In order for a fire to occur due to electricity, an arc must occur in the environment. An arc is a spark between two opposite charged poles caused by a short circuit of electric current. In order for an arc to occur, the isolation material on the electrical devices must be damaged or lost its properties. Insulation materials may sometimes lose their properties due to external conditions, overheating of the insulation material, or excessive voltage difference between the poles. Electricity is a physical event in nature that occurs when electrical charges interact with each other and their environment. In order to cause a fire due to electricity, an arc must occur in the environment. Arc is the spark that occurs when the electric current flows by short circuit between two opposite charged poles in the environment. Arc event depends on the formation of electric spark, loose cable connections, poor quality insulation materials, error in cable joints and overvoltages. Because of these faults in home, dormitory and similar places, arc (spark) is formed and causes fire. may cause fires. These fires can result in minor material damages and minor injuries as well as causing great financial losses and unfortunately even deaths.
So how does electric energy cause so many fires? Fires can be caused by power lines or equipment used, as well as maintenance of power tools, poor connections, and overloaded electrical installations. Improperly used extension cables are a cause of fire in itself. Worn wires, loose wiring and fuse connections in the maintenance-free electrical installation will become hot over time and result in short circuit burns. High flammable materials in the near position will also be affected and fire will start. Another type of electricity that causes fires is static electricity. Lightning scares us is one of the most powerful examples of static electricity.
The heating of the insulation material may cause loosening in the connections of the electrical devices, the connection of more load than it can handle, the small size of the electrical cables, or the failure of the electrical devices to be kept well. If the protection elements do not fulfill their duties, the risk of fire increases. In general, electrical damage to the electrical installation is caused either by sparks during the disposal of circuit breaker or switchgear equipment or by damage caused by overheating. Some precautions must be taken to prevent electrical fires. For example,
- Electrical installation must be installed in accordance with legal regulations such as Grounding in Electrical Installations and Electrical High Current Installations Regulations.
- Transformer protection relay settings must be made correctly and transformers should be serviced regularly by authorized persons or organizations.
- Antigron cables should be laid in damp and wet areas. In addition, sockets and fittings in accordance with IP54 standard should be used in damp and dusty areas.
- Firms that operate or store with easily flammable raw materials such as paper, sawdust, cotton or the like in production are places with high risk of fire and appropriate precautions should be taken against fire. Electrical installations should not be provided in such areas.
- Electrical panels, sockets and lighting should be taken out of the place in areas and warehouses where raw materials such as flammable chemicals are used.
- It is necessary to protect the cables going to all machines with electrical fuses. When selecting a fuse, the conductors must comply with the standards. Irregular transport of cables or inadequate wiring increases the risk of fire.
Our company conducts electrical fire prevention measurements in accordance with the relevant legal regulations, standards and test methods published by domestic and foreign organizations within the framework of electrical safety inspections.
