ABOUT
Power generation facilities… whether hydroelectric, nuclear, or fossil fuel… all present significant and varied fire hazards, from both the fuel and the rotating machinery. Fire also poses a significant business risk, not only because power plants are a major capital investment, but also because downtime can have serious repercussions for those who depend on an uninterrupted supply of electricity.
CONSIDERATIONS & PROTECTION
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Generators: The combination of a fuel source and high heat create conditions where a malfunction could quickly lead to a destructive fire. Turbines are protected with CO2 or water mist. Fires resulting from ruptured fuel lines feeding diesel engines can be extinguished with a water mist system that blankets the area with a fog.
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Control Rooms: Computer and control system equipment in close proximity to high voltage poses a risk of electrical fire. Smoke and heat detection in combination with waterless clean agent suppression will extinguish fire without causing harm to control room equipment.
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Battery Rooms: This natural environment for hazards due to fire or toxic fumes can be protected with early warning smoke and gas detection using air sampling systems.
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Transformers: Outdoor transformers should be protected with heat detection and deluge sprinkler systems.
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Cable Tunnels: High voltage cable running through a confined space is monitored with smoke and heat detection. Linear heat detection provides a fast indication that conditions are changing and require immediate attention.
FIRE CODES & STANDARDS
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NFPA 2001: Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems
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NFPA 12: Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems
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NFPA 12a: Standard on Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems
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NFPA 750: Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems
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NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
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NFPA 25: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water Based Fire Protection Systems
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NFPA 10: Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers
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NFPA 11: Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam
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NFPA 11a: Standard for Medium- and High-Expansion Foam Systems