Fire Damage Procedure
Fire Damage Procedure
(OP)
Does anyone know if there is code or a process to follow for replacement of equipment damaged by fire? I have a customer who had a fire in the bedroom. It burned the paint off the panel, but the wires are still in the breakers. I am thinking that even if the inside looks good the thermoplastic could have been compromised. Instead of running all new cables there might be a standard procedure to replace some length of all the cables. Any thoughts? GC is just wanting me to design a panel replacement, but I am thinking there is more to do.






RE: Fire Damage Procedure
In North america I would consider calling in the local inspector for a ruling.
In most areas the inspectors are seasoned experienced professionals who quite possibly have seen and assessed fire damage many times over the years.
If you are left to your own devices, may I suggest a megger test of all conductors exiting the panel before any of them are removed. It may not take much heat for the older flavors of Romex to compromise the insulation inside a pressure connector.
respecfully
RE: Fire Damage Procedure
Another suggestion if you have to go with the existing wiring.
In the event of visible damage the wires must be replaced.
However there may be hidden damage inside the box connectors.
You may wish to insist on cutting back the outer sheath of the Romex an inch or two to look for hidden damage in the connector clamping area. Insulation damage in the clamp area may be repaired with tape or spagetti tubing. This assumes that you are able to pull one or two inches of slack on all the cables.
It is up to you or an inspector to decide whether there has been any heat damage to the wires. We can't make that call for you.
respectfully
RE: Fire Damage Procedure
RE: Fire Damage Procedure
RE: Fire Damage Procedure
1. The fire burns the paint off the surface of the panel, but the wall-board protects the Romex cables.
2. The fire heats the panel sufficiently that the box connectors get hot enough so that the conductor insulation is softened and displaced inside the box connectors. This damage may be repaired if you can pull a few inches of slack in each cable.
3. The fire and or heat visibly damages the cable near the panel. Replace the cable to the proposed pull box in the attic.
4. The heat is conducted down the cable for some distance and does further damage to the cable internally. First there will be more damage in the area of the panel than you describe. However, stripping the cable back and visually inspecting should get you into good cable that can be spliced in the proposed pull box.
If any cables fail the megger test, you may want to try stripping the outer covering off the Romex where it passes through the box connectors and inspecting for pressure displaced insulation. If the box connectors have been disturbed, a megger test may not show damage even though damage may be present. If any cables fail the megger test and inspection shows insulation displacement (squashed insulation) I would suggest repairing all of the cables. If the fire was localized on one side of the panel you may be able to repair only the cables on that side of the panel.
It would be well to protect your position by involving an electrical inspector and/or an insurance adjuster, as is suggested by BJC.
You must understand that we may suggest that you replace or repair everything but liability concerns and professionalism prevent us from declaring that an installation that we have not witnessed is safe to use.
This is free advice and is worth what you pay for it.
The final responsibility is yours and any local inspectors that may become involved.
It is my understanding that this forum is not for homeowners or do-it-yourselfers, but some moderators are quick to pull the trigger on any residential related problems even if professionals are involved. This thread may disappear Monday.
respectfully
RE: Fire Damage Procedure