Fire breaks out in AC unit in Noida: When can this happen, what precautions should be taken?

How ACs catch fire: overheating and short-circuit

In general, the summer season sees a greater incidence of fires in India. The higher temperature results in electrical appliances being used continuously, which can lead to overheating. The atmospheric temperature also plays a role.

Another major reason is short circuiting, or when the flow of electric current in a circuit goes in another direction. This is not always dangerous, but when there is a large amount of current flowing, it can generate large amounts of heat. This can melt the wires and lead to a fire.

Generally, MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) are installed so that they trip the circuit as soon as an overload is detected.

According to the Schneider Electric website, “MCBs are equipped with a bimetallic strip that is sensitive to heat. If there are high amounts of current flowing through the circuit, it warms up the bimetallic circuit in the MCB which bends and deflects from its original state. This deflection causes the MCB to “trigger” and release a mechanical latch. This latch disconnects the circuit and disrupts the electrical flow from reaching the connected device.” Later, a switch can be turned on to resume the flow of electricity normally.

Often, it is a fault in the MCB which leads to this mechanism failing, resulting in fires.

The Delhi government’s Department of Fire Services states that “About 60% fires are of electric origin on account of electric short circuit, overheating, overloading, use or non standard appliances.”

What are some precautions that can be taken for air conditioners?

In the case of split ACs, both the inside and outside units need to be kept in mind for potential fire hazards. Usually, the inside unit comprises the evaporator (which removes the heat from the air), the blower and the filter nets. The outside unit includes the compressor that helps chill the air blowing indoors and the fan to dissipate the hot air being released outside.

Here are the do’s and don’ts:

*LG’s manual for ACs says that both indoor/outdoor wiring connections must be secured tightly and the cable should be routed properly so that there is no force pulling the cable from the connection terminals. Weak connections can cause heat generation or fire.

*Further, users must ensure that the circuit breaker and fuse are in good condition.

*Any modifications or installations in the setup should be done with the help of authorised repair centres. Regular maintenance is recommended.

*The indoor unit should not come in contact with water.

*Do not place objects in direct proximity to the outside unit. Leaving leaves and other debris to accumulate around the unit can be dangerous. Leaves could also attract small animals who can enter the unit. Once inside the unit, these animals can lead to the unit malfunctioning and end up causing smoke or fire when they make contact with the electrical parts.

*Do not run the appliance continuously. The main power switch must be turned off if it is not being used for a longer duration.