Protection Against Fire to be Caused by A.C Systems

PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE TO BE CAUSED  BY  A.C SYSTEMS

A.C. System

Generally, A.C. System consists of the following components

1. Refrigeration System Electric motor driven compressor.

2. Air circulation System – Fan motor and pump etc.

3. Electrical control System.

During the operation of an air conditioner, the electrical wiring equipment and component are energised.

The current through the coil unit (FCU) on stanby  mode may cause fire in A/C systems.

Fire Related Units of AC

The following are the fire related units in A.C. system.

1. Condensing Unit Outer Part of Split AC.

2. Fan Coil Unit (FCU): Inner Part of Split AC.

3. Isolator.

Common causes of AC fires

1. Dust or contamination in the airflow path can settle bojani over electrical components. This can cause tracking faults leading to a high resistance fault that could ignite

2. Allowing combustible materials such as paper, an ed bluo accumulation of leaves and other debris, or gasoline too close to the air conditioning system puts it at a risk bentileupof catching fire.

3. In compressor and fan motors due to bearing frictions, excessive temperature rise may also occur.

4. Motor capacitors can resistance over time and can cause sufficient heating to self-ignite.

5. Poor or loose connection of the power cords with motor connector may result in overheating to set the air conditionertioner on freils

6. The air conditioner installed on combustible members too close to curtains, wood structure and other objects may cause fire.

7. In summer if air conditioning condenser are in sunlight for long time its temperature may go up to above 40°C.

8. The non-stop operating of air conditioner may lead to overheating of compressor resulting in compressor burn down or circuit fire.

Protection

1. Interior AC coils are to be cleaned and air filters are to be replaced regularly. This will prevent the fan motor from being overworked.

2. Keep the space around your unit free and clear with Jaom terany materials or debris at least 3 feet away.

 3. The poor and loose or long power connection needs to be checked and refixed.

4. Avoid direct exposure of CU in a high temperature above 40°C.

5. If you want to switch off the AC do it by switch instead of by remote.

6. Small and handy fire extinguisher should deploy at every AC point at home as a compulsory.

7. RCOB (Residual Current Circuit Breaker) should be OOJ ilo fixed.

8. Check and Maintain on regular interval by a qualified Trained A/C Maintainer.

Regulated Fire Protection Systems

 (a) Alarm systems

A fire alarm system detects and alerts people when smoke or fire is present. The devices include smoke detectors, heat detectors, strobes, manual fire alarm station, fire alarm control panel, etc. (Fig. 2.26)

(b) Sprinkler system

A sprinkler system is a fire extinguishing system that most times uses water as the extinguishing agent. Sprinkler systems will help to control the fire. (Fig 2.27)

(c) Stand Pipe System

A standpipe system is piping installed in a building that assists to transfer water to house connections located within the building for fire fighting purposes. fig. 2.28.

• Standpipe systems provide a reliable water source to extinguish or control an interior fire in the building.

• An External Water Spray System (EWSS) is a domestic external fire sprinkler system designed to protect homes from bushfires and wildfires.

Detectors

In dwellings, smoke detectors are often stand-alone devices. In non-domestic buildings, fire alarm system, incorporating one or more of the following automatic devices.

• Heat detector

• Smoke detector

• Flame detector

Fire gas detector

Physics for Civil Engineering