Fighting Electrical Fire

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers work by producing vaporised CO2 gas. This smothers the fire and starves it of oxygen, preventing combustion. As carbon dioxide extinguishers leave no residue after use, they are suitable for extinguishing fires in areas with sensistive measuring and/or monitoring equipment, such as computer rooms, telephone switchboards, laboratories, electricity cabins, etc. Carbon dioxide extinguishers are filled with inert and non-flammable carbon dioxide gas under high pressure ( 60kg/cm) , which is released by pressing the lever. The temperature of the released gas drops to around -78C. Because the CO2 discharge 13 is so cold, it also helps to rapidly cool the fire

Fighting Electrical Fire

Water based fire extinguishers pose serious danger to the person holding the extinguisher. Apart from CO2, other gases for fighting are Halon, CCl4, Inergen FM 200 etc., Powder based extinguishers can also be used for fires associated with live electrical equipment.

14

Fighting Electrical Fire

Fixed fire extinghuishing systems A fixed (automatic) fire extinguishing system is very effective, as rapid response is possible and a large area can be extinguished very quickly. Powder-based automatic fire extinguishing systems are mainly used in boiler rooms and in elevator machine rooms. Fire is detected by heat detectors containing a fuse set at 70C, 90C or 120C. When the fuse melts, the system is automatically activated and powder is spread over the area to be extinguished. The electricity supply is automatically disconnected. CO2-based automatic fire extinguishing systems: these systems are mainly used to protect electricity cabins, engine rooms, etc. CO2 extinguishers work by absorbing oxygen, thus smothering the fire. They are mainly suitable for use in confined spaces.
15

Spark & Arc Flash

Whenever flow of electricity starts or stops (such as switching on or off) there would be a spark. (Spark - short duration & low energy, not sustainable.) If there is a flammable mixture near the spark, it is likely to be ignited. Arc Flash is also a spark, but with high energy, likely to be sustained for longer duration. Accompanied by heat, can cause disintegration of material in the surroundings & fine particles produced may be ignited. Can cause burns due to heat in addition to 16 shock.

Earthing or Grounding
Electrical systems at the source point are earthed so that the voltages have a stable reference. (There may be very small systems without earthing; Such floating systems can have an undefined voltage to earth.) Earth conductor runs all over the electrical distribution system and provides a "safe path" for abnormal flow of electric current. Absence of proper earthing or earth conductor enhances possible flow of electricity through undefined paths, create heating and most likely lead to shock on contact or fire. ELCB for effective operations requires proper Earthing. Earthing helps reduce interference in communication systems (voice as well as data). 17

SOP for a non-fire brigade person for fire fighting

General Principles 1. Only attempt to extinguish small fires. 2. Always arrange for the fire brigade to be called for all fires. 3. Use appropriate fire fighting equipment for the type of fire you are fighting. 4. If in any doubt about your safety, evacuate to a safe area. 5. Electrical fires should never be attacked using foam or water, as anyone using foam or water on an electrical fire places themselves at a high risk of electrocution. 6. All personnel need to attend training sessions on the proper use of fire fighting equipment annually. Small Fires - Remove latex gloves before starting 1. Try smothering the fire first - use the fire blanket. Remember to roll the top edge of the fire blanket over your hands to protect them. 2. Use the correct extinguisher: Paper & Wood etc. - Soda-Acid or Pressurised Water (RED) Flammable Liquids - Foam (BLUE) Flammable Liquids - Dry Powder (RED WITH WHITE BAND) Electrical - CO2 (RED WITH BLACK BAND) Electrical - Dry Powder (RED WITH WHITE BAND) 3. Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire, not the flames. Medium and Larger Fires 1. Advise reception to call the Fire Brigade. 2. Inform the Laboratory Supervisor of the fire. 3. Clear area of unnecessary personnel - consider evacuation. If trapped in a burning area 1. Move along the floor to avoid smoke. 2. Cover head with a wet cloth or towel. 3. Feel the surface of doors with the back of your hand before opening - there may be a worse fire behind the door. 4. Do NOT panic - move methodically to the nearest exit. 5. Use Fire Doors to exit the building.

18