Electrical fires - Did you know?
“The most inclusive and direct interpretation of “electrical fire” is a fire involving some type of electrical failure or malfunction. Any equipment powered by electricity can have such a failure.” (NFPA)
Despite the fact that electrical cable fires are common and can occur anywhere with electrical devices from homes to industrial facilities, electrical cables are often neglected as a potential fire source. Cables pass through all areas of facilities, carrying vital power supplies and control to electrical and electronic equipment to ensure proper operation of the building. Electric cables are usually routed via risers, cable ducts, and open areas in cable trays, cable channels or openly along support structures.
The risk exposure is omnipresent. Electrical cables are a potential source of ignition and can enable fast and easy fire spread, in part often due to their proximity to other combustibles. The cables themselves can be at risk when they are exposed to external fires; for instance when routed through areas which have a high or medium fire risk classification.
To properly control the effects of fire, it is essential not only to detect the fire early by means of appropriate fire detection technology; but to install a suitably certified fixed fire suppression system, such as Viking’s ProCon PC-C low pressure water mist system.
ProCon water mist system for cable tunnels
Procon PC-C - A specific fire protection system for cable tunnels
Fire protection is of utmost importance in any building, as it ensures the safety of the facility, the well-being of the employees and reduces the risk of prolonged business interruption. Viking water mist systems are well suited for the various risks that can be found within such facilities, ensuring effective protection of all areas.
Features & advantages:
- Low water consumption and discharge reduce the chance of significant water damage to expensive machinery and infrastructure
- Space saving components allow owners to maximize space
- Small pipe diameters and concealed nozzles serve for efficient and discreet solutions where needed
- Electric pumps require less maintenance than diesel fire pumps, saving time and money on testing requirements
- Controlling heat in a fire situation reduces radiation and as such the potential fire spread to adjoining plant and cabling areas
- The system comes with low cost of ownership
The ProCon PC-C water mist system:
- has successfully passed the rigorous 3rd party testing protocols set by VdS
- complies with the requirements of EN14972-1:2020 as published by CEN
ProCon provides peace of mind
Cable tunnels can pose complicated fire risks. Slow-burning electrical fires in non-occupied areas can be difficult to control, if left to propagate.
When installing water mist systems, operators can comply with building regulations, ensuring a compliant, safe working environment. Asset protection, employee safety and business continuity are maintained.
Fire-safe environments and working should be the goal for all building owners. Water mist systems offer a proven solution that is clean, cost-effective and that reduces risk - giving owners peace of mind.
Product spotlight
For the protection of cable ducts and cable distribution rooms, primarily twin cone nozzles of the MXZD type are used. Two internal swirl bodies create two hollow cone shaped spray patterns with spraying cones of 90° and 120°.
ProCon PC-C nozzles are characterized by relatively large outlet cross sections. This, in connection with the large strainers built into the nozzles, reduces its vulnerability to impurities in the water supply. Due to their robust construction and special protective caps which are ejected when water is emitted, ProCon PC-C nozzles are also suited for use even under tough environmental conditions and in areas with more dirt or other contaminants.
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