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Evaluation of Suppression Methods
for Electrical Cable Fires (NUREG/CR-3656)
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Publication Information
J. M. Chavez and L. D. Lambert
October 1986
Sandia National Laboratories
Albuquerque, NM 87185
Operated by
Sandia Corporation
for the
Department of Energy
Prepared for
Division of Engineering Technology
Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Washington, DC 20555
Under Memorandum of Understanding DOE 40-550-75
NRC Fin A100
Availability
Notice
Abstract
The electrical cable fire suppression tests conducted at
Sandia National Laboratories were performed to provide confirmatory research for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(NRC) on suppression systems effectiveness. This report
describes full-scale tests on both horizontally and vertically
oriented cable trays, filled with either IEEE-383
qualified cables or unqualified cables, to determine the
effectiveness of Halon 1301. water sprinklers, directed
water spray, and carbon dioxide fire suppression systems.
These four methods of fire suppression were evaluated to
determine their effectiveness in suppressing both exposure
type and fully developed type cable tray fires. The results
show that although all methods of suppression were effective,
given sufficient suppressant concentrations, spray durations,
and soak times, the water suppression methods were the most effective. Despite their effectiveness in suppressing cable
fires, it was observed that both gaseous and water suppressants may cause or permit damage to nonburning cables
and equipment. The adverse environments associated with the
fire and suppression related activities (e.g., high temperatures, humidity, corrosiveness) could damage cables and
equipment and result in immediate or latent damage. Occurrence or likelihood of these failures was not investigated
in this test series.
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