Fire - Resistant Enclosures: Fire protection codes mandate that the enclosures of indoor high - voltage power distribution equipment should be made of fire - resistant materials. For example, steel - based enclosures with fire - resistant coatings or non - combustible fiber - reinforced plastics are commonly used. These materials can withstand high temperatures for a certain period, preventing the spread of fire from inside the equipment to the surrounding environment. In addition, the internal insulating materials of the equipment, such as insulating partitions and bushings, should also have excellent fire - retardant properties. Flame - retardant epoxy resin and mica - based insulating materials are often selected to reduce the risk of ignition and flame propagation within the equipment.
Non - Flammable Insulation: The insulation used in high - voltage power distribution equipment is required to be non - flammable or have a high fire - resistance rating. This is crucial as insulation failure can lead to electrical arcs, which may ignite surrounding materials. Mineral - insulated cables, for instance, are highly recommended for high - voltage applications due to their non - flammable nature and excellent electrical insulation properties even at high temperatures. By using non - flammable insulation materials, the likelihood of a fire starting from the electrical equipment itself can be significantly reduced.
Separate Compartments: High - voltage power distribution equipment should be installed in separate compartments. Fire protection codes specify that different functional units, such as circuit - breaker compartments, transformer compartments, and cable compartments, should be physically separated by fire - resistant partitions. These partitions are required to have a certain fire - resistance rating, such as being able to withstand fire for at least 1 to 2 hours. This compartmentalization helps to contain a fire within a specific area, preventing it from spreading rapidly to other parts of the equipment or the entire power distribution room. In case of a fire in one compartment, the fire - resistant partitions can delay the spread of heat and flames, providing more time for fire - fighting and evacuation.
Penetration Sealing: When electrical cables, pipes, or other penetrations pass through fire - resistant partitions, proper sealing measures must be taken. Firestop sealants, fire - rated sleeves, or other fire - resistant penetration seals are used to ensure that the fire - resistance integrity of the partitions is maintained. Any gaps or openings in the partitions can become pathways for fire and smoke to spread, so strict sealing is essential to comply with fire protection codes and enhance the overall fire - safety of the power distribution equipment.
Smoke and Heat Detection: Indoor high - voltage power distribution areas are required to be equipped with automatic fire - detection systems. Smoke detectors, such as ionization or photoelectric smoke detectors, are commonly installed to detect the presence of smoke at an early stage of a fire. Heat detectors, which can sense rapid temperature rises, are also used, especially in areas where smoke detectors may be less effective, such as in environments with high dust or steam. These detectors are connected to a central fire - alarm system, which can promptly notify operators and trigger appropriate fire - fighting actions once a fire is detected.
Arc - Fault Detection: Given the electrical nature of high - voltage power distribution equipment, arc - fault detection systems are also important. These systems can detect abnormal electrical arcs, which may be precursors to fires. By quickly identifying arc faults, the system can either isolate the faulty circuit or take other protective measures to prevent the arc from developing into a full - scale fire. Arc - fault detection technology often uses advanced signal - processing algorithms to distinguish between normal electrical arcs (such as those during switching operations) and dangerous arc faults.
Gas Fire - Extinguishing Systems: For indoor high - voltage power distribution equipment, gas fire - extinguishing systems are frequently specified in fire protection codes. Inert gas systems, such as nitrogen - based or argon - based systems, or clean agents like FM - 200, are commonly used. These gases can quickly suppress fires by displacing oxygen or interrupting the chemical reaction of combustion without leaving residue, which is important for protecting sensitive electrical equipment. The design and installation of gas fire - extinguishing systems must comply with strict standards, including requirements for gas storage, distribution piping, and nozzle placement to ensure effective fire suppression within the power distribution area.
Dry - Chemical Fire Extinguishers: In addition to automatic fire - extinguishing systems, portable dry - chemical fire extinguishers should be readily available in the vicinity of high - voltage power distribution equipment. Dry - chemical extinguishers are effective in extinguishing electrical fires by interrupting the chemical reaction of combustion. They are required to be of an appropriate type and capacity, and operators should be trained on their proper use. Regular inspection and maintenance of these fire extinguishers are also necessary to ensure they are in good working condition at all times.
Clear Evacuation Routes: Fire protection codes stipulate that indoor high - voltage power distribution rooms should have clear and unobstructed evacuation routes. These routes should be wide enough to allow for the quick and safe evacuation of personnel in case of a fire. The design of the power distribution room layout should ensure that there are at least two independent evacuation exits, if possible. Markings on the floor and signs on the walls should clearly indicate the direction of the evacuation routes. Emergency lighting systems are also required to be installed along the evacuation routes to ensure visibility even in the event of a power failure.
Evacuation Signage: Prominent evacuation signage, including exit signs and directional signs, must be installed in the power distribution area. These signs should be illuminated and clearly visible at all times. Self - luminous or battery - powered exit signs are commonly used to ensure that they remain operational during a fire when the normal power supply may be interrupted. The signage should comply with international or national standards for fire - safety signage to ensure that personnel can easily understand and follow the evacuation instructions.
Personal Protective Equipment: Personnel working with indoor high - voltage power distribution equipment are required to have access to appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in case of a fire or electrical emergency. This includes fire - resistant clothing, insulated gloves, and safety goggles. Fire - resistant clothing can protect against heat and flames, while insulated gloves and goggles are essential for preventing electrical shock and eye injuries during emergency operations. The PPE should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its effectiveness.
Fire - Safety Training: All personnel who operate, maintain, or work in the vicinity of high - voltage power distribution equipment must receive comprehensive fire - safety training. The training should cover topics such as fire prevention, the operation of fire - detection and fire - extinguishing systems, the proper use of PPE, and emergency evacuation procedures. Regular drills and refresher courses are also necessary to ensure that personnel are familiar with the fire - safety protocols and can respond quickly and effectively in case of an emergency.