Abstract
Nine SPT-1 and SPT-2 type two conductor energized appliance power cords were exposed to radiant heat and to flames in the presence and absence of combustible materials. The power cords consisted of integral and non-integral insulated multistranded 18 AWG copper conductors. The objectives of exposing these power cords to radiant heat and flame are to: evaluate the performance of the power cords in fire environments, and characterize the electrical activity and material damage sustained by the power cords. Data was recorded for 713 power cords tested under six different conditions. Not all of the power cords tested showed evidence of electrical fault activity. However, each power cord exposed to a radiant heat flux of 40 kW/m2 in the presence of combustible material exhibited signs of electrical fault activity. Damage to the copper conductors varied from localized fusing to complete severance. Power cords exposed to a radiant heat flux of 40 kW/m2 in the absence of combustibles did not always exhibit signs of electrical fault activity. Test data did not show any significant correlations among types of power cord damage/electrical activity and fire conditions.
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Hoffmann, J., Hoffmann, D., Kroll, E. et al. Electrical Power Cord Damage from Radiant Heat and Fire Exposure. Fire Technology 37, 129–141 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1011645701985
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1011645701985