Factors affecting the early detection of fire in electronic equipment and cable installations

Abstract

The early detection of any fire condition is dependent upon several seemingly unrelated, yet interconnected, factors. When selecting an appropriate detection device, the fuel type and its arrangement, compartment configuration, environmental conditions, and maximum allowable fire size at the time of detection are four key items which must be considered. Often, these items are not adequately addressed. As a result, generalizations can be made which may lead to improper device selection or installation. It is important that fire size and growth rate, smoke characteristics, ambient temperature, ventilation system induced air flows, and detector response characteristics be considered, as each affects the ability to detect a fire within the time frame desired. This paper briefly discusses these factors as they pertain to early detection of fire in electrical equipment and cable installations and offers guidelines for appropriate detection device selection.