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Case Study: 2010, Kovan Road Power Trip Fire
In 2010, there was another incident of severe fire damage due to an electrical fault. The SCDF recorded this case in order to study the effects of electrical components on homes. The resulting fire damage from an electrical outbreak can be devastating, and it’s important to understand that the use of all appliances should be taken seriously.
The following case study was published in order to warn residents about the dangers of unstable power outlets and faulty appliances. Keep in mind the details of the report below so you know how to best prepare yourself for any kind of electrical event.
Case Study Details
An occupant on Kovan Road experienced an electrical fire in 2010. When he returned home from an errand, he turned on all of his electrical appliances at once. Then, he experienced a power trip Singapore, which turned off his consumer unit. Once he reset the consumer unit, he continued his normal routine.
However, it wasn’t long until he noticed smoke on the second level of his home. There was severe fire damage in the master bedroom, and resulting smoke and water damage in the upper and lower levels because of it.
After studying the burn patterns, the SCDF was able to determine that the fire was electrical in origin. They noticed the burn patterns came from a location near the windows. They recovered a foreign portable socket outlet at the source of the fire, which they decided is what caused the fire.
What Was the Cause of the Electrical Fault?
The electrical fault was caused due to the foreign portable socket outlet. It was an incredibly unstable electronic unit that was depended upon to provide power to the entire home. Usually, portable sockets brought from overseas are not always compatible with residential electrical units, since they may require different surge types and power amounts.
Because of this instability, the outlet could not handle the amount of power running through it. The circuits were also unable to control the electrical currents, causing an overload. This likely overheated the consumer unit, which is what caused the power to trip in the first place. But even after resetting the unit, the homeowner was not able to fix the already dangerous situation.
Why Do These Faults Occur?
These faults tend to occur because there are many different types of portable electronic units that are not compatible with each other. For example, if you use an outlet plug from overseas, it may not use the same type of power that your electrical currents are using. Plus, it can cause something to short circuit or become overheated.
One of the most dangerous things that you can do is to try and use two types of electrical units that are not made for each other. It is dangerous to mess with the voltage of a unit, which is what directly causes fires and other electrical situations. High voltage amounts, or incompatible voltage amounts, can directly result in a power trip or a downright electrical fire.
Keep in mind that there are many safety precautions you can take to preventing this kind of damage.
Safety Tips for Preventing These Kinds of Faults
There are several safety precautions you can take as recommended by the SCDF. In order to prevent another situation similar to this 2010 case study, you can use the following guidelines set up by the organization:
- Never use foreign or incompatible electrical outlets or units.
- Always consult a technician when you feel that something is faulty with your electronic device.
- Always use plugs that have the Singapore Safety Mark. Without this mark, the plug is deemed unsafe for use.
For more information on electrical fire safety, you can consult the HDB Resident’s handbook. Inside, you’ll find useful guides and safety tips that every homeowner should know. If you are ever questioning whether or not you should be using a certain appliance or portable outlet plug, do not use it. Instead, contact the SCDF or speak with an electrician to prevent the risk of electrical fire in your home.