Implement prevention of fire caused by electrical short circuit

Electrical short circuits are one of the leading causes of fires in households, offices and industrial areas. Preventing the risk of fire due to electrical short circuits not only helps protect property but also human life. In this article, we will learn about how to prevent electrical incidents and safety measures, from the use of fireproof panels to important notes in the design and maintenance of electrical systems.

Electrical short circuit – common cause of fire and explosion

Causes of Electrical Short-circuit Fires

Electrical short-circuits often occur when an electrical circuit is damaged or overloaded, resulting in the generation of large amounts of heat and sparks, which can ignite surrounding flammable materials such as paper, wood, or other combustible materials. Some of the main causes of electrical short-circuits include:

• Poor quality electrical equipment: Using substandard or unsafe electrical equipment can overload the electrical circuit and lead to electrical short-circuits.
• Old electrical systems: Old or poorly maintained electrical systems are susceptible to damage, rust, or breakage, leading to the risk of electrical short-circuits.
• Overloading: Plugging multiple electrical devices into an overloaded power source at the same time is also a common cause of electrical short-circuits and fires.

Measures to prevent electrical short-circuit fires

To prevent electrical short-circuit fires, specific measures must be taken during the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems. Below are important measures to help prevent the risk of fire and explosion due to electrical incidents.

Use standard materials and equipment

When installing an electrical system, choosing quality materials and equipment is the first and most important step to ensure safety. Electrical equipment should be certified to meet safety standards, fire and explosion prevention, and meet technical requirements:

• Electrical wires: Choose wires with a size suitable for the electrical load of the equipment. The wires must have good insulation to avoid the risk of electrical leakage or short circuit.
• Protection devices: Devices such as circuit breakers (automatic circuit breakers) must be installed properly to cut off the power immediately when an overload or short circuit occurs.

Install fireproof panels for sensitive areas

Using fireproof panels is an effective measure to help prevent fires from spreading when an electrical short circuit occurs. Sensitive areas with a lot of electrical equipment, such as control rooms, server rooms, and warehouses storing flammable goods, should be equipped with fireproof panels. Fireproof panels not only protect the building structure but also help create more time for evacuation in the event of a fire.

Regular electrical system maintenance

Fire alarm system

One of the most effective ways to prevent electrical short circuits is to maintain and inspect the electrical system regularly. This helps to detect early signs of damage or electrical overload, thereby taking timely measures:

• Check electrical wire connectors and plugs to ensure there is no looseness.
• Replace old or damaged electrical equipment, especially high-risk equipment such as sockets and switches.
• Check protective devices such as circuit breakers and circuit breakers to ensure they are working properly.

Fire prevention solutions using fireproof materials

In addition to maintaining the electrical system and installing safety equipment, using fireproof materials is one of the important solutions in preventing fires and explosions. Fireproof materials such as fireproof panels, fire resistant materials, or fireproof doors help prevent fires from spreading, minimizing damage.

Firep resistant panels

Fireproof panels such as KH Shield’s FireShieldPro products are widely used in industrial and civil works, thanks to their high fire resistance and outstanding durability. This type of panel not only withstands heat well but also helps prevent the spread of fire, protecting building structures from damage.

Using fireproof panels for areas with a lot of electrical equipment or high-risk locations such as machine rooms and warehouses is the optimal measure in preventing fires caused by electrical short circuits.

Fire doors

Một trong những cách hiệu quả nhất để phòng ngừa chập điện là bảo trì và kiểm tra hệ thống điện định kỳ. Việc này giúp phát hiện sớm các dấu hiệu hư hỏng hoặc quá tải điện, từ đó có biện pháp xử lý kịp thời:

• Kiểm tra các đầu nối dây điện, phích cắm để đảm bảo không có hiện tượng lỏng lẻo.
• Thay thế các thiết bị điện cũ hoặc hư hỏng, đặc biệt là các thiết bị có nguy cơ cao như ổ cắm, công tắc.
• Kiểm tra các thiết bị bảo vệ như cầu dao tự động, máy cắt điện để đảm bảo chúng hoạt động bình thường​.

Fire wooden door application

Fire doors are commonly used in apartment buildings, industrial parks, and crowded areas. This type of door not only prevents fire from spreading but also ensures that people have more time to escape safely. Fire-resistant rolling doors and fire-resistant shutters are also effective options in preventing fires caused by electrical short circuits.

Fire and explosion prevention regulations and standards

To ensure fire and explosion safety, fire prevention and fighting regulations and standards must be strictly followed. In Vietnam, regulations on fire and explosion prevention in electrical systems are stipulated in documents of the Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Some of the main standards include:

• Electrical safety standards: Electrical systems must be installed according to standards, including the arrangement of protective equipment, electrical wires, and other safety equipment.
• Fireproof material standards: Materials used in construction, such as fireproof panels and fireproof doors, must meet the requirements of fire resistance and fire prevention.

The role of education and public awareness in fire prevention

In addition to technical measures, raising public awareness in the safe use of electricity is also very important. Every citizen needs to be equipped with knowledge about electrical safety and fire prevention, from the safe use of electrical equipment to how to handle electrical incidents.

Fire prevention and fire drills in residential areas, factories, and offices need to be organized regularly to help people better understand the risks of fire and explosion and preventive measures.

Fire prevention protects life safety

The risk of fire and explosion due to electrical short circuits is always present in daily life, but by taking preventive measures, we can minimize the risk. Using fire-resistant equipment and materials, regular inspection and maintenance of electrical systems, and raising public awareness are important factors in protecting life and property. Let’s start with small actions, but bring great value in fire prevention.