The main electrical switchboard is generally located in or near the main engine room or machinery control room. These locations are normally below the ship’s waterline or below the uppermost continuous deck of the ship i.e. the bulkhead or main deck.
Main Switchboard Room in Marine Application is a High-Risk Special Hazard
Example of a Risk Analysis – Evaluation of Potential Hazard and Consequences
The first hazard is probable because main switchboards control high voltage electricity that may arc or fault in such a way to cause a hazard. Also, the conductors may become overloaded and may overheat, resulting in a fire. Thus, there is a recognizable probability of fire.
Consequence of a Hazard
Consequence can be expressed in several units, but is most commonly expressed in financial damages, or dollars. Consequence can also be expressed by the number of fatalities, extra days at sea, or a higher risk to another system or group of people. The consequence of an unprotected fire in the main switchboard room is high because the main switchboard room supplies the main power for the ship. Without main power, the ship would lose all electricity in the ship that is not powered by a backup generator, or, in some cases, all electrical power. This lack of electricity would cause critical navigational systems and communication systems to fail, which would put the ship at an even higher risk of damage by severe weather or other ships.
This consequence is understated because it only factors in the cost of repairing the switchgear and not the danger of having an unpowered vessel.
Marine risks, in general, are higher than those of land, because, at land, there are emergency responders available to assist with fire emergencies. At sea, this is not the case, and a fire within a ship is one of its biggest hazards, a ship’s crew must be equipped to deal with any and all emergency events—the worst being having to evacuate the ship entirely.
Thus, main switchboard rooms in marine applications are normally good candidates for fire suppression.
The Solution
Stat-X® Condensed Aerosol Fire Suppression is a self-contained automatic fire suppression system that provides rapid fire suppression in enclosed spaces. It is a low-profile fire suppression system that is simple to install.
A Stat-X Fire Suppression system can detect and suppress the fire before it causes major damage to the equipment and an interruption to your business or mission. What’s more, Stat-X does not damage equipment by its overall operation, and, as such, protected components can be restored to operation quickly after a fire. Stat-X is defined as a “condensed aerosol system,” but it acts as a clean agent does by not damaging equipment or requiring extensive clean up after operation.
Stat-X® Fire Suppression Features:
- Effective Agent Performance
Highly effective based on required density - Compact and Modular
Offering adaptable design especially when space and weight are critical - Simple and Economic Installation
No expensive labor-intensive piping is required - Durable
Ideal for harsh environments and remote locations - Long service life
Service life of fifteen (15) years - Virtually Maintenance Free
- U.S. EPA SNAP listed for normally occupied and unoccupied spaces
- Environmentally Friendly
Zero Global Warming Potential and Zero Ozone Depletion Potential - Made in the USA
