According to NFPA, between 2014-2018, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 1,020 non-home fires at industrial or manufacturing properties involving electrical transformers or transformers with an unknown power source each year.
Power transformers which are filled with an insulating liquid, usually mineral oil, for cooling and arc prevention, constitute a significant fire hazard. When overheated past its flash point, the combustible liquid will result in an intense fire and explosion that can cause irreparable damages to the transformer as well as to adjacent structure and equipment.
Power Transformer System Design
FirePro's aerosol fire suppression system furnishes a reliable, cutting-edge solution for protecting critical infrastructure from the perils of power transformer fires.
Fire Hazard Causes for Power Transformers
Overheating
Overheating is one of the most common causes of power transformer fires, often occurring as a result of insulation failure or inadequate cooling systems. When transformers are pushed beyond their limits, the resulting increase in temperature can cause components to malfunction, leading to catastrophic failures that can result in fires.
Short Circuit
Short-circuiting is another frequent cause of power transformer fires, as electrical current is allowed to flow unchecked through the transformer's components. This can lead to an increase in temperature and a buildup of heat, which can ultimately result in the ignition of nearby combustible materials and the onset of a fire.
Oil Leakage
Oil leakage is a third major cause of power transformer fires, as the flammable properties of transformer oil can create a serious fire hazard if it leaks or spills from the transformer. If the oil comes into contact with a source of heat or flame, it can easily ignite, leading to a potentially catastrophic fire.
Lightning Strikes
Lightning strikes are a less common but still significant cause of power transformer fires, as the massive electrical currents generated by lightning strikes can cause serious damage to transformers and other electrical equipment. The resulting electrical surges and heat can cause insulation failures or component damage, which can ultimately lead to a transformer fire.
Fire Suppression Challenges
Openings
Ventilation openings help to maintain temperatures inside the enclosure within certain design limits. These openings pose a serious challenge for fire suppression technologies that require a completely sealed enclosure to be effective.
Classes of Fire
Power transformers can be subject to fires involving a combination of Class A combustible materials (wires and insulating material), Class B flammable liquids and gases (generator fuel), and Class C electrical equipment. Fire suppression systems must therefore be suitably certified for these classes of fire.
Remote Locations
In some cases, substations are constructed in isolated areas to benefit from the power source or minimise the potential for fire and other hazards. For remotely located substations, the installation and maintenance of the necessary fire suppression systems can be a complex and time-consuming process.
Unmanned Operations
When substations are not manned, there is a greater risk of fires due to lack of monitoring and maintenance. Additionally, the substation may be vulnerable to other hazards, such as unauthorised access or vandalism.
Why FirePro?
FirePro systems are specifically designed to address the unique risks and challenges associated with transformer fires, providing an innovative and reliable solution for protecting critical infrastructure.
Enclosure Integrity
Small openings that could otherwise pose a significant risk are expertly managed, ensuring the suppression system's effectiveness and efficiency.
Fire classes
Our fire suppression condensed aerosol technology is suitable for Fire Classes A, B, C & F (according to EN2 Classification) and A, B & C (according to NFPA10 Classification).
Easy to install in new or retrofit projects
FirePro systems are designed with simplicity and versatility in mind, making them effortlessly installable in both new and retrofit projects.
Minimal maintenance
Our fire suppression systems require minimum maintenance costs over their 15 year certified lifetime compared to alternative technologies.
