Often
the damage from commercial fires is so extensive that the causes are not
known. Even when the causes of
commercial fires are known it seems that it is important only to insurance
investigators and seldom published. The
NFPA estimates that there is an electrically caused fire in the United Stated
every five minutes. Some of these fires
occur on branch circuits and there is thought that these branch circuits may
benefit from AFCI technology. However,
Square D has stated that the types of loads vary so much in the commercial
environment that it may well be impossible to reduce the number of false
tripping of breakers down to an acceptable level. Some of these fires occur in the switchboards contained in the
“electrical room” of large building and these may benefit from the use of
AFD/CTM Systems invented by JHU/APL.
Case Histories:
Electrical
Fire in St. John the Devine Cathedral
Thursday,
12/20/2001
Washington
Post, Page A15
In was reported that investigators and church workers have sifted through the ashes at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Devine after a fire on Tuesday, 18 December. The fire destroyed a gift shop, damaged two rare tapestries, and disrupted holiday festivities. Investigators pointed to faulty electrical wiring as a possible cause of the fire. Officials are waiting for word from fire and environmental officials concerning whether one of the world’s largest churches can be reopened for Christmas services.
Please
contribute any additional information concerning commercial electrical fires to
arc@arc?fault.org" But first take out the ? that I placed there to reduce the spam.
.