Introduction

Electrical fires pose a significant threat to lives, property, and business continuity across all sectors, from residential buildings to industrial complexes and critical infrastructure. These fires often originate from preventable issues such as overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, inadequate maintenance, and improper use of electrical equipment. Understanding the principles of Fire Safety in Electrical Installations is therefore not just a regulatory obligation, but a critical component of a comprehensive safety management strategy. It involves a holistic approach encompassing proper design, correct installation, regular inspection, diligent maintenance, and effective emergency response. Without a robust framework for Fire Safety in Electrical Installations, organizations face severe risks of property damage, operational disruption, significant financial losses, and, most importantly, the potential for tragic loss of life, underscoring the vital need for specialized expertise in this domain. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Fire Safety in Electrical Installations.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower electrical engineers, electricians, safety officers, facility managers, fire safety professionals, maintenance technicians, and building inspectors with the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to identify, assess, and mitigate fire risks associated with electrical systems. Participants will gain a deep understanding of fire science principles related to electricity, explore common causes of electrical fires, learn about relevant codes and standards (e.g., NFPA 70, NFPA 70B, NFPA 72), and acquire hands-on experience in implementing fire prevention measures. The course will delve into topics such as overcurrent protection, proper grounding and bonding, arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), effective electrical insulation, fire detection and suppression systems for electrical areas, and emergency lighting and egress requirements. By mastering the principles and practical application of Fire Safety in Electrical Installations, participants will be prepared to design, install, operate, and maintain electrical systems in a manner that significantly reduces fire hazards, enhances safety for occupants, and ensures compliance with critical fire safety regulations.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Electrical Engineers
• Electricians and Electrical Technicians
• Fire Safety Officers and Managers
• Facility Managers
• Maintenance Managers and Personnel
• Building Inspectors
• Safety Managers
• Risk Assessors
• Designers of Electrical Systems
• Operations Managers

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles of fire science related to electrical installations.
• Learn about the common causes and mechanisms of electrical fires.
• Acquire skills in identifying fire hazards within electrical systems and equipment.
• Comprehend techniques for applying relevant electrical and fire safety codes and standards.
• Explore strategies for implementing effective fire prevention measures in electrical installations.
• Understand the importance of proper overcurrent protection and grounding.
• Gain insights into fire detection and suppression systems specifically for electrical areas.
• Develop a practical understanding of emergency lighting and evacuation requirements in relation to electrical systems.

Course Content

Module 1: Fundamentals of Fire Science and Electrical Hazards

• Introduction to the fire triangle/tetrahedron.
• How electricity causes fires: overheating, arcing, short circuits, faulty insulation.
• Common ignition sources in electrical installations.
• Types of electrical fires (Class C) and appropriate extinguishing agents.
• Statistics and impact of electrical fires.

Module 2: Common Causes of Electrical Fires

• Overloaded circuits and improper circuit breaker/fuse sizing.
• Faulty wiring, frayed cords, and damaged insulation.
• Loose connections and inadequate grounding.
• Substandard electrical products and counterfeit components.
• Poor maintenance practices and dust accumulation.

Module 3: Relevant Codes and Standards for Fire Safety

• Overview of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code - NEC) for safe installation.
• NFPA 70B (Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance).
• NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code).
• NFPA 75 (Standard for the Protection of Information Technology Equipment).
• Relevant local building and fire codes.

Module 4: Fire Prevention through Design and Installation

• Proper circuit sizing and load calculations.
• Selection of appropriate wires, cables, and conduits.
• Correct installation techniques to prevent damage and overheating.
• Segregation and protection of electrical cables in fire zones.
• Fire-rated enclosures and barriers for electrical equipment.

Module 5: Overcurrent Protection, Grounding, and Arc Fault Protection

• Function and proper selection of circuit breakers and fuses.
• Importance of proper grounding and bonding for fault current path.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) for shock and fire protection.
• Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) for detecting and interrupting dangerous arcs.
• Regular testing and maintenance of protective devices.

Module 6: Fire Detection and Suppression Systems for Electrical Areas

• Types of fire detectors suitable for electrical installations: smoke, heat, flame.
• Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus (VESDA) for critical electrical rooms.
• Gaseous fire suppression systems (e.g., clean agents like FM-200, Novec 1230) for electrical equipment.
• Sprinkler system considerations in electrical areas.
• Fire alarm system integration and emergency shutdown procedures.

Module 7: Maintenance and Inspection for Fire Safety

• Importance of regular electrical system inspections and preventive maintenance.
• Thermal imaging for identifying hot spots and potential failures.
• Testing of electrical protection devices (circuit breakers, relays).
• Cleaning and dust control in electrical panels and equipment.
• Documenting inspection and maintenance activities.

Module 8: Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Developing emergency plans for electrical fires.
• Training personnel on electrical fire hazards and extinguisher use.
• Emergency lighting and exit route requirements.
• Electrical isolation procedures during a fire.
• Post-fire investigation and root cause analysis.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.