"Tis The Season..."
With summer gone and cold weather settling in, it's time to turn on the gas logs and kerosene heaters, furnaces and space heaters. But, how much thought goes into potential causes of fire from these appliances? Do the owners or operators of these appliances think about fire hazards? If the appliance works when it is turned on, why worry about fire? Fires occur for a variety of reasons: mechanical or electrical malfunction, lack of maintenance, and careless operation, just to name a few. Everyone knows that appliances can malfunction. When something goes wrong, you call a repairman. But, what happens when that problem results in a fire? Depending on the circumstances, sometimes the problem can be identified. If the problem is the result of faulty design or manufacturing, then the manufacturer can be held responsible. On the other hand, if the cause is the result of faulty repair work, then the repairing company can be held liable.
As stated earlier, lack of maintenance can be a cause of fire in heat producing equipment. For example, dirt and grease buildup on electric motors can insulate the heat produced during operation. Prolonged operation at elevated temperatures can cause premature failure which can result in ignition of the winding insulation as well as the dirt and grease. The fire can then spread to wiring insulation and components housed in plastic which will melt and can ignite contributing to the spread of the fire. Fires that are the result of the lack of maintenance or careless operation are usually classified as "accidental" unless there is sufficient evidence to show criminal intent. It should be noted that it is difficult to set a fire and make it look "accidental". For example, intentionally causing a short circuit has a tendency to leave evidence of damage to the copper conductors. However, since wires are normally insulated independently, the cause of a short circuit has to come from outside the wiring. If a reasonable explanation cannot be found that accounts for the damage to the insulation, then, intentional destruction has to be considered. If the fire appears to be intentionally started, then a decision has to be regarding referring the case to law enforcement authorities for further investigation.
In summary, regardless of the type of heat producing appliance, proper maintenance is essential for reducing if not eliminating the possibility of fire. Motors must be kept free of dirt and grease buildup and oiled (if possible) on a regular basis. Filters must be replaced at least annually depending on the application. Combustion and ventilation air openings must be kept open and unobstructed. Those appliances equipped with standing pilots and burners should be removed and cleaned thoroughly at least annually depending again, on the application. Even kerosene heaters have a tendency to produce soot. Careful inspection of and subsequent cleaning of the wick can reduce soot production and possible fire.
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