Fire suppression for an electric transformer box
A device for suppressing or extinguishing electrical fires in an electrical box, in particular an open top electrical box isolating a transformer. The device is based upon a bulk package receptacle placed within the electrical box having a liner filled with a fire suppressant material capable of suffocating or eliminating a fire. Should a fire occur the bulk package receptacle bursts at the point of combustion and the fire suppression properties of the fire suppressant would immediately be dispensed over the electrical material and extinguish any associated fire. In the preferred embodiment the bag consumes about 90% of the airspace and contained sufficient fluid volume to contain within the container. The admixture further encapsulates noxious and toxic gases associated with electrical fires.
1 . A device for suppressing an electrical fire within an electrical box having a space, said device comprising:
a flexible receptacle constructed and arranged to consume about 90% of an electrical box space;
a liner placed within said receptacle, said liner formed from a flexible airtight material having at least one port for accessing an interior of said liner; and
fire suppressant composition positioned within said liner;
whereby said receptacle and liner are placed within an electrical box and filled with said fire suppressant, wherein a breach of said liner will release said fire suppressant.
2 . The device for suppressing an electrical fire according to claim 1 including an air valve mounted to said port for introducing positive pressure in said interior of said liner.
3 . The device for suppressing an electrical fire according to claim 2 , wherein said positive pressure is less than 15 psi.
4 . The device for suppressing an electrical fire according to claim 2 including a pressure sensor electrically coupled to an alarm, said pressure sensor to detect positive pressure in said liner and activate said alarm when no positive pressure is detected.
5 . The device for suppressing an electrical fire according to claim 1 including at least one temperature sensor attached to said liner, said temperature sensor electrically coupled to an alarm to detect an increase in temperature in said liner and activate said alarm upon detection of the increased temperature.
6 . The device for suppressing an electrical fire according to claim 5 wherein said alarm is activated when the temperature increases to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
7 . The device for suppressing an electrical fire according to claim 1 , wherein said liner is selected from the group comprising rubber, low density polypropylene, polyurethane, polyisoprene, elastomers, polymers, microfibers, nanofibers or combinations thereof.
8 . The device for suppressing an electrical fire according to claim 7 , wherein said liner has a melting point of about 350 degrees.
9 . The device for suppressing an electrical fire according to claim 1 wherein said fire suppressant is a biodegradable super absorbent polymer capable of entrapping toxic fumes.
10 . The device for suppressing an electrical fire according to claim 9 wherein said fire suppressant is FIREICE®.
11 . The device for suppressing an electrical fire according to claim 1 wherein said receptacle is constructed from polyester and sized to hold about 750 gallons of fluid.
12 . The device for suppressing an electrical fire according to claim 1 wherein said fire suppressant is a polymer admixed with water at a ratio that makes the admixture non-conductive.
13 . The device for suppressing an electrical fire according to claim 1 including at least one strap having a first end secured to an upper edge of said bag and a second end secured to a lower edge of said bag, a buckle attached to said strap for adjusting the distance between said upper and lower edge.