Voltage Surge Suppressor Fires
© 2006 Dr. Ray Franco, PhD., PE r.a.franco@ieee.org
References: "Surge Suppressor Fires", by Mark Goodson, IAAI Magazine - Fire & Arson Investigator, January 2000.
Two Bank, Multi-Receptacle Strip with EMI Filters and Surge Protection.
2-to-6 Outlet Converter with Surge Protection.
Varistors in Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Receptacles
The requirement for GFCI has been in the NEC since 1975.
Case History: While replacing a distribution transformer, the high voltage line came in contact with the secondary of the transformer. There were nine homes connected to this transformer. All of the homes suffered some damage. At the one of the homes, the refrigerator condenser fan caught on fire. The internal damage to the surge suppression device in the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacle was a result of it being overloaded. More precisely, the varistor attempted to suppress the voltage surge, but the fault contained more electrical energy than the varistor could safely dissipate.
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No External Damage to GFCI Receptacle (F05-008).
Internal Damage to GFCI Receptacle (F05-008).
Hole in Surge Protection Varistor (F05-008).
